Month: August 2024

31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Dortmund drops points in 0-0 draw at Bremen after a red card for Nico Schlotterbeck

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck was sent off as his team held on for a 0-0 draw against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Schlotterbeck picked up his second yellow card for a clumsy tackle on Justin Njinmah in the 73rd minute as Champions League runner-up Dortmund lacked the cutting edge from its 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last week. Shortly before that, Schlotterbeck had a header saved, one of Dortmund's best chances in a game lacking clear-cut opportunities to score.Stuttgart was denied a first league win of the season in dramatic style as Maxim Leitsch's diving header salvaged a 3-3 draw for Mainz. Leitsch scored deep into stoppage time when Stuttgart was on the verge of winning, having taken a 3-2 lead when Fabian Rieder's 88th-minute free kick b...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Brentford ease past Southampton, Aston Villa bag win at Leicester

Bryan Mbeumo’s double and a goal by Yoane Wissa earned Brentford a comfortable 3-1 home win over promoted Southampton in the Premier League, sending the visitors to the bottom of the table. Mbeumo put the hosts in front just before halftime with a simple low finish, following up on Kevin Schade’s strike which bounced off the post. He doubled the advantage in the 65th minute with a first-time shot into the bottom corner of the net and Wissa bundled the ball in four minutes later before Southampton pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Yukinari Sugawara.Brentford moved up to fifth on six points while Southampton prop up the standings without a points. Everton 2 – Bournemouth 3 Bournemouth scored three late goals to stun Everton 3-2 in the Premier League at Goodison Park and...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: Gunners drop points after bizarre Rice red card

Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton after Declan Rice received the first red card of his career at the Emirates on Saturday. LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the lead in the 38th minute as he latched onto Bukayo Saka's through ball before clipping the ball over the onrushing Jason Steele. LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on Aug...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Raheem Sterling reveals why Arsenal are the ‘perfect fit’ after Chelsea exile

Raheem Sterling believes Arsenal is the “perfect fit” for him after sealing a deadline day move from Chelsea.Arsenal have taken Sterling on loan for the season and the club feel they have struck a good deal with Chelsea over how the winger’s £300,000-a-week wages will be paid. There is no option to make the move permanent next summer, but Sterling will hope that joining Arsenal can reignite his career.The 29-year-old fell out of favour at Chelsea this summer under new head coach Enzo Maresca and had his squad number taken off him. Arsenal have given Sterling a lifeline and the winger believes he can thrive at the Emirates Stadium during the current campaign.“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. I’m buzzing,” said Sterling. “It’s one where we kind of left it late but...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Luke McCowan: It’s a dream come true to sign for my team

Luke McCowan is living the dream as a footballer and as a fan, joining the Scottish champions ahead of an exciting season, both domestically and in Europe, and as a Celtic supporter, now getting the opportunity to pull on the green and white Hoops as a player. The 26-year-old was the third of Brendan Rodgers’ deadline day signings as he moved from Dundee to join Celtic on a three-year deal. And walking out the tunnel at Paradise, it was clear from his reaction just how much it means to him to have joined the club he’s always supported.Speaking to Celtic TV, Luke McCowan said: “It’s a bit surreal even sitting here with the Hoops on. I don’t really know how to put it into words.“It’s just something that I’ve been desperate to get down as soon as I knew Celtic were interested. 'I...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Palacios: “I’m proud to be here, and I will give my best”

Tiago Tomás Palacios is officially a new player for Inter. Here are his first words, given exclusively to Inter TV: What was your reaction when you received the call from Inter, and how do you feel today? "I was very happy and proud. I’m living a dream right now; all that's left is to train and give my best".You started as an attacker but now play as a defender. How did this positional change happen, and how would you describe yourself as a defender today? "I’m a gritty defender who enjoys playing with the ball at my feet. As a child, I started as an attacker, but as I grew and due to my height and technique, I moved to defence. I’m proud of my position and hope to give my best". Inter has a great tradition of Argentine players, many of whom have made history with the Clu...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag: Slot inherited better team than I did

Erik ten Hag believes Arne Slot will have an easier time taking over at Liverpool than he experienced when he arrived at Manchester United. Ten Hag says the mess he inherited at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 was "the most difficult thing I will ever do in my life. "In contrast, the United boss insists Slot, who has taken over from Jürgen Klopp, has walked into a Liverpool team which is in "a different phase of the lifecycle." The two Dutchmen meet in the Premier League for the first time on Sunday when United face Liverpool at Old Trafford."That was one of the reasons I wanted to come here, to have this challenge," Ten Hag said when asked about the situation he found at the club when he arrived from Ajax. "I knew beforehand that this was the most difficult thing I would ev...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Virgil van Dijk relishing being link between Arne Slot and Liverpool team-mates

