The players union renews calls for the introduction of temporary concussion substitutions, saying current rules are "jeopardising player safety".
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Monday, October 31, 2022
Who won the Italia 1990 World Cup?
A new Channel 4 documentary airing this evening will take a look back at how the 1990 World Cup in Italy helped change the landscape of English football.
Italia 90: When Football Changed Forever will explore how the iconic tournament changed the fortunes of the England football team on the pitch, as well as the whole nation off it in the months and years after the event.
Despite being considered one of the poorest World Cups for the quality of games, Italia 90 remains one of the most memorable tournaments in the psyche of English football fans for the team’s heroic performances and eventual near-miss.
But who did go on to win the Italia 1990 World Cup, which player won the Golden Boot and how did England do? Here are the all important details.
Which team won the Italia 1990 World Cup?
West Germany won the Italia 1990 World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
The victory at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome gave Germany their third World Cup title.
The final is widely regarded as one of the most cynical and low-quality World Cup finals of all time.
In the 65th minute Argentina’s Pedro Monzon – who had just come on as a substitute – became the first player in history to be sent off in the final after being judged to have fouled Jurgen Klinsmann.
After a pragmatic and defensive approach by the injury and suspension-stricken Argentines, West Germany finally broke the South American resistance when Roberto Sensini gave away a penalty for bringing down Rudi Voller.
Andreas Brehme slotted away the penalty in the 85th minute to secure the trophy for the West Germans.
Which player won the Golden Boot at Italia 90?
Italian striker Salvatore Schillaci won the Golden Boot in 1990 by scoring the most goals in the tournament with six.
Czech Republic’s Tomas Skuhravy netted five goals, while Roger Milla, Michel, Gary Lineker and Lothar Matthaus all found the back of the net four times.
England midfielder David Platt scored three goals during Italia 90, as did West Germans Jurgen Klinsmann, Andreas Brehme and Rudi Voller.
How did England do at Italia 90?
England began their Italia 90 campaign on June 11 with a 1-1 draw against Jack Charlton’s Republic of Ireland in Group F.
The Three Lions could only muster another draw in their second match against the Netherlands, finishing 0-0 after 90 minutes in Cagliari.
A second half winner from Mark Wright gave England a vital win in their final group game against Egypt to book their place in the knock-out rounds.
A David Platt strike in the final minute of extra time helped England to a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Round of 16.
England took a 1-0 lead going into halftime during the quarter-final clash with Cameroon, before falling behind thanks to two quickfire goals from their opponents in the 62nd and 65th minute.
Lineker equalised from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute before scoring another penalty in extra time to send England into the semi-finals.
In the now-infamous encounter with the West Germans on July 4, Gary Lineker brought the Three Lions level with just nine minutes left of normal time in Turin.
The match finished 1-1 after extra-time, meaning England and West Germany would contest a dreaded penalty shoot-out for a place in the final.
Both teams scored their first three penalties, but subsequent misses from Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle saw England crash out of the World Cup 4-3 on penalties in of the most defining moments in the team’s history.
Bobby Robson’s men could not pick themselves up after the semi-final heartbreak, losing 2-1 to Italy in the third place play-off just three days later.
Italia 90: When Football Changed Forever airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
MORE : World Cup 2022: Start date, schedule, teams, kick-off times and TV
MORE : When will the England World Cup 2022 squad be announced?
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Watch all the weekend's SWPL goals
Watch all the goals from Sunday's Scottish Women's Premier League.
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Women's Super League: Best goals including Chelsea's Lauren James powerful strike
Watch the best goals from last weekend's Women's Super League action, including a powerful strike from Lauren James and Jessica Naz's audacious chip.
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Man Utd want Max Aarons to compete with Diogo Dalot after Erik ten Hag’s comments about Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Manchester United want to sign Max Aarons in January to compete with Diogo Dalot after Erik ten Hag’s comments on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
That’s according to the The Sun, who are reporting that United will look to bring in Aarons from Championship club Norwich City when the transfer window opens.
United have a long-term interest in the 22-year-old right-back and were linked to him this summer as they considered using Ethan Laird as part of a swap deal.
Aarons, who has 20 caps for England U21s, has played 173 games for Norwich across the Premier League and Championship, helping them win the second-tier title twice.
