Tag: Premier League

Dec102018 by Alessandro MoroNo Comments

“I would have loved playing alongside N’Golo Kante”, said Chelsea legend Graeme La Saux

Chelsea legend Graeme Le Saux has admitted that he would have fancied playing alongside Frenchman and fellow midfielder N’Golo Kante during his twelve-year spell at the club. The 27-year old midfielder has had his reputation enhanced in world football after joining Leicester City as a relatively unknown player from French Ligue 2 outfit Caen in 2015. Due to his work ethic, tenacity and tireless displays, Kante quickly became a mainstay at Leicester and Chelsea, playing a pivotal role in guiding both clubs to Premier League glory in 2016 and 2017 respectively. “I think with the age I am now, N’Golo Kante and his fitness would be very important for me to be in a team with him.”, joked Le Saux. “But Chelsea have had so many great players over the last 20 years, if you look at al

Dec32018 by Alessandro MoroNo Comments

Former Man City striker Balotelli in trouble again

Explainers, London, Sport, Sports

After his hopes of leaving French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice dashed in the summer, Mario Balotelli’s season has taken another hit following a controversial fallout with manager Patrick Vieira on the touchline in Sunday’s 0-0 stalemate at Guingamp. Vieira made Balotelli the subject of his third substitution after 75 minutes when he decided to reshuffle his attack in search of that elusive goal which the Italian failed to provide as he looked disinterested and peripheral throughout the encounter. However, the Italian striker didn’t take kindly to being replaced, refusing first to shake his manager’s hand before he angrily confronted him on the touchline, calling him names. Yet this morning the 28-year old has been on the receiving end of stern criticism by Italy coach Roberto Mancini

Nov202017 by Rahman Osman, Mumbi Ngona and Miranda TomlinsonNo Comments

Arsenal outclass rivals Tottenham

Sport, Sports

The battle of North London Arsenal produced their best performance of the season on Saturday to beat high flying Spurs and regain their crown as the best team in North London. Goals from German defender Shkodran Mustafi and Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal bragging rights and, most importantly, all three points to close the gap on league leaders’ Manchester City. Just a few weeks ago, Spurs beat mighty Real Madrid comprehensively, 3-1, which sent a signal to other teams in Europe that they were now ready to take on the top tier teams. But on Saturday, Arsenal looked every inch of a title-challenging team as they dominated Mauricio Pochettino’s men. German midfielder Mesut Ozil put in an outstanding display to help secure the 2-0 victory over Tottenham. Despite criticism

Oct302017 by Miranda TomlinsonNo Comments

NFL commissioner comes to Tottenham

Explainers, Sport, Sports

Tottenham Hotspur has agreed to a 10-year deal with the National Football League (NFL) to host games within their new stadium starting next season. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was given a tour of the grounds by Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy on 30 October, following the completion of this season’s NFL games in London. Levy said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome the NFL to Tottenham and for them to see the vision that we share becoming a reality right in front of us,” as reported by the Daily Mail. “We have worked closely with them throughout this project and their involvement will play a significant part in helping us create one of the most compelling venues for sports and entertainment in the world, right here in Tottenham.” The Guardian reported that the stadium will consist

Feb282016 by Alexandra VryzakisNo Comments

Van Gaal’s ‘dive’ causes Twitter uproar

Sport

Luis van Gaal fuelled the internet fire on Sunday after falling to the ground in apparent protest of perceived play-acting on the part of Arsenal players. Though the Dutchman has been on the receiving end of the fans' anger following a run of disappointing results, Manchester United's manager displayed the lighter to side to his character during his team's win over rivals Arsenal. Late into the second half at Old Trafford, Van Gaal began berating the fourth official, as Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger stood nearby. As if to display his displeasure at the proceedings on the pitch, Van Gaal threw himself to the ground, stretching out his arms as if asking a question of the officials. The response on social media was as immediate as the roar of laughter from the crowd. Gary Lineker tweeted...

Feb212016 by Alexandra VryzakisNo Comments

Football’s journeymen: Could the Brexit represent an answer?

Sport

As the team line-ups for the FA Cup match flashed up on the pub's screen, the group of friends hollered. The benches were primarily made up of young players they'd never heard of: Macey, Robertson, Aluko? There was no point in even remembering their names, as they would surely be discarded for flashier foreign talent in the months and years to come. This is English football after all, right? This coming June, however, may well change football in the UK in a big way. As Cameron hurriedly sealed his deal in Brussels, ensuring in the process that "references to ever-closer union do not apply to the United Kingdom", the European Union referendum date has been set and the battle for votes has already long started. With campaigns on both sides vying desperately to convince the public, it is

Feb72016 by Arthur RenardNo Comments

Mourinho vows manage again in England

Sport

Jose Mourinho has indicated he is ready to return to management in an interview with Sky Sports, following his sacking as Chelsea manager last December. He prefers to stay in England, due in part to his family enjoying London life. Mourinho may return to football management sooner than first thought, following his surprise departure from Chelsea earlier in the season. His aim is to remain in England, partly because of his family. "When my kids were young, we could move and experience different countries and in my case, different clubs and different football, but there is a moment when they need some stability." Indeed, his children play a big role in his thought process, "They are 19 years old and 16 years old, and with university and their football, they need some stability." "

Feb72016 by Alexandra VryzakisNo Comments

Mesut Özil helps Arsenal climb to third before Leicester clash

Sport

Mesut Özil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were on target as Arsenal's title challenge was reignited at Bournemouth on Sunday. Prior to Özil's 23rd minute goal, the Gunners had not scored a Premier League goal for five hours of playing time. Because of this, the North London team have fallen behind surprise rivals Leicester. Next weekend sees the two teams square up in a match that could go some way to deciding who lifts the trophy this coming May. Speaking after the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger highlighted the importance of the win against Bournemouth, "It was three difficult points but three very important points for us because we had not won for a while." He went on to explain that Leicester are the team to look out for in the coming weeks, "Leicester have made a big im

Feb12016 by Alexandra VryzakisNo Comments

Wenger rules out shock deadline day move for John Terry

Sport

Arsene Wenger has denied reports that have linked Chelsea captain John Terry with a move to London rivals Arsenal, despite admiring the defender's leadership qualities. Wenger's comments follow Sunday evening's news that Terry will not be offered a new one-year contract with the Blues. The Arsenal manager feels that the player represents Chelsea to such an extent that he would be unable to play for another Premier League side. "If he wants to play longer, I am sure he will play for Chelsea." In a surprise move, it was Terry himself who first broke the news, though the decision seemed to be unplanned. Speaking to the media after Chelsea's 5-1 hammering of MK Dons at the weekend, Terry stated that he had asked for clarification on his future at a meeting earlier in the month.