PREMIER LEAGUE – Page 93 – Football Flame

PREMIER LEAGUE

PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League still set on 1 October for fans return

The Premier League has urged the British government to stay committed to its plans for a controlled return of fans into stadiums from 1 October. A statement from Westminster last week restricted pilot events to 1,000 spectators after a spike in Covid-19 cases, and said it would review the date for when fans could enter stadiums. The Premier League said in a statement on Thursday that clubs remain committed to ensuring stadiums will be a safe environment for supporters. "Clubs will adopt a range of common standards, which will help deliver bio-secure, safe environments for fans across the League," the league said. The English top-flight, which has had no fans at stadiums since last season resumed in June, had written to the government, saying clubs face losses of up to £700milli...
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Everton extend eToro deal

Everton's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) and his assistant manager Duncan Ferguson watch during the English League Cup second round football match between Everton and Salford City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 16, 2020. Everton FC have extended their partnership with multi-asset investment platform eToro. The company became the club's official online trading partner in August 2019, with the new deal ensuring the organisation will continue to receive exposure through access to the Toffees' online channels and a presence at Goodison Park on match days. Alan McTavish, commercial director at Everton, said: "We are pleased eToro has committed to further invest in our partnership. Establishing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our pa...
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Tottenham see enquiry for Danny Ings rejected by Southampton as Jose Mourinho continues hunt for a striker

Danny Ings of Southampton in action during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Southampton and Brentford at St. Mary's Stadium on September 16, 2020 in Southampton, England. Southampton have issued a hands-off warning after Tottenham made an enquiry for Danny Ings. Spurs are on the verge of confirming Gareth Bale's stunning return to the club and the £27.5million capture of left back Sergio Reguilon, both from Real Madrid. And they remain in the market for a striker to support talisman Harry Kane with Southampton star Ings featuring high on manager Jose Mourinho's long list of potential targets. Spurs made contact with Southampton on Wednesday to firm up their interest however Southampton made it clear have no interest in selling their star striker. Ings scored 25 times...
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Kai Havertz: Chelsea midfielder not worried by £71m fee

Kai Havertz of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at American Express Community Stadium on September 14, 2020 in Brighton, England. Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz says he does not feel burdened with his £71m fee and is "very excited" to learn from manager Frank Lampard. The German joined the Blues from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month, having also been linked with Real Madrid. "In football today it's normal to pay these prices," said the 21-year-old. "I will not put a lot of pressure on myself because I think I'm not doing the worst things in the past - that's why the price tag was high." Havertz, who made his debut in Chelsea's 3-1 Premier League win at Brighton on Monday, is regarded as one of the top ...
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Chelsea’s Werner on rejecting Liverpool: It was ‘best decision’

Timo Werner of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at American Express Community Stadium on September 14, 2020 in Brighton, England. Timo Werner has said he made the right decision to choose Chelsea over Liverpool as the two clubs prepare to face each other in the Premier League this weekend. Werner, 24, moved to Stamford Bridge this summer in a deal worth £47.6 million after months of speculation linking Werner with a move to Anfield. Reports in Germany suggested Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke directly with Werner in an attempt to convince him to move to Merseyside, only for the club to opt against putting in a formal offer due to concerns over the financial implications of COVID-19. Chelsea pounced on Liverpool's h...
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Captain Jack Grealish signs new long-term contract with Aston

Jack Grealish signs a new contract at Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath training ground on September 15, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Captain Jack Grealish has signed a new five-year deal at Aston Villa to end speculation over his future. The midfielder had been heavily linked to Manchester United last season but has now committed himself to the club until 2025. He helped Villa survive in the Premier League last season as they beat the drop by a point on the final day. He told the club’s official site: “I am delighted to make this commitment to Villa. It is my club, my home and I am very happy here. “The owners have made it very clear to me how ambitious they are and how they want to build Aston Villa.  There are exciting times ahead and I am very glad to be part of it.” G...
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Chelsea show flashes of potential but their new stars fail to shine

