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English Premier League

Celtic Edges Out Manchester City in Thrilling Pre-Season Friendly

by Sopuru Sopuru July 24, 2024

written by Sopuru Sopuru 2 minutes read

Pre-season friendly at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium, Celtic secured a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City. The match served as preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 campaigns for both teams, with Celtic fresh off three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles and Manchester City, the reigning four-time English Premier League champions, embarking on a US tour.

Nicolas Kuhn was the star of the first half, scoring twice to put Celtic in a commanding position. The German right winger opened the scoring in the 13th minute, slotting a left-footed shot past City’s starting goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega. Despite City’s Erling Haaland equalizing in the 33rd minute with an assist from Oscar Bobb, Kuhn responded quickly with his second goal, a beautiful curling shot in the 36th minute. He also set up Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal just before halftime, giving Celtic a 3-1 lead.

Manchester City, with several key players rested following the European Championships, saw manager Pep Guardiola use the match to evaluate younger talents. Just 21 seconds into the second half, Argentine substitute Maximo Perrone scored with his first touch, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Haaland, captaining City for the first time, brought the game level in the 57th minute, heading in a cross from Bobb.

However, Celtic had the final say. Luis Palma, who came on in the 65th minute, scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Taking advantage of a breakaway, Palma tapped in the winner after City’s defense was caught off guard. Despite City substitute Ben Knight coming close to an equalizer in the 76th minute, Celtic’s second-half keeper Viljami Sinisalo made a crucial save to maintain the lead.

The match also marked the debut of Kasper Schmeichel for Celtic. The 37-year-old Danish goalkeeper, who started his career with City in 2006, played the first half and made several key saves against Haaland.

Manchester City’s US tour continues with a match against AC Milan at New York’s Yankee Stadium on Saturday, followed by games against Barcelona in Orlando and Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio. Celtic will also face Chelsea on Saturday in South Bend, Indiana, as both teams finalize their preparations for the new season.

Anaedoonline

July 24, 2024

Mourinho Notify Chelsea On His Desire To Return To Premier League

by Victor Ndubuisi January 29, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 1 minutes read

The shocking revelation came as Mourinho is thought to be increasingly irritated with Roma’s lack of financial support.

Mourinho took over as Roma manager in July 2021, and delivered for the Italians their first-ever European championship in the inaugural Europa Conference League at the end of previous season.

According to the Daily Mail, the ex-Chelsea manager is “interested” in taking over for a third time, with the Stamford Bridge job being his “dream” situation.

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The main reason for Mourinho’s desire to leave Serie A is thought to be a lack of financial backing to facilitate a title push.

According to the Mail, Mourinho is “ready” to take any job in England next season because he prefers to work in the Premier League and his family still lives in the English city.

January 29, 2023

Tothenham Vs Fulham: Scott Parker eveals He Doesn't Owe Mourinho Any Apology

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BREAKING: Bournemouth Fires Head Coach Scott Parker

by Echezona obinna August 30, 2022

written by Echezona obinna 2 minutes read

Scott Parker, the head coach of AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League, was fired following Matchday Four.

Parker will be replaced in the interim by former Bournemouth midfielder Gary O’Neil, the club said on Tuesday morning on its official website.

According to ANAEDOONLINE.NG, Parker is the first manager fired in the 2022/2023 season after losing his final three games in charge.

“AFC Bournemouth can announce that the club has parted company with head coach Scott Parker,” says the statement, which quotes club owner Maxim Demin.

“Maxim Demin said: ‘I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us. Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.

Tothenham Vs Fulham: Scott Parker eveals He Doesn’t Owe Mourinho Any Apology

“’However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a Club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another. That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.’

“Gary O’Neil will take interim charge of the team, and will be assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick,” the statement concluded.

Parker’s sacking comes after Bournemouth’s 9-nil thumping against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, having won only the first game of the season against Aston Villa and a Carabao Cup second-round fixture against Norwich on penalties.

The former Fulham captain and coach led The Cherries to promotion to the Premier League after finishing behind his former club in the Championship.

August 30, 2022

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THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK: See Match Fixtures, Kick-Off Time [Full List]

by Victor Ndubuisi August 5, 2022

written by Victor Ndubuisi 1 minutes read

Football fans are looking forward to the return of one of the most watched sports in the world after more than two months away from our television screens.

Fans of the English Premier League are most eager to sample the teams’ and managers’ preparations for the 2022–2023 football season.

It’s time to experience football at its finest because players have changed, managers have left, teams have been demoted, and others have been promoted.

Complete 2022/2023 Season Fixtures of The English Premier League

Patrick Vieira, a former Gunners midfield ace and captain, will captain Mikel Arteta’s team as they travel to Crystal Palace to begin the English Premier League season on Friday.

At noon on Saturday, newly promoted Fulham will welcome Salah’s Liverpool to the Craven Cottage, while Everton will conclude the day’s games with a match against Chelsea at the Goodison Park.