He was crowned EFL Young Player of the Year for 2018-19 and has twice been named in the EFL Team of the Season and PFA Championship Team of the Year.
United want to sign him to provide competition for starter Dalot at right-back, following Ten Hag’s recent remarks about Wan-Bissaka.
Ten Hag appeared to simultaneously praise Dalot and criticise Wan-Bissaka following United’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
Dalot has emerged as one of Ten Hag’s most trusted players, having so far started every single game for United this season.
Having struggled for regular game time at United since moving from Porto in 2019, the 23-year-old is enjoying arguably the best form of his career and his manager was keen to praise the Portugal international post-match.
‘I’m really happy with the development of Diogo,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
‘His defensive positioning is growing from game to game, his time, also duels, are better from game to game and in possession I think he’s really good.’
However, Ten Hag also appeared to aim a dig at United’s other right-back Wan-Bissaka, who has played just four minutes of football this campaign, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in August.
The Dutchman added: ‘He [Dalot] has the breath to go up and down [the flank] so the development is really good, but I have to mention, I think a club like Man Utd need two good full-backs because we have a lot of games to cover.’
Wan-Bissaka had been unavailable for selection since mid-September due to a back injury, but was said to be back in contention for the West Ham clash.
However, he was not included in the squad on Sunday, but even prior to his injury it was clear that the £50m full-back was not fancied by Ten Hag, with Dalot or Laird starting ahead of Wan-Bissaka in pre-season.
Bringing a new right-back to Old Trafford was seen as a priority over the summer and will be again when the transfer window re-opens in January.
MORE : Erik ten Hag explains Man Utd's decision to play La Liga side during World Cup break
MORE : Graeme Souness takes another swipe at Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
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Hope Powell: Brighton boss steps down after five years in charge of Women's Super League side
Brighton boss Hope Powell has stepped down as manager of the Women's Super League team with immediate effect.
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Sunday, October 30, 2022
Marcus Rashford admits Man Utd were not at their best despite win against West Ham
Marcus Rashford admits that Manchester United were not at their best despite beating West Ham 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Rashford scored the only goal of the match in the first half, with United hanging on after a strong defensive display and David de Gea making some key saves.
The result moves Erik ten Hag’s side up to fifth and they can leapfrog fourth-placed Newcastle if they win their game in hand.
It is now eight hours since United last conceded a goal at Old Trafford and after losing four consecutive games between May and August, the Red Devils have now won 11 of their last 15 games in all competitions.
‘I don’t think we played at our best today but if we want to reach our ambitions for the season, we’re going to have to win games like that,’ Rashford told Sky Sports.
‘We want to perform better but it’s nice to win in that way as well. David [de Gea] was excellent today. I don’t know how he saved Zouma’s header.’
Rashford became the 22nd player to score 100 goals for United in all competitions and the first to reach that total since Wayne Rooney in 2009.
‘It’s been on my mind for the past couple of games but we’ve been winning games so I’ve been happy and just been waiting for it to come,’ Rashford added.
The 24-year-old England international also opened up about his struggles with form last season.
‘It’s a complete different energy around the club and the training ground [this season],’ Rashford said.
‘That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That’s the area I was struggling in.
‘I was struggling at times with more mental things. It wasn’t really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That’s the biggest difference from last season.
‘I get that it’s your job to speak about what happens on the pitch but for the players we have to get into the right headspace for every game.
‘Too often last season, I wasn’t in the right headspace for games. I wasn’t surprised by some of the stuff that was happening.’
United are back in action on Thursday when they travel to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Their next Premier League game comes on Sunday with a trip to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
MORE : Marcus Rashford compared to Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring 100th Man Utd goal
MORE : Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reveals why Antony missed West Ham clash
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Highlights: Jude Bellingham fires in the winner in 2-1 victory over Frankfurt
Watch highlights as Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham fires in the winner in 2-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park.
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Man Utd 1-0 West Ham: David Moyes says side need change of luck in big games
West Ham manager David Moyes says his side need a change of luck in the big games after they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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‘He is a joy’ – Mikel Arteta explains ‘real change’ in Reiss Nelson after Arsenal smash Nottingham Forest
Mikel Arteta insists he is ‘so happy’ for Reiss Nelson after he helped Arsenal smash Nottingham Forest and has revealed the ‘real change’ he has seen in the Gunners academy graduate.
