Embed from Getty Images Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has dismissed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s achievements as caretaker manager at Old Trafford and insists Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino remains the prime long-term candidate. Solskjaer has become the first United manager in history to win their opening six matches after taking over from the sacked Jose Mourinho,…
Author: London Football News
Arsenal and Liverpool eyeing Wolves star – report
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal are showing an interest in Wolves captain Conor Coady, the Mail say. Coady is negotiating a new contract at Wolves, who are said to be ready to significantly increase his wages in order to see off interest from other clubs. The Mail say Arsenal and midfielder Coady’s former club Liverpool…
Emery: Champions League place looks beyond Arsenal
Unai Emery believes Arsenal are currently too inconsistent to finish in the Premier League top four. The Gunners have finished outside the Champions League places for the past two years and sit six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea following a 1-0 defeat at West Ham on Saturday. Declan Rice scored the only goal of a…
How Solskjaer got the better of Pochettino at Wembley
Embed from Getty Images There was a clear sub-plot as Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday. The game pitted the man who is the favourite to become United’s next permanent manager in Mauricio Pochettino against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the man who would love to turn his interim role into a…
Tottenham v Man Utd player ratings
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham’s title bid suffered a setback as they were beaten by Manchester United. Here’s how we rated each Spurs player in the 1-0 defeat at Wembley. HUGO LLORIS: There were slight question marks over his effort for United’s goal having got a hand to Marcus Rashford’s effort, but made three fine…
West Ham v Arsenal teams: Nasri and Arnautovic play, no Ozil in Gunners squad
Embed from Getty Images Samir Nasri plays for West Ham against his former club – his first Premier League start since being signed. Marko Arnautovic also starts for the Hammers, having this week told the club he wants to leave. Arsenal, meanwhile, again have Aaron Ramsey on the bench. There is no Mesut Ozil in…
Paper round-up: Spurs linked with Tigers star
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham are among Premier League clubs said to be targeting Hull City winger Jarrod Bowen. Bowen’s performances for the Tigers have led to reports that he could be snapped up during this month’s transfer window. The Sun say he is wanted by Leicester and that Spurs and Everton are also tracking…
Video: Nathaniel Clyne says he went through a tough time at Liverpool
Nathaniel Clyne has admitted his confidence took a big hit after long-term injury and a lack of game-time at Liverpool but is ready to recapture his best form during his loan spell with Bournemouth. The South Londoner completed his move to the south coast earlier this week.
Chelsea v Newcastle: Morata injury latest, Magpies duo set to return
Embed from Getty Images Alvaro Morata is an injury doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Newcastle on Saturday. The Spanish striker missed Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Tottenham with a minor hamstring problem. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is out with a back problem. Provisional squad: Kepa, Caballero, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Hazard, Pedro,…
Solskjaer understands why Man Utd want Spurs boss Pochettino
Embed from Getty Images Ole Gunnar Solskjaer understands why Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily tipped to take the reins on a permanent basis at Manchester United. Pochettino has led Spurs to top-three Premier League finishes in each of the last three seasons while his brand of attacking football has earned plenty of admirers…
Arsenal and Man Utd cup tie moved for TV
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal and Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth-round tie will be played out under Friday night lights after the game was selected for TV coverage. The Gunners’ clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United at the Emirates Stadium is the headline fixture of the fourth-round draw. That match will kick-off the FA Cup…
Five possible replacements if Arnautovic leaves West Ham
Embed from Getty Images West Ham have insisted that Marko Arnautovic is not for sale after the striker was reportedly targeted by a Chinese club. The Hammers say Arnautovic is expected to honour his contract at the London Stadium and that the club are not open to offers. But the Arnautovic camp are pushing for…
Four strikers Chelsea could turn to instead of Higuain or £50m Wilson
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea are reportedly ready to spend as much as £50m on Callum Wilson if they cannot thrash out a deal for Gonzalo Higuain. The deal for Higuain doesn’t appear to be straightforward. The Argentine, who played under Blues boss Maurizio Sarri at Napoli, is currently on a season-long loan at AC…
West Ham hit back after Arnautovic demands move
Embed from Getty Images West Ham have insisted Marko Arnautovic is not for sale after he indicated that he wants to leave. It comes amid reports that a Chinese club are keen to sign the Austrian forward. In a statement released to Talksport, the player’s brother Danijel Arnautovic, who also acts as his agent, said…
Emery: Arsenal cannot afford to buy players
Embed from Getty Images Unai Emery admits Arsenal can only afford to bring in loan players in the January transfer window. The Gunners are keen to add a defender and a winger to their ranks but head coach Emery has confirmed there is no money available to land permanent signings. “We cannot sign permanently. We…
Paper round-up: Man City boss Guardiola reportedly eyeing West Ham star
Embed from Getty Images The Sun claim Manchester City want West Ham’s Declan Rice. It is claimed that Rice, who recently signed a new long-term contract, is seen as the ideal replacement for City’s veteran midfielder Fernandinho. The Sun reckon Rice has “caught the attention” of Pep Guardiola and that the City boss sees similarities…
Bees to reject offers from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough
Embed from Getty Images Middlesbrough are eyeing a January move for Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers, who is also wanted by Aston Villa. Boro boss Tony Pulis is searching for more creativity and sees Sawyers as the perfect man to aid a promotion push. Pulis is also interested in Brentford striker Neal Maupay, although the Bees would…
Crystal Palace not looking to sign QPR star
Embed from Getty Images Crystal Palace have again been linked with Queens Park Rangers star Ebere Eze. The young forward has impressed at Loftus Road since being picked up by Rangers in 2016 after being released by Millwall. That decision by Millwall has looked strange in light of his performances for the R’s, who have…
Middlesbrough boss Pulis eyes two key Brentford players
Embed from Getty Images Middlesbrough are eyeing a January move for Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers, who is also wanted by Aston Villa. Boro boss Tony Pulis is searching for more creativity and sees Sawyers as the perfect man to aid a promotion push. Pulis is also interested in Brentford striker Neal Maupay, although the Bees would…
Chelsea line up Spanish striker as Moreno possible alternative to Higuain
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea are keen on Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno. Maurizio Sarri is considering entering the market for a new striker this month amid doubts over Alvaro Morata’s future. AC Milan’s on-loan Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is Sarri’s preferred target but Moreno and Genoa’s Krzystof Piatek are also high on his list. Spaniard…
New Chelsea signing makes admission over Sarri
Embed from Getty Images New Chelsea signing Christian Pulisic admits he has yet to speak to Maurizio Sarri after securing his £57.7million deal from Borussia Dortmund. The Chelsea boss revealed last week he was not aware the move was going ahead until it was done and with the 20-year-old United States international returning to previous…
Pochettino: Spurs’ philosophy may have to change
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his side “have to operate in a different way” if they are to ever win the Premier League. Pochettino has turned Spurs into title contenders over the last few seasons but has barely spent any money in comparison to other clubs at the top of the…
Farewell to Fabregas – five of Cesc’s finest moments
Embed from Getty Images Cesc Fabregas appears set to leave Chelsea this month after bidding an emotional farewell to Blues fans in the FA Cup third-round win over Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard, who has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco, was tearful as he applauded all sides of…
Sarri issues plea to Chelsea fans ahead of Tottenham game
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has called for the club’s fans to support their team and not sing offensive songs about opponents Tottenham on Tuesday night. Blues fans have been under the spotlight in recent weeks after a number of high-profile incidents including a derogatory chant about Spurs supporters, featuring alleged anti-Semitic…
Tottenham star admits they’ve been affected by title talk
Embed from Getty Images Dele Alli concedes Tottenham may have got a “little bit carried away” as talk of a Premier League title tilt grew towards the end of 2018. Mauricio Pochettino’s side moved second on Boxing Day with a 5-0 defeat of Bournemouth, leading talk to grow that Spurs could seriously challenge for their…
