Arsenal v Liverpool preview: Goal machine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might have the combination to crack Reds’ air-tight defence November 1, 2018 There is no doubt that Unai Emery has guided Arsenal to an exceptional start to the post-Wenger era, but Saturday's clash with Liverpool will be an acid test of how far his side have actually come since opening the season with defeats. Arsenal have gone 13 games unbeaten since being undone by Manchester City and [...]
Four things we learned from the EFL Cup: Chelsea’s stuttering defence, Son’s welcome return, Guendouzi’s recklessness and Palace’s rut October 31, 2018 Given none have received regular minutes this season, it was hardly surprising that Chelsea’s second-string defence might look off the pace against Derby. Gary Cahill, given the captain’s armband, was at fault for the Rams’ first goal, playing a poor pass into Cesc Fabregas before slipping over to allow Jack Marriott in to finish. Alongside [...]
Snakes and ladders: The Championship continues to prove itself as the most competitive league in the world October 30, 2018 No other country in the world can boast a second-tier league quite like the Championship. England’s second division is among the most competitive leagues in the world and is not only home to former European Cup-winning clubs, but also sees an average attendance of over 20,000 fans per game, week-in, week-out. With 15 games done [...]
Trevor Steven: Unbeaten Manchester City have all the tools to make it back-to-back Premier League titles October 30, 2018 After Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions with five games to spare in April their captain, Vincent Kompany, made a speech. But rather than pat his side on the back, Kompany was focused on the future, speaking of “unlocking the full potential” and establishing a “dynasty”. The Belgian’s words showed the mentality that City [...]
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City: Five things we learned as unbeaten visitors go top of the Premier League October 29, 2018 Manchester City moved top of the Premier League tonight after edging past a wasteful Tottenham in a curiously underwhelming clash at Wembley. Riyad Mahrez scored the game’s only goal after six minutes, with both sides then largely struggling to tame the scarred pitch at Spurs’ temporary home. Here’s what we learned as unbeaten City got [...]
Five things we learned from the Premier League this weekend: Barkley’s back, Arsenal undone, Pogba running the show and Fulham flailing October 28, 2018 It had been easy to forget just how good Ross Barkley can be. The England midfielder had lost his way with Everton, sliding down the pecking order after a long-term injury. But having acclimatised following his January move to Chelsea, the 24-year-old is reminding everyone of his talent. The absence of Eden Hazard was not [...]
Overseas matches, disruptive broadcast deals and a global network of delegates: how La Liga is trying to close the gap to the Premier League October 25, 2018 You may have noticed Spanish football in the headlines lately – and not only because this weekend sees the latest instalment of its biggest game, El Clasico, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. La Liga, the organisation that represents Barca, Madrid and the other 40 clubs that make up Spain’s top two divisions, and their straight-talking [...]
A year ago Crystal Palace got their season on track with a win at Chelsea and Roy Hodsgon will need his side to replicate last year’s heroics ahead of tough run October 25, 2018 It was this time last year that Crystal Palace began to stop the rot following a dismal first seven games of the season that left them bottom of the Premier League with no points and no goals. A shock win at home to Chelsea in mid-October proved the catalyst for improvement. Palace went from strength [...]
Trevor Steven: Arsenal have rediscovered their team spirit and it is fuelling their revival under Unai Emery October 23, 2018 On the eve of the season, when we were all making our predictions, I felt that the Arsenal squad that Unai Emery was inheriting was very good – but one that was in need of a push. Having lost his first two matches – understandably, since little was expected against Manchester City and Chelsea – [...]
PSV Eindhoven v Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino’s side need to grind out a win to keep the project on track October 23, 2018 It wasn’t supposed to be like this for Tottenham. Their third consecutive season in the Champions League was meant to see the club push on and compete with Europe’s elite inside their shiny new stadium. But after two games they are already at a make-or-break stage. Successive defeats by Inter Milan and Barcelona – each [...]