The Women's Football Show discuss Crystal Palace's promotion to the Women's Super League as they lift the Championship trophy in front of a record crowd.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
Emmanuel Adebayor ‘not a big fan’ of Kai Havertz and says Arsenal could drop more points in title race
Emmanuel Adebayor admits he is ‘not a big fan’ of Arsenal star Kai Havertz and warned the Gunners they could drop more points in the title race ahead of their final three games.
Arsenal kept the pressure firmly on defending champions Manchester City with a tense 3-2 win over Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s side led 3-0 at half-time and then withstood a spirited Spurs rally to clinch three crucial points and earn bragging rights in north London.
The victory sent Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League but Man City closed the gap to one just a couple of hours later, beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground.
With a game in hand, the Premier League trophy is in Man City’s hands but Arsenal can put huge pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side if they win their final three games and finish on 89 points.
Given their superior goal difference, that would effectively force Manchester City to win all four of their remaining fixtures as they chase a record fourth successive title.
But Adebayor, who played over 100 games for Arsenal before enjoying spells with Man City and Tottenham, is unsure the Gunners will maintain their winning run during the run-in.
‘Anything is possible with Arsenal because we all know how good they can play,’ he said on Premier League Productions after the north London derby. ‘This team is very young and very talented.
‘But am I sure they’re going to get nine points? I’m not sure. Anything can happen. We saw a couple of weeks ago they lost at home to Aston Villa.
‘Whereas if you ask me can Man City win their next 20 games I would say yes because they have proved they can do it. Arsenal are looking better and stronger but I’m not sure they are going to win their last three games.’
Adebayor, who ruined his legacy at Arsenal by running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of their fans after scoring for Manchester City, also revealed he was ‘not a big fan’ of one of Havertz.
Havertz endured a slow start to his Arsenal career following a £65m move from Chelsea last summer, but the German has been a key member of Arteta’s squad since the turn of the year, scoring a brace against his former club in the 5-0 win last week and a goal against Spurs on Sunday.
Assessing Havertz before the north London derby, Adebayor said: ‘He has adapted well, but I am not a big fan of the player, to be honest.
‘He isn’t that strong and when you are playing up front for a team like Arsenal. First and foremost, you have to be strong and you have to be clever. He’s a very good player with the feet.
‘Football is a game, whenever you score, you are the hero and when you don’t score, then you are the villain.
‘If he doesn’t score and Arsenal ends up losing, then the fans won’t be happy about it.
‘But if he manages to score a goal and get a win for his team, as he is doing at the end of the season for his team, then he will be the hero.’
The thrilling and tight Premier League title race continues next weekend as Arsenal host Bournemouth and Manchester City face Wolves. Liverpool, five points behind Arsenal in third, take on Spurs.
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Agent cleared of threat to Granovskaia over Zouma fee
Saif Alrubie is said to have believed he was owed part of Kurt Zouma's £29m West Ham transfer fee.
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Sunday, April 28, 2024
Man Utd 'one of most entertaining' teams - Ten Hag
Manchester United are "one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams" in the Premier League, says manager Erik ten Hag.
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Saturday, April 27, 2024
Erik ten Hag defends subbing off Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo after groans from fans
Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo in Manchester United’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday.
The pair were withdrawn when the game was still goalless in the 65th minute, with Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay coming on in their place, and the move was met with groans from the Old Trafford crowd.
It looked as though Ten Hag’s decision had paid off, though, when Antony fired United ahead in 79th minute, but Zeki Amdouni levelled from the penalty spot not long after.
There were more groans at full-time as United dropped two precious points but Ten Hag has hit back at criticism of his changes and says he was protecting Mainoo and Hojlund after a gruelling few weeks.
Asked about the groans of frustration from supporters that greeted his substitutions, and the full-time whistle, Ten Hag replied: ‘No offence but I have to manage the team.
‘Winning games comes first of all and you see what the game needs, and I think we needed by that time some freshness first of all.
‘But also tactical-wise, bring a player up who can keep the ball, who is creative and then in the midfield you could see it was a very high-intensity game, it went up and down.
‘And then you see also some fatigue in Rasmus, who is a very young player, and Kobbie Mainoo, who is a very young player.
‘And, yeah, they were subbed and it was the right decision. You see after it we took some benefit from it, by bringing the fresh legs with Scott in the position.
‘When it’s so open he’s very good in such situations and he can make his penetrations from there. And it also happened that we put ourselves from there in a winning position.