Crystal Palace boss wants striker – and could send one out on loan
Roy Hodgson admits signing a striker is Crystal Palace’s top priority during the January transfer window. The Eagles laboured to a 1-0 victory over Sky Bet League Two opponents Grimsby, who had Andrew Fox sent off in the second minute of their FA Cup third-round tie at Selhurst Park. Thirty attempts at goal followed before…
Millwall boss wants cup showdown with West Ham
Embed from Getty Images Millwall boss Neil Harris is dreaming of a tie against West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round after edging past Hull 2-1. Harris’ men came from behind in the final 10 minutes thanks to a pair of Shane Ferguson stunners after Jon Toral’s opener. On 82 minutes, the Northern Ireland…
Paper round-up: Palace want former Tottenham man
Embed from Getty Images Crystal Palace are keen on a loan deal for Marseille’s former Tottenham forward Clinton N’Jie, the Mail on Sunday say. Newcastle are also said to be interested in the Cameroon international, who spent two years at Spurs. Marseille have reportedly made him available for a loan move. Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday…
Emery hopeful Arsenal signings are on the way
Embed from Getty Images Unai Emery is hopeful Arsenal will bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window – but declined to say whether Denis Suarez will be one of them. The Barcelona midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates to reunite with Emery, who he worked with at Sevilla. After…
‘One of a kind’ Fabregas says farewell to Chelsea
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea coach Carlo Cudicini does not know if Cesc Fabregas has played his last game for the club, but hailed him as “one of a kind”. Fabregas has been linked with a move to French side Monaco during the January transfer window and he certainly looked like a man saying goodbye…
Paper round-up: West Ham defender eyeing move to Arsenal
Embed from Getty Images Reece Oxford could join Arsenal from West Ham in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror. Oxford has been linked with a move to Borussia Monchengladbach, where he was on loan last season. But the youngster is believed to be keen to join a Premier League club rather than return to…
Pellegrini convinced Nasri will shine at West Ham – but confirms bad news on Wilshere
Embed from Getty Images Samir Nasri can recapture his best form with West Ham, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini. The 31-year-old midfielder signed for the Hammers on a free transfer earlier this week after completing an 18-month doping ban. Nasri was an unused substitute against Brighton in midweek and is expected to make his debut…
Emery unsure whether Cech will stay at Arsenal
Petr Cech is set to start Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round tie against Blackpool – but head coach Unai Emery is unsure if the experienced goalkeeper will be at the Emirates Stadium beyond this season. The 36-year-old has found himself as understudy to Bernd Leno since the early weeks of the campaign and will get a…
Hat-trick for Llorente as Tottenham score seven
Embed from Getty Images Fernando Llorente scored a hat-trick as Tottenham ran amok at Tranmere, with Mauricio Pochettino’s swashbuckling side netting seven as they cruised through their FA Cup third-round tie. The Premier League title contenders took on the League Two play-off hopefuls at a sell-out Prenton Park on Friday night, when the TV cameras…
Benteke still not fit as Palace chase striker
Embed from Getty Images Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke has returned to training following his knee injury, but amid their frustrating pursuit of a striker he is not yet fit enough to start. Despite his prior lack of goals Palace have struggled in Benteke’s absence this season – he has been unavailable since September 1 –…
Villa given green light to sign Fosu-Mensah
Embed from Getty Images Claudio Ranieri says he will not stand in Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s way if the defender wants to leave Fulham. It comes after reports that Aston Villa could sign the on-loan Manchester United defender during this month’s transfer window. Fosu-Mensah joined the Whites on a season-long loan in August but has struggled to…
Pochettino: Premier League and Champions League the main targets for Spurs
Mauricio Pochettino believes winning trophies would not have saved him from the sack as Tottenham manager if the club were not competing at the top end of the Premier League. Pochettino has turned Spurs into one of the top clubs in England, challenging for the league title and progressing in the Champions League, but is…
Tottenham confirm Alderweireld contract extension
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham have triggered an extension clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract that will keep the Belgium defender in north London until the summer of 2020. Alderweireld, who has made 135 appearances for Spurs since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015, was due to become a free agent at the end of the…
Paper round-up: Spurs keen to offload five players to make room for new signings
Tottenham are looking to ship out five players during this month’s transfer window, the Daily Mirror reports. The club will listen to offers for Mousa Dembele and the Mirror say Fernando Llorente, Vincent Janssen, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Victor Wanyama are also up for sale. It comes after Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino suggested at a press…
Pochettino says Eriksen has the right to consider move
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino accepts that Christian Eriksen has the right to ponder a future away from the club. Eriksen has been one of the star players for Spurs over the last few years as they have challenged at the top end of the Premier League but he is reported to be stalling on a…
Conflicting reports over possible QPR return for Taarabt
Embed from Getty Images There are conflicting reports over whether Adel Taarabt is in line for a return to QPR. Taarabt, the star of Rangers’ promotion-winning side of 2011, has been tipped to rejoin his former club. He has been out of favour at Benfica for some time and The Sun have reported that he…
Tottenham duo will miss cup game but are close to return
Tottenham duo Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele are nearing a return to action but will miss the FA Cup clash at Tranmere. Vertonghen (thigh) and Dembele (ankle) have been out for several weeks but are back in training. Eric Dier is also back on grass but will not be involved at Prenton Park, while Erik…
Chelsea boss Sarri hints at striker signing
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri hinted at his desire to recruit a striker in the winter transfer window after bemoaning his side’s lack of cutting edge in Wednesday’s goalless draw with Southampton. The Blues dropped two points against a relegation-threatened Saints side who kept a clean sheet for the first time…
West Ham v Brighton teams: Three Hammers changes, one for Albion
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini makes three changes for the game at the London Stadium. Pablo Zabaleta and Pedro Obiang are back in along with Andy Carroll, who makes his first start of the season. New signing Samir Nasri is on the bench. Brighton make one change, with Florine Andone replaced by Glenn Murray. West…
Ozil wants to stay at Arsenal, agent insists
Embed from Getty Images Mesut Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut has insisted that the player wants to stay at Arsenal There has been speculation over the German’s future, particularly since he was left out by Gunners boss Unai Emery. Several clubs were linked with Ozil ahead of the transfer window amid reports that he could be…
Iwobi: Arsenal confidence unaffected by Liverpool thrashing
Alex Iwobi insists the confidence of Arsenal’s players was not affected by their weekend thrashing at Liverpool. Unai Emery’s side lost 5-1 at Anfield but recovered well to secure a 4-1 victory at home to Fulham on New Year’s Day. The result, as well as the performance, against Liverpool showed how far the Gunners are…
Kane’s perfect set – the stats behind Tottenham star’s remarkable goals record
Embed from Getty Images Harry Kane’s goal against Cardiff on New Year’s Day means he has now scored against all 28 opponents he has faced in the Premier League. Kane had failed to find the net in three previous outings against the Bluebirds, making them unique among top-flight clubs. But barely two minutes in at…
Pochettino praises players after ‘important’ Spurs win
Embed from Getty Images Mauricio Pochettino praised his Tottenham players after an “important” 3-0 win at Cardiff banished the memories of Saturday’s shock home defeat to Wolves. Spurs moved back into second place and, to within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, as first-half goals from Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min rewarded…
Emery plays down reaction of fans to substitution
Embed from Getty Images Unai Emery played down a negative reaction from some Arsenal supporters after his decision to replace Alexandre Lacazette in the win over Fulham was met with jeers. The Gunners head coach has enjoyed a good relationship with the club’s fanbase since replacing Arsene Wenger in the summer but, following a 5-1…
Chelsea v Southampton: Blues injury latest, Saints trio set to miss out
Embed from Getty Images Olivier Giroud is expected to miss Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Southampton on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Alvaro Morata could start as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack, as injuries elsewhere mean Eden Hazard is likely to be asked to play in his preferred wide left role. Cesc Fabregas…