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is enjoying life under Arne Slot and relishing his role of being the link between the new head coach and the rest of the squad.The Netherlands international has had a key role to play in a summer of upheaval at Anfield after the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp and his entire backroom staff. However, the arrival of his compatriot has brought fresh ideas and the campaign has begun well with two victories. Predictions of a struggle without the influential Klopp have so far proved unfounded but after wins over newly-promoted Ipswich and Brentford the first real test comes on Sunday at Old Trafford.However, the mood in the camp is buoyant and Van Dijk has done his utmost to help make the transition as seamless as possible. “I’ve actually en...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Man Utd to face Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in new-look Europa League

Manchester United will travel to Turkey to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce among their eight games in the league phase of the new-look 36-team Europa League after the draw was made on Friday.Two Premier League teams have made it to the competition this year, Tottenham Hotspur after finishing fifth and United through their FA Cup victory. Mourinho, who steered Manchester United to a Europa League triumph in 2017 with a 2-0 final victory over Ajax, is poised for a reunion with his former club, where he served as the manager from 2016 to 2018.He recently became coach of Fenerbahce, who were knocked out of the Champions League in the third qualifying round. “Obviously he’s an outstanding coach, it is always going to be a tough place to go and we know that team will be well coached,” Unit...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Predicted Barcelona lineup against Real Valladolid: Olmo set for full debut; Fermin Lopez in for Bernal

Dani Olmo will make his first start for Barcelona against Real Valladolid, while Fermin Lopez will replace the injured Marc Bernal on Saturday.Barcelona will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2024/25 season when they welcome Real Valladolid to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday evening. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.Marc Bernal sustained a long-term knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for nearly 12 months. So, the young midfielder’s season has prematurely ended as he gets set for a long road to recovery. Bernal has joined Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Flick discussed Bernal’s injury and the impact ...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Toney heads for Saudi, Sterling and Sancho join rivals

Brentford's Ivan Toney is set to move to the Saudi Pro Leaguers Al-Ahli after the clubs agreed a deal for the England forward. Brentford have accepted a StG40 million ($A78m) offer from Al-Ahli for striker Ivan Toney, with the deal on course for completion in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The England forward had also attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, but is now set for a medical ahead of completing a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit. The 28-year-old has one year left on his Brentford deal and has yet to feature in a matchday squad this season ahead of a potential move away from West London. Al-Ahli have also reportedly agreed a deal with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but it is uncertain if signing Toney will affect their move ...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

La Liga: Real Madrid need clearer strategy, more clarity, says Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday there was no excuse for his side's slow start to the La Liga season.Forward Vinicius Jr fired in a second-half penalty to cancel out Alberto Moleiro's early opener as the Spanish giants salvaged a nervy 1-1 draw. Ancelotti said he expected his team to play better together and blamed himself, saying that he needs to work harder and do a better job."It is clear that we are struggling to find the soundness of last season. But we must not look for excuses. The schedule is tight and we have to recover quickly as we have a game on Sunday," Ancelotti told a news conference. "I need to have a clearer strategy, to give the players more clarity in what I want. It's costing us more than we thought."After only one win in three matches to start...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Udinese set to sign promising midfielder Arthur Atta from Metz

Udinese are on the verge of completing a surprise transfer, as the Italian club is finalizing a deal to bring Arthur Atta, a talented French midfielder, from Metz. The Friulian side is reportedly close to securing the services of the young prospect. Gianluca Di Marzio reports how Atta is considered a highly promising player who has already caught the attention of French youth national teams. The 20-year-old midfielder has shown impressive performances in his breakthrough season with Metz, featuring in 24 matches across all competitions during the last campaign. In those appearances, Atta contributed one goal and four assists, demonstrating his potential as both a scorer and a creator in midfield.