Sunday’s games feature Manchester United squaring off against promising Brighton and West Ham squaring off against the reigning champions Manchester City.

Below are the complete Premier League schedules:

Friday 5 August

20:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Saturday 6 August

12:30 Fulham v Liverpool

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Leeds v Wolves

Leicester v Brentford

Newcastle v Nottingham Forest

Spurs v Southampton

17:30 Everton v Chelsea

Sunday 7 August

14:00 Man Utd v Brighton

16:30 West Ham v Man City

August 5, 2022

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COVID-19: English Premier League Hit By Record 103 Positive Cases

by Victor Ndubuisi December 28, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

The Premier League has revealed a record 103 players and staff tested positive for the coronavirus in the period from December 20 to 26.

That surpassed the total a week earlier, when the English top-flight hit a new high since testing began in 2020 with 90 positive cases.

So far in December, 15 Premier League games have been called off, while the three divisions below the top tier have been decimated by postponements.

EPL Records Fresh 36 Positive Coronavirus Cases

“The League can today confirm between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 COVID-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases,” a Premier League statement said.

“The safety of everyone is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in response to the impact of the Omicron variant.”

Liverpool’s game against Leeds, Watford’s trip to Wolves and Burnley against Everton, all on Boxing Day, were cancelled.

Arsenal’s home match against Wolves on Tuesday was axed on Sunday after an increase in case numbers among the Wolves’ squad.

Leeds’ game with Aston Villa, scheduled for December 28, was also postponed on Sunday due to Leeds’ continued Covid and injury issues.

Despite COVID-19 Surge, Premier League Season To Continue

Despite the rise in Covid cases and postponements, Premier League chiefs last week opted against halting the season despite calls from some top-flight bosses for a ‘circuit breaker’

At the same meeting, clubs were warned that games will go ahead if each team has 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.

“The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and has increased testing of players and club staff to daily Lateral Flow and twice-weekly PCR tests, having previously carried out Lateral Flow testing twice a week,” the statement said.

“The League is continuing to work with clubs to keep people safe by helping mitigate the risks of COVID-19 within their squads.

“We are also liaising closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance.”

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It is the sixth successive week that the number of Premier League positive cases have increased.

In October, only 68 percent of players and staff had received either their first, second or third vaccination dose.

The Premier League last week said 92 per cent of players and staff have now had at least one vaccine jab.

Six Premier League games did go ahead on Sunday in front of crowds as Britain battles a significant rise in Covid cases.

No restrictions have yet been put on attendance at matches in England, although supporters do have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test taken in the previous 48 hours.

December 28, 2021

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English Premier League Players Threatens Strike, PFA Confirms

by Victor Ndubuisi December 24, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

The Professional Footballers Association, PFA, has confirmed the possibility of Premier League players embarking on strike.

PFA Chief Executive, Maheta Molango confirmed the prospect of strike has already been discussed.

Players are worried that their welfare is not being put into consideration by the Premier League management.

Liverpool Star ‘Salah’ Wins PFA Fan’s Player Of The Year Award

Some players and staff feel that their health is being undermined and put at risk on a daily basis as coronavirus returns strongly in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Many players are going into isolation, while leaving just a few of others to shoulder the burden to fulfil match fixtures.

The PFA held a meeting on Thursday night after senior executives at Premier League clubs met with top flight officials on Monday.

And in a statement related to Sportsmail on Thursday night, the PFA boss, Molango, said “I’ve spoken with many senior players on this issue. I can tell you that it isn’t going away. Players don’t choose to speak out on issues like this without having given it a lot of thought.

“A significant amount of players and coaches at Premier League clubs believe the right course of action is to stop playing amid concerns over coronavirus and player welfare.

Aubameyang, Mane Make PFA Team Of The Year (See Full List)

“As their union, the PFA enables players to stand together. That unity gives them enormous strength.

“Now it’s up to those who run the game at all levels to begin to take this seriously so it’s an issue that can be addressed constructively with players at the heart of the conversation. That has to happen now. This isn’t something that can be kicked down the road again.”

The players meeting was due to take place earlier in the week but was delayed until Thursday.

December 24, 2021

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Premier League Open Investigation After Arsenal’s 4-1 Win At Leeds

by Victor Ndubuisi December 19, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 1 minutes read

The Premier League has opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at the Arsenal bench from Leeds supporters.

The incident happened on Saturday during the first half of Saturday’s match at Elland Road.

Just after the half-hour mark, the Arsenal subs called over the fourth official and the Premier League has confirmed an allegation of racist abuse was reported by the visitors.

EPL: Arteta Reacts As Arsenal Drop Points Following Goalless Draw

Arsenal beat Leeds 4-1 thanks to a double from Gabriel Martinelli and goals from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

The win boosts Mikel Arteta’s men chances of finishing in the top four, as they now have 32 points.

December 19, 2021

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EPL: Why Chelsea May Not Win Titles – Rudiger Opens Up

by Victor Ndubuisi December 13, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