Chelsea star wants to capitalise on Tottenham, Arsenal and Man City dropping points
Embed from Getty Images Marcos Alonso hopes Chelsea can capitalise on rivals dropping points with a third win of the festive period against Southampton on Wednesday. The Blues responded to the December 22 loss to Leicester with wins at Watford and Crystal Palace, while Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal have all dropped points amid the…
Eight players who could well leave or join London clubs this month
Embed from Getty Images The January transfer window has opened with clubs ready to spend for glory or survival. There are several players who could leave or join London clubs before the window closes at the end of the month. Eden Hazard The Chelsea star has been continually linked with Real Madrid. Hazard has 18…
Another bid for Chelsea prospect Hudson-Odoi looks imminent
Embed from Getty Images Bayern Munich are expected to make Chelsea another offer for Callum Hudson-Odoi after having a bid for the youngster rejected. The Blues have reportedly turned down around £20m for the 18-year-old forward, who has made one Premier League appearance under Maurizio Sarri this season. Reports in Germany say Bayern are determined…
Manning warned he faces battle for place at QPR
Embed from Getty Images Ryan Manning has been told he will have to fight for a place in the QPR side following his return to Loftus Road. Manning has been recalled from a season-long loan at Rotherham, where he made 18 appearances. With Geoff Cameron out injured and Massimo Luongo with Australia at the Asian…
Arsenal v Fulham: Ozil could return along with Gunners defenders, injury blow for Whites
Arsenal will give Mesut Ozil every chance of proving his fitness ahead of their New Year’s Day clash with Fulham. Ozil missed Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool with a knee complaint but will be assessed ahead of the visit of Claudio Ranieri’s side. Full-backs Hector Bellerin (calf) and Nacho Monreal (hamstring) could also feature as…
Cardiff v Tottenham: Spurs star could return along with Bluebirds duo
Embed from Getty Images Serge Aurier could return to the Tottenham squad for the trip to Cardiff. Right-back Aurier is fit again after three weeks out with a groin problem. But Victor Wanyama, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier and Erik Lamela are set to miss out again. Provisional squad: Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Aurier, Sanchez,…
West Ham v Brighton: Hammers star may return, Albion without duo
Embed from Getty Images Pablo Zabaleta could return from illness to face Brighton on Wednesday but Manuel Pellegrini expects West Ham’s injury problems to be slow to ease. Marko Arnautovic returned in Sunday’s defeat to Burnley, but Pellegrini warned that fellow forward Javier Hernandez is at least another week away from fitness. Winston Reid (knee)…
Arsenal boss Emery fined for bottle-kicking incident at Brighton
Unai Emery avoided a touchline ban after the Arsenal head coach admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct for kicking a water bottle into the Brighton crowd on Boxing Day. The 47-year-old was instead fined £8,000 after accepting the standard penalty for the charge following the incident during a 1-1 draw at the Amex…
Arsenal keeper wants chance to make amends
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is looking forward to returning to action so soon after the Gunners were thrashed by table-topping Liverpool. The Reds maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season by dishing out a 5-1 hammering of Unai Emery’s visitors to Anfield on Saturday night. Ainsley Maitland-Niles had given Arsenal the lead with…
Tottenham star Winks hits back at critics
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has batted away suggestions the damaging 3-1 defeat to Wolves was another example of failing to perform under pressure. Spurs capitulated in the final 18 minutes at Wembley to sink to a loss that saw them drift nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool – a potentially…
Hodgson looks to Solanke as Sarri admits Chelsea are ‘in trouble’ despite win
Embed from Getty Images Roy Hodgson is relishing the prospect of transfer target Dominic Solanke finally providing Crystal Palace with a reliable goal threat after watching his team again struggle as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. Palace frustrated Chelsea in the same way they have against other teams this season but as soon as N’Golo…
Arsenal need ‘major surgery’ – Shearer
Embed from Getty Images Alan Shearer believes Arsenal’s appalling defending in their 5-1 defeat at Liverpool showed that “major surgery is needed” in order for the Gunners to improve. Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick as Jurgen Klopp’s side stormed to a resounding victory at Anfield, putting them nine points clear at the top of the…
Paper round-up: Arsenal and Tottenham want Norwich youngster
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal and Tottenham both want Norwich City right-back Max Aarons, the Sunday Mirror say. Spurs have recently been linked with the Canaries youngster, who has impressed in the Championship this season. The Sunday Mirror say Arsenal also want him and will match any offer their north London rivals make for Aarons….
Anfield thrashing a ‘bad experience’ for Arsenal – Emery
Embed from Getty Images Unai Emery admitted Arsenal had to endure a tough night against Liverpool at Anfield. The Gunners were beaten 5-1 by Jurgen Klopp’s side, whose victory moved them nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table. “After our goal they pushed and when they push here they play with…
Arsenal totally destroyed by Liverpool – player ratings
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal endured an evening to forget at Anfield, where Premier League leaders Liverpool thrashed them 5-1. Here’s how we rated each Gunners player. Bernd Leno: Was out of position for Liverpool’s opener and seemed a nervy figure when in possession. 5 Stephan Lichtsteiner: Gave Salah space, allowing Liverpool’s talisman to tee…
Gracia defends team selection after Watford draw with Newcastle
Embed from Getty Images Watford boss Javi Gracia defended his decision to drop the likes of Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure as the latter came off the bench to earn a late draw at home to Newcastle. The Hornets, showing six alterations from Boxing Day defeat to Chelsea, looked on course to slip to another…
Hodgson responds to suggestion Chelsea and Palace are one-man teams
Roy Hodgson has hit back at suggestions that Crystal Palace and Chelsea are one-man teams. The Eagles host Chelsea on Sunday with Wilfried Zaha and Eden Hazard expected to spearhead the attacks of each side. Palace’s victory over Leicester earlier this month was the first time the Eagles had won a Premier League match without…
Sarri wants Chelsea board to force the issue and resolve Hazard’s future
Embed from Getty Images Maurizio Sarri has urged Chelsea’s board to end the uncertainty over Eden Hazard’s long-term future. Boss Sarri has admitted the Blues must “solve the problem” of Hazard stalling over a new deal, with the Belgian star’s current contract expiring in 2020 and Real Madrid eagerly eyeing up Chelsea’s prize asset. Hazard…
West Ham seemingly in pole position to sign Whites star Cairney
Embed from Getty Images Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has ruled out a swap deal involving Tom Cairney, potentially paving the way for West Ham to sign the Fulham star. Scotland international Cairney, who was previously linked with both clubs, has not been a regular starter since Claudio Ranieri took over as Whites boss. The Sun…
Burnley v West Ham: Waiting game for Hammers trio, Clarets pair ruled out
Embed from Getty Images West Ham hope Pablo Zabaleta can recover from illness in time for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Burnley. The injury-hit Hammers could only fill six of the seven substitute berths in Thursday’s 2-1 win at Southampton, leaving boss Manuel Pellegrini hoping that Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic might shake off hamstring…
Tottenham v Wolves: Spurs injury latest, Wolves star ruled out
Tottenham will assess Dele Alli ahead of their Premier League game with Wolves. Alli missed Boxing Day’s 5-0 romp over Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury picked up at Everton and will be monitored after training on Friday. Serge Aurier has returned to full training after a groin injury, but Jan Vertonghen, Eric Dier, Victor…
Hodgson: Palace will buy, not sell
Embed from Getty Images Roy Hodgson insists Crystal Palace are only interested in buying, not selling, when the transfer window opens next week. Wilfried Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park but Hodgson is concentrating on strengthening his squad and not weakening it. “Obviously we have our targets,” said the…
Wolves boss in bullish mood ahead of Tottenham clash
Embed from Getty Images Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has warned friend Mauricio Pochettino that Wolves are ready to derail their title challenge. Spurs have hit 11 goals in their last two games and host Wolves on Saturday aiming to close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool. They are second, six points behind the Reds…
Hodgson dismisses reports linking Zaha with China move
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed reports linking Wilfried Zaha with a move to China. Zaha, 26, is reportedly being lined up for a lucrative offer from for Super League side Dalian Yifang. But Hodgson insists he has heard nothing about the rumours and doubts the Ivory Coast forward would consider such a move….
