Author: Silver Emmanuel

21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Three talking points

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on October 20, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool edged out Chelsea to return to the Premier League’s summit. Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill had tripped Curtis Jones inside the area. The visitors drew level early in the second half through Nicolas Jackson firing beyond Caoimhin Kelleher after VAR overturned the initial offside decision. But Curtis Jones restored the Reds’ advantage just three minutes later when he met Salah’s cross to the far post and guided it past Robert Sanchez. Arne Slot’s side consolidated their one-point cushion as league leaders following Manchester City’s late win over W...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham keeping tabs on 20-year-old Serie A midfield whizkid

The coach of Italy Luciano Spalletti and the Italian footballer Niccolo Pisilli during the UEFA Nations League match between Italy and Belgium at the Olympic stadium. Rome (Italy), 10 October 2024. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly tracking the progress of 20-year-old Italian midfield whizkid Niccolo Pisilli at Serie A club AS Roma. According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Niccolo Pisilli has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, especially in the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old AS Roma midfield whizkid at the Serie A club. Niccolo Pisilli is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Rome, the young mi...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane ends drought with hat-trick as Bayern crush Stuttgart

Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen scores the goal 1:0 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on October 19, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl described striker Harry Kane as a “killer” after his 23-minute hat-trick carried the side to a 4-0 home win over Stuttgart yesterday. The victory came after a three-game winless run in all competitions. Earlier on Saturday, RB Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Mainz sent them provisional top, before Bayern took over the Bundesliga summit on goal difference. The match was still scoreless after 57 minutes before Kane stepped up and drilled home a long-range effort. Kane had not scored in four games for club and country, his longest droug...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Milan coach hails ‘fantastic’ Pulisic for role in win

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Souza Da Silva Brenner of Udinese bduring the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca praised Christian Pulisic's all-round performance as his side beat Udinese 1-0 on Saturday despite being down to 10 men for more than an hour. United States star Pulisic registered his 11th goal contribution in 13 games for club and country this season with his assist for Samuel Chukwueze to open the scoring for Milan in the 13th minute at the San Siro. But Fonseca also praised Pulisic for his defensive work as Milan held on for the victory, despite midfielder Tijjani Reijnders being shown a straight red card in the 29th minute. "Christian's game was fantastic," Fonseca told D...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe strikes in Real Madrid win over Celta Vigo as rape investigation reports swirl

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Vinicius Junior during the LaLiga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Balaidos on October 19, 2024 in Vigo, Spain. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s goals earned Real Madrid an entertaining 2-1 win at Celta Vigo yesterday to pull them level with La Liga leaders Barcelona. France striker Mbappe started and sent the Spanish champions ahead amid reports he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Sweden. The 25-year-old was criticised in his homeland for not appearing in his country’s recent Nations League matches before the Swedish media reports emerged following his trip during the international break, which Mbappe labelled “fake news”. Williot Swedberg level...

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19Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag: We have to meet the standards

Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on October 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must shrug off any absentees in the 15:00 BST kick-off with Brentford. There was mixed news on the fitness front in training, with Kobbie Mainoo joining Harry Maguire on the sidelines, but recent recruit Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte are among those available. The Bees are certain to be awkward opponents but, during his pre-match interview with club media, the boss was full of expectation that the selected XI will deliver the three points required at Old Trafford. “It’s always about the players who are available,” Ten Hag told MUTV’s Mark Sullivan. “Because it’s what you have to work with and those ar...

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19Oct By Silver Emmanuel7 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Serhou Guirassy’s late goal earns Dortmund victory before Real Madrid test in UCL

Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Signal Iduna Park on October 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Serhou Guirassy scored late as Borussia Dortmund beat promoted St. Pauli 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Friday, easing some pressure on the club before facing Real Madrid. Substitute Jamie Gittens invigorated Dortmund's attack, beating a defender and crossing for Guirassy to head the winner in the 83rd minute, just five minutes after Eric Smith had equalized with a thunderous strike for the visitors. Dortmund had dominated from the start but failed to turn possession into chances. St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj twice denied Guirassy when it seemed the Guinea sta...