‘And then the last thing is that we have had three games [in seven days] where Burnley had days off. In a high-intensity game, it’s totally logical to bring players off who are very young and who are in their first years of the Premier League.
‘And then we don’t even talk about the injury risk. Rasmus Hojlund had more injuries already in the course of this season, Kobbie Mainoo also, he had two bad injuries.
‘So I don’t want them to get injured, so I protected them as well. So there are more reasons to make the subs.
‘But then I understand that fans want to see [those players]. They see also the skills those players bring and contribute to the team, I understand that. But I have to do my job and that is the right decision.’
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Man Utd should have been awarded penalty - Ten Hag
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag bemoans inconsistent refereeing decisions after his side's 1-1 draw with Burnley.
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Friday, April 26, 2024
Man City forward Hemp signs new deal until 2027
Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp signs a new three-year contract which will keep her at the club until 2027.
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Thursday, April 25, 2024
Arne Slot confirms Liverpool talks and speaks out on replacing Jurgen Klopp
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot says he is keen to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager and has confirmed that the two clubs are in negotiations over a compensation fee.
The Dutchman has emerged as Liverpool’s top choice to take over the reins from Klopp, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
Liverpool initially targeted former player Xabi Alonso but he elected to remain with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, forcing the Merseysiders into a rethink.
Despite links with the likes of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, it is Slot who has stood out throughout the search process and now looks set to land the job.
The 45-year-old has confirmed that talks between Liverpool and Feyenoord over a fee are taking place right now and he is confident there will be no issues, while he is excited to take up the challenge of replacing Klopp.
Speaking to ESPN just before Feyenoord’s clash with Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday evening, Slot said: ‘It seems clear to me that I would like to work there.
‘The clubs are negotiating, so I am still on hold. We have to wait until an agreement is reached, but I have every confidence in that.’
Liverpool are believed to have made an initial offer worth around £7.7million for Slot which was rejected by Feyenoord, but talks have continued.
Slot has enjoyed three excellent seasons in Rotterdam, winning the Eredivisie title last season and securing second place as well as the KNVB Cup this season despite losing a host of key players in the summer, most notably skipper Orkun Kokcu.
The Dutchman has already got the seal of approval from Liverpool captain – and compatriot – Virgil van Dijk, who was asked about the potential appointment after his side’s defeat to Everton on Wednesday.
Speaking to ViaPlay, he said: ‘I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.
‘But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off.’
While Feyenoord did not manage to defend their title this season, they have nevertheless impressed with their attacking brand of football – only PSV have scored more goals – though they did stumble in Europe.
After losing four of their six group games in the Champions League, they dropped into the Europa League but were beaten in the Play-Off round by familiar foe Roma – who also beat them in the 2022 Europa Conference League final.
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Slot confirms he wants Liverpool job
Arne Slot confirms that he is interested in becoming Liverpool's manager after Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season.
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Ex-England defender Warnock thought about suicide
Ex-England defender Stephen Warnock says he "contemplated" taking his own life after receiving bad financial advice.
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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Mbappe and Dembele star as PSG edge closer to title
Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe both score twice as Paris St-Germain move closer to the Ligue 1 title.
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Planet Premier League
Mark Chapman, Cesc Fabregas & Nedum Onuoha react to Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2024
West Ham to hold Amorim talks - Tuesday's gossip
West Ham will hold talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, Liverpool are considering Thomas Frank, Al-Nassr remain interested in Kevin de Bruyne, plus more.
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Monday, April 22, 2024
Man Utd fan tells court he is ashamed of tragedy chanting
A Manchester United fan who admitted "tragedy chanting" tells a court he is "deeply sorry" and "ashamed" and hopes other supporters "think twice".
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Sunday, April 21, 2024
Fight for Premier League survival - who will go down?
With points deductions awaiting appeals for Nottingham Forest and Everton, who is facing relegation from the Premier League?
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Roy Keane slams Man Utd star after blowing three-goal lead to Coventry
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has singled Andre Onana out for criticism after his former club blew a three-goal lead to Coventry City.
The Red Devils went into Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley as overwhelming favourites against a side who play in the league below them.
It looked like Erik ten Hag’s side had confirmed their spot in the final for a second successive season after racing into a 3-0 lead after 58 minutes.
Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all scored for United but Coventry reduced their three-goal cushion thanks to Ellis Simms’ strike.
Callum O’Hare then found the back of the net in the 79th minute before Haji Wright netted a 95th-minute penalty for the Championship side.
That forced a period of extra-time for United and Keane was left furious in his analysis for ITV.