New ground can be Spurs’ equivalent of ‘amazing’ Anfield, says Pochettino
Embed from Getty Images Mauricio Pochettino is banking on Tottenham’s new stadium providing a similar boost in the title race to the one Liverpool get from their “Anfield party”. Spurs have propelled themselves into Premier League contenders after a run of eight wins from their last nine games and they have done so playing at…
Southampton v West Ham: Hammers duo out along with Saints star, Pellegrini makes five changes
Embed from Getty Images West Ham duo Fabian Balbuena and Javier Hernandez failed fitness tests ahead of the game at St Mary’s. Aaron Cresswell is back for the Hammers, who are without a number of players, including Marko Arnautovic, and have named only six substitutes. Cresswell’s inclusion is one of five changes made by boss…
Pochettino: Alderweireld will be tied to new deal and Spurs might have to sell before buying
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the club will trigger an extension clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract. The Belgium defender will now be contracted to Spurs until the summer of 2020, having been due to be a free agent at the end of the season. However, by taking up the year’s…
Pochettino hails Spurs star Son
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino knows he has one of the hottest properties in the Premier League on his hands at the moment in the shape of Son Heung-min. The South Korea international continued his scintillating form with another brace in Boxing Day’s 5-0 romp over Bournemouth at Wembley to take his tally to seven in…
Match of the Day pundit says Sarri should be picking Giroud
Embed from Getty Images Danny Murphy believes Olivier Giroud should have a starting role for Chelsea. Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has opted to play without a recognised striker in recent games, deploying Eden Hazard as a centre-forward. Hazard scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Watford which lifted Chelsea back up to fourth in…
Klopp says Liverpool’s lead over Tottenham ‘means nothing’
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists a six-point lead at the top of the Preier League means nothing at the halfway stage of the season. The Reds have been installed as the new title favourites after they comfortably beat Newcastle 4-0 and Manchester City lost for the second successive match, going down 2-1 at Leicester. Liverpool’s…
Pochettino does not believe the Spurs bubble will burst
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says his side’s ability to block out difficult external factors have made his side title contenders this season. Spurs continued their brilliant festive period with a 5-0 romp over Bournemouth, which made it 11 goals in two games and took them above Manchester City and into the top two, six points…
Pellegrini confident West Ham can cope with injuries – and beat Southampton
Manuel Pellegrini has urged West Ham to shrug off their injury crisis and get back to winning ways at Southampton. Hammers boss Pellegrini is set to be without 10 players when they travel to the south coast on Thursday. Fabian Balbuena and Javier Hernandez were injured during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Watford to join Lucas…
Brighton boss Hughton eyeing ‘breakthrough win’ against Arsenal
Chris Hughton is hoping for a repeat of Brighton’s “breakthrough” when Arsenal return to the Amex Stadium on Boxing Day. Brighton ended their wait for a victory over one of the Premier League’s top six last season when goals from Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray secured a 2-1 home victory over the Gunners in March….
Crystal Palace v Cardiff: Three may be passed fit for Palace, Bluebirds star could return
Embed from Getty Images Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (back) and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate are expected to return for Crystal Palace’s Boxing Day Premier League clash against Cardiff. Full-back Martin Kelly (adductor) is doubtful but has not yet been ruled out by manager Roy Hodgson and will be assessed. Striker Christian Benteke (knee) remains on the sidelines…
Watford v Chelsea: Blues defender struggling, Hornets boss faces key decision
Embed from Getty Images Alvaro Morata should be fit for Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Watford on Boxing Day, but Andreas Christensen is still struggling with a hamstring injury. Striker Morata has been struggling with a knee problem, but is back in full training and Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is hopeful he will be ready…
Fulham v Wolves: Sessegnon eyes return, Wolves star set to miss out
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has no fresh injury problems ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Wolves. Winger Ryan Sessegnon missed Saturday’s goalless Premier League draw at Newcastle with a groin strain and could return as the Whites attempt to build upon a first Premier League clean sheet of the season on Tyneside. There was…
Southampton v West Ham: New Hammers injuries, Saints star to miss out
Embed from Getty Images Fabian Balbuena and Javier Hernandez have joined West Ham’s injury list ahead of the trip to Southampton. Defender Balbuena suffered a knee injury against Watford on Saturday and striker Hernandez came off with back and hamstring problems. They join Lucas Perez, Marko Arnautovic, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini, Ryan Fredericks,…
Pochettino focusing on Spurs title challenge
Mauricio Pochettino insists Tottenham will not be distracted by speculation linking him with Manchester United as they are focused on becoming genuine title challengers. A thumping 6-2 victory at Everton lifted Spurs back to within six points of leaders Liverpool and only two behind Manchester City, but Pochettino believes they still have some way to…
Azpilicueta issues challenge after shock Blues defeat
Cesar Azpilicueta has challenged Chelsea to shrug off their “disappointing” Leicester defeat and set their season back on track. Blues captain Azpilicueta bemoaned Saturday’s 1-0 home Premier League loss to Leicester, that leaves Maurizio Sarri’s fourth-placed men 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Jamie Vardy’s goal condemned the Blues to a defeat that proved a missed…
Deeney makes no apology for provoking West Ham fans
Embed from Getty Images Troy Deeney made no apologies for his provocative celebration in front of the West Ham fans during Watford’s 2-0 win at the London Stadium. Hornets skipper Deeney gave his side the lead when he slammed home a first-half penalty before charging towards the corner of the pitch. The 30-year-old attempted a…
Arsenal star Aubameyang backed for golden boot
Sokratis Papastathopoulos has backed Arsenal team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to hit 30 Premier League goals by the end of the season. The Gabon forward scored a brace in Saturday’s 3-1 victory at home to Burnley on Saturday to move above Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the league’s top goalscorer with 12 strikes to his name. Aubameyang, 29,…
Brilliant Tottenham hit Everton for six
Embed from Getty Images England captain Harry Kane equalled a Premier League record with a double against Everton for the fourth successive match as Tottenham raced to a convincing 6-2 win at Goodison Park. Spurs put all the speculation linking manager Mauricio Pochettino with Manchester United behind them to stay within touching distance – six…
Emery responds after Burnley boss Dyche points finger at Arsenal players
Embed from Getty Images Sean Dyche accused Arsenal players of diving as his side were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace put the Gunners on course for three points before Ashley Barnes halved the arrears for the visitors – only for substitute Alex Iwobi to wrap up the victory…
Harris frustrated after ‘excellent away performance’ by Millwall at Stoke
Embed from Getty Images Millwall boss Neil Harris rued a late penalty decision that went against his side as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Stoke. Saido Berahino’s header just after the hour ensured that Stoke moved to within touching distance of the Championship play-off positions on a gloomy winter afternoon in Staffordshire….
