Blog – Page 55 – Football Flame

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Diogo Jota strike enough for Liverpool to see off Crystal Palace
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Diogo Jota strike enough for Liverpool to see off Crystal Palace

Diogo Jota’s goal kept Liverpool at the top of the Premier League for another week as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.The Portugal international punished some poor defending to earn Arne Slot’s men a third league win on the spin. LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace and Diogo Jota of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on October 5, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images) Liverpool showed their title pedigree in south London and head into the international break in high spirits ahead of a home clash against Chelsea later this month. Palace were out of the blocks quickly and had the ball in the net inside a minute, only for Eddie Nk...
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Real Madrid vs Villarreal line up: Ancelotti drops a big name
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LALIGA

Real Madrid vs Villarreal line up: Ancelotti drops a big name

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will drop a big name from his starting line up as Kylian Mbappe is reintroduced against Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday. LILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 02: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between LOSC Lille and Real Madrid C.F. at Stade Pierre Mauroy on October 02, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) At a prematch press conference in the Spanish capital on Friday afternoon, Ancelotti noted that the visitors who were the last team to top his men at the Bernabeu have been "doing very well" thus far this season, with tonight's fixture providing Los Blancos with "an opportunity for us to reconnect, to play good football again....
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Barcelona star slowly ‘winning over’ Hansi Flick
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LALIGA

Barcelona star slowly ‘winning over’ Hansi Flick

Barcelona youngster Héctor Fort has begun to earn the trust of new head coach Hansi Flick. That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Friday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital. Defender Fort, for his part, emerged as one of the most promising young talents at Barcelona last season. Under the watch of then-boss Xavi, the full-back, who can play on either side, racked up ten first-team appearances, chipping in with a trio of assists along the way. In turn, it came as something of a blow for Fort when, over this season’s early weeks, he failed to see the pitch even once under Hansi Flick. The 18-year-old failed to even get off the bench in any of Barcelona’s first four outings, giving rise to suggestions that he had failed to impress t...
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Chelsea lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Predicted XI for Premier League clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca can be expected to change his entire team for Sunday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge. The Blues kicked off the Europa Conference League league phase with a 4-2 beating of Belgian side Gent on Thursday, where Maresca made a full 11 alterations from the weekend's identical Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite Chelsea's success in midweek, the same XI starters who began the Brighton victory should be recalled to the lineup here, starting with Robert Sanchez replacing Filip Jorgensen in between the posts. Renato Veiga set the Chelsea wheels in motion with the opening goal on Wednesday, but Marc Cucurella will return at left-back on Sunday, while Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana - now back in the France s...
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides update on injured star Martin Odegaard
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides update on injured star Martin Odegaard

Arsenal are preparing to face Southampton in the Premier League this weekend. The Gunners are still unbeaten this season and coming fresh from a comfortable win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in the midweek. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka ensured the win for Arteta’s team against the French champions. Arsenal received a major boost in the Champions League after new signing Mikel Merino made his debut for the club following his return from an injury. Captain Martin Odegaard is still out with a long term injury and his return is still not known. Ahead of the match against Southampton, the Arsenal manager has provided the update about his captain. Arteta said, as reported by The Independent: “Martin is very difficult. I expected him to still have a boot on and oth...
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Rudiger: “Karim Benzema is the best player I have ever played with”
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LALIGA

Rudiger: “Karim Benzema is the best player I have ever played with”

Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger spoke about Karim Benzema as “the best player he has ever played with” in an interview with The Inside Scoop. He said: “Karim Benzema, I could say Modric, Kroos, Chelsea Hazard... but I have to go with Benzema [as the best player I have played with].” MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the team's first goal from a penalty kick during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 04, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Rudiger on Jude Bellingham “I believe if God marks your time, nobody can do anything about it and he was there always at the right time. And luckily, he has great parents. I spoke to his mum a coupl...
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Spurs creep past Ferencvaros in Europa League
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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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Spurs confirmed team vs Ferencvaros as Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear start
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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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Peter Schmeichel explains why Ederson is better than Alisson
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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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Lille’s Bruno Genesio celebrates perfect night after upset win over Read Madrid
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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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Zubimendi: No regrets over rejecting Liverpool
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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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Man Utd considering move for striker
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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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Roma Director Addresses De Rossi, Dybala, and More
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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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Bayern Munich delighted with João Palhinha
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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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Arne Slot rejects genius transfer repeat after double injury blow
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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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Ten Hag demands Man Utd response in Europa League
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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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De Jong blown away by Barca fans after return from injury
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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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Manchester City stroll past Slovan Bratislava for first Champions League win
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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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Arsenal scorch European giants as Gianluigi Donnarumma struggles in return
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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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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has Tottenham red card overturned
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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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