Nelson, 22, scored twice in Arsenal’s 5-0 Premier League victory over Forest at the Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard contributing the other goals.
Former England U21 star Nelson has been at Arsenal since the age of eight but has barely featured for the Gunners since he made 22 appearances during the 2019-20 season.
He was handed a chance on Sunday after being subbed on for the injured Bukayo Saka, however, and grasped the opportunity with both hands to score his first Arsenal goal since November 2020.
Arteta said Nelson did ‘extremely well’ after replacing Saka and insists he has seen a noticeable change in the winger on and off the pitch.
‘I think not only me but all his team-mates, all the staff are so happy for him because he is a kid that is really changing, really evolving, really maturing,’ Arteta said.
‘He’s showing every day how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity, and he did extremely well because it helped us win the game.’
Asked to elaborate on his belief that Nelson is ‘changing’ and ‘evolving’, Arteta added: ‘How mature he is, how focused he is in his profession.
‘The way he talks, the way he reflects, the way he respects decisions, the way he is challenging everybody every single day.
‘He is a joy of a kid. We all want him to be successful and do well. What he has done today for the team is something he really merits.’
Following a sensational start to the season, Arsenal suffered a slight wobble over the past week, dropping points at struggling Southampton and then losing to PSV in the Europa League in midweek.
On his team’s emphatic response against Nottingham Forest, Arteta added: ‘Big teams have to respond as quick as possible and we did that after the disappointment of Thursday night.
‘One half training session and be ready not only physically but mentally again to another demand against a team that beat Liverpool and the pressure is on, you lose the first place and you are there. And we need to get used to that.’
MORE : Arsenal star made a statement during Nottingham Forest win, says Ian Wright
MORE : Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Bukayo Saka after Arsenal victory
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Reading 2-1 Leicester City: Rachel Rowe scores twice in dramatic late comeback
Rachel Rowe scores twice right at the end as Reading complete a dramatic comeback to stun bottom club Leicester in the Women's Super League.
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Saturday, October 29, 2022
Martin Keown criticises Graham Potter for ‘trying to be too clever’ after Brighton thrash Chelsea
Martin Keown has accused Chelsea manager Graham Potter of ‘trying to be too clever’ after Chelsea were thrashed by Brighton on Saturday.
Potter’s impressive unbeaten start to his tenure came to a resounding end on familiar turf as the Blues were hammered 4-1 by his former side.
The Seagulls raced into a three goal lead and although Chelsea threatened a comeback when Kai Havertz reduced the deficit three minutes after the restart, the home team held on and restored their three goal lead in injury time.
It was a miserable return to the Amex for Potter who spent three years on the south coast turning Brighton into a genuine Premier League force to be reckoned with.
Injuries have forced Potter to shuffle his pack on numerous occasions since replacing Thomas Tuchel but Keown believes he is overcomplicating matters with his near constant tinkering.
‘Chelsea looked unrecognisable at the back. I think there were too many changes,’ former Arsenal defender told the BBC.
‘It counts against you in this situation because you are trying to formulate partnership and it’s always changing at the back. It was a different back three today.
‘They are wing-backs that aren’t wing-backs. They played Raheem Sterling in a wing-back position today and I don’t think it suited in the way they played.
‘Maybe Graham Potter was trying to be too clever. Keep it the same and football is a simple game.’
Asked if would continue to make regular alterations to his team and tactics in his post match press conference, Potter cited the absence of key personal for having to rotate at this early stage of his Chelsea reign.
He said: ‘It’s not about change. You need to find a way to win and perform. We’ve had a lot of games in October and an incredible schedule.
‘So for different reasons, we’ve lost key players in terms of Reece [James], [Kalidou] Koulibaly, [Wesley] Fofana and [N’Golo] Kante. So there is a constant challenge in how to set up.
‘We tried today, and again, it can be tactical, or it can be the intensity, and the opponent do what they do better. I have to analyse the game and look at how I can improve.’