Pochettino: Too early to say if Spurs are contenders
Mauricio Pochettino believes it is too early to say whether Tottenham are Premier League title contenders. Spurs have overcome adversity this season to be locked into the top four and they sit nine points behind Christmas leaders Liverpool ahead of their game in hand at Everton on Sunday. They are enjoying their best Premier League…
Paper round-up: Arsenal eyeing Ozil swap deal
Arsenal are considering a swap deal involving Isco and Mesut Ozil but are likely to face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham for the Real Madrid midfielder, according to The Independent. It comes amid continued speculation over the future of Ozil, who has been linked with several clubs. So too has Isco, who has long been…
Pellegrini feels like West Ham fans are finally behind him
Manuel Pellegrini believes he has finally united the West Ham fans behind him and the club. Hammers supporters sung their manager’s name for the first time since he took over in the summer as they made it four wins on the spin at Fulham last weekend. They host Watford on Saturday looking for a fifth…
West Ham v Watford: Hammers injury woes, Hornets star set to return
Jack Wilshere will once again be missing from the West Ham squad to face Watford. The injury-jinxed midfielder has an ankle problem which has forced him to miss the Hammers’ last three matches. Striker Lucas Perez could return from a foot injury but Marko Arnautovic, Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini, Ryan Fredericks, Carlos Sanchez and Winston…
Man City v Crystal Palace: Eagles duo set to miss out along with City star
Embed from Getty Images Cheikhou Kouyate is a doubt for Crystal Palace’s Premier League trip to Manchester City owing to a knock. Defender Martin Kelly is expected to miss the Etihad Stadium clash due to an adductor muscle strain. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has also not recovered from a back spasm, so will miss out. Provisional…
Chelsea v Leicester: Same again for Hazard, defender out, Foxes duo eye return
Eden Hazard is expected to be deployed as a ‘false nine’ for a third straight Premier League game when Chelsea play Leicester on Saturday. Olivier Giroud played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth, while Alvaro Morata returned to training on Thursday after a week out with a knee problem. Andreas…
Newcastle v Fulham: Whites star out along with Magpies defender
Embed from Getty Images Ryan Sessegnon will miss Fulham’s Premier League trip to Newcastle on Saturday with a groin strain. The England Under-21 winger could be fit in time for Fulham’s Boxing Day clash with Wolves at Craven Cottage. Midfielder Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa remains sidelined with a knock. Provisional squad: Rico, Bettinelli, Fabri, Fosu-Mensah,…
Pochettino tells Rose not to over-think
Mauricio Pochettino believes Danny Rose is at his best when he is not over-thinking things. The England left-back, who memorably launched a scathing attack on the club in an interview with a national newspaper in 2017, has enjoyed a resurgence at Tottenham this season, having been told he could leave in the summer if he…
Fulham boss wants shut-out against Newcastle
Embed from Getty Images Claudio Ranieri has admitted Fulham are desperately craving the daily bread of a clean sheet to kick-start their Premier League survival fight. Basement club Fulham boast just nine points from 17 games and a minus 26 goal difference, leaving Italian manager Ranieri challenging the Craven Cottage men to tighten up at…
Dyche stands by tactics against Tottenham as Burnley prepare to face Arsenal
Embed from Getty Images Burnley manager Sean Dyche is unrepentant about the defensive mindset his side adopted at Tottenham last week, labelling the approach “reality tactics”. The Clarets had just 30 per cent possession and no shots on target at Wembley but they defended resolutely from the front until substitute Christian Eriksen struck in time…
Bottle incident made goal even sweeter – Alli
Dele Alli said being hit on the head by a plastic bottle thrown by an Arsenal fan made his brilliant goal in Tottenham’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win all the more sweeter. The Gunners are analysing CCTV footage in a bid to identify the supporter who launched the missile at Alli in the second half of…
Arsenal v Tottenham: five talking points ahead of tonight’s derby clash
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal and Tottenham meet tonight in the second north London derby of the season in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash. Unai Emery’s side hold the bragging rights after winning the Premier League fixture on December 2 and both teams will be keen to give their fans some festive cheer. Here are…
Arsenal boss Emery questions why Pochettino would want to leave Spurs for Man Utd
Mauricio Pochettino is happy at Tottenham, according to close friend and Arsenal head coach Unai Emery – who also questioned why the Argentinian would want to leave to take over at Manchester United. Following Jose Mourinho’s sacking as United boss on Tuesday morning, Pochettino has been heavily linked with replacing the Portuguese at Old Trafford….
Arsenal v Tottenham: Emery faces dilemma, Spurs duo out
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has a number of selection headaches ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to rivals Tottenham. Full-backs Hector Bellerin (calf) and Sead Kolasinac (thigh) will not be risked, while centre-back duo Rob Holding (knee) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin) are still sidelined – although Sokratis Papastathopoulos is back after…
Emery wants to see ’emotion’ from Arsenal against Tottenham
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery insists football needs passion as he urged his players to show emotion in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final meeting with rivals Tottenham. The Gunners sealed a 4-2 victory over their north London neighbours in the Premier League fixture on December 2 in a match that had several flashpoints. Eric Dier equalised…
Tottenham prospect determined to learn from his mistakes
Embed from Getty Images Kyle Walker-Peters believes he has already faced the toughest mental hurdle of his career even though he is just 21. The right-back was handed his first Champions League start in dream circumstances as Tottenham went to the Nou Camp trying to secure their progression to the next stage. But it quickly…
Neville: Spurs boss Pochettino is the man for Man Utd
Embed from Getty Images Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club should try to bring in “outstanding candidate” Mauricio Pochettino as Jose Mourinho’s replacement. United sacked boss Mourinho on Tuesday morning, two days on from the 3-1 Premier League defeat at Liverpool, which left them 19 points behind the table-topping Reds in sixth…
Major hint that Chelsea will move for England striker
Embed from Getty Images Gianfranco Zola has spoken of Chelsea’s admiration for Callum Wilson ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Bournemouth. The 26-year-old England striker has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January and Zola’s comments point to Chelsea targeting him. Chelsea assistant boss Zola said: “I’m sure there are a…
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham chasing Ivory Coast star
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly involved in a battle to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe. The Gunners have long been linked with the Ivory Coast international, who is said to be rated at £45m and is believed to be keen to move to England. He has scored 12 goals this…
BBC pundit: Sarri’s system does suit Chelsea players
Maurizio Sarri is playing Chelsea’s key players in the correct positions, according to BBC pundit Stephen Warnock. Blues boss Sarri has faced some criticism for deploying N’Golo Kante in a more attacking midfield role this season. And more recently the Italian has played without an out and out striker, with Eden Hazard operating as a…
Hazard says he is focused on team’s success as he approaches 100 Chelsea goals
Embed from Getty Images Eden Hazard insists he is more focused on securing wins for Chelsea than reaching personal landmarks with the Blues. The Belgium talisman set up Pedro before scoring himself as Chelsea eased past Brighton 2-1 at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, to retain fourth place in the Premier League. Hazard now boasts…
Shearer: Arsenal’s big weakness was exposed
Embed from Getty Images Alan Shearer believes Southampton were able to beat Arsenal because they successfully targeted the centre of the Gunners’ defence. Arsenal, beaten 3-2 at St Mary’s, have injury problems at centre-back and had Laurent Koscielny back in the side after a long absence. And former England captain Shearer, speaking on Match of…
Fulham man calls for unity as dire results continue
Embed from Getty Images Calum Chambers has called on the Fulham squad to stick together in their bid to climb away from the relegation zone. The Cottagers remain rooted to the foot of the table following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham. Yet they are still only three points from safety ahead of three…
Emery has blunt message for players after Arsenal loss
Unai Emery says Arsenal cannot qualify for next season’s Champions League if they continue to drop points against the Premier League’s lesser clubs. Gunners manager Emery saw his side’s 22-match unbeaten run in all competitions halted by a 3-2 defeat at struggling Southampton. Sunday’s setback leaves the London club three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in…
Hazard too good for Brighton as Chelsea win again
Embed from Getty Images Eden Hazard masterminded Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton, teeing up Pedro before netting himself at the Amex Stadium. The Belgium star laid on an assist for a personal record fourth consecutive league game, then fired his eighth league goal of an already hugely-fruitful campaign. Hazard has now had a…
Pochettino backs Spurs youngster to reach the top
Embed from Getty Images Mauricio Pochettino is backing Tottenham youngster Oliver Skipp to make it to the top after he made his first senior start in the 1-0 win against Burnley. The 18-year-old, who made his Premier League debut against Southampton as a substitute 10 days ago, was thrown into the starting line-up against the…
Paper round-up: West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea all chasing Man Utd man
Embed from Getty Images West Ham are reportedly looking to take Andreas Pereira on loan from Manchester United in January. The Sunday Mirror say Pereira, 22, is “hugely wanted” by Arsenal and Chelsea but favours a move to the London Stadium because he wants regular first-team football. The Brazilian has not made a Premier League…
BBC pundit: Pochettino is happy at Spurs and doesn’t need new signings
Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy believes Mauricio Pochettino is happy at the club and has a better squad than Spurs are given credit for. Pochettino, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United, was the only Premier League manager not to make a summer signing. But Murphy, speaking as a pundit on Match…
Gracia issues challenge to Watford star
Watford boss Javi Gracia challenged Gerard Deulofeu to show consistently high performances after the Spain forward starred in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Cardiff. Deulofeu’s solo goal and curling efforts from Jose Holebas and Domingos Quina saw the hosts take a 3-0 lead after 68 minutes, but they had to withstand a late rally from Cardiff….
