Jose Mourinho ready to silence critics once more on return to Old Trafford December 3, 2019 It was this very fixture little more than two years ago that saw Jose Mourinho turn to the TV cameras and raise a silencing finger to his lips. Manchester United had just beaten Tottenham 1-0 to maintain their 100 per cent home record and keep the pressure on table-toppers Manchester City – a scenario that [...]
Amazon steps into Premier League broadcasting for the first time with big ambitions December 2, 2019 December is an important month for the future of the Premier League. On the pitch, the focus will be on whether Liverpool can sustain their charge at the top of the table, if Jose Mourinho can turn around Tottenham’s fortunes in the long term and which sides are sliding towards relegation. But off it eyes [...]
Premier League talking points: No new manager bounce for Ljungberg, Iheanacho’s impact and United struggling December 1, 2019 No one was under any illusions about how deep the problems at Arsenal go. No one really thought the sacking of Unai Emery would be a move which would turn the Gunners around overnight. But Arsenal’s first game under interim manager Freddie Ljungberg showed just how far they have fallen. Norwich are an ambitious and [...]
Euro 2020 draw: England should be pleased to play familiar foes Croatia and Czech Republic in Group D December 1, 2019 The start of Euro 2020 may still be 194 days away but there is already a degree of familiarity about the tournament for England. As one of the hosts, Gareth Southgate’s side have the advantage of playing all their of their group games at Wembley and Saturday’s draw confirmed that the venue won’t be the [...]
The Premier League’s incoming chief executive David Pemsel has withdrawn from the role November 29, 2019 The incoming chief executive of the Premier League David Pemsel has withdrawn from the role following tabloid reports about his private life. Former Guardian chief executive Pemsel was due to take up the position in February, succeeding Richard Scudamore. Read more: Premier League appoints Guardian boss as new chief executive The Premier League said in [...]
Six main contenders for the Ballon D’or: Who gets your vote? November 28, 2019 For 10 of the last 11 years, the question of who will win the Ballon d’Or has been simple a one: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? But their decade of dominance ended last year when Luka Modric picked up the prestigious individual award, which is organised by France Football magazine and voted on by 176 [...]
Euro 2020 draw explained: Everything you need to know and who each country could face November 28, 2019 This Saturday’s draw for football’s European Championships next summer will differ from those typical of major tournaments for several reasons. Firstly, at least one team has already been drawn into each of the six groups because of governing body Uefa’s desire to equally distribute the 12 tournament hosts. Remaining hosts have either been eliminated or [...]
Valencia 2-2 Chelsea: Blues’ attacking mentality produces wide-open entertaining draw November 27, 2019 Their unique style may be ageing Blues supporters with every game, but Chelsea are quickly establishing themselves as the most watchable side in Europe. Four months into Frank Lampard’s reign as manager we have been given a crash course in wide-open, front-foot, relentlessly attack-minded football and yet, even knowing what we knew from previous matches, [...]
Tottenham 4-2 Olympiacos: Mourinho’s changes spark Spurs comeback to seal last 16 qualification November 26, 2019 It was far from perfect, but once again Jose Mourinho brought his fabled winning touch to Tottenham. Right from kick-off, against an Olympiacos side who were winless in 12 Champions League games, all the home team’s flaws were there: nerves, disorganisation, individual errors, confidence visibly disappearing. Then followed the drama, the roaring comeback and, ultimately, [...]
Chelsea look an ideal destination if Jadon Sancho quits Borussia Dortmund and comes home next year November 26, 2019 Jadon Sancho is an exceptional talent and that’s why he will be courted by the very biggest clubs in Europe if, as seems increasingly likely, he looks to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer. At the age of 17 he quit Manchester City and moved to Germany in an attempt to accelerate his development. It worked: [...]