MORE : Antonio Conte explains why he did not celebrate Tottenham winner and walked down tunnel
MORE : Graham Potter hits back at Brighton fans who booed after Chelsea defeat
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Fulham 0-0 Everton: Jordan Pickford helps visitors earn point at Craven Cottage
Jordan Pickford and Everton keep free-scoring Fulham at bay in entertaining goalless draw at Craven Cottage.
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Shakhtar Donetsk: Ukrainian Premier League game paused for air raid siren
Shakhtar Donetsk's Ukrainian Premier League game against Oleksandria in Lviv is paused after an air raid siren.
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Antonio Conte explains why he did not celebrate Tottenham winner and walked down tunnel
Antonio Conte says Tottenham’s VAR drama in the Champions League in midweek was the reason behind his non-celebration against Bournemouth, with the Italian walking down the tunnel after Spurs’ late winner.
The north Londoners delivered a lacklustre and error-ridden first-half performance on the south coast on Saturday afternoon and fell two goals behind after a brace from Kieffer Moore.
But they upped the intensity and quality in the second period and got back into the game through Ryan Sessegnon before Ben Davies levelled the scores from a corner.
Tottenham were a constant threat from set-pieces in the match and netted their stoppage-time winner from their 19th corner, with substitute Rodrigo Bentancur’s initial effort blocked before he fired home the rebound to secure a 3-2 win and all three points.
Conte is usually known for his wild celebrations on the touchline, but when Bentancur’s shot hit the back of the net he did not celebrate at all, simply turning around and walking down the Bournemouth tunnel.
He has now revealed that he was wary of celebrating the goal after what happened on Wednesday night against Sporting, when Harry Kane’s late strike was ruled out for a controversial offside and the Italian was sent off, but did return to the dugout when he knew Bentancur’s goal was legitimate.
Asked about his unusually muted celebration, Conte said: ‘I came back when I knew the goal was regular.
‘I thought in my mind and my heart I can have a heart attack because in two days to score and then have the goal disallowed.
‘I said I go down [the tunnel] and then stay calm and then I wait for the decision of the referee. But for sure it was great to see the desire of my players and the reaction they had.
‘I repeat also the nastiness they put into the pitch because I have seen in the eyes of my players the desire to win this game.
‘Also when we drew 2-2 and then in our mind the only thought was to take the ball and start to play again. This reaction was really positive and I want this from my players.’
Reflecting more on the game, he continued: ‘I don’t want to think what my mood would be if we lost this game!
‘I have to be honest and also after the first half my feeling was positive. The only situation I ask of my players is to show our personality and take more responsibility because the game was on us.
‘In the second half despite conceding the second goal, we started to play nasty, with a will and desire. To not only move the ball and show we are good and nice but in an effective way.’
MORE : Touchline ban for Antonio Conte after Spurs controversy
MORE : Juventus want Antonio Conte return as his talks over new Tottenham contract stall
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Graham Potter explains decision to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga at half-time against Brighton
Graham Potter confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a foot injury during his side’s calamitous 4-1 defeat at Brighton.
It was a miserable return to the Amex Stadium for the former Seagulls manager who watched his new team torn to pieces during an error-strewn opening 45 minutes.
Own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Calobah compounded the damage inflicted by Leandro Trossard’s early strike as Roberto de Zerbi’s men raced into a 3-0 lead.
Kepa, who has been a permanent fixture in Chelsea’s goal since Potter’s appointment, appeared to be in some discomfort during the closing stages of the first half.
Edouard Mendy looked as though he was ready to come on but it wasn’t until the start of the second period that the Senegal international eventually replaced Kepa.
Explaining the change, Potter said: ‘It was the bottom of his foot, I don’t know it’s too early yet. He was too bad to carry on. It’s disappointing for him because he’s in a really good moment.’
The Spaniard’s replacement fared little better, conceding with virtually the final act of the game as Pascal Gross restored a three goal advantage and help De Zerbi celebrate his first win in charge.
‘They played well, the atmosphere was really intense here,’ added Potter. ‘We didn’t necessarily match that level of intensity.
‘We had some opportunities to test the keeper, but it was too open and Brighton were dangerous.
‘We were pushing and pushing and throwing players on, but Brighton deserved it. You have to say congratulations to them.
