Football287

Podcast: Is Mourinho Right To Pitch Lo Celso Irreplaceable By Bruno Fernandes?

The Portuguese Manager suggested on Wednesday afternoon that not even Bruno Fernandes can replace Giovanni Lo Celso at Totenham. When asked if he regrets the North London Club mising out of Fernandes last summer, Mourinho told Sky Sports:

‘I don’t know anything about that, but if that is true, and if Giovani Lo Celso was the player that came to Spurs [instead of Bruno Fernandes], then I would say I wouldn’t change Giovani Lo Celso for any player.

‘[I wouldn’t swap Lo Celso] for any player. It’s not just for Bruno, but for any player.’

It’s the first episode of our podcast and in this episode, we discuss several reasons why Jose could have made this known in the public and if truly Bruno cannot lace Lo Celso’s boots. Listen to the podcast by following the link below.

Opinion: Arsenal Owe Their Fans A Major Achievment This Season

The Gunners put away Norwich City in their latest victory on Wednesday night but the fans at the Emirates Stadium wouldn’t be smug if they asked for more from the club.

It’s been three years since Arsenal had anything worthwhile to celebrate with their fans in London and across the world. They have been far away from qualifying for the Champions League since the 10-2 demolition by Bayern Munich in the 2016/2017 season and also last lifted a major trophy, the English FA cup in that season.

Gone are the days of exciting Champions League nights are at the Emirates. The days of stunning solo runs from Theo Walcott and clinical finishing from Robin Van Persie is now a distant memory and not many people remember how Arsenal made the Champions League final in 2006.

More recently, the game against Olympiakos was an all time low and it was difficult to watch Arsenal being sent packing from the Europa League even for neutral fans. Such is how Arsenal has degenerated over the years and it remains to be seen how or when they will return to Europe in the near future. Nothing is settled as of yet as it is still possible for them to make the European places mathematically. The win against Norwich takes them up to seventh on the log but a win for either of Sheffield or their arch rivals, Totenham later today would see them return to eight on the table.

Their weak financial muscles only makes things more complicated for them going into the summer and they will struggle to attract any player in the next transfer window without a trophy to show for or at least a place in Europe’s second division tournament.

Keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang beyond this season also seems like mission impossible as he continues to be linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. The Gabonese striker may finally make a move if he ends the season without a meaningful achievement to look back on this season despite being the club captain all season. The former Dortmund striker has become the fastest player to hit 50 goals in an Arsenal shirt, in 83 appearances.

For all that it is worth, the club must try hard to keep their starman to get close to winning anything and Arteta should sure know better than let him leave. Arsenal are still in competition for a place for the Europa League and could still win the FA cup if they manage to get the better of Man City who on the strength of their lofty standards will want to forget this season despite most likely finishing second behind Liverpool and have already won the Carabao cup.

There are too many question marks than answers on what the future portends for the Gunners but they can be certain of a bleaker future if they fail to record any serious achievement come the end of July.

Chelsea and Leicester Drop Points as Top Four Race Heats Up

The battle for the champions league places in the English top flight looks very exciting at the moment after Chelsea and Leceister City dropped all three points against West Ham and Everton respectively.

Chelsea had opened the scoring at the London stadium from a penalty well taken by Willian after Christian Pulisic was brought down by Issa Diop in the Hammers penalty area. West Ham got back into the game not too long after and just before half time when Bowen’s cross found Slavia Prague loanee Soucek who powered a towering header into the net.

Bowen also supplied another assist to Michail Antonio who tapped in from close range to give the Hammers the lead six minutes into the second half.

Prior to this game, Willian had not scored against West Ham but he doubled his tally on the night with a sweetly struck free kick from 20 yards out to bring Chelsea back into the game.

Unlike the game at Aston Villa, there was no comeback for Chelsea as Andry Yarmalenko’s finished from a late counter attack condemned Chelsea to their first defeat since the return of football.

The last time Chelsea were defeated by a three goal margin was at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League before the suspension of football and they could not win the much needed points against the Hammers who would be very happy to win all three points in their bid to avoid relegation.

For all that their season is worth, Leicester City will be licking their wounds after they have blown open the race for the top three finish. Jamie Vardy failed to get onto the scores sheet for the fourth match since the Foxes resumed their Premier League campaign.

