Chelsea 3, Bristol Rovers 2: Antonio Conte demands Blues hone their killer instinct after Rovers run them close in EFL Cup August 23, 2016 Chelsea 3, Bristol Rovers 2 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has warned his team they must develop a killer instinct after the Blues survived an EFL Cup second-round scare against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night. Twice Conte’s men established a two-goal cushion, through Michy Batshuayi’s brace and a Victor Moses strike, but on both occasions they allowed their [...]
Watford and West Brom dumped out by League One opposition as Liverpool hit five and Hull maintain perfect start in EFL Cup August 23, 2016 Watford manager Walter Mazzarri suffered an embarrassing early blow to his tenure as third-tier side Gillingham caused an upset in the second round of the EFL Cup. Hornets striker Odion Ighalo looked to have put the hosts on track for victory but Mark Byrne equalised in the 82nd minute and Bradley Dack made it 2-1 in the [...]
Recalling John Terry for England should be a non-starter – for lots of reason August 23, 2016 It's understandable that Sam Allardyce doesn’t want to rule anybody out as he settles into life as England’s new manager but he ought to think twice before talking up the possibility of recalling John Terry. I’m surprised that it is even being discussed. Bringing back former captain Terry after four years in the international wilderness [...]
Firing on all fronts. Leicester is voted Britain’s greatest sporting city August 23, 2016 Leicester City may be making a stuttering start to their defence of the Premier League title but last season's heroics helped them jump to the top of the UK's greatest sporting cities of 2016. Leaping 17 places and pushing Manchester down to second place, Leicester's success wasn't just down to its football team. Leicester Tigers made the Aviva Premiership rugby [...]
Sam Allardyce non-committal over Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney roles in his vision for England’s future August 22, 2016 England manager Sam Allardyce has indicated that out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart should leave the club in seek of regular football – or risk his international future. Allardyce insists that Hart, who has been dropped by new City coach Pep Guardiola, will be included when he names his first England squad on Sunday, but [...]
West Ham United 1, Bournemouth 0: Hammers’ character delights Slaven Bilic after Michail Antonio proves worth at attacking end August 21, 2016 West Ham United 1, Bournemouth 0 West Ham manager Slaven Bilic hailed his team’s character after they emerged from a gruelling week with victory in the first Premier League match at their new home, the London Stadium. Winger Michail Antonio’s 85th-minute header snatched the points for the Hammers just moments after Bournemouth were reduced to [...]
Sunderland 1, Middlesbrough 2: David Moyes warns Black Cats to forget dramatic improvement and prepare for season of fighting relegation August 21, 2016 Sunderland 1, Middlesbrough 2 Sunderland manager David Moyes admits he is steeling himself for a long season fighting relegation after he suffered derby defeat in his first home Premier League match in charge. Two goals from Uruguay forward Cristhian Stuani – the first a memorable long—range strike – helped newly promoted neighbours Middlesbrough to their [...]
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says “crazy” transfer market is making it difficult to do business August 20, 2016 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes Premier League clubs are being over-charged on average players this summer and has expressed his discomfort at some of the fees being paid. The Blues have spent just over £60m on N'Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi and while Conte believes his squad could do with further additions before the transfer window closes at [...]
Liverpool takeover offers will “get put in the garbage” says chairman Tom Werner August 20, 2016 Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has issued an unequivocal message to those interested in buying the Premier League club – it's not for sale. The Merseyside giants were the subject of reports linking them with a £700m takeover offer from a Chinese firm. A letter circulated online appeared to show Chinese investment group SinoFortone approaching Liverpool owners [...]
Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede targeted by Turkish champions Besiktas as a replacement for Mario Gomez August 19, 2016 Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede is being targeted by a number of European clubs including Turkish champions Besiktas following an impressive start to the season. Gestede has scored two goals in Villa's first three games of the Championship season, prompting Besiktas to prepare a serious offer for the Benin international. Two Bundesliga clubs are also believed to be interested in the [...]