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19Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Pep Guardiola: England manager’s nationality does not matter

Pep Guardiola attends the "Che Tempo Che Fa" TV show at Nove Studios on October 13, 2024 in Milan, Italy. The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England manager has led to mixed reactions from media and fans but Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the country's supporters to back the German unconditionally regardless of his nationality. Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is the first German to manage England and only the third foreigner to take charge after the late Sven-Goran Eriksson of Sweden and Italian Fabio Capello. "We don't decide where we're born. Mum and Dad decide that and nine months later we're here. I didn't decide to be Catalan, you don't decide to be English," Guardiola told reporters ahead of City's clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. "The f...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern forward Jamal Musiala remains out for Stuttgart game with lingering injury

Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the Champions League Round 1 match between Bayern Munich v Dinamo Zagreb, at the Allianz Arena, in Munich, Germany, on September 17, 2024. Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala remains injured and will miss the team´s Bundesliga game against Stuttgart on Saturday. "He won´t be in the squad," Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Friday of Musiala, who has been out with a hip injury. The 21-year-old Musiala hasn´t played since Bayern´s 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in the Champions League on Oct. 2. Bayern announced two days later that the attacker would be "out for the time being." Kompany said he wasn´t sure if French defender Dayot Upamecano will be fit for Stuttgart. Eric Dier or Leon Goretzka could fill in in central defense alongside Kim ...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Thomas Tuchel and the English Game

Thomas Tuchel poses for a photo as he is announced as the new England manager at Wembley Stadium on October 16, 2024 in London, England. The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as manager of the England men’s team has caused a stir. It has been criticised as an abandonment of English football identity. A betrayal of St George and the English DNA forged at his football Park in Staffordshire. Such criticism forgets how football developed as a global game in the first place, and national team football has always been open to positive international influences and the sharing of ideas beyond borders. As it became increasingly unclear if England’s post-Southgate caretaker boss Lee Carsley wanted the job full-time, other names were put forward as possible successors. The most popular of them seemed to ...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Lopetegui admits he admires Tottenham man ahead of West Ham showdown

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Ipswich Town FC at London Stadium on October 5, 2024 in London, England. West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui believes Ange Postecoglou has made Tottenham one of the best teams in the Premier League. The Hammers are preparing to make the short trip to North London to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 19 October. It is clear that the Spanish head coach has plenty of respect for his opposition boss, as shown by his kind prematch comments to The Mirror on 18 October (Page 57). He said: “They are one of the best teams in the Premier League. They have a big intensity and very good players. We have to be ready with an answer. “I think Ange changed a lot of things in their tea...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Juventus handed huge injury boost ahead of Lazio game

Timothy Weah of Juventus during a training session at JTC on October 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Juventus has received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Serie A clash with Lazio this weekend, as Timothy Weah returns to full training following a spell on the sidelines. The American winger has struggled with injuries throughout the season and was forced to miss the last three matches. However, the international break provided him an opportunity to recover, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, Weah is now fit and training with the rest of the squad. Injuries have plagued Juventus this season, with several key players missing at different stages. As the Bianconeri prepare to face a strong Lazio side, they will be without important contributors like Nicolas Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners, bot...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid fans dismiss ‘fake’ Mbappe rape

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF waves the audience during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Swedish prosecutors on Tuesday confirmed an investigation had been launched - without naming Mbappe - following an alleged rape at a plush Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10. Media in Sweden had reported the French superstar was the target of the probe following his two-day visit to the capital last week, which Mbappe and his lawyer have denied. For Juan Castro, a 72-year-old Real Madrid supporter, the press reports are merely "fake news" that "make no sense". "He's a pretty intelligent person who has lots of ability, he isn't going to make a mistake as stupid as this," the pensioner told AFP outside the club's Berna...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd faces injury blow ahead of Brentford clash

