Arsene Wenger says Olivier Giroud is at the top of his game as in-form striker fires Arsenal to top of Premier League December 13, 2015 ASTON VILLA 0, ARSENAL 2 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger backed Olivier Giroud to keep confounding his critics after the striker capped a fine week by firing the Gunners to the top of the Premier League. Giroud’s first-half penalty and a breakaway second by midfielder Aaron Ramsey saw Wenger’s men overtake Manchester City and Leicester – until [...]
Euro 2016: England have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals, says Football Association chairman Greg Dyke December 13, 2015 Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has tipped Roy Hodgson to lead England to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but insists suggestions of a new contract for the head coach are premature. Dyke famously foretold the Three Lions’ early exit from last year’s World Cup when he made a tongue-in-cheek throat-slitting gesture after they were drawn [...]
Anthony Joshua ready to wait for Tyson Fury after beating Dillian Whyte with seventh-round knockout December 13, 2015 Newly-crowned British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua insists he is in no hurry for a world title fight despite coming through the sternest test yet of his credentials. Joshua took several blows and was taken more than twice as far as in any of his previous 14 professional bouts before knocking out former amateur rival Dillian [...]
UFC 194 Conor McGregor v Jose Aldo purse: How much will the fighters earn from the “biggest ever” $10m fight? December 12, 2015 Irish fighting phenomenon Conor McGregor is due to make $500,000 (£329,554 / €454,856) just for turning up for his mega-fight with Jose Aldo at UFC 194. The purses for the bout, disclosed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, reveal Aldo is only garuanteed $400,000 for the fight yet can also earn a $100,000 win bonus. In contrast, if McGregor can become the first [...]
Euro 2016: Uefa to consider introducing goal-line technology to tournament and Champions League December 12, 2015 Uefa are considering introducing goal-line technology at Euro 2016 and next season's Champions League and Europa League. European football's governing body admitted it had debated the issue and would make a decision on Friday. Suspended president Michel Platini has previously opposed using technology but in his absence Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino told a press conference it [...]
Euro 2016 draw: What is the best and worst draw for England? How does Uefa’s seeding work? What time is it on? And where can I watch it? December 12, 2015 England are a top seed for Saturday’s Euro 2016 draw yet could still find themselves handed a daunting group featuring Italy, Poland and Iceland. Next summer’s European Championships in France will be the first to feature 24 teams, yet concerns an expanded format would dilute the quality of the tournament could morph into fears over [...]
Euro 2016 prize money: Eventual winners could earn £18m from Uefa December 12, 2015 The winners of next year's Euro 2016 tournament could earn over £18m after Uefa decided to increase the amount of cash it allocates for prize money. A perfect Championship-winning tournament, featuring three victories in the group stage, would be worth the equivalent of £18.1m. Meanwhile a disastrous campaign with no wins and no draws would still see a team make [...]
Euro 2016: Leicester City phenomenon Jamie Vardy a “very strong contender” for England, says Roy Hodgson December 12, 2015 England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted Jamie Vardy is a "very strong contender" to make his England squad for Euro 2016. The Leicester City striker is the top scorer in the Premier League with 14 goals so far this season and made history last month by becoming the league's first player to score in 11 consecutive games. Yet the former non-league [...]
Louis van Gaal tells Manchester United fans to stop expecting trophies every season December 12, 2015 Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested the club's fans can no longer expect the same level of success they became accustomed to under Sir Alex Ferguson. With comments that risk angering already disaffected supporters, van Gaal suggested it was much harder for United to win every season as more clubs have lots of [...]
Anthony Joshua builds up potential fight with David Haye ahead of Dillian Whyte showdown December 11, 2015 Heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and David Haye have sown the seeds for a potential all-British superfight after they both admitted they would like to face each other. Hot prospect Joshua, who has won all his first 14 fights with impressive knock-outs, faces the toughest opponent of his career so far in Dillian Whyte on Saturday, [...]