Once looking destined for the Champions League next season, successive dropping of points have seen their position being open up to a challenge from teams outside the top four at the moment.

Their latest defeat also came on the same night Chelsea lost. Early goals from Richarlisson and Sigurdsson just before the twenty minutes condemned them to defeat despite Kelechi Ihenacho’s 51’st minute strike offered a glimmer of hope for the Foxes.

Manchester United and Wolverhampton will be delighted with the results considering that they picked up all three points against Brighton and Bournemouth while still keeping clean sheets. It all makes for an interesting end to the season with both teams two points away from fourth spot and three from the third spot.

Very few can bet against the Red Devils have they have looked comfortable in victories against Sheffield and Brighton, teams they would struggle to beat some few months ago. Their fixture list does not look bad either and the confidence in the team looks really high at the moment.

Wolves also have a very easy fixture list and will also be challenging quietly as they have been doing for a couple of matches now. All in all, the top four battle is wide open to all four of the teams but only the best teams will rise in the end.

La Liga Title Race: Five Things we have learnt so far

The title race continues to heat up in Spanish top flight as Barcelona narrowly defeated Athletic Club 1-0 and Real Madrid claiming all three points at home against Mallorca.

The title race continues to heat up in Spanish top flight as Barcelona narrowly defeated Athletic Club 1-0 and Real Madrid claiming all three points at home against Mallorca in a 2-0 victory.

Here are five things we have learnt from the title race so far.

1) Barcelona needs to overhaul their midfield and defence ahead of next season

It has been a long time coming but it is more than obvious at the moment that Barcelona are in dire need of a squad overhaul if they are to sustain their domestic dominance, talk more of rising to the pinnacle of football once again.
The midfield which has been the heartbeat of the club in the past cannot even be compared to a shadow of its former self. Before his injury woes, we have seen enough of De Jong to be convinced that he is not Iniesta and Arthur is no Xavi.

In defence, Gerard Pique is not the same player and Lenglet is not Carles Puyol despite keeping four consecutive clean sheets since the return of the La Liga.

Barcelona need genuine quality again and must spend in the summer to avoid a catastrophe from happening soon.

2) The Barcelona attack is not any better

Barcelona also have a lot to think about in attack. On paper, they have a very solid attack that should dominate the Spanish top flight but football barely thrives on paper these days.
Messi continues to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and he is showing signs that age is getting the better of him.
Suarez has also been on the wane for a while and Barcelona needs serious competition for places in his position if they are to take the bulk of the goalscoring responsibilities off Messi’s shoulders. The presence of a firing centre foward would have made a profound difference in the fortunes of the Catalans.

The Blaugrana’s reliance on Ansu Fati is also a testament to the the growing need for reinforcements in attack even if the teenager has performed incredibly anytime he has been called upon. Griezmann is not the same player. These days it’s difficult to understand if he fitting into Barcelona is the problem or the inability of the team to conform to his style of player on the pitch. Many would argue that it should ideally be the former but then Barcelona may have to make a decision over his future soon. Dembele has spent more time on the treatment table than he has on the pitch in his Barcelona career and it’s highly unlikely that he will have any impact on the title race.

3) Vinicius is on fire.

When big hitters like Bale and Hazard are expected to lead the title charge for the Los Blancos, it is Vinicius Jr that has been making the headlines for the Capital City side. For the second game in a row, he has got the man of the match award and got on the scorers sheet twice. He probably wouldn’t have picked his form at a better time. Seeing Hazard brought off while he remained on the pitch for 90 minutes was the highlight of it all.

4) Vamos Ramos

Ramos always makes the headlines for the right and wrong reasons and this season has proven to be his most productive career yet. His delightful free kick on the night is evidence that he’s not just a gritty defender but also a fine footballer. He is one of the best defenders in the world if not the best at the moment.

5) Title Race may drag into the final day.

This season looks like one of those seasons in which the contenders have to wait until the final day to decide who claims the crown. Like Athleti and Barcelona in 2014 and Real Madrid versus Barcelona in 2016, the battle is primed to drag until the last minute of the season. You cannot look away from the possibility of this happening because both teams are level on point with only head to head statistics being the difference between both teams.