Hodgson relieved to see Vardy miss and Palace win without Zaha
Roy Hodgson recognised Crystal Palace had been fortunate to see out their 1-0 victory over Leicester after watching Jamie Vardy hit a post when through on goal. The striker, who was handed his England debut by Hodgson in 2015, was sent one-on-one with Palace’s Premier League debutant Vicente Guaita in the 79th minute but the…
Pochettino suggests Spurs might again not make any signings
Tottenham might have to endure another transfer window without signing any new players unless Mauricio Pochettino can find the right one. Spurs made history when they became the first Premier League side since the summer transfer window’s inception not to sign any players – not that it has affected their form much. Pochettino has guided…
Silva shrugs off reports Tottenham are out to snatch Everton target
Embed from Getty Images Everton will not be affected by other clubs being linked with on-loan midfielder Andre Gomes, insists boss Marco Silva. Gomes, signed from Barcelona on a season-long deal in August, has been in fine form for the Merseyside outfit since overcoming a hamstring injury and making his debut in October. But it…
Brighton v Chelsea: Blues injury worries, Albion striker a doubt
Striker Alvaro Morata is a doubt with a knee injury when Chelsea play at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Antonio Rudiger, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante are poised to return to the starting line-up after being rested for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Hungary’s Vidi. Mateo Kovacic, Gary Cahill…
Tottenham v Burnley: Spurs fitness tests, Clarets duo set to miss out
Tottenham will assess a host of players ahead of their Premier League clash with Burnley. Kieran Tripper, Serge Aurier (both groin), Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth (hamstring) have all been struggling in recent weeks. Mousa Dembele (ankle) and Victor Wanyama (knee) miss out, but Jan Vertonghen returns from his Premier League ban. Provisional squad: Lloris,…
Fulham v West Ham: Whites trio can play, Hammers have more injury woes
Embed from Getty Images Fulham will have to face West Ham without Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The midfielder is suspended after he received a red card in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Maxime Le Marchand is still injured but Calum Chambers, Floyd Ayite and Kevin McDonald are available. Provisional squad: Rico, Bettinelli,…
Hodgson acknowledges Palace ‘problem’ but is not banking on January signings
Roy Hodgson does not believe Crystal Palace need to spend in the January transfer window to ignite their season – even though he recognises their reliance on Wilfried Zaha is a “problem”. Palace host Leicester on Saturday when, with Zaha suspended, they will attempt to end a run dating back to September 2016 which has…
Cardiff boss Warnock eyeing deal for Liverpool defender
Embed from Getty Images Cardiff manager Neil Warnock fears Liverpool’s defensive injuries could scupper his planned January move for Nathaniel Clyne. The South Londoner has had injury problems this season and not played in the Premier League, although he is now training fully. Warnock has confirmed his interest in the 27-year-old right-back, but the Reds…
Chelsea star says discrimination must be stamped out
Embed from Getty Images Cesc Fabregas hopes the indefensible discriminatory behaviour of some Chelsea supporters can highlight the issue to help eradicate it in football and beyond. Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police opened investigations after alleged racist abuse was directed at Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling by a section of home supporters during last Saturday’s match…
Four QPR players are ruled out of Middlesbrough clash
Embed from Getty Images QPR will be without Geoff Cameron, Tomer Hemed and Angel Rangel for a lengthy spell, while Grant Hall is also unavailable for Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough. The loss of on-loan duo Cameron and Hemed is a big blow for Rangers as their arrivals sparked an upturn in results after a terrible…
Paper round-up: Arsenal reportedly watch Turkey youngster ahead of possible move
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal continue to be linked with Roma winger Cengiz Under. The Daily Mirror have picked up on Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the 21-year-old Turk was recently watched by an Arsenal scout. A Gunners representative is said to have watched him in action in a Champions League match against Viktoria…
Spurs chief Levy ‘suffering a lot’, says Pochettino
Embed from Getty Images Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is enduring sleepless nights in his drive to leave a lasting legacy at the club. Levy is currently consumed by delivering Spurs’ new stadium – a project that has suffered escalating costs and many delays and problems along the way. There could be good…
Sarri waiting for news on injured Morata
Maurizio Sarri is waiting to discover the extent of Alvaro Morata’s knee injury after the striker was substituted in Chelsea’s 2-2 Europa League Group L draw at Vidi in Budapest. Morata was taken off in the first half, with his replacement Olivier Giroud scoring the equaliser which spared Chelsea from an embarrassing defeat at the…
Koscielny returns as Lacazette’s goal gives Arsenal victory
Unai Emery’s big guns secured Arsenal’s victory over Qarabag in their Europa League dead rubber as captain Laurent Koscielny came through his return from injury unscathed. Alexandre Lacazette was a surprise inclusion but grabbed the only goal of the game after latching on to Mesut Ozil’s pass – the German also a standout name in…
Gracia issues challenge to Watford players ahead of Cardiff game
Javi Gracia has challenged Watford’s fringe players to take their chance as the squad gets stretched ahead of the visit of Cardiff and the hectic festive schedule. The Hornets will be looking to build on Monday night’s 2-2 draw at Everton, which would have been a victory but for a stoppage-time equaliser from Lucas Digne….
Pochettino explains why he’s happy to be linked with United and Real jobs
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will never get bored of stories linking him to other clubs because it means he is doing something right. Fresh speculation about Pochettino’s future has emerged this week in the wake of Spurs’ qualification to the knockout stage of the Champions League, with reports suggesting the club are braced for summer…
Hammers boss Pellegrini welcomes Noble deal
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini received good news about Mark Noble this week, but more bad news on Jack Wilshere. Hammers skipper Noble on Wednesday signed a new one-year contract which will extend his stay with his boyhood club to 17 years. The 31-year-old midfielder made his first-team debut in a League Cup win against…
The lowdown on Arsenal’s Europa League opponents Qarabag
Embed from Getty Images Arsenal host Qarabag at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night in their final group-stage match of this season’s Europa League. The Gunners are already assured of top spot while their Azerbaijani visitors cannot qualify but will be playing for pride in an attempt not to finish bottom of Group E. Here’s…
Arsenal boss Emery keen to sign defender
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery admits he may be forced to add a central defender to his January shopping list. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Eric Bailly of Manchester United are among the centre-backs being linked with the Gunners, who have major injury problems. They look like heading to Southampton on Sunday with only one recognised…
Kane: Why Pochettino was the inspiration for Spurs triumph
Tottenham striker Harry Kane revealed the desire not to let down boss Mauricio Pochettino inspired their memorable draw at Barcelona, which sent them through to the knockout stages of the Champions League. Spurs progressed from the group stage with a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night, with Lucas Moura’s late goal enough…
Arsenal duo to return in Qarabag game
Embed from Getty Images Unai Emery has confirmed Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny will make his long-awaited comeback against Qarabag on Thursday night – with Mesut Ozil also set to feature in the Europa League dead rubber. Koscielny, 33, has yet to play under Emery having ruptured his Achilles in the Europa League semi-final defeat to…
Spurs game ‘not good for recovery, jokes Hoddle
Embed from Getty Images Glenn Hoddle has joked about his recovery from heart surgery after watching Tottenham qualify for the Champions League knockout stage. Former England boss Hoddle, 61, is convalescing at home after suffering a cardiac arrest while working at the BT Sport studios in October. He tweeted for the first time after former…
Pochettino hails players for pulling off ‘mission impossible’
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the biggest reward for completing “mission impossible” is the prospect of playing Champions League football in the club’s new stadium. Spurs booked their unlikely place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Group B winners Barcelona, thanks to Lucas Moura’s late goal the Nou Camp. They were heading…
Barcelona star Suarez will not play against Spurs
Embed from Getty Images Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has confirmed Luis Suarez will not play in their final Champions League Group B game with Tottenham. Barca are already through to the knockout stages as group winners and will not risk Suarez following a recent knee injury. Valverde was not so open over whether Lionel Messi…
Spurs youngster agrees new long-term deal
Embed from Getty Images Defender Kyle Walker-Peters has signed a new contract with Tottenham, the Premier League club announced on Monday. The 21-year-old full-back’s new deal runs until 2023. Walker-Peters came through the Tottenham academy and made his 11th senior appearance when sent on as a substitute during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Leicester….