Kurt Zouma celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at American Express Community Stadium on September 14, 2020 in Brighton, England. A Chelsea team featuring just two of its slew of high-profile and expensive signings got off to a winning start in the Premier League by beating Brighton last night. Timo Werner and Kai Havertz - signed for a combined £125million - didn't manage to score at Amex Stadium, either, with Chelsea's goals coming from Jorginho, Reece James and Kurt Zouma. James' was the most spectacular and the most crucial, the right-back's swerving piledriver from 30 metres regaining the lead for Chelsea at 2-1 in the 56th minute, just two minutes after Brighton equalized thr...
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Ben Davies fires back at Jose Mourinho after claiming Tottenham stars were “lazy”

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on as Richarlison of Everton goes down during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 13, 2020 in London, England. Ben Davies claims Tottenham gave everything in their shock defeat to Everton despite being branded lazy by Jose Mourinho. The angry Spurs boss coated his team for not trying hard enough to press their opponents and having the “wrong state of mind” in their 1-0 defeat on Sunday. But Davies defended himself and his team-mates, insisting they tried as hard as they could and were just as disappointed as their boss that they lost the game. The Wales defender said: ”Look it’s a tough one. I think everybody worked hard. Me personally, I gave it my all. “I wo...
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Lacazette insists he has no plans to leave Gunners

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal interacts with Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on September 12, 2020 in London, England. Alexandre Lacazette insisted he is "really happy" at Arsenal after helping the Gunners kick off the new Premier League season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham. Summer signings Willian and Gabriel both starred on their Arsenal debuts at Craven Cottage, the former Chelsea playmaker finishing with three assists while the ex-Lille defender headed home his side's second. Lacazette had opened the scoring in the eighth minute when he capitalised on a loose ball, with strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang adding Arsenal's third before the hour mark. Lacazette has been ...
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Vardy on the double as Leicester beat Baggies in opener

Jamie Vardy of Leicester City scores his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City at The Hawthorns on September 13, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. Jamie Vardy's penalty double gave Leicester the perfect start to their Premier League campaign at West Brom. The striker scored 23 times last season to claim the Golden Boot and got his first goals of the new term on Sunday to wrap up a 3-0 win on Sunday. They came after Timothy Castagne's debut goal opened the scoring in the second half. Albion, returning to the top flight after two years, impressed in the first half but wilted once they fell behind as Leicester's top flight experience and extra quality told. The Foxes were put under pressure but were ...
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Mason Mount not unsettled by Kai Havertz signing, insists Frank Lampard

Mason Mount of Chelsea reacts after his teams defeat during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea FC at Allianz Arena on August 08, 2020 in Munich, Germany. Frank Lampard has dismissed claims Mason Mount was unsettled by Kai Havertz’s big-money Chelsea arrival as “absolutely fabricated”. Germany forward Havertz has joined Chelsea in a £70million deal as the Blues have shelled out more than £200m on summer recruits. Reports in Germany claimed Mount had been threatened by Havertz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen, though the England star’s dad rubbished the suggestions on Twitter. And now Chelsea manager Lampard has rejected those assertions, insisting his homegrown stars have relished the summer’s high-profile arrivals. “I saw ...
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Jurgen Klopp hails impact of Mo Salah after Leeds victory

Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool speaks with Mohamed Salah of Liverpool following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on September 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Mohamed Salah’s Premier League numbers are up there among the best of the era but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he offers his side much more than the bare statistics. The Egypt international’s hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Leeds took his tally to 76 in 109 matches since moving to Anfield. He has scored 50 goals in 63 home games, second only to Alan Shearer (47 appearances) and Liverpool have now won each of the last 35 league fixtures in which he has found the net – overtaking Wayne Rooney’s competition record set between September 2008 and February 2011. Since his blisterin...
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Salah hat-trick crowns Liverpool win against Leeds

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool shoots past Tyler Roberts of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on September 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick as Liverpool got their title defence off to a thrilling start with a hugely entertaining 4-3 victory over newly-promoted Leeds United at Anfield. The Egyptian forward netted for the fourth straight opening day of the season when he converted a harshly-awarded fourth minute penalty. Leeds, who were playing their first top-flight match in 16 years, levelled soon after through Jack Harrison’s superb solo goal. Virgil van Dijk then restored the home side’s advantage with a header from a corner before the Dutch defender went from hero to villain with an error that...
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Zaha the difference as Crystal Palace start with a win over Southampton

