Year: 2024

4Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Spurs creep past Ferencvaros in Europa League

A much-changed Tottenham side ground out a 2-1 win away to Hungary’s Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday. Goals either side of half-time from Pape Sarr and Brennan Johnson were enough to get Spurs their second win in two games in the competition this season despite a late Barnabas Varga consolation for the home side. Tottenham Hotspur's Senegalese striker #29 Pape Matar Sarr (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 0-1 opening goal during the UEFA Europa League football match between Ferencvarosi TC and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest on October 3, 2024. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images) An inexperienced Spurs side made a slow start and Ferencvaros thought they had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Varga nodde...

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3Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Spurs confirmed team vs Ferencvaros as Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear start

Ange Postecoglou has named Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear in his Tottenham Hotspur side to take on Ferencvaros on Thursday night in the Europa League. Spurs have plenty of players missing in Hungary, travelling without the injured Son Heung-min, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison, while Radu Dragusin is suspended and Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon, who flew over to train with the team, were both left out of the club's Europa League squad as there was no space for them. Tottenham Hotspur's Mikey Moore (right) celebrates with Will Lankshear after scoring their side's third goal of the game during the pre-season friendly match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Picture date: Wednesday July 17, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images) Tottenham play again...

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3Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Peter Schmeichel explains why Ederson is better than Alisson

Peter Schmeichel believes that Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is better than Liverpool counterpart Alisson due to his superiority with his feet. The two Brazilians are generally regarded as among the top goalkeepers in the world having been firmly established as the first-choice shot-stoppers at their respective clubs. The pair are international rivals, with Alisson generally getting the nod as starter for Brazil, winning 71 caps to Ederson’s 25 so far in his career. But former Manchester United star Schmeichel would view the pecking order differently, believing the Manchester City man to be the more complete player. “Ederson is fantastic in terms of making big saves and 1v1 situations,” Schmeichel explained on the Stick to Football podcast. “Alisson [Becker] struggles a bit with his f...

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3Oct By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

Champions League

Lille’s Bruno Genesio celebrates perfect night after upset win over Read Madrid

Lille coach Bruno Genesio hailed his team's perfect night after the Ligue 1 side beat Real Madrid 1-0 to end the 15-time European Cup winner's 14-game unbeaten streak in the Champions League on Wednesday. Lille played without fear, pressed relentlessly and prevailed courtesy of a Jonathan David penalty in first-half stoppage time to wrap up a memorable win and hand Carlo Ancelotti's team its first defeat in all competitions since January. "What this team did is incredible," Genesio said. "We try to put things in place, but you need the players to believe in the plan for this kind of upset to happen. "You have to do everything perfectly, you need a 'keeper who makes the decisive saves, a striker who scores and a bit of luck." Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier certainly did his job, making a handfu...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Zubimendi: No regrets over rejecting Liverpool

Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi has said he has no regrets over his decision to turn down a move to Liverpool in the summer. The 25-year-old was Liverpool's top choice in defensive midfield but despite their lengthy pursuit, Zubimendi opted to remain at the club he's spent his entire career at. La Real have endured a difficult start in LaLiga this season with just two wins from their opening eight games. However, their indifferent form hasn't made Zubimendi question his decision to remain at the club. "Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that way after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train. I'm ...

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2Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Man Utd considering move for striker

Manchester United continue their Europa League campaign with a trip to Portugal to face Porto on Thursday night. The Red Devils were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente in their opening match of the European campaign, and manager Erik ten Hag will be desperate to see his side pick up three points on Thursday. It has been a tricky start to the new season for Ten Hag, who was under pressure last term before seemingly saving his job by beating rivals Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. United have started this campaign in poor form, though, winning just three of their nine games so far across all competitions. Last time out the Red Devils were humiliated 3-0 at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, with captain Bruno Fernandes being sent off at Old Trafford. Despite i...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Roma Director Addresses De Rossi, Dybala, and More