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Thuram double helps Inter rout Atalanta in Serie A

Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan have thrashed Atalanta 4-0 in the league thanks to a double from Marcus Thuram. Marcus Thuram scored twice and played a starring role as reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan went to the top of the league with a crushing 4-0 win over Atalanta. The result extended Inter's unbeaten start to the season and tied them at the top with Torino, who beat Venezia 1-0 earlier in the day. Both teams have seven points from three games. Inter started the match in devastating style with two goals in the first 10 minutes. The opener was a disaster for Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti. He stretched to stop Thuram's cross but succeeded only in deflecting the ball past his own goalkeeper. There was no luck about the second seven minutes later. Nicolò Barella volle...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Official: Barcelona sign Ruben Lopez

La Liga giants Barcelona have on Friday added to the club’s midfield options, at youth level. This comes by way of the signing of Ruben Lopez, from Deportivo de la Coruña. López, for his part, is a 20-year-old midfielder, who has long been held in high regard at parent club Deportivo. The Spaniard possesses a host of impressive individual traits, allowing López to line out in a number of positions between midfield and attack. Amid their ongoing search for reinforcements to Barca Atlètic boss Albert Sánchez’s ranks, the brass at the Camp Nou, in turn, recently made contact with their counterparts in Galicia. And, as alluded to above, on Friday, the discussions between the two clubs have officially borne fruit. As per a statement across the website and social media platforms of Barca A...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Real Betis confirm Giovani Lo Celso return

Real Betis have completed a deal to bring Giovani Lo Celso back to the club on transfer deadline day. Los Verdiblancos launched a late push to bring the Argentina international back to La Liga after failing to land Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos. Talks with Tottenham moved swiftly, with Real Betis previously linked with a move for Lo Celso, and Spurs accepted terms favourable to them. The Premier League side wanted to offload the 28-year-old and they have reportedly secured a future option to sign highly rated Johnny Cardoso as part of the negotiations. Lo Celso scored 16 goals in all competitions, in his sole season at Real Betis in 2018/19, before joining Spurs. He was initially linked with a move to Villarreal, after spending two seasons on loan in Castellon, in 2021/22 and 2022/23...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

West Ham sign PSG’s Carlos Soler after offloading Aguerd and Ward-Prowse

West Ham wrapped up the loan signing of the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler after managing to offload Nayef Aguerd to Real Sociedad and James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest. Julen Lopetegui was keen to add creativity in midfield but his hopes of bringing in Soler were dependent on outgoings. West Ham were able to sign the Spaniard after loaning out Ward-Prowse and Aguerd for the season. Kurt Zouma is set to join the Saudi Pro League side Al-Orobah on loan. The deal for Soler does not include an option or obligation to make it permanent. The Spain international was available after falling out of favour at PSG. Lopetegui remained determined to sign the former Valencia player despite West Ham holding talks over a loan for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka. West Ham have had a bu...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea ‘angered’ Victor Osimhen and blew up transfer with ‘pay cut’ request

Chelsea are said to have blown apart their efforts to sign their main striker target with a low offer. Chelsea’s low-ball wage offer is said to have angered Victor Osimhen and spoiled any potential deadline day transfer. The Blues were said to be pushing hard to land the Napoli superstar on deadline day, reportedly sending representatives to the South of Italy in an attempt to strike a deal with Napoli. The Blues are said to have proposed a loan deal with a mandatory option to buy, delaying the bulk payment in a bid to skirt Profit and Sustainability rules. That left many wondering why Napoli would turn down the deal, especially after they signed Romelu Lukaku and Al-Ahli walked away from the Osimhen deal despite having a bid accepted, ultimately deciding to sign Ivan Toney from Bren...

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31Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Celtic complete late move for Luke McCowan after record deal for Arne Engels

Celtic completed a last-gasp swoop for Dundee midfielder Luke McCowan after earlier breaking their record transfer fee. Brendan Rodgers got his wish as Celtic signed Arne Engels for a reported £11million as both the champions and Rangers landed late deals on deadline day. The Scottish champions left it late to sign McCowan, announcing the former Ayr player had signed a three-year deal 45 minutes after the transfer deadline. The 26-year-old hit 10 goals last season and was Dundee’s player of the year before captaining the side in the absence of the injured Joe Shaughnessy. Engels joined Celtic from Bundesliga side Augsburg just ahead of the transfer deadline following the earlier arrival of United States centre-back Auston Trusty from Sheffield United on a five-year-deal. The 20-year-o...

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31Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Phil Foden doubt for England duty with Man City star set to miss West Ham clash

Phil Foden is unlikely to feature in Manchester City's match against West Ham on Saturday - and he could also miss out on England's opening UEFA Nations League fixtures. The attacking midfielder, 24, came off the bench in City's opening Premier League fixture against Chelsea but was not in the squad for the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. And ahead of this weekend's meeting with West Ham, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the England star might not return to action until after the international break. Guardiola said in a press conference on Foden's absence: “Hopefully not [too long]. Hopefully after the international break he’ll be ready. “He played against Chelsea for 45 minutes but then after he didn’t feel good. He had tests and feels much better, but he’s still doesn’t feel perfect. “I ...

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