‘Brighton were better at what they did, so we have to take that as a lesson – even though that’s a painful one for us.
‘You have to congratulate Brighton. The intensity was there and we suffered a little bit.
‘The players are an honest bunch – we win and lose together – so we have to take stock and move forward.’
MORE : Graham Potter hits back at Brighton fans who booed after Chelsea defeat
MORE : Graham Potter sends message to two Brighton stars struggling after his departure
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Brentford 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Thomas Frank pleased to see Bees 'bounce back'
Brentford manager Thomas Frank says his team "bounced back" from their 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa in drawing 1-1 at home to Wolves.
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Friday, October 28, 2022
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Manchester United are finally coming back to form
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester United are on their way back to being competitive at the top of the table.
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Saturday's gossip: Kane, Conte, De Gea, Gakpo, Van de Beek, Melo
Harry Kane puts contract talks with Spurs on hold and is a target for Bayern Munich, Juventus eye Antonio Conte, Leeds set to revive Cody Gakpo interest, plus more.
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Lisandro Martinez reveals the advice he has given Manchester United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez says Alejandro Garnacho ‘has no ceiling’ but has warned his young compatriot that he needs to go above and beyond to make the most of his talent.
The 18-year-old started for the first time in Thursday night’s 3-0 win over FC Sheriff in the Europa League and was a real livewire down the left flank, taking on players and creating chances.
Garnacho, who played for Spain’s Under-18 team but has now declared for Argentina, is regarded as one of United’s most promising young players and a future star.
Martinez certainly believes his compatriot has all the ingredients needed to go to the very top, though has revealed that he has been encouraging Garnacho to put in extra hours in order to make the grade for both United and Argentina.
Asked about the youngster in an interview with ESPN Argentina, Martinez said: ‘He has enormous talent and a bright future.
‘It all depends on him, on what he works for, but he’s young, he has to keep learning, at his age he’s in a team that isn’t easy [to get into].
‘I tell him he has to take advantage of the moment, listen, ask for advice, do extra training. He has no ceiling. He will give Manchester United and the national team a lot.’
Martinez is one of a select group of players who have played alongside both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and the former Ajax centre-back feels fortunate to have been able to learn from the pair.
He continued: ‘I feel privileged, it is an honour to share with them. You learn, you absorb.
‘They have won everything, they want more, an admirable mentality and you give your best in every workout.
‘From the first day, Cristiano treated me well. He is very friendly, he has a very nice charisma, bringing smiles, making people laugh.
‘He is very professional, he arrives early, he is the last to leave and he takes care of himself at meals. It all highlights why he has had such an impressive career.’
On the prospect of Qatar 2022 being Messi’s last appearance at a World Cup, Martinez added: ‘Is he crazy? We are not going to leave him! It’s going to be very special, he’s preparing very well, I see him happy, he’s enjoys his football. We’re going to go to war for him.’
MORE : Antony responds to criticism over his showboating in Manchester United’s Europa League game
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Birmingham City 2-0 Queens Park Rangers: Blues shock Michael Beale's high-flying Hoops
London loan men Auston Trusty and Emmanuel Longelo get the goals as Birmingham City beat high-flying Queens Park Rangers.
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Manchester United star Fred jumps to Antony’s defence and hits back at ‘annoying’ Paul Scholes
Manchester United midfielder Fred has jumped to the defence of team-mate Antony after he came under fire for showboating in Thursday’s Europa League win over FC Sheriff.
The former Ajax winger did his trademark drag-back spin – twice – while the scores were still tied at 0-0 before giving the ball away, which prompted a backlash from United legend Paul Scholes and fellow pundit Robbie Savage.
‘I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s just ridiculous. It’s showboating,’ said Scholes on BT Sport.
‘Look at [Erik ten Hag’s reaction], that sums it up. What is he thinking? He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 and then he kicks the ball out.’
Savage even suggested manager Ten Hag should have ‘dragged’ Antony off, while after the match – which United easily won 3-0 – Scholes even dubbed the former Ajax winger a ‘clown’.
Ten Hag defended his winger afterwards, saying he had no issue with Antony’s tricks, and now Fred has also hit back at the criticism and feels it is part of being Brazilian to try and entertain.