‘I can’t believe what I’m watching,’ Keane said at the end of 90 minutes. ‘3-0 up and coasting, they start slowing the game down, you’re looking for leadership, you see the goalkeeper (Andre Onana) messing around.
‘Once that goes in, it gives Coventry confidence and momentum. If Manchester United don’t get over the line in this game… I don’t know what to say. Huge credit to Coventry. United have been shocking.’
After the opening 15 minutes of extra-time, Keane was left frustrated with Amad Diallo for wasting a glorious chance to set up teammate Fernandes.
‘It’s pretty straightforward,’ Keane added. ‘You’ve got Bruno making a great run, he’s got the option and just had to slide him in.
‘But again, it’s indecisive. It’s not good enough. He ran out of ideas.’
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Keane praised United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo and explained why he is a different type of player to the likes of Declan Rice.
‘He lacks that physicality,’ Keane said when quizzed about comparisons to Rice. ‘He’s not six foot. But he’s smart. He’s neat and tidy. He’s had a brilliant few months and there’s a chance he will go with England [to Euro 2024 this summer].’
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Saturday, April 20, 2024
'I have to believe in my players' - Kompany on survival hopes
As the Burnley joyous fans waved off the Sheffield United supporters streaming out of Bramall Lane, it looked like the home supporters are were also saying goodbye to the Premier League.
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Friday, April 19, 2024
Scotland forward Brown suffers fourth ACL injury
Scotland forward Fiona Brown has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament for a fourth time in her career, Glasgow City confirm.
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Erik ten Hag provides update on Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd future
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has suggested that Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain despite his return to form with Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho endured a tough start to the season at Old Trafford which ultimately culminated in the winger being exiled from first-team training after he publicly criticised Ten Hag on social media and then allegedly refused to apologise.
The Englishman rejoined Dortmund on loan in January and played a key role in the German side reaching the Champions League semi-finals in midweek with a dramatic win over Atletico Madrid.
However, Ten Hag was reticent to suggest that Sancho’s improved displays altered his prospects at Old Trafford should he return in the summer.
‘I follow international football and follow the players on loan at other clubs,’ Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s FA Cup semi-final.
‘It was a fantastic game, Dortmund against Atletico Madrid, a great performance from Dortmund and for Jadon it’s good news, he made his contribution to the result for Dortmund.’
However, when pressed on whether such performances changed anything about Sancho’s future under his management, Ten Hag said: ‘No, but we know Jadon Sancho is a fantastic football player, so that is not a surprise for us, that is not the issue.’
Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, who has replaced Sancho on United’s right wing, was forced to apologise in midweek after his own social media activity landed him in hot water.
The Argentine was hauled off at half-time against Bournemouth last week but caused further consternation when he liked two posts on X from YouTuber Mark Goldbridge who labelled his substitution as a ‘joke’.
Earlier in the week, a United spokesperson said that the incident had been dealt with internally, with Ten Hag confirming that the 19-year-old admitted his wrongdoing.
‘Alejandro is a young player, he said. ‘He has to learn a lot. He has apologised for it and we move on.’
United face Championship side Coventry on Sunday as they look to keep alive hopes of silverware in what has been an otherwise disappointing campaign.
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Thursday, April 18, 2024
Cesc Fabregas urges Manchester United to build team around Kobbie Mainoo
Cesc Fabregas believes Manchester United should build their team around teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has only made 19 appearances for boyhood club United but is already regarded as one of the most exciting and promising players in Europe.
The 18-year-old’s form for struggling United was rewarded with an England call up during last month’s international break and Mainoo played in both Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Given what is expected of Mainoo, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is under pressure to select the midfielder in his squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Fabregas believes the hype around Mainoo is justified and says he is a player Manchester United can build their team around.
‘He’s definitely not just a player for the future because he’s a player for the present already,’ Fabregas said on BBC’s Planet Premier League show.
‘He’s someone they need to protect but at the same time they need to invest time and minutes on him because he can make a real difference.
‘He’s got fantastic personality on the pitch, it feels like he’s been playing for a long time. To help him as well they need to recruit players in the summer and make him more brilliant than he already is.
‘Talented players like him, the better quality they have around them, the more you get from them.
‘I’m expecting a big transfer window from Man United but definitely for next season, Kobbie Mainoo needs to be a key player, no matter what.’
Fabregas, who enjoyed Premier League spells at Arsenal and Chelsea, added: ‘You see his personality and his courage.
‘It’s not so much about the quality and the talent, I always talk about how much players want the ball, even in difficult moments. To perform how he is – in a very difficult season for Manchester United – shows a lot.