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi dished on several topics in his first interview since joining the team but refused to go into too much detail about Daniele De Rossi’s firing. He spoke with Corriere dello Sport. “The decision has been made, and it’s time to move on. It’s hard to find stability in football. That’s why we decided to build a club that doesn’t depend on a coach or an exec. It was a tough week because it’s rare to see the departures of a boss and a CEO at the same time.” Ghisolfi examined the Paulo Dybala saga. “Al-Qadsiah targeted him, and he thought about it as normal. He made a sentimental decision, which is positive for everybody considering his quality and connection with the team, the owners, and the fans. Since we’re pragmatic, we had to take his desire to leave into cons...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich delighted with João Palhinha

After a drawn out saga that lasted several transfer windows, Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha finally made his dream move to Bayern Munich this summer. But life in Bavaria has not gotten off to a fast start. Palhinha is adjusting and adapting but so far still making his way into head coach Vincent Kompany’s side. That does not mean Bayern is any less thrilled to have gotten its man, though — nor that Palhinha will not get his chances. “We are very, very happy that we have Palhinha,” sporting director Christoph Freud said in comments captured by Az journalist Maximilian Koch (via @iMiaSanMia). “We will need him. We have a lot of games. When you see the intensity we play with, we need a really good squad. He’s staying positive and training well. It’s a new language, a new country, his fi...

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2Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Arne Slot rejects genius transfer repeat after double injury blow

Liverpool will be aiming to continue their perfect Champions League start on Wednesday. The Reds kicked off their latest European campaign last month by beating AC Milan. They now face more Italian opposition at Anfield, with Bologna set to be the visitors to Merseyside. Arne Slot has already been getting his side prepared for the game following the weekend’s victory against Wolves at Molineux. The Dutchman will certainly be keen for a positive result against Bologna, especially as he is set to make his European debut at Anfield. While that will be at the forefront of his mind, he will also have one eye on this weekend’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. Take a look at all of the headlines from the red half of Merseyside: Liverpool boss Slot has rejected the chance to repeat a tric...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel6 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag demands Man Utd response in Europa League

Manchester United will attempt to recover from another demoralising defeat that raised fresh questions over manager Erik ten Hag's future as they head to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. The record 20-time English champions are off to their joint-worst start in the Premier League era, collecting just seven points from six games and scoring a mere five goals. United also began their European campaign in worrying fashion, drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford last week with Ten Hag's former club Twente, a result midfielder Christian Eriksen said "feels like a loss". It extended United's poor run in Europe to one win in nine games after last season's disastrous Champions League display. Ten Hag again pleaded for more time to turn the club's fortunes around after the 3-0 loss to Spurs on Sunday, ...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

De Jong blown away by Barca fans after return from injury

Frenkie de Jong admitted he was blown away by Barcelona fans after receiving a standing ovation on his return to action after injury. The Dutchman made his first appearance since April in the win over Young Boys, with supporters at Montjuic delighted to see him back in action. “I’m very happy with the victory and personally to be back on the pitch, to play football, and also for the applause from the fans. I appreciate it. A happy night,” he told Movistar. “I didn’t expect such a standing ovation. I’m very happy with the way people treat me.” De Jong also spoke about the game itself and how he feels the team are shaping up under their new manager. “I see the team in good shape, in good form. Lots of energy, lots of dynamism, we are playing well. We have to continue like this and improve, l...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Champions League

Manchester City stroll past Slovan Bratislava for first Champions League win

TOPSHOT - Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland (2L) and team mates vie for the ball with Slovan Bratislava's players during the UEFA Champions League football match between SK Slovan Bratislava and Manchester City in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 1, 2024. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP) (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images) Manchester City eased to their first victory of this season’s Champions League as they brushed Slovan Bratislava aside 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday. Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden put them in command before Erling Haaland’s 42nd goal in 41 appearances in the competition and another from substitute James McAtee added the gloss. City also hit the woodwork three times in a dominant performance that added impetus to their campaign after...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Champions League

