Chelsea golden boys inspired to FA Youth Cup glory by first-team hope April 23, 2015 Blues under-18 boss Joe Edwards tells Ross McLean about all-conquering kids CHELSEA’S pursuit of silverware is not the sole preserve of senior stars at their Cobham training complex and on Monday evening the latest Stamford Bridge prodigies will look to take the final step on a well-trodden path. The club’s under-18 side hold a commanding [...]
Wenger: Sanchez deserves to rival Hazard for player awards April 23, 2015 ARSENAL forward Alexis Sanchez deserves to push Chelsea’s serial match-winner Eden Hazard “very close” for player of the year awards, according to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. Sanchez, who has scored 22 goals in 45 games this season, and Hazard, who has netted 18 in 46, are due to collide in Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League contest [...]
Arsenal could be exposed as they go all out for a derby win April 23, 2015 BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS ARSENAL V CHELSEA AND EVERTON V MANCHESTER UNITED THERE may be a few Hail Marys being uttered in the Arsenal changing room this weekend, as the Gunners look to stage a miracle in the closing stages of the Premier League season. Chelsea are almost certainly champions following their win against Manchester United [...]
United’s offensive threats set to overcome hard to crack Toffees April 23, 2015 MANCHESTER UNITED’s manager Louis van Gaal was clearly frustrated in his post-match interview last Sunday after he saw his side dominate possession (70%), have more than twice the number of shots (15) than Chelsea and yet still come away with nothing. However, the Dutchman will have regained his composure and the main aim this season [...]
Familiar face boosts Real’s bid to snatch Euro prestige April 22, 2015 ON-LOAN Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez scored Real Madrid’s late winner to settle a tension-filled Champions League quarter final as the holders maintained hopes of retaining their European crown with victory over city rivals Atletico last night. The tie was seemingly heading to extra-time after a goalless first leg last week until Hernandez converted a [...]
Gunners and United hit by seeding blow April 22, 2015 ARSENAL and Manchester United face tougher Champions League draws than in previous years after governing body Uefa amended rules for Europe’s top club competition. From next season the eight teams seeded for the group stage draw – and therefore shielded from other leading sides – will be comprised of the reigning champions and the winners [...]
Zidane keeping tabs on Chelsea title inspiration April 22, 2015 REAL Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has cited Eden Hazard as one of his favourite players, fuelling speculation that the Spanish club could target the Chelsea and Belgium star. Hazard has been the driving force behind the Blues’ march towards a first Premier League title since 2010, earning nominations for both Player of the Year and [...]
Sky scopes out price hikes as loyalty increases April 21, 2015 BROADCASTER Sky opened the door to further price hikes for viewers yesterday as it reported the best customer retention numbers in 11 years. Sky boss Jeremy Darroch said there was scope to raise prices more in future as the group introduced better services and products for viewers. “We think generally the prospect for a little [...]
Klopp snub talk is nonsense and Big Sam still boss, say West Ham April 21, 2015 WEST Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has rubbished suggestions that in-demand Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has turned down the chance to manage the Hammers next season. Brady also insisted there was nothing sinister in the delay to holding contract talks with current boss Sam Allardyce, who has just two months left on his current deal. [...]
Football Comment: Relegation battle alive but I fear for Burnley, QPR and Sunderland April 21, 2015 THE BEAUTY of this season’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League is that no team is adrift. With one win any of the sides scrapping for survival could take a big step towards safety. I think Newcastle and Aston Villa are safe, and that it’s between the bottom five. The Magpies have lost [...]