Jadon Sancho’s ‘scary hours’ tweet shortly after his £73m move to United was swiftly ridiculed by rival fans amid limited minutes and disappointing displays. His former teammate in Germany, Erling Haaland, has this week been unveiled as a City player – with an overwhelming feeling the striker’s impact will by contrast be a significant one felt immediately across Europe. Continue reading
Category: Analysis, feature pieces
Courtois’ inspired display – once again – proves a fitting end as Real clinch 14th CL title
It felt fitting that, eight years after suffering stoppage-time heartbreak against Real with Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, Thibaut Courtois was Los Blancos’ impenetrable wall here, defiantly stifling Liverpool throughout – breaking the record for most saves in a Champions League Final with nine, producing greatness with the lights shining brightest on a career-defining night. Continue reading
Why Aston Villa are boosting their European ambitions with £26m Diego Carlos deal
After watching a potentially promising campaign fizzle out rather unceremoniously from mid-March onwards, it makes sense Steven Gerrard is bolstering his squad over the summer as they look to bridge a fairly feasible gap between themselves and the division’s top seven sides.
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Gabriel’s gritty all-round display against Wolves shines a light on volatile Arsenal
The 24-year-old produced his best individual display of the season and needed to, in helping ten-man Arsenal squeeze past an increasingly frustrated Wolves showing. But while Mikel Arteta’s men revelled at full-time after ending a five-game winless run, this determined away display just reiterated how unpredictable they have proven under the Spaniard’s guidance. Continue reading
Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief
Less than six months into his Catalan adventure, Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer wept during the announcement as he explained what we’ve known for a few weeks now: having to retire prematurely with a heart condition. But as we reflect on his greatest moments and angrily wonder what could’ve been, I’m relieved he’s okay at a time where nothing is certain. Continue reading
Fiorentina’s forward overtures for Jonathan Ikone show where they aspire to be
Recent reports claim Fiorentina – sixth in Serie A so far this term – are close to snatching a shrewd mid-season acquisition next month: Lille’s French winger Jonathan Ikone at just €15m (£12.75m), the sort of cut-price fee they’ll be hoping propels them into serious European challengers, as opposed to the frequent pretender tag they’ve long beld in Italy. Continue reading
Gareth Southgate’s contract extension felt inevitable, but is no less divisive
Gareth Southgate’s two-year extension announcement means, if all goes well, he’ll remain England manager until December 2024 – occupying the position for more than eight years, being their longest head coach since Bobby Robson. They’ve progressed considerably under his guidance and yet there remains an unwavering feeling he’s taken them as far as he can. Continue reading
Paolo Banchero, Duke and the all-important question still to be answered
Through four appearances to start the new season, Duke’s 6’10 power forward star Paolo Banchero is averaging 17 points on 62.5% shooting and 8.5 rebounds per game. Seeded ninth in the ACC, they are unbeaten (5-0) at the time of writing. But as they look towards an uncertain future in the months ahead, will their Seattle-born five-star recruit be allowed to flourish? Continue reading
Reece Oxford’s Augsburg extension reinforces his refreshing progression
Cast aside too quickly as another teenage wonderkid who swiftly disappeared according to English critics, Reece Oxford’s career trajectory has been re-energised by a Bundesliga journey taking him from Borussia Monchengladbach to Augsburg – where his consistent performances earned a new contract extension last week, like most things, that went under-the-radar. Continue reading
Brazilian winger Antony comes of age, as Ajax annihilate dishevelled Dortmund
On a rough night where Borussia Dortmund’s wonderkid striker Erling Haaland missed a handful of big chances and hit the woodwork, Ajax’s ambitious young core exposed their visitors with ruthless abandon en route to a 4-0 win. Antony, an Olympic gold medallist with Brazil in Tokyo two months ago, showed why many of Europe’s elite are tracking his progress. Continue reading
Punished for profligacy: Neal Maupay spoils Palace’s party with sucker punch strike
On a night where Conor Gallagher’s praises were sung, Wilfried Zaha capped his 400th appearance with a 70th Crystal Palace goal and the hosts revelled in halting Brighton’s brilliant start to the Premier League campaign, Neal Maupay pounced on a half-chance to expertly convert his fourth goal of the season deep into stoppage time to snatch a share of the points. Continue reading
Tottenham’s City triumph felt inevitable, even as Harry Kane saga rumbles on
Tottenham players had their backs to the wall, the world watching intently as their talisman was absent against the team he wants to join… but still found a way to start the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s men on Sunday. Surprised? Not quite. Continue reading
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