Asked how he felt about the criticism Antony received from pundits like Scholes and Savage, Fred told ESPN: ‘It’s very annoying that they want to say that.
‘I think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile.
‘So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did.
‘Of course, if it’s offensive, we’ll come to him in the dressing room and talk. But it was not offensive to anyone. It’s his game. I think he has to keep doing it.’
Antony himself took a similar stance on social media, posting on Instagram: ‘We are known for our art and I will not stop doing what has brought me to where I am!’
Quizzed on how he felt about Antony’s showboating, Ten Hag said after the game: ‘I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional.
‘So from him I demand more: more runs in behind, more often in the box, more tempo dribbles especially and more playing in the pocket.
‘So we demand more dominance in this game and when, now and then, there is a trick like that it is nice as long as it’s functional, you’re not losing the ball and it’s attracting players, then it’s okay. But if it’s a trick for the sake of a trick, then I will correct him.’
MORE : Antony responds to criticism over his showboating in Manchester United’s Europa League game
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Trailblazing female referee Patsy Andrews tells Football Focus her story
Football Focus meets Patsy Andrews, who has blazed a trail for female, black and Asian referees in grassroots football.
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Thursday, October 27, 2022
Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol: Cristiano Ronaldo scores in comfortable win
Manchester United cruise past Sheriff but will need to beat Real Sociedad in their Europa League Group E finale to take top spot.
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Arsenal 3-1 Zurich: Lena Hurtig scores two in win that maintains perfect Champions League start
Arsenal firmly establish their lead at the top of their Women's Champions League group with a comfortable victory over Swiss champions Zurich at Emirates Stadium.
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Hearts 2-1 Rigas FS: Hosts' exit confirmed despite gutsy win
Hearts complete the double over Rigas FS with a gutsy win at Tynecastle, but it is not enough to prevent a group-stage exit in the Conference League.
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Friday's quiz: Can you name these seven Premier League players?
Think you know your Premier League players? Well now you can prove it by taking our picture quiz every weekday.
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Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes slam ’embarrassing’ Manchester United star Antony during FC Sheriff clash
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and Robbie Savage have slammed Antony for his unnecessary showboating in Thursday night’s must-win Europa League clash against FC Sheriff.
The Red Devils need three points to keep their hopes of sealing top spot – and avoiding a play-off match – alive but summer signing Antony appeared to be oblivious to the situation when he started doing tricks on the pitch with the scores tied at 0-0.
Despite United needing a goal at the time, the Brazilian – who was withdrawn at half-time – did a series of spinning drag-backs before playing an over-hit pass for Casemiro which went out of play for a goal kick.
Savage, who was on commentary duty for BT Sport, was appalled by what he saw given the state of the game at the time, branding the former Ajax man ‘embarrassing’ and felt Erik ten Hag should have hauled him off.
‘Well that for me is ridiculous. Because he’s done that and then he puts the ball out of play. Quite embarrassing actually, doing that with nobody near him,’ said Savage.
‘And then he puts the ball out of play. If I was the manager I would not be happy.
‘And you can hear the crowd. They’re trying to win the game, moving the ball quickly, nobody near him, and he puts the ball out of play. Embarrassing.’
When it was suggested Savage had lost his sense of fun, he replied: ‘But you’re 0-0, you’re pushing for a goal, there’s nobody near you – what was the point? And to cap it off, he puts the ball out of play. If I was the manager, and he did that again, I’d drag him off.’
United legend Scholes agreed with Savage at half-time, saying: ‘If I was that number 61 I know what I’d be doing! I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s just ridiculous. It’s showboating.
‘Look at [Ten Hag’s reaction], that sums it up. What is he thinking? He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 and then he kicks the ball out.
‘But that’s the way he plays, I’ve seen him do it many times for Ajax as well and that’s just the way he is, but I think he needs that knocking out of him.’
Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves added: ‘If you’re going to do that the final pass has to be good, that’s for sure, you can’t kick it out.
‘That’s just how it is a little bit now, but at 0-0 you don’t really do that. You don’t even really do that when you’re 3-0 up or 4-0 up, you’ve got to show respect for the other team.
‘But I guess sometimes players want to show their skills but they need to be functional with it, and he wasn’t there, and when you kick it out I don’t think that helps either.’