Erik ten Hag Manager / Head Coach of Manchester United with Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United as he is subsituted off during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester United FC at Villa Park on October 06, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Premier League giants Manchester United have been dealt a fresh blow on the injury front. This comes amid confirmation that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set for an incoming spell on the sidelines. Youngster Mainoo, for his part, has continued to cement himself as one of the first names on the team sheet of manager Erik ten Hag over the early weeks of the new campaign. All told, across Man United’s seven Premier League fixtures, the England international has featured from the off in each and every one. Safe to say, then, that news of his i...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Man United eye Real Madrid top Left back target

Alphonso Davies left-back of Bayern Munich and Canada during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Bayern München at Villa Park on October 2, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Manchester United have reportedly entered the chase to sign Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, joining Real Madrid in the race for one of the most coveted left-backs in world football. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Davies could be snapped up for free in the summer, a situation that has piqued the interest of top European clubs. Why Alphonso Davies is a Target for Elite Clubs Despite a few fitness setbacks in recent seasons, Alphonso Davies remains one of the premier left-backs globally. Known for his blistering pace and defensive prowess, the Canadian ...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Traore says Guardiola gave him some pointer

Kyle Walker of Manchester City battles for possession with Adama Traore of Fulham during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Manchester, England. Fulham winger Adama Traore has revealed that Pep Guardiola gave him ‘some pointers’ about how to finish the one-on-one opportunities he missed at Manchester City. The winger was disconsolate after spurning three good opportunities to get on the scoresheet at the Etihad Stadium before the international break as the Whites went down to an agonising 3-2 defeat at the home of the champions. The Spaniard told El Larguero: “I’ve known him for a few years, but it’s always appreciated. He is the best coach in the world, without a doubt. After the game he came up to me to tell it was ...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Argentina:Messi scores hat trick against Bolivia

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates midfielder #15 Thiago Almada and defender #16 Nahuel Molina after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Bolivia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 15, 2024. Bolivia may have been rolling in World Cup qualifying, but that wouldn't matter heading into Argentina to face Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste. Messi made his first start in Argentina in 333 days and didn't disappoint, scoring a goal 19 minutes into the match to put Argentina ahead. By halftime that lead would balloon to 3-0 as Messi added two more assists to his exploits. In true Messi fashion, he didn't stop there with two goals in two minutes to finish a hat trick in a 6-0 vi...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Paul Pogba ‘willing to accept pay cut’ to stay at Juventus

Paul Labile Pogba of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 3, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. Paul Pogba is adamant that he wishes to return from his reduced doping ban with Juventus even if it means accepting a pay cut, the French World Cup winner told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview yesterday. “I’m willing to give up money to be able to play again with Juve, I want to come back with this club,” said Pogba in an interview published on the Italian sports daily’s website. “The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve.” Pogba’s contract with the Italian giants expires in June 2026 and is currently worth eight million euros (US$8.684 million) a year. During his ongoing suspension, the ...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Vitor Roque eager to make loan move to Real Betis permanent

Vitor Roque has admitted he’s eager to stay at Real Betis after joining the club in the summer following a nightmare time at Barcelona. The Brazilian has moved on loan, with the option of a second year, and Betis also have a purchase option. Vitor Roque has scored once in six appearances for his new club so far but is hoping he can continue past the end of the current campaign. “The truth is that it does not depend on me. I want to play here for Betis. I would like that very much. I have spoken with my parents about it. Life is good here and I would love to play here more,” he said via Mundo Deportivo. “I am very happy here. My family, who have gone through difficult times, also smile with me. I did not smile for six or seven months and I had difficult times there, but that is over now. I ...

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16Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter expands its business in Saudi Arabia

A corner flag with the Fc Internazionale logo is seen prior to the Uefa Champions League football match between FC Internazionale and FK Crvena Zvezda. Fc Internazionale wins 4-0 over FK Crvena Zvezda. Inter is formalising its commitment to strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of the MISA licence, which is essential for any foreign company wishing to operate commercially in the country. The club will benefit from the support of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment (MISA) to further extend its brand presence in the Middle East and grow its fanbase. At the same time, Inter will bring its expertise, values and experience as a top-level football club to the country, supporting Saudi Arabia's national plan for 2030 (Vision 2030). Through promoting talent and sports cul...

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