Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s exemplary attitude should earn him a rare start against Paris Saint-Germain November 22, 2016 It's clear that Olivier Giroud, with just one solitary start to his name so far this season, is not Arsene Wenger’s No1 choice to play centre-forward for Arsenal any more. Wenger believes that his team are best with a fast, fluid front line and I think he’s right; the most effective way to play in [...]
Mauricio Pochettino may send Tottenham into Champions League battle without key trio November 21, 2016 Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino admits he is not prepared to risk the long-term fitness of key trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele despite his side’s Champions League hopes dangling by a perilous thread. Two defeats at their adopted Wembley home have left Tottenham in a precarious position; failure to beat Monaco at Stade [...]
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin insists he wasn’t tempted by Barcelona or Manchester City after signing new £100,000-a-week, six-year contract November 21, 2016 Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin insists he did not even consider a return to Barcelona or joining Manchester City before agreeing a lengthy new contract with the Gunners, which was confirmed today. Barca and City are both thought to have shown interest in luring Bellerin but the 21-year-old has indicated he is staying in north London [...]
Leicester City’s Premier League title win delivered £140m to the local economy – and this year it will be even more November 21, 2016 Leicester’s Premier League title triumph contributed £140m to the local economy during 2015-16, according to a new study, and that figure is expected to rise again this season. The Foxes’ historic 5000-1 success delivered a total economic output of £193m, generated taxes of £78m and supported 2,500 jobs, the report by EY for the club [...]
Middlesbrough 0, Chelsea 1: Antonio Conte refuses to entertain notion of his side being title favourites November 20, 2016 Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is refusing to recognise his side as title favourites despite witnessing the Blues surge to the Premier League summit with victory over resurgent Middlesbrough. Sealed with an opportunistic Diego Costa strike shortly before half time, Chelsea have now won their last six top-flight matches, since a harrowing 3-0 reverse against Arsenal [...]
Gareth Southgate will be England manager by the end of the month, says former Football Association chief November 20, 2016 England caretaker manager Gareth Southgate will be appointed to the role on a full-time basis by the end of the month, according to former Football Association executive Adrian Bevington. Southgate is expected to be interviewed for the job on Monday, having impressed in a four-match spell after Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure, and is widely expected [...]
Fifa open disciplinary proceedings following poppy row, while Jurgen Klopp defends Wayne Rooney and Martin Glenn confirms Gareth Southgate’s determination to land England job November 17, 2016 World governing body Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Associations of England and Scotland after the national teams of both countries wore poppies during their World Cup qualifier earlier this month. Both nations defied Fifa by wearing black armbands embroidered with poppies for the match which fell on Armistice Day. The scandal-hit organisation [...]
Former England skipper Steven Gerrard linked with vacant managerial position at League One MK Dons November 17, 2016 Former England skipper Steven Gerrard could be set to cut his teeth in management after being linked with the vacant position as boss of League One strugglers Milton Keynes Dons. The 36-year-old midfielder, who won eight major trophies during a 17-year-old stint with boyhood club Liverpool, this week announced his intention to leave LA Galaxy [...]
Betting: Mourinho curse to continue for Wenger with cagey Old Trafford draw November 17, 2016 It’s been 13 matches, over a period of 12 years, but Arsene Wenger has never beaten Jose Mourinho. Other than a Community Shield game last summer, the scalp of Mourinho is one he’s never claimed. Wenger’s record stands as drawn six, lost seven, and won none. He hasn’t even managed a goal against a Mourinho-managed [...]
Manchester United face Paul Pogba-sized financial hit if they miss out on the Champions League again November 17, 2016 Manchester United face a financial hit the size of Paul Pogba’s world record £89m transfer fee if they fail to finish in the Premier League’s top four again this season, club chiefs have revealed. United’s vast kit deal with Adidas contains a penalty clause that reduces their payment by 30 per cent if they fail [...]