John Arne Riise interview: Former Liverpool left-back on retirement, punditry, poker and his ambition to become a manager December 6, 2018 John Arne Riise retired from playing football two years ago. But unlike some, the former Liverpool player did not make a clean break from the sport. He did not crave time away. Far from it. The Norwegian’s enduring love of football has meant he hasn’t gone far since hanging up his boots in June 2016, [...]
Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal: Five things we learned as poor defending defines scrappy Old Trafford draw December 5, 2018 Jose Mourinho isn’t one to be understated and with his side struggling he used the visit of Arsenal to Old Trafford to make a point. Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini were all left on the bench, with £47m summer signing Fred not even in the squad. Pogba and Lukaku both came off [...]
Trevor Steven: Missed opportunities cost Mark Hughes at Southampton December 4, 2018 When Southampton needed someone to steer them away from the threat of relegation last season, they banked on Premier League experience. Mark Hughes replaced Mauricio Pellegrino for the final eight games and the former Stoke, Fulham, Manchester City and Blackburn boss saved them from the drop. He proved that he knew how to organise and [...]
Women’s Euro 2021: England’s hosting provides great opportunity for game’s growth and Lionesses to win silverware December 3, 2018 The announcement was expected, but the result still sparked excitement for those involved with women’s football in England. Uefa have confirmed that the Football Association’s bid to host the 2021 Women’s European Championship had been accepted. The fact there were no alternatives mattered little to the FA, which quickly trumpeted the news. “A home Euro in [...]
Unai Emery enjoys his finest hour as Arsenal overpower Tottenham in pulsating derby December 2, 2018 If the jury has been out on Unai Emery’s ability to reverse Arsenal’s fall from the Premier League’s top four then this was the most compelling evidence yet that the Spaniard’s methods are working. His team’s deserved 4-2 win over Tottenham in Sunday’s pulsating north London derby was their first over another team from the [...]
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Five things we learned as Pedro leads Blues to west London derby victory December 2, 2018 Eden Hazard is undoubtedly the main man at Chelsea, yet the most influential player in a slightly lacklustre west London derby was a different player in a blue shirt. Pedro has often played second-fiddle in his career, from Barcelona to Chelsea, but the Spaniard underlined his importance with the opening goal and involvement in the [...]
Germany could face a tough draw in the Euro 2020 qualifiers after being demoted to pot two following abysmal year November 29, 2018 With the inaugural Uefa Nations League campaign over for the majority of countries, attention this weekend turns back to the more familiar European Championship qualification process. The Nations League has handed some countries an advantage for the Euro 2020 qualifiers, with group winners Holland and Switzerland now guaranteed to be seeded, but others have dropped [...]
Outgunned: Arsenal head into North London derby with dismal Big Six record and now Tottenham could cement their dominance November 29, 2018 Tottenham’s victory over Chelsea last weekend served as a timely reminder to the red half of north London of the challenge that awaits them when Spurs visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Long gone are the days of Tottenham being pushed aside by their neighbours from N5, or any of the Premier League’s top clubs. [...]
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has seen his biggest teams rejuvenated this season, hinting at a change in approach November 29, 2018 Stan Kroenke has had to become accustomed to criticism from supporters of his under-performing sports teams on either side of the Atlantic. For years, Kroenke’s outfits – among them Arsenal, NFL side the LA Rams and the NBA’s Denver Nuggets – have fallen short of competing for the top prizes, while the 71-year-old has shown [...]
Europa League: What Chelsea and Arsenal need to do to win their groups November 28, 2018 Chelsea and Arsenal may have already guaranteed their progress to the knockout rounds of the Europa League, but there is still something to play for in both of their fixtures on Thursday evening. What Chelsea need The Blues can clinch top spot in Group L and, in theory, an easier draw in the last 32 [...]