The title race is a very interesting one this season and it promises to get better in the coming fixtures. Barcelona have to be on their toes and must win games in their next matches against Celta Vigo, Athletico Madrid, Villarreal and Espanyol. Madrid on the other hand have to ensure they do not slip up against Espanyol, Getafe, Athletic Club and Alaves.

Let us know your thoughts and comments below.

La Liga Title Race Blown Open as Barcelona Play Goalless Draw at Sevilla

It was difficult to watch as both teams could not get a goal to liven things up. The La Liga crown is now Barcelona’s to lose when they could have extended their league at the top by five points.

While Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges, Sevilla struggled to bring the ball out of their half in the first 30 minutes of the game.

The Catalan’s best chances came from Lionel Messi’s freekicks and one of them was diverted over the bar brilliantly by the backtracking Joules Koundes.

Messi later escaped a yellow card for a bookable offence after Sergio Busquests and Fernando were booked for a feisty face-off between the pair just before the end of the first half.

Sevilla stepped up the intensity of their game after the break and Argentine Stalwart, Ever Banega.

A fierce drive in the Barcelona penalty area from Lucas Ocampos forced a great save off Marc Andre Ter Stegen and former Barcelona prospect Munir El-Haddadi also forced another save from the German shot stopper.

Antoine Griezmann failed to make the starting line up as Martin Braithwaite was preferred to the Frenchman. Braithwaite was however replaced for the final 13 minutes as Arturo Vidal was introduced in his place.

Sergio Regullion failed to convert the best chance of the game as the left back mishit a shot from close range with his weaker right foot, allowing Ter Stegen to collect the ball easily.

Luis Suarez played the full 90 minutes despite Quique Setien expressing uncertainty the Uruguayan’s match fitness. He blazed a left footed effort over in the closing stages when a chance was presented before him. Arthur was also introduced in the second half while Ruqui Puig also made a late entry into the game.

Barcelona now have to work hard to retain the title as the Los Blancos will be looking to close the gap against the Blaugrana in their next game against Real Sociedad tomorrow night. Barcelona will lock horns with Athletic Bilbao in their next match on Tuesday while Sevilla will clash with Villarreal on Monday.

Totenham vs Manchester United: Match Ratings

The much anticipated game ended in a 1-1 draw. United had chances to kill the game but lacked a cutting edge and was also deterred by an inspired performance from Hugo Lloris.

It was Pogba’s first game since his return from an ankle injury and he was instrumental to his side taking a point off after Spurs had taken the lead in the first half. Many would question the tactical decisions of both managers in the dugout.

Jose Mourinho, much like himself played to hit the opposition on the counter and should have killed the game off after they took a first half lead.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s team selections could also be probed as Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba changed the complexion of the game once they entered it.

Here is our rating for the match.

Manchester United

David De Gea

While many would argue that he should have saved the shot from Bergwjin, it is very clear that his defence let him down. Apart from that, he dealt with other threats really well. 6/10

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Much like his usual self. Spurs struggled to create anything on his flank throughout the game. A solid performance. 6.5/10

Victor Lindelof

Appeared shaky at times in the first half and didn’t really have a great deal to deal with. Came off with a knock in the second half. 6/10

Harry Maguire

He should have done a lot better against Bergwjin for the first goal and he let his team down in the end. A poor performance from the United skipper. 4/10

Luke Shaw

He should also take part of the blame for Spurs goal and most of their successful attacks came from his flank. He also joined up with the defence but could have done a lot better. 5/10

Scot Mctominay

A solid and combative performance from the Scottish International. 6.5/10

Fred

He didn’t not have a bad game either. Did he not appear pleased when he was brought off in the second half. 6.5/10

Daniel James

These days, Dan James looks like a proper championship player. Had no impact on the game whatsoever. 4.5/10

Bruno Fernandes

He worked his socks off and tried to create several goalscoring chances for his team. He was rewarded with a goal from the spot. On second thoughts, he could have been better with his decision making. 7/10

Marcus Rashford

Had a wonderful chance to put United in front early in second half but was denied by a good reaction save from Lloris. 6/10

Anthony Martial

The Frenchman also forced a good save from his compatriot in the first half. Was more of a passerby from there on. 6/10

Subs

Paul Pogba

Our man of the match. His presence on the pitch changed the entire complexion of the game. We hope he would deliver on the promise of his inspiring cameo for the rest of the season. 8/10

Mason Greenwood

Brought United to life on the right flank and could have given United a late victory if he had scored with the last kick of the game. A good performance off the bench. 7/10

Nemanja Matic.