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Arsenal allay Pablo Mari fears after defender is stabbed in Milan supermarket attack
On-loan Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has been stabbed in a shopping centre attack in Milan, though the club have confirmed that he is not seriously hurt.
The Spanish centre-back, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Monza, was one of five people attacked in a supermarket in Milanofiori in Assago, a town in Milan.
There had been conflicting reports about the severity of the injuries sustained by Mari, but Arsenal have now confirmed that the 29-year-old is not seriously injured.
A statement read: ‘We are all shocked to hear the dreadful news about the stabbing in Italy, which has put a number of people in hospital including our on-loan centre-back Pablo Mari.
‘We have been in contact with Pablo’s agent who has told us he’s in hospital and is not seriously hurt.
‘Our thoughts are with Pablo and the other victims of this dreadful incident.’
Manager Mikel Arteta had been in the dugout in Eindhoven for Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to PSV when the news broke, but was asked about the well-being of his compatriot afterwards.
He replied: ‘I just found out, I know [technical director] Edu has been in touch with his family… he’s in hospital, he seems to be OK. Hopefully he’s OK.’
Monza CEO Adriano Galliani – who, along with manager Raffaele Palladino, visited the defender in hospital – also gave an update on Mari’s condition.
He told TG2 RAI: ‘Pablo Mari has quite a deep cut to his back, but fortunately it did not reach any vital organs like the lungs or anything else.
‘His life is not in danger, he should recover quickly. He has some lesions, but not very serious. He is conscious and getting stitches.’
Two others are in a serious condition, however, after a 46-year-old man – who has since been handed over to local police – picked up a knife from the shelves in the supermarket at around 6.30pm and then started randomly stabbing people.
A witness told La Repubblica: ‘We were at the bar and we thought it was a robbery because we saw some boys and a lady running.
‘Then we saw more and more people with upset faces and we realised that something serious had happened.’
Mari signed for Arsenal in 2020 but struggled to nail down a starting berth in Arteta’s team, making just 12 Premier League appearances.
He was loaned to Udinese last January, where he spent the second half of the 2021/22 season, and returned to Italy with Monza in the summer.
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One dead and Arsenal player hurt in Italy stabbing
Among those injured in the attack near Milan was Pablo Mari, a footballer on loan from Arsenal.
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Erik ten Hag explains decision to restore Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United starting XI
Erik ten Hag has drawn a line under Cristiano Ronaldo’s tantrum last week by restoring him to Manchester United’s starting XI to face FC Sheriff and urged the veteran forward to stake a claim to start at the weekend too.
The Portuguese superstar was left out of United’s squad for Saturday’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Chelsea after refusing to come on against Tottenham last week and storming down the tunnel before the match was over.
Ronaldo is believed to have been fined two weeks’ wages and was made to train with the youth team prior to his teammates’ trip to Stamford Bridge.
But Ten Hag feels the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who was greeted by a few boos when he arrived at Old Trafford on Thursday – has been sufficiently disciplined for his tantrum and wants him to seize his opportunity on the pitch.
Asked how Ronaldo convinced him to be restored to the starting XI, Ten Hag told BT Sport: ‘In that part he doesn’t have to convince me – he has to convince me on the pitch!
‘He gets the opportunity and he’s an important part of the squad.
‘We have to play a role in all the competitions. Today we need goals, we want to win, we have to win because we want to be number one in the group.’
Reacting to Ronaldo’s return to the starting line-up, BT Sport pundit and United legend Paul Scholes said: ‘I think it’s been dealt with.
‘The manager has dealt with it really well now, he’s answered so many questions about it. I think it’s done. Cristiano has obviously gone to see him, they’ve had a good meeting about it, and the right thing has happened.
‘He’s available to play, he’s trained with [the senior team] this week. It’s out of the way, it’s done, old news, let them carry on with the game.’
Ten Hag named a strong line-up for the visit of FC Sheriff with United needing to win both their final matches in order to guarantee top spot – and avoid a play-off clash with a Champions League drop-out in February.
The likes of Antony, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes have all retained their places while Lisandro Martinez – who is one yellow away from a suspension – has also been risked.