‘He plays without fear, that’s what I love about him. He just wants the ball and wants to make things happen. Hopefully he can go all the way.’
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Antony bizarrely defends Man Utd form in awful season with zero league goals
Antony has made an bizarre decision to defend his Manchester United form despite producing zero goals and one assist in the Premier League this term.
United splashed out £86m to sign the Brazilian winger from Ajax but he has massively flopped at Old Trafford, particularly in his second season at the club.
Antony has played 25 Premier League matches so far in the 2023-24 campaign and is still waiting for his first goal with the club reportedly considering a sale.
The 24-year-old has conjured up just a singular assist – which came in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea – while he has been slapped with four yellow cards.
It hasn’t been much better for Antony in other competitions, with zero goals and zero assists in the Champions League and Carabao Cup across five games.
The FA Cup is the only competition in which Antony has somewhat done himself justice, scoring twice and producing an assist in three appearances.
But two of those goal involvements came against fourth-tier side Newport County – who play three divisions below the Premier League.
Despite a largely poor campaign, Antony insists he is ‘really happy’ with his form and is ‘very pleased’ with his performances.
‘I’m really happy with my form,’ Antony told MUTV. ‘ I’ve worked very hard every day towards this.
‘I’ve been working hard in training for months now, so I’m very pleased with my performances and I hope to improve with every game.
Rift between Antony and Erik ten Hag?
Manchester United denied talk of a rift between Erik ten Hag and Antony after the winger was left out of the squad against AFC Bournemouth.
Rumours on social media speculated Antony was suddenly dropped from the squad because of a row with the Dutchman over his playing time.
‘I know that there is a lot that can be improved and I’ve worked on this. I’m happy seeing my performances improve game-by-game.’
Speaking about his singular Premier League goal involvement this term – the assist against Chelsea – Antony added: ‘You can certainly expect a lot of these moments.
‘As I said, my confidence is back through hard work.
‘This despite having gone through a lot, I’ve been through some very difficult moments.
‘Today, I’m turning things around and have been for quite a while now. Importantly, I continue working regardless of the situation.
‘I was delighted with the assist for Garnacho and you can definitely expect a lot of good things ahead.’
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Didi Hamann unconvinced by two key Mikel Arteta signings for Arsenal
Didi Hamann says he remains unconvinced by key Arsenal stars Declan Rice and David Raya after the Gunners were knocked out of the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side produced a cagey and uninspiring performance at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night and were duly knocked out of Europe by Bayern Munich.
Hamann believes it is tough to imagine this iteration of Arsenal winning ‘big titles’ and has revealed he is ‘not sure’ about influential midfielder Rice and No. 1 goalkeeper Raya.
Rice completed a £105m move to Arsenal from West Ham last summer and has been largely praised for his performances in north London.
But Hamann does not see what all the hype is about and is also ‘unsure’ about Raya, who replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper following his loan move from Brentford.
‘You have to question if this team, and I know it is a very young team, is capable of winning a big title,’ Hamann, a Champions League winner with Liverpool and a two-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern Munich, told talkSPORT.
‘I think they’ve got a very good defence, but I’m not sure about the ‘keeper. I don’t think you win a big title with a goalkeeper who doesn’t fill me with confidence.
‘It was his mistake coming 40 yards off his line in the first leg, it changed the whole tie. Then obviously they brought Rice and Havertz in, I don’t think they’ve improved from last season.
‘Xhaka went to Leverkusen and is having a brilliant season. I look at Declan Rice and people tell me he is the best central midfielder in Europe, but I’m yet to see it.’
Hamann has also discussed his compatriot Kai Havertz’s status at Arsenal, suggesting he should not be played up front, as has often been the case this season.
‘Well I certainly don’t think he’s a centre-forward,’ Hamann added. ‘I think he’s best when he’s coming from behind and making these late runs.
‘When you play without a centre-forward, and he clearly isn’t, if everybody comes towards the ball it gets very congested and even more so when a team sits back like Bayern Munich did.
‘You see with Haaland, even though sometimes he doesn’t do an awful lot when the team has the ball, he always occupies two defenders and that creates space for someone else.
‘Arsenal haven’t got that. When you get to a stage with 10 or 15 minutes to go and you are throwing balls into the box then there’s no one there to head it. His best position I think is an offensive midfielder.
‘To play without a centre forward I think you have to be an outstanding side. Arsenal is certainly not that good.’
Arsenal, who also lost to Aston Villa before their Champions League exit, will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they visit Wolves.
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