PREMIER LEAGUE

15May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Burnley boss Dyche says Decision on deal rests with Crouch

Clarets boss Sean Dyche has disclosed that he would have no qualms in offering Peter Crouch a new contract at Burnley, but the decision whether to play on ultimately lies with the player.The 38-year-old’s short term deal expired at the end of the season, but Dyche has been pleased with the veteran’s impact on and off the pitch, despite his playing time being restricted to 88 minutes either side of appendix surgery.Crouch himself feels fit enough to play on, but admits he is pondering whether to retire.Dyche said: “I chatted with him the other day and it is not just my decision, it is his as well, with his age and his intention, does he want to carry on?“I have never been bothered by age, it has always been have you got that edge to your game? I think he showed that he is hungry, he has bee...

13May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City boss Pep Guardiola thanks Liverpool after retaining Premier League title

Pep Guardiola thanked Liverpool for pushing Manchester City to new heights this season and, having claimed the toughest top-flight title of his career, warned that his team will return even stronger when they chase a third successive title.City’s 4-1 victory at Brighton ensured they became the first team in a decade to retain the Premier League, holding off a resurgent Liverpool in the process. The champions will attempt to secure an unprecedented domestic treble on Saturday against Watford in the FA Cup final but, having seen their league dominance challenged by Jürgen Klopp’s side, plans are afoot to strengthen once more.Guardiola, who has now claimed consecutive championships in La Liga, Bundesliga and the Premier League, had seen his side win the division by 19 points last season,...

10May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Fulham confirm Scott Parker as permanent manager

Fulham have confirmed Scott Parker as their permanent manager ahead of their return to the Championship.The former England midfielder took over from Claudio Ranieri as caretaker manager in February and led the club to a hat-trick of wins and clean sheets after their relegation was confirmed.“I’m delighted to be appointed Head Coach of Fulham Football Club and I thank the Chairman for entrusting me with this responsibility, as well as the support and encouragement that both he and Tony Khan have provided me," Parker said.

10May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea: David Luiz set to sign new deal before Europa League Final

Chelsea defender David Luiz says he will sign a new deal with the club in the coming days, ending any chance he could leave for free this summer.Luiz, 32, is out of contract at the end of June and has been in protracted talks over extending his deal.The Brazil centre-back now expects to finalise a deal before the Europa League final against Arsenal on 29 May."My relation with the fans has been great since the first day," he said."I try to do my best and make them happy."Luiz made his 48th Chelsea appearance of the season in Thursday's penalty-shootout win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-finals.Asked afterwards whether he expected to extend his stay, he said:"Yes I think so. Soon everybody is going to know."I love this club. My great moments in football were here, especia...

4May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham, Ake strikes late to sink nine-man Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino insists nine-man Tottenham won’t let a “cruel” 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth ruin their bid to finish in the Premier League’s top four and reach the Champions League final.South Korea forward Son Heung-min was sent off for a needless push in the closing moments of the first half and Argentine defender Juan Foyth saw red for a studs-up lunge soon after the interval, barely two minutes after entering the field as a half-time substitute.Pochettino’s side looked like they would hold on for a point as the match entered stoppage-time, but Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake ended third-placed Tottenham’s stubborn resistence to delay their attempt to guarantee a place in the top four.A win at Dean Court would have achieved that aim, but fourth-placed Chelsea will now go above Spurs if...

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

I expect Zaha to stay at Crystal Palace says Hodgson

Roy Hodgson is adamant that Wilfried Zaha will not leave Crystal Palace in the summer, despite the winger’s ambitions to play in the Champions League.Zaha is being considered as a potential target for a number of sides, however, the player still has four years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.Despite the interest, the price tag and salary a move would take to prise Zaha from Selhurst Park may ultimately derail a move a top club.“I have that old-fashioned idea that when you sign a contract, you go back after the season ends and start playing again,” Hodson said after Palace’s 0-0 draw with Everton. “That’s the way I see it. I hope he finds good form in the last two games.”

24Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola says Manchester City need to stay calm

Manchester City's players need to remain calm in order to win the Premier League title for a second successive year, says manager Pep Guardiola.Goals from Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane gave City a 2-0 win at Man Utd to move above Liverpool into first place in the table.City will retain their title if they win their last three league matches."We're still not champions with three games left," said Guardiola, whose side have one point more than Liverpool."I told the players don't read tomorrow, don't watch the television, just rest and sleep a lot and go in there against Burnley."We go to Burnley and we know how tough it will be. It's important to be calm."

23Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Man Utd boss Solskjaer Welcomes Luke Shaw to squad ahead Man City clash

Luke Shaw is set to return to the fold after suspension for Manchester United against Manchester City.Luke Shaw is available for Manchester United's derby clash Manchester City at Old Trafford.Shaw has missed United's last three games with domestic and European bans but will come back into contention.“Luke’s been very good,” Solskjaer said.“He’s disappointed that he’s missed the three games that he has. He knows he has to improve on that.“Some of his yellow cards weren’t yellow cards but some of them are his fault where he’s taken the easy option. We’ve spoken about that.“It’ll be great to have him back because, both defensively and in attack, he’s been one of our best players.”Phil Jones is a doubt after hobbling off in Sunday's 4-0 defeat Everton Ander Herrera, Eric Bailly and Antonio Va...

18Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Pellegrini excited by Jack Wilshere return

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini said Jack Wilshere's imminent return to first-team action will provide a 'good injection' to his squad.Wilshere started West Ham's opening four games of the season after joining from Arsenal last summer, but has played just one game since due to an ankle injury, which he underwent surgery on in December. With fellow midfielders Manuel Lanzini and Samir Nasri ruled out of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Leicester, the 27-year old could feature."Jack Wilshere is OK," Pellegrini said on Thursday. "He worked without problems."We'll see tomorrow how he feels. He played already one game for the U23s. We will talk with him but (it) will be soon this week, next week. I hope that he will play some games before we finish the season."He's a midfielder that we n...

18Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool vs Barcelona: Jurgen klopp focus on Cardiff, not Messi

Jurgen klopp is keen to make sure a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona does not become a distraction for his Liverpool players with crucial Premier League games coming up.Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk were on the scoresheet as Wednesday's 4-1 win in Porto secured a last-four meeting between the Premier League leaders and LaLiga's top side.The mouth-watering clash is in danger of making Liverpool's upcoming fixtures against Cardiff and Huddersfield look a little mundane by comparison.But with the Premier League title race against Manchester City as tight as ever, Klopp knows they must stay focused.Asked how his side might stop Lionel Messi and all, the German smiled."Thank God I don't have to think about that tonight and I have a few more nig...

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton are eager to sign Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes on permanent deals

Everton coach Marco Silva says the club are eager to sign Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes on permanent deals. But Silva warned that the decision will not be solely in the hands of himself and the Goodison Park board.Defender Zouma, who is on loan from Chelsea, and midfielder Gomes, whose parent club is Barcelona, have both impressed at Everton this season.The pair have both said they are enjoying their time at Everton and Silva was asked if permanent deals might be in the offing, perhaps even before the end of the season."There is always a chance but it is not just in our hands," he said."They are happy here, that is a good sign. That means they are performing, they are enjoying, they are helping us also."We are happy with them, that is true, and it is up to us to do what we...

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny hoping to prove fitness ahead Europa League Quarter final clash

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and captain Laurent Koscielny are in a race to prove their fitness for Arsenal's Europa League quarter final first leg clash with Napoli on Thursday. Centre back Koscielny is being assessed over a bruised foot, while Xhaka is aiming to return after an injury to his groin. The Swiss midfielder was seen training alongside his team mates at Arsenal's London Colney headquarters on Wednesday as they prepare for the game.Arsenal captain Koscielny has endured an injury hit campaign, missing the opening months with a ruptured achilles tendon, and has had to sit out the last two games with the knock to his foot. Xhaka meanwhile has also missed the previous two league games including the 1-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday - but could return for Thursday'...

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Harry kane could be out for the season, says Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham continued their revival of form in style as they beat Manchester City in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final.Son Heung-min scored the only goal in the second half, but if Mauricio Pochettino’s side are going to reach the last four they will have to do it without their star man Harry Kane.The striker limped off in agony after a clash with England team-mate Fabian Delph.As the City left-back cleared the ball on the touchline, he followed through with a strong challenge which saw his studs roll Kane’s ankle.It’s the second time this season that the 25-year-old has suffered the injury having only returned to the side at the end of February from damage to his ligaments.Harry Kane was spotted leaving Tottenham’s new ground on crutches, putting a dampener on a special ni...

9Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Maurizio Sarri says £100 million is "too cheap" for Real Madrid target Eden Hazard

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri insisted that £100 million is "too cheap" for star talisman Eden Hazard, who continues to attract Real Madrid's attention as he scored an iconic goal against West Ham United on Monday.Hazard, 28, scored both goals as the Blues beat the Hammers 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, the first of which saw him beat six defenders before ending with a sublime finish. Sarri told Sky Sport Geoff Shreeves that a £100 million selling price was too cheap:The Italian said: "[£100 million] is too cheap; in this market it's too cheap. We have seen in the last market window every price, I think. So I think it is really very hard to change Hazard with another player."Sarri also spoke to Radio 5 Live after the game and admitted it would be a crushing blow if the player left St...

8Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle defender Lejeune ruled out for the rest of the season

Newcastle united have confirmed defender Florian Lejeune rule out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.The 27-year-old was forced off on a stretcher during the second half at St. James' Park after injuring his left knee.Lejeune has been ruled out for the reminder of the current season and further updates on his recovery will be provided in due course.The frenchman has been ever-present for Newcastle in the Premier League since his return to action at the start of January, taking his 2018/19 to 13 appearances in all competition.

6Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Gabriel Jesus fires Manchester City into FA Cup final

Gabriel Jesus' early header proved the difference as quadruple-chasing Manchester City claimed a place in the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win over Brighton.The Brazilian headed home a brilliant cross from Kevin De Bruyne after just four minutes at Wembley.Controversy erupted when City's Kyle Walker escaped a red card after a VAR review of a coming together with Alireza Jahanbakhsh but, despite resisting further damage, Brighton could not find a way back.Chris Hughton's men applied plenty of pressure in the second half, with Aymeric Laporte producing a fine clearance to deny Glenn Murray but City managed the game well.Raheem Sterling also had three good chances to make the game safe.City made a confident start, and while Brighton may have been pleased to see that Sergio Aguero had failed to sha...

6Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mo Salah and Jordan Henderson scores as Liverpool grab late win at Southamptom

Liverpool scored two goals in the final ten minute to deny Southampton a point at St Mary's.Shane Long became the first Southampton player to score against Liverpool since the striker netted the winner in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield in January 2017 to give his team a shock early lead. Southampton conceded before half time to Naby Keita but were highly competitive throughout the game. However, they ended up on the end of a harsh 3-1 defeat as Mo Salah and Jordan Henderson scored in the closing stages to send the Reds back to the top of the Premier League table. Hasenhuttl ditched the 4-2-2-2 formation that served Southampton well at Brighton to change to five at the back and it was doing a good containing job in the opening stages.Southampton looked really well ...

5Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Rafael Benitez is keen to stay at Newcastle

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez existing deal is due to expire at the end of the season and while he wants to stay and the Magpies want to keep him, no agreement has yet been reached.However, it is understood significant talks have taken place in recent weeks and Benitez has now confirmed that he is awaiting an answer from the club on his proposals for the way forward.He said: "They were coming with something, we are coming with something, that's it. The ball is in their court."It was (managing director)Lee Charnley with my people. I will not talk too much about that. You have the clarification. The ball is in their court."Benitez's comments came after a report from France suggested he had engaged an agency to help him find a Ligue 1 club with his future on Tyneside unresolved.However, he in...

5Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

FA Cup: Man City revealed squad for Brighton clash

Sergio Aguero and injured left back Zinchenko are both part of Manchester City's travelling squad for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton this weekend.Man City travelled down to London by train on Friday afternoon and Guardiola has taken his entire squad as they plan to stay down in the capital after the game against Brighton at Wembley on Saturday evening. The Blues face Spurs in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final on Tuesday and the club have decided it would be more beneficial to stay in the capital than returning back to Manchester. Asked about his decision to do that Guardiola replied: "It is to avoid trains, planes, bus, as much as possible in just three days, it’s not a bad city to stay in."The fact City are staying there for a few days could explain why inju...

3Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Wolves set to confirm permanent signing of Raul Jimenez for £30m

The 27-year-old has been a revelation while on a season-long loan from Benfica, with his 15 goals in all competitions making him Nuno Espirito Santo's top scorer.It is thought Wolves will be paying the Portuguese side a sum in the region of £30million for the Mexican. Jimenez has struck up a potent partnership with Diogo Jota in recent months that has been instrumental in the club's rise to seventh in the Premier League, and their journey to the FA Cup semi-finals, in which they face Watford at Wembley on Sunday.Wolves had an exclusive option to make his temporary stay a permanent thing an option they have now exercised. It is expected he will be tied down to a long-term deal that should see him enjoy his peak years at Molineux. Jimenez said recently: "I'm enjoying it. I love being h...