Sarri not getting his way over the futures of Chelsea duo
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea are only willing to offer David Luiz a one-year contract extension, the Daily Mirror reports. Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has made it clear he wants Luiz and Cesc Fabregas, both 31, to be given new contracts by the club. Their current deals expire this summer. They both want longer-term contracts…
Paper round-up: Mourinho reportedly confident of Alderweireld deal
Embed from Getty Images Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is confident of a deal to sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld in January, The Sun say. Alderweireld continues to be linked with United, who have been tipped to spend when the transfer window opens. The Sun say recent discussions between Mourinho, his agent Jorge Mendes and…
Man Utd man suggests he will snub Whites move
Embed from Getty Images Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian has admitted he misses Italy. Darmian, who signed for United from Torino in 2015, has featured in just three league matches for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is interested in the 29-year-old, but a move to the Whites seems unlikely. Darmian has…
Fulham star: Listen to Ranieri and we’ll stay up
Embed from Getty Images Andre Schurrle knows Fulham’s talented squad will fall short unless they knuckle down, tighten up and learn from manager Claudio Ranieri. Expectations were high at Craven Cottage after making a glut of striking signings after sealing a Premier League return via the Championship play-offs. But things have gone awry this term,…
West Ham star says he is enjoying his football again
Embed from Getty Images Javier Hernandez admitted he is enjoying his football again following West Ham’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Hernandez scored his third goal in the space of a week as the Hammers made it three wins on the spin. The Mexican striker has at times cut a frustrated figure since joining West…
Watford boss says he would consider offers for Fulham target
Embed from Getty Images Javi Gracia would speak to Stefano Okaka about his Watford future should the Hornets field any January offers for the Italy striker. Okaka has featured just twice in all competitions this season, with Isaac Success and Troy Deeney bossing Watford’s forward line. Okaka has been linked with a return to Fulham,…
Pochettino expects no favours in ‘massive game’ for Spurs
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has warned Barcelona will not give Spurs a free pass. Son Heung-min’s fine opener and Dele Alli’s second-half header secured a routine 2-0 victory at Leicester on Saturday, which lifted them to third in the Premier League. They now travel to Barcelona for Tuesday’s crunch Champions League Group B match. Spurs…
Pochettino targets glory against Barcelona after Spurs’ win at Leicester
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino declared all eyes are on Barcelona after Spurs cruised past Leicester. Son Heung-min and Dele Alli struck to clinch a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium on Saturday night. Harry Kane was rested and played just the final 16 minutes as Pochettino kept him fresh for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League…
Son inspires Tottenham to victory at Leicester
Tottenham climbed up to third in the Premier League after Son Heung-min inspired them to a routine 2-0 win at Leicester. The South Korea international scored one and set up Dele Alli’s clincher at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Spurs now sit six points behind leaders Liverpool ahead of Tuesday’s must-win Champions League trip…
Sarri: Chelsea still need to improve
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola played down the impact of the Blues’ 2-0 win over the Premier League champions on the title race. Goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz saw Chelsea inflict City’s first loss of the season, ending a 21-match unbeaten run in…
Pellegrini eyes top six after derby win
Manuel Pellegrini has set his sights on sixth spot after West Ham climbed into the top half. Goals from Robert Snodgrass, Javier Hernandez and Felipe Anderson sank Crystal Palace 3-2 at the London Stadium. The Hammers, rock bottom after losing their first four Premier League matches of the season, are now up to 10th and…
Brilliant Chelsea inflict first defeat on Man City
Chelsea inflicted Manchester City’s first defeat of the season in a compelling contest at Stamford Bridge. Strikers were conspicuous by their absence, with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and City’s Raheem Sterling deployed in the ‘false nine’ position, and the hosts absorbed repeated pressure from Pep Guardiola’s men before earning a 2-0 win. Infrequent goalscorer N’Golo Kante…
West Ham boss Pellegrini wants 10 more years
Manuel Pellegrini hopes to still be in management when he is 75. The West Ham boss, 65, comes up against 71-year-old Roy Hodgson when Crystal Palace visit the London Stadium on Saturday. Pellegrini, Hodgson, 70-year-old Cardiff manager Neil Warnock and new Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri, 67, continue to fly the flag for the Premier League’s…
Pochettino states his commitment to Spurs after being linked with Man Utd
Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated his commitment to Tottenham despite admitting a top-four finish is probably the best they can hope for. Reports have surfaced linking Pochettino with Manchester United but the Argentinian insists he is more than satisfied with the “recognition” he receives at Spurs. “Tottenham has given me value,” he said. “I feel happy…
Video: Pochettino reacts to reports linking Spurs with Aston Villa star
Mauricio Pochettino has refused to be drawn on reports linking Tottenham with a January move for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish. The midfielder was linked with Tottenham during the summer and has since signed a new contract at Villa, but reports are again suggesting Spurs could try to sign him when the transfer window reopens. “Look,…
Leicester v Tottenham: Spurs injury problems, Foxes star ruled out
Jan Vertonghen is back in the Tottenham squad for the trip to Leicester but fellow defenders Kieran Trippier and Juan Foyth are ruled out. Vertonghen returns following a one-match ban but Trippier has a groin problem and Foyth a hamstring issue. Mousa Dembele (ankle), Erik Lamela (thigh), Victor Wanyama (knee) and Davinson Sanchez (hamstring) are…
Chelsea v Man City: Chelsea changes likely, City duo miss out
Jorginho and David Luiz are expected to return to Chelsea’s starting line-up for Saturday’s visit of Premier League leaders Manchester City. Blues boss Maurizio Sarri reported no serious injuries ahead of the clash and is expected to restore his first-choice line-up after Wednesday’s loss at Wolves, a second defeat in three league games. Mateo Kovacic…
Arsenal v Huddersfield: Gunners injury woes, Terriers duo ruled out
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ankle) is a doubt and Mesut Ozil (back) is unlikely to feature once again, but Granit Xhaka is available following suspension. Rob Holding begins a long spell on the sidelines. The club announced on Friday that he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and would be out…
West Ham v Crystal Palace: Hammers injury woes, Eagles trio recovering
West Ham will be without Marko Arnautovic when they host Crystal Palace after the forward was ruled out for a month with a thigh injury. Arnautovic joins Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks, Carlos Sanchez, Aaron Cresswell, Winston Reid and Manuel Lanzini on a lengthy casualty list. But defenders Pablo Zabaleta and Fabian Balbuena are…
Spurs boss Pochettino disagrees with Rose
Mauricio Pochettino insists playing at Wembley remains a “gift” despite Tottenham’s prolonged stay at the national stadium. Spurs full-back Danny Rose this week voiced his frustration at the club’s extended tenure at the national stadium as they wait for their new ground to be ready. Many Tottenham fans seem to agree, with just 33,012 turning…
Sarri explains why he was ‘sure’ Blues would have problems
Maurizio Sarri thought Chelsea would have encountered problems before now, as the Blues prepare for the visit of Premier League leaders Manchester City. The Italian was appointed in July after compatriot Antonio Conte was sacked following the Blues’ fifth-placed finish last season, 30 points behind champions City. Chelsea enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten start to the…
QPR boss: Courage will be needed against Leeds United at Elland Road
Embed from Getty Images QPR manager Steve McClaren says his side will need to show courage against Leeds United at Elland Road. Leeds are enjoying an impressive season under highly-regarded boss Marcelo Bielsa and are second in the Championship table. “I think for most teams in the Championship going to Elland Road will represent one…
Arsenal players to be given warning over nitrous oxide video
Arsenal say they will “remind players of their responsibilities” after a video emerged which appears to show a number of Gunners stars inhaling nitrous oxide. Stars including Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi feature in the footage, which appears to come from nightclub CCTV footage and was published by The Sun. In…
Chelsea should forget about trying to catch City – Alonso
Embed from Getty Images Marcos Alonso has urged Chelsea to forget about the growing gap to Manchester City, with the Blues’ title hopes hanging by a thread. Wednesday’s shock 2-1 defeat at Wolves left Maurizio Sarri’s side 10 points behind the Premier League leaders ahead of Saturday’s Stamford Bridge showdown with Pep Guardiola’s side. Lose…
Hodgson wants Palace to bounce back against West Ham
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has warned his players not to dwell on the disappointment of losing 3-1 to rivals Brighton as they look to get a positive result at West Ham. The Eagles were second best at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday night, despite Brighton having played for an hour with 10 men following…
Big problems for Sarri as Chelsea suffer shock defeat at Wolves
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea slipped 10 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race after a shock defeat at feisty Wolves. The hosts ended a two-month wait for a win with quickfire second-half goals from Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota clinching a 2-1 victory. Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s deflected strike opened the scoring for…
The reason Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign ex-City man Suarez
Embed from Getty Images Chelsea are being heavily linked with Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez. And according to the Daily Express, the Blues are in pole position to sign the Spain international. The Express say Barcelona are keen on a permanent deal in January for Suarez and that, while AC Milan are looking to sign him…
Emery issues challenge to Aubameyang ahead of United game
Unai Emery has challenged Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to maintain the hot streak which has turned him into the Premier League’s hottest property. Aubameyang scored a brace in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory against Tottenham to become the first player to reach double figures in the league this season. The Gabon international has an impressive hit rate, netting with…
Perez inspires West Ham to victory over Cardiff
Lucas Perez scored his first Premier League goals for West Ham to fire them to a 3-1 victory over Cardiff. The summer signing from Arsenal, on as a substitute for the injured Marko Arnautovic, found the net twice as the Hammers recorded back-to-back top-flight wins for the first time in almost two years. Cardiff, still…
Wolves v Chelsea: Blues duo doubtful, changes likely, key Wolves man misses out
Mateo Kovacic and Marcos Alonso are doubts for Chelsea’s Premier League clash at Wolves on Wednesday. Midfielder Kovacic has an ankle problem and Alonso has a back complaint, with both set to be assessed before kick-off. Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri may rotate his options in the second of nine games in December, so Ruben…
Fulham v Leicester: Schurrle to return, key Foxes duo set to miss out
Fulham forward Andre Schurrle is available when Claudio Ranieri is reunited with Leicester on Wednesday. Schurrle missed last Sunday’s 2-0 loss at his former club Chelsea with a knock, but is fit again. Fulham were improved when Ranieri swapped Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen for Floyd Ayite and Aboubakar Kamara at half-time at Stamford Bridge,…
Could Newcastle beat London clubs to the signing of Loftus-Cheek?