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace scoring goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 12, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Wilfried Zaha put speculation about his future behind him to fire Crystal Palace to an opening-day victory over Southampton. The winger needed 13 games to get off the mark last season, but achieved the feat after only 13 minutes at Selhurst Park and it was enough to give Roy Hodgson’s men a 1-0 win. Vicente Guaita’s excellent close-range save from Che Adams in the 53rd minute was the closest Southampton went with Danny Ings nullified by a makeshift Palace defence due to the Eagles missing seven first-teamers. It could have been worse for the visitors had referee Jonathan Moss not downgraded his decisi...
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Willian with triple assist as Arsenal destroy Fulham in opener

Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with his team mates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on September 12, 2020 in London, England. Gabriel Magalhaes marked his Arsenal debut with a goal – but it was Willian who grabbed the headlines with three assists in a comfortable 3-0 win at Fulham in the Premier League curtain-raiser. The Cottagers are back in the Premier League after just a season in the Championship. Scott Parker’s side bounced back after beating Brentford in the play-off final. However, they were caught cold just eight minutes into their return. Alexandre Lacazette tapped in from close range after good work from Willian. The Brazilian – a free-transfer signing from Chelsea – then struck ...
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Arteta wants more new faces to get balance right at Arsenal

Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on September 11, 2020 in St Albans, England. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the club must sign more players this summer to find the right squad balance. Arteta, who was this week promoted from head coach to manager, said Arsenal were still lacking players with the "specific qualities" he needed, despite already signing Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes. Arsenal are hoping to buy at least one more central midfield player in this window, with Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey and Lyon's Houssem Aouar two of their more ambitious targets. But the club's challenging financial situation means they must also look to sell, and Arteta admitted that some positions in his squad were overstaffed. "We are still active in the...
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Chelsea star Olivier Giroud breaks silence over Juventus transfer speculation

Olivier Giroud of Chelsea speaks with Mason Mount of Chelsea during the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England. Olivier Giroud claims he was left surprised at reports of him being linked with a move to Juventus and insists he is happy at Chelsea. The Frenchman is believed to be wanted by new Juve boss Andrea Pirlo, who is looking to add another forward to his squad after allowing Gonzalo Higuain to leave. Giroud ended last season in impressive form for the Blues, with Frank Lampard often using him instead of Tammy Abraham up top. But the arrival of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig could leave the World Cup winner further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge next season. However, the 33-year-old insists he is happ...
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Arsenal to be without seven first-team stars for Premier League opener against Fulham

Joe Willock and David Luiz of Arsenal at London Colney on September 09, 2020 in St Albans, England. David Luiz will miss Arsenal's opening game of the season against Fulham on Saturday after failing to recover from a neck spasm. Luiz has become a trusted defender for manager Mikel Arteta despite several high profile errors last season. The Brazilian was expected to start the season at centre-back to allow new arrivals William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes time to adjust to the Premier League. But Saliba and Gabriel could be pressed into action this weekend at Craven Cottage in the absence of Luiz. Arteta is also without four other defenders with Sokratis, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi all nursing injuries. Youngster Emile Smith Rowe, who was expected to pla...
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Sean Dyche is aiming to keep the outside noise at bay ahead of Burnley’s Premier League campaign

Sean Dyche the manager of Burnley talks to the media after the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Turf Moor on July 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. As the new Premier League season dawns this weekend, Burnley will not be entering the fray straight away. The Clarets will get their campaign underway the following weekend when they visit Leicester City on Sunday, 20 September. But in many other ways, little has changed for Burnley heading into the season. They are now a mainstay of the top flight and their approach off the pitch has changed little, with transfer funds spent carefully on the profile of player that suits an organised playing style. And of course, the manager who has underpinned their level of consistency remains at the helm. The...
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James Rodriguez: I said yes to Toffees because of Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti (L) and James Rodriguez during the Everton press conference at USM Finch Farm on September 10 2020 in Halewood, England. Everton's new signing James Rodriguez says he can recapture and eclipse the form that catapulted him to superstardom when he won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup. Rodriguez, 29, secured his move to Real Madrid six years ago on the back of his performances for Colombia, and he enjoyed his best spell at the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti. As he was unveiled by Everton yesterday, Rodriguez made no secret of the fact it was Ancelotti's presence that was critical to the move. "It influenced me a lot. It is great to be back having a chance to work with the manager again. We enjoyed a great season together in 2014. We have a great relationship," s...
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