Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
England captain and Bayern forward Harry Kane has publicly criticised his teammates who withdrew from Lee Carsley’s latest squad before their must-win Nations League fixture against Greece, accusing them of “taking advantage” as they round out the year without a permanent manager after long-time boss Gareth Southgate’s departure. Thomas Tuchel succeeds him on New Year’s Day. Continue reading “Kane criticises England teammates over withdrawals as Tuchel’s arrival beckons”
Having made his first Premier League start during their home win over Brentford earlier this week, the Premier League champions’ plan is for the Norway international to sign a new long-term contract extension beyond the existing 2026 agreement to reflect his growing status within the senior side. Continue reading “After first start vs. Brentford, City’s Oscar Bobb now set for new contract extension”
Kevin de Bruyne scored the first and assisted two more as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City extended their English club-record winning streak to nine in Champions League competition, emerging from their Denmark trip with a comfortable two-goal cushion for next month’s last-16 return leg at Eastlands. Continue reading “Copenhagen 1-3 Manchester City: Decisive de Bruyne inspires comfy first-leg cushion”
His Crystal Palace teammates were said to be in tears after an abrupt training ground injury – rupturing his Achilles – left him sidelined for several months on the same day he was part of England’s Euro 2020 provisional squad. Two years on, he could make his senior debut this weekend, and it’s another timely reminder how important patience is as far as long-term goals are concerned. Continue reading “As first England cap awaits, Eze shows value of patience after untimely setbacks”
Premier League champions Manchester City banished their demons from twelve months ago, avenging a painful collapse against Real Madrid with a 4-0 (5-1 aggregate) win over the Champions League holders on Wednesday, earning a date with Serie A giants Inter Milan for the Istanbul final on June 10. Five games in 20 days across three competitions between now and then, what’s next?
Continue reading “Istanbul bound: City composed in 4-0 Real rout, as a pivotal three weeks now beckon”
Individual mistakes from Gunners defensive duo Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaes during both halves helped reigning champions Manchester City rally from a tetchy start to return top of the Premier League, earning a hard-fought 3-1 away win over long-running leaders Arsenal in north London. Erling Haaland ended his three-match goalscoring drought to wrap up the points, combining with – who else – Kevin de Bruyne. Continue reading “Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City: Individual mistakes cost profligate Gunners as Citizens return top”
Gareth Southgate insisted afterwards that he’s not unhappy and expected a tight game given the strength of their American opponents. His players were frustrated post-match, but can only blame themselves for a ponderous and unsettling display as they – like the Netherlands three hours earlier – failed to secure the World Cup’s first last-16 berth with a group game to spare.
Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – England 0-0 USA: Berhalter’s boys expose Three Lions in anti-climactic stalemate”
Erling Haaland became the second Manchester City player to score a brace on his Premier League debut, after now-retired legendary striker Sergio Aguero did so during a memorable substitute appearance against Swansea in 2011. The 22-year-old’s first foray in England’s top-tier was predictably devastating away at West Ham yesterday, but eyes will be on the encore.
Continue reading “Haaland haunts Hammers as defending champs City preview life with Norwegian leading their line”
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.
Continue reading “Why Aston Villa are boosting their European ambitions with £26m Diego Carlos deal”
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 “Tottenham’s City triumph felt inevitable, even as Harry Kane saga rumbles on”
Match previews as the Premier League season continues: Manchester United look to put Southampton’s late equaliser behind them in south London against Crystal Palace, a few hours after relegation-threatened Aston Villa hope to spring a surprise against strugglers Everton on Thursday evening. Continue reading “Previews: Plenty to play for as Palace host Man Utd, Everton entertain Aston Villa”
They left it late, but Tottenham managed to recover from a sluggish start and a goal down to snatch all three points – courtesy of Heung-Min Son in stoppage-time, capping a frenzied end to a crazy affair at Villa Park. Continue reading “Aston Villa 2-3 Tottenham: Son punishes late error, scores stoppage-time winner”
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