Asked if it was gamble to play the Argentine centre-back, Ten Hag replied: ‘There’s always [a risk] but Harry Maguire just returned to team training, not even a week that he’s fulfilled total team training, so we have to build him again, his fitness levels have to get up.
‘But as you know, Raphael Varane is injured so we don’t have a choice and we want to be number one in this group.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag rates Manchester United’s Europa League campaign so far
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Wednesday, October 26, 2022
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal: Mikel Arteta calls on Gunners to secure top spot
Mikel Arteta calls on Arsenal to get the point required at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday to finish top of Europa League Group A.
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Chelsea 8-0 Vllaznia: Sam Kerr scores four as Chelsea sit top of group
Sam Kerr scores four as Chelsea win comfortably against Vllaznia to extend their lead at the top of their Women's Champions League group.
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Mikel Arteta calls on Albert Sambi Lokonga to prove why he should start more for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta insists Albert Sambi Lokonga still needs to prove himself at Arsenal after the midfielder admitted he was unhappy with his lack of playing time.
Earlier this month, Lokonga revealed that he considered leaving the Gunners at the end of last season having failed to secure a regular role under Arteta.
The 23-year-old has started just two games in the Premier League this season and has featured more in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign.
‘It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens,’ Lokonga said.
‘I think I have the qualities to succeed here. Last season, I didn’t perform at my best level. I still have things to prove.
‘At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.’
However, Arteta has called on Lokonga to show why he deserved to start more games for Arsenal.
When asked how he keeps players happy, Arteta replied: ‘Play them and then speak on the pitch, that’s the best way.’
Asked if he believes Lokonga has done enough to prove his place at Arsenal, Arteta replied: ‘We will see more and he needs to prove that what he’s asking for, he can produce on the pitch.
‘And that’s the challenge for every single player, to raise the level and put the right competition in the team, and when you play, perform in a way that we can win and play good enough to win the games.’
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Inter Milan 4-0 Viktoria Plzen: Hosts' progress means Barcelona are knocked out
Inter Milan secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage and send Barcelona into the Europa League with a 4-0 victory against Viktoria Plzen.
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‘They are machines!’ – Gabriel Jesus blown away by Arsenal duo and makes vow over his goal drought
Gabriel Jesus has revealed his admiration for Arsenal team-mates Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, insisting he is ‘lucky’ to play with the duo.
Much of Arsenal’s success this season has been down to £50m summer signing Jesus, Gunners academy graduate Saka and Brazil international Martinelli.
Despite dropping points at Southampton on Sunday, Arsenal have still enjoyed their best ever start to a league campaign, amassing 28 points from 11 games.
Mikel Arteta’s side have even outperformed defending champions Manchester City – who are two points behind in second – and have a seven-point cushion in the top-four race.
Former Man City striker Jesus is loving his time at the Emirates Stadium and says he is ‘so lucky’ to call Saka and Martinelli his team-mates.
Asked about the pair ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with PSV on Thursday night, Jesus said ‘They are machines!
‘I joke with them because I think I have a lot of energy but when I train with them I realise I’m not close because they don’t stop. They’re still young so I’m lucky to play with them.’
While Jesus has largely impressed following his £50m move from the Etihad, he has now gone five successive games without a goal for the Gunners.
On his recent goal drought, Jesus added: ‘It’s happened before and I’m sure it will happen again. That’s football.
‘I don’t want it to be like this. I want to improve. Next game I will try again and 100% I will score.’
Jesus also insisted he was ready to play three times a week throughout this gruelling 2022-23 campaign, with Arsenal attempting to enjoy success in Europe as well as maintain a title push.
‘I’m eating well, sleeping well. I’m enjoying life in my new shirt,’ he said. ‘I’m ready to play 50, 60, 70 games this season. I live with my daughter, which helps me to mentally recover from playing and training.’
Arsenal boss Arteta, meanwhile, has urged his players not to become complacent and secure top-spot in their Europa League group ahead of their trip to PSV.
Several big clubs look set to drop down from the Champions League into the Europa League but finishing top would give Arsenal an easier draw.
‘This competition is getting harder and harder,’ Arteta said. ‘It looks like the next round is going to be competitive, that’s why it’s so important to finish top.’
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