Arsenal scorch European giants as Gianluigi Donnarumma struggles in return

Arsenal posted their first win of the 2024-25 Champions League group stage with a highly impressive 2-0 triumph over fellow European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain in London. Kai Havertz and Bukhayo Saka scored first half goals to ignite a packed Emirates Stadium on Wednesday (AEST) and make amends for a drab 0-0 stalemate with Atalanta in their opening game of the competition in September.   "They were absolutely phenomenal in that first half," Mark Bosnich said on Stan Sport. "They've been threatening this type of performance all season, a complete performance - and that's what you've seen in the first half. PSG's star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma - who earns a reported $19m per year - should have done better with both goals. The Italy No.1 was indecisive for Leandro Trossard's test...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has Tottenham red card overturned

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his red card against Tottenham on Sunday overturned following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal, the Football Association has announced. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United is shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Old Trafford on September 29, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) The Portugal midfielder was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for a high tackle on James Maddison during the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. United appealed against the decision and the Football Association has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal. Fernandes, who was facing a thre...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Champions League

Chiesa ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Bologna

One of Liverpool's summer signings will miss the Champions League clash with Bologna after sustaining a minor issue in training. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on September 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) The recent arrival was not present with the rest of the squad for their open session in front of the media on Tuesday morning. Diogo Jota was also absent but Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expects him to be in the squad to face the Serie A side at Anfield. Slot said: 'Diogo missed two sessions after the Wolves game as he took a knock. I'm expecting to be with u...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Napoli Encountering Issues with Kvaratskhelia Renewal

Napoli had a meeting with the agents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on Monday to discuss the much-awaited extension, but more talks will be necessary to finalize the agreement. Another one will take place in the coming weeks. NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 29: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Monza at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 29, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the club’s offer has been on the table since July. His wages would increase from €2M to €6M including add-ons. He’d earn as much as Romelu Lukaku and therefore be the highest-paid player on the squad. Napoli and the Kvaratskhelia camp will convene again aft...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Champions League

Arsenal have golden chance to show Arteta progress in PSG litmus test

Rooming with Ronaldinho, playing with Jay-Jay Okocha and making his Champions League debut aged just 18, it is no wonder Mikel Arteta has such fond memories of his time at Paris Saint-Germain.Arteta was just a teenager back then, sent out on loan by Barcelona to gain first-team experience, but his 18 months in the French capital had a profound effect. LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City FC at Emirates Stadium on September 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) The first seeds about one day becoming a manager were planted thanks to the way head coach Luis Fernandez trusted him and Arteta a...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Champions League

AC Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League

Champions League action returns as reigning Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen play host to AC Milan at the BayArena. MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 27: Paulo Fonseca, manager of AC Milan, interacts with Alvaro Morata of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Lecce at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The Rossoneri is coming off a 3–0 victory over Lecce in Serie A, Paulo Fonseca's third win across all competitions as the new Milan boss. The win was also Milan's second-straight win in league play following its 2–1 triumph over rival Inter Milan at the previous weekend that has it in third place in the Serie A table. Fonseca will look to keep the momentum rolling in a bid to pick up his first three...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto’o faces 6-month ban by Fifa for misconduct

Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) chief Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending the national team's matches for six months after violating Fifa's disciplinary regulations, football's governing body said on Monday (Sept 30). Former Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto'o arrives for the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on May 17, 2024. The 74th FIFA Congress is taking place in Bangkok with member associations voting on a range of issues including confirmation of the host nation or nations for the 2027 women's football World Cup. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images) The former Barcelona striker has been president of Fecafoot since 2021 and will now be barred from all men's and women's games across various age groups. "The...

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30Sep By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Italy probe eyes mafia link to AC Milan, Inter Milan ‘ultras’

Italian police arrested 19 people accused of criminal ties with the powerful 'Ndrangheta mafia group in a move that decimated the fan clubs backing Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan. STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2024/09/24: Official Serie A match balls Puma 'Orbita' are seen in a row prior to the Coppa Italia football match between Torino FC and Empoli FC. Empoli FC won 2-1 over Torino FC. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) Prosecutors said at a news conference on Monday that possible charges include criminal association, with the use of "mafia methods," extortion, assault and other serious offenses. According to the wide investigation, the criminal ring was linked to 'Ndrangheta -- the Italian mafia organization that has emerged in recent...

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