The midfielder made a strong case to be in the starting lineup for the next game with a tidy performance of the bench. 6.5/10

Odion Ighalo

The Nigerian striker didn’t have an imprint on the game. 5/10

Eric Bailly

Played for barely seven minutes. Nil

Totenham

Hugo Lloris

An inspired performance by the experienced shot stopper. Arguably Spurs best player in the game. 7.5/10

Serge Aurier

A very positive performance from the Ivorian fullback. Should have got himself on the scores sheet. 6.5/10

Davinson Sanchez

A solid defensive performance. 6/10

Eric Dier

He would have had a higher rating if he didn’t concede the penalty in disgraceful fashion. 6/10

Ben Davies

Did not have much to deal with until Greenwood came on and he coped with threat posed by the teenager. 6/10

Moussa Sissoko

Helped his team by providing defensive support. 6/10

Harry Winks

Worked his socks off to neutralize United’s threat in midfield. 6/10

Son

Worked hard on the counter and was unlucky not score as his goal bound header was saved by De Gea. 7/10

Erik Lamela

Worked hard to support attacks from midfield and was very lucky to escape a booking from the referee. 6.5/10

Stephen Bergwjin

Showed drive to give Spurs the lead. An excellent performance from the Dutchman. 8/10

Harry Kane.

Was he even in the game at all? We don’t think so. 4.5/10

Subs

Gedson Fernandes

Did not do more than make up the numbers. Left much to be desired. 4/10

Giovanni Lo Celso.

The Argentinian did not really have an impact in the game. 5/10

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer

He could have picked a stronger starting line up but he made amends by bringing on Pogba and Greenwood. 6/10

Jose Mourinho

Will Mourinho ever evolve his tactics? He could have easily killed off the game but chose to play safe. I am not sure many Spurs fans will be happy with the result against his former employees. 5.5/10

Can United really depend on Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba?

The pair have been tipped by fans and pundits alike to deliver the goods at the Theatre of dreams and return United to their glory days.

Before the pandemic, both were on the treatment table but the postponement of football across the globe has bought them enough time to recover.

Rashford had hit 19 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils before being ruled out indefinitely in January. These goals have been his best return in a season and we all tend to forget that Rashford is just 22. Surely, he has more fans in the world after his campaign to ensure that vulnerable children in the UK have food to put on the table. But then, Rashford will be judge for his performance on the pitch more than any other thing he does off it.

Pogba, on the other hand as barely featured for the club this season due to ankle injury. He had his best season for United in the 2018/2019 season in which he had 13 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League. Talks of a move have not faded away as he continues to be link with Real Madrid and Juventus but the promising prospect of playing with Portuguese sensation, Bruno Fernandes and the financial implications of the pandemic in the transfer market makes the move more difficult to achieve now.

It has been seven years since Manchester United has something really huge to celebrate on the Matts Bubsy way and the pair will really have to work their socks off and prove that they can deliver on the promises of their potentials. In Pogba and Rashford, Manchester have got loads of talents and potentials to work with but United will be hoping both players can hit the peak of their potentials.

Rashford is still learning his trade and Pogba’s commitment to the United cause has been questionable since he had began to seek for “a new challenge” since last summer.

The atmosphere around the team has changed since Bruno Fernandes signed up in January and undeniably, there are a few other talents in the squad.

Like Pogba and Rashford, there are several other ‘talents’ to unlock but it only thrusts the future of the club into several probabilities. United have the chance to convert their potential energy into kinetic energy as they take on Totenham tomorrow evening.

If Pogba and Rashford are the players to lead United to their glory days then they must first lead United to victory tomorrow night and then qualification spot for the Champions league next season. Let’s wait and see.

Do you think Pogba and Rashford has all it takes to lead United to the pinnacle of football. Let us know in the comments section.