Embed from Getty Images There continues to be speculation over the future of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who looks increasingly likely to leave Chelsea again on loan in January. Loftus-Cheek scored after coming on as a substitute in Sunday’s derby win against Fulham but has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge. He…
Azpilicueta: Let’s keep Chelsea where they belong
Embed from Getty Images Cesar Azpilicueta says he wants to “keep Chelsea where it belongs” after signing a new four-year deal with the club. Chelsea announced on Tuesday morning that the Spaniard – who has captained them in the Premier League this season – has committed his future through to 2022. The 29-year-old, signed from…
Hodgson wants more of the same from Palace against Brighton
Roy Hodgson hopes his Crystal Palace side can build on last Saturday’s victory over Burnley in Tuesday night’s Premier League clash with rivals Brighton. The Eagles earned a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park, scoring in open play at home for the first time this season, ending an eight-match winless run in the league. Hodgson told…
West Ham duo could miss Cardiff game
Embed from Getty Images Defenders Aaron Cresswell and Fabian Balbuena are doubts for West Ham’s Premier League clash with Cardiff on Tuesday. Cresswell suffered a hamstring problem in Saturday’s win over Newcastle, when Balbuena took a knock. Both will be assessed before Cardiff’s visit. Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini said of Cresswell: “We will see him…
Brighton boss Hughton calls for cool heads against Crystal Palace
Brighton manager Chris Hughton has called on his side keep their heads when they welcome Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday. The clash against the Eagles is one of the most hotly-contested fixtures and Hughton wants his men to give themselves the best chance possible. “You want a team that’s fired up and…
Dier: Football needs clashes like Spurs-Arsenal
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier says football needs games like the feisty north London derby with Arsenal. The Gunners won an enthralling contest 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, thanks in part to two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Although the occasion was soured by trouble in the stands, which saw a…
West Ham could sell youngster Oxford
Embed from Getty Images Reece Oxford has been warned by manager Manuel Pellegrini that his days at West Ham could be numbered. The 19-year-old defender has not played at all for the Hammers this season, and Pellegrini revealed on Thursday that he barely trains with the first-team squad. Reports emerged this week that Oxford wants…
Rose training again but Wanyama is struggling
Danny Rose was involved in Tottenham’s training session ahead of their Champions League game with Inter Milan. The left-back has been out of action since October with a groin injury but has now recovered. Victor Wanyama did not take part in training ahead of Spurs’ must-win clash at Wembley on Wednesday. Despite his return to…
Paper round-up: Tottenham reportedly eyeing Danish defender
Embed from Getty Images Tottenham have been linked with a move for Sampdoria defender Joachim Andersen. Manchester United are also said to be keen on the 22-year-old, who has been tipped to move in January. The Mirror have picked up on Italian outlet Calciomercato claiming that both Premier League clubs are monitoring Denmark Under-21 international…
New contracts for three QPR players
Embed from Getty Images Luke Freeman has signed a new contract and two other QPR players are set to sign new deals. The Championship club want to extend Angel Rangel’s short-term contract, with the veteran right-back having impressed since joining the club in August. And West London Sport reports that Osman Kakay, also a right-back,…
Arsenal star says they are only playing at 70%
Embed from Getty Images Sokratis Papastathopoulos believes Arsenal are only playing at 70 per cent of their potential as they close in on a place in the Premier League top four. The Gunners won 2-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday to move just a point behind London rivals Chelsea, who currently sit fourth and in the…
Emery’s comments spark fresh speculation over Ozil’s Arsenal future
Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s relationship with Mesut Ozil is under scrutiny again after the Spaniard appeared to suggest Sunday’s match at Bournemouth was too “demanding” for the German. Ozil was a substitute for the 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium, despite having had a two-week break during the international window and with a Europa League…
Arsenal victory a ‘big moment’ – Emery
Unai Emery was pleased to see his Arsenal side return to winning ways as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the deciding goal at Bournemouth. The Gunners have extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches but they had drawn their last three Premier League fixtures. Aubameyang slid in to tuck home and seal a 2-1 win after Joshua…
United tipped to move for Arnautovic
Embed from Getty Images There continues to be speculation over the future of West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic. The Sunday Mirror claim Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign the Hammers star, who has also been linked with Chelsea. The newspaper say United are set to offer West Ham £50m for Arnautovic when the…
Pellegrini insists West Ham will attack Man City
Manuel Pellegrini insists West Ham will take the game to Manchester City despite the memory of some recent hidings. Champions City have won their last three trips to the London Stadium 4-1, 4-0 and 5-0, and have already racked up five wins by five or more goals this season. Yet Hammers boss Pellegrini, who was…
Brentford v Middlesbrough: Bees duo and Boro star to miss out
Brentford manager Thomas Frank will be without Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins for the visit of Middlesbrough to Griffin Park. Both are injured while Romaine Sawyers is suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-2 defeat at QPR. Kamohelo Mokotjo will have his fitness assessed ahead of the game. Chris Mepham,…
Bournemouth v Arsenal: Gunners have defensive worries and Cherries star could return
Arsenal will be without a quartet of defenders for their Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Sunday. While Sokratis Papastathopoulos has recovered from an ankle injury to give Unai Emery more options at the back, Laurent Koscielny (Achilles), Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin), Nacho Monreal and Stephan Lichtsteiner (both hamstring) are all still missing. Danny Welbeck (ankle)…
Man Utd v Crystal Palace: Boost for Palace, United stars could return
Crystal Palace will welcome Wilfried Zaha back to their squad for the trip to Manchester United. Zaha missed Palace’s last game with Tottenham before the international break due to a hamstring injury but has now recovered, as has James Tomkins (knee). Mamadou Sakho has shaken off a knock he picked up on international duty, but…
Fulham v Southampton: Whites duo out, Saints striker a doubt
New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has two injury doubts ahead of his first game in charge at home to fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton. Kevin McDonald (hamstring) remains sidelined with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa also ruled out by Ranieri with an unspecified issue, although Joe Bryan should be fit enough to return to the squad following…
Hodgson hails Palace players ahead of Man Utd clash
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is reluctant to sell his club short by continually having to answer questions about players potentially leaving. Defender Mamadou Sakho is the latest player whose future has come into the spotlight after he gave an interview when on international duty with France suggesting he has ambitions to play in the…
Pochettino: Players are being pushed to the limit
Mauricio Pochettino accepts he is pushing his Tottenham squad to the limit as he counts of the cost of their World Cup exploits. Out of the 11 Spurs players that went to Russia in the summer, only Harry Kane, Toby Alderweireld and Son Heung-min have not spent time out injured this season with muscle injuries….