Record Breaker Mertens Seals Copa Italia Spot For Napoli

Dries Mertens scored a crucial and historic equalizer against Inter Milan to ensure Napoli made it into the Copa Italia final against Juventus.
Napoli won the first leg away at San Siro and Mertens 122nd goal for Napoli was just enough to ensure they qualified for the final showdown.
The goal also makes Mertens become Napoli’s all time leadin scorer.

Fabian Ruiz’s goal at the San Siro had put Napoli in control from the first leg only for Inter to cancel the lead through Christian Eriksen inside two minutes into the game.

Christian Eriksen got on the scoresheet inside two minutes with a spectacular effort, scoring directly from a corner kick to bring Inter on level terms with Napoli

Ospina made a couple of saves to deny Belgian hitman Romelu Lukaku and Andrea Candreva before setting up the equaliser late in the second half.

His clearance started a fast counter-attacking move that took Inter off balance. His clearance found Lorenzo Insigne passed the ball across to the on rushing Mertens to enter the Napoli history books four minutes before half time.

Ospina was also instrumental in the second half as he made a string of saves that ensured Napoli qualified for a trip to Rome for the final.

Napoli will face Juventus in Rome and Wednesday. Inter will then resume their Serie A season as they take on Sampdoria on Sunday, June 21. Napoli will lock horns with Hellas Verona two days later

Messi Leads Barcelona To Winning Return Against Marlloca

Lionel Messi scored one and assisted two as Barcelona made a winning return to the La Liga campaign.

Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite and Jordi Alba were also on target as Barcelona ran out 4-0 against Real Mallorca.

Having not played football for three months due to the forced coronavirus break, Barcelona needed a little less than two minutes to take the lead through Vidal’s header.

Lionel Messi then assisted Braithwaite as he scored his first goal for the club just eight minutes to the end of the first half.

Luis Suarez also featured in the game as Barcelona looked sharp all through the game.

Real Madrid loanee Takefusa Kubo was cleverly dispossessed by Frenkie de Jong in midfied who lay the ball of off to Alba to create Vidal’s header.

Kubo looked like he would atone for his mistakes as he forced a save off Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from the edge of the box before being denied again from behind a dead ball.

Prior to this, Messi and Braithwaite had combined to put pressure on the Marlloca defence and their efforts finally yielded results just before the interval in a combative build-up which involved flick ons from De Jong and Messi.

Suarez was brought on in the second half after being out since January due to a knee injury. He proved to be a menace to the Marlloca defence as he created chances that were begging to be converted for Braithwaite and Ronald Araujo.

Messi then set up Jordi Alba with an ingenious flick that ended with an emphatic finish at the near post.

There was enough time for Messi to join the scoring spree for the seventh straight game against Marlloca. He kept his balance and composure to put a right-footed finish at the back of the net.

Antoine Griezmann was almost anonymous all through the game but Barcelona will be happy to stay top of the log.

Barcelona host Leganes at the Camp Nou on Tuesday before travelling to the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan to face Sevilla three days later. Mallorca will clash with Leganes next Friday and face Villarreal next.

Match Report: Juventus Secure Coppa Italia Final Sport despite Stalemate Versus Ac Milan

Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty miss did not prove costly for Juventus as they played out a 0-0 draw against Ac Milan as football returned to Italy on Friday evening.
Despite playing close to 75 minutes with a man down, The Milan resolve proved to be a tough nut to crack for the Italian Champions but the draw was just enough to ensure that Juventus qualified for the final.
The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-final at San Diego in February but had to wait four months for the return match at the Allianz Stadium due to the suspension of the competition on the back of the Coronavirus Pandemic since March.

Before kickoff, a minute silence was observed for those who died from Covid-19 and this was immediately followed up by a round of applause for the nation’s health workers.

Ronaldo failed to score from the spot kick after a VAR review which confirmed that Andrea Conti handled the ball in the area in the 16th minute. 17 seconds later, Ante Rebic was sent off for a lounge on Danilo but Juventus fail to take advantage of their strength in number.

Donnarumma was also tested by an effort from Blaise Matuidi in the 31st minute and he was also equal to Ronaldo’s attempt. Milan failed to test. Buffon had a quiet evening for the most part of the match despite Milan’s several forays forward. Milan threw caution to the wind despite their numerical disadvantage but had nothing to show for it in the end.

Hakan Calhanoglu could only divert his header wide three minutes after the restart before Rafael Leao came on for Giamoco Bonaventura to fill the void that Ante Rebic had left.

Fatigue in both teams was obvious despite being allowed to make five substitutions and the much anticipated contest ended in a full draw.

Juventus will lock horns with Napoli or Inter in the final while Milan will turn their attentions to Lecce on Monday night as they resume their Serie A campaign.

Peter Drury: Give Him The Microphone and Get Goosebumps in Return.

If Peter Drury never abandoned accounting, then we may never have heard the voice of a passionate poet who loves football to his marrows.

Martin Tyler is much revered for his epic commentary in reaction to Aguero’s last gasp title winning goal against QPR in 2013.

Lovers of Pro Evolution Soccer and EA Sports FIFA series can memorize Jon Champions’ commentary many times over but nothing can compare to passion that exudes from Drury’s passionate poetry during his commentaries.

Here are some of the best commentaries from Peter Drury.

1) Marcus Rashford Free kick VS Chelsea.

The Mancunian born foward scored a Ronaldo-esque free kick from more than 40 yards out in the contest. The wonder goal sealed the tie for Manchester United and condemned Chelsea to league cup exit.

“That is a special one. For distance, power, accuracy and indeed significance, Marcus Rashford can count that among his best.”

2) Rashford versus Chelsea…. Again.

Peter Drury has a poetic affiliation with wonder goals and Rashford has a penchant for scoring them. This time Rashford gets on the end of a Paul Pogba pass with blistering pace and buries the ball into thr bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Kepa Arizabalaga. The goal happened just seconds after Anthony Martial had doubled United’s lead.

“And here is Rashford, Three, in a flash. A right royal red flash, a rash flash.”

3) Mohammed Salah versus Chelsea.

Chelsea fans must think I hate them now. Again, Kepa Arizabalaga is the culprit and Salah is the hero. An extraordinary finish it was on the day and probably only Peter Drury can describe it better.

“Salah ……… Oh wow, oooooooooh. That is beyond special, brilliant! A worldy and a half from Mohammed Salah and Liverpool are dreaming.

4) Vincent Kompany versus Leceister City.

“Kompany, had a look and a what a hit…….. Ooooooh captain fantastic, a wild celebration of a goal from his wildest dreams, a fantasy goal for City’s fantasy footballer. A goal fit for a champion.”

Goals that seal titles does not get better announced than that.

5) Ibrahimovic versus Southampton.

“I made the Premier League look old”. So Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Just when we thought he was in the twilight of his career, the Swede showed us he was only getting things started in the Premier League on the night.
And what a way to celebrate that towering header.
“Ibrahimovic, …… Strendford end star. You write the headline, he’ll tell the story. Zlatan Ibrahimovic again!

6) Lionel Messi versus Real Madrid (UCL 2011)

It’s not everytime you get to see a man 5’7 feets tall mesmerizing and embarrassing a Real Madrid defence in the way that Messi did. As an opponent, you don’t want to hear Peter Drury adding more salt to your wounds.

“And it’s Messi, away from two, three, four, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. How good is he? A rare supernatural goal from Lionel Messi. He has wriggled and tip-toed his way to the gates of Wembley stadium. He is just brilliant! Best player in the world bar none.

7) Cristiano Ronaldo versus Ajax

Peter Drury has made some record breaking announcements to the football world just as it happens. And what a perfect rendition it always is.

“Ronaldoooooo, he is just astonishing, Champions League goal number 125, 12 years on from his first. He is a blind phenomenon.

8) Tshabalala versus Mexico.

African Fans will never forget this one. Commentary for Africa made in Africa.

“It’s Tshabalalaaaaa, goooal Bafana Bafana, Goal for South Africa, gooooal goooaal Africa, Djiboulala rejoices.

9) Giroud versus Leceister City

Is there a better way to open a Premier league season? Drama on the pitch and drama on the Mic.

“Girooouud! Goal given! Wow! A game of margins, a game of thrills, Olivier Giroud limps from the Arsenal bench and scores again. Drama from day one. This is the league we want to watch.”

10) Rooney Bicycle kick versus Man City

And to commemorate one of the greatest goals in the premier league era…

“Rooney! Oh wonderful! What a goal! And what a time and what a place! What a player, Wayne Rooney out of this world. 2-1 United.”

11) Cristiano Ronaldo versus Wolfsburg.

It doesn’t get better than this. All by himself, Ronaldo turn the tides for Real Madrid after incurring a 2 goal deficit in Germany. Ronaldo not only inspired a win, but also one of the most angelic pieces of football poetry we have ever seen. Ronaldo scores a free kick and….

“Cristiano Ronaldo, Beautiful, Beautiful. Something close to genius. He has turned the tie around all by himself. Another Champions League hat trick for the head of the Real Madrid glittery, Cristiano Ronaldo.

12) Manolas versus Barcelona.

The Ultimate. Save the best for the last eh?
Catalan capitulation inspired by Greek grace.

“Ooooooooooooh, Roma have risen from their ruins. Manolas, the Greek god in Rome. The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes. This was not meant to happen. This could not happen. This is happening. Barcelona, extraordinarily, eight minutes from elimination. Di Francesco does not know where to go, Iniesta does not know where to look. It a Greek from the mount Olympus who has come to the seven hills of Rome and pulled off a miracle.”

And as if it that was not scourging enough, Peter Drury continued at the end of the match.

“Phenomenal beyond reason, beyond reality and even beyond Barcelona. Who fall? Barcelona falls, Messi falls. Disbelieving, how did that just happen. Roma made it happen.”

Did we miss your favourite Peter Drury Commentary in our list?

Let us know in the comment section.

Neymar transfer saga: Will Barcelona’s prodigal son ever return to the Camp Nou?

By Ayomide Sotubo

It was first a question of if and then it became a question of when. The existence of Barcelona’s prolific MSN trident was threatened by unending unanticipated transfer rumours of Neymar’s departure Camp Nou.

What was first thought as an impossibility became a reality on the third day of August 2017. Neymar completed his move to French powerhouse, Paris Saint Germain.

In the domestic scene, he has been successful. His contributions to the domestic success of PSG cannot be faulted. He has won three of the league titles he has played in and also has a French league cup and a coupe de France in his trophy collection. For someone with his talents and dexterity, much more is expected of him. Naseer El-khelaifi hoped that a move for him will guarantee Champions League success for the team but this becoming a reality remains to be seen.
PSG have not snapped back from the painful shades of the defeat against Barcelona in 2017 inspired by none other than Neymar. Since then, they have capitulated in the round of 16 when it was least expected of them.

Real Madrid proved to be superior in quality in 2018 while Manchester United reminded us of their never say die approach to football, adding more salt to the wounds of the Parisiens and defeating them against all odds in their own yard in 2019.

There was also a case of Neymar stepping out of Lionel Messi’s outranking shadow on his departure. Since then, we have seen Luka Modric and Lionel Messi claim the most coveted individual award in football. Fair to say, Neymar has not even come out Kylian Mbappe’s shadow.

Football has evolved since Neymar made the world record move to the French top flight and there has been an emergence of new talents who could fill the void the Brazilian left at Barcelona.

The question of how and why Barcelona has not found a replacement three years on will also raise eyebrows but it looks increasingly likely that time is running out for Neymar to return ‘home’.

PSG will continue to play hardball in their valuation for a player they consider as their most prized asset and the financial implications of the global pandemic will prove to be a stumbling block in the way of Barcelona and the player.
Even his ex agent, Wagner Riberio reckons so.
“I think Neymar will stay put at PSG because the market is different,” he told Fox Sports. “The economic world of football will change.”

Brazilian legend Rivaldo, though, believes that there’s only room for one of Neymar or Lautaro Martinez.

“Barcelona’s interest in Lautaro could mean that the club have given up on Neymar’s signing, as I think it is almost impossible to sign both players at the same time,” he added.

“Barcelona need to focus on landing just one of them and seal the deal.

“Either of them would be a good signing, but the club need to think about the amounts involved and also about their manager’s wishes.

“What is the position that Quique Setien wants to reinforce now?

“Which player would be better suited to his plans?”Only Setien knows.”
Quique Setien has not ruled out the move himself.
“I’d love to be able to coach him someday as he is a top-class player. To be honest, I’ve fulfilled a dream in coaching (Lionel) Messi, but I’d be absolutely delighted if Neymar joined us,” Setien told beIN SPORTS.
For the love of football, we would all love to see the MSN line up together again, but that reunion seems threatened by the day.

Would Neymar ever return to Barcelona? Let’s us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Ander Herrera identifies three players to lead United to Premier League Triumph

Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the players to help Manchester United return to their glory days in the Premier league according to former fan favourite, Ander Herrera.
The Spanish midfielder left the Theatre of dreams for free last summer after contractual negotiations ended deadlocked. He is still a big fan and of the club and still follows up with developments in the Premier league.

Though Liverpool and Manchester City are the runaway leaders at the summit of the league, Herrera reckons that United already have the star players they need to mount a proper title challenge in the coming years.
Outlining Rashford and Martial’s potential, Herrera told The Athletic : “They have the quality to be among the top 10 in the world.

“Why do we admire Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, or Hazard, who I also think is one of the best in the world? We admire them because they keep that form for a long time.
“If they do it, they will become… maybe not Messi or Cristiano, because they are unique in the history of football… but they can be top five or top 10.

“But they have to do it for a long time and keep it up.
Herrera also believes that Paul Pogba has what it takes to become “the best midfielder in the world.” He is still a big fan of Paul Pogba.

On Pogba, Herrera added: ” It is the same for Paul. Rashford is on his way to doing it. And Paul can be the best midfielder in the world if he keeps playing those games where we are all amazed by him.”

Herrera concedes that consistency is the key to reaching such heights.

“But to keep it at that level is the most difficult thing in football. To keep it at it, Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday, every time.

“If those three can do that, Manchester United will win the Premier League soon, for sure.”
Since his move to Paris Saint Germain, the midfielder has only featured in 14 games, starting just nine matches.

Manchester United will lock horns with former manager Jose Mourinho’s Totenham in a week’s time.

Worth the hype or another flash in the pan: Is Timo Werner the right man for Chelsea?

By Ayomide Sotubo

Did Timo Werner really miss this open goal opportunity to win all three points for Leipzig? Yes, he did.

Many Chelsea fans were thrown into a frenzy of excitement when most media outlets reported that there was an agreement in place for the 24 year old German striker to make the move to Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea fan base would have have been twice as excited while beholding the sight of Timo Werner laying the assist for Leipzig’s first goal against German minnows, Paderborn.
Leipzig Director Oliver Mintzlaff has since confirmed that there has been no formal approach from the West London club for the striker.

“We are concentrating on the final sprint in the league. We want to qualify for the Champions League. That is the only thing we are currently discussing with Timo.

“It was important for us that we extend the contract with him. We did that last summer because of course it is important for our young club that no player moves on a free transfer.

“Of course, there was this exit clause that we put in the contract to give him the opportunity to take the next step.

“Now Timo is sitting in the driver’s seat, not us anymore. So far, he has not drawn upon the clause, nor has any club sent us a transfer contract.”

While Chelsea fans cannot wait for an official announcement for the signing of the striker, many of them will also be wary of their previous ordeals with strikers missing sitters. Alvaro Morata and Fernando Torres were big hitters before they got to Chelsea and experienced a deterioration in form.
Despite this, Timo Werner has proven himself this season, scoring 31 goals in 41 appearances for the German side.

Chelsea must now hope that he can maintain the goal scoring form he has shown in the Bundesliga if they finally secure his signature.

Saul Niguez: Atletico midfielder makes ‘new club’ announcement.

By Ayomide Sotubo

The Spanish midfielder has made the new club announcement as he had promised earlier this week- but it turns out that it’s not a transfer move as first premonitioned.

Saul has been subject of transfer speculation recently with Manchester United rumoured to be at the forefront of signing him up to the premier league ahead of next season.

The announcement has proven to be the creation of Costa City Club alongside his brother, Aaron.

The club is based in Alicante, his home region and will recruit boys and girls from the age of four to eighteen. The club will be sponsored by Sporting giants, Nike.

Saul said: “We have been developing this exciting and beautiful project for several years and I am very happy to be able to present it and make it official today.”

Atletico are due to return to La Liga action following the suspension of top-flight football in Spain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with an away fixture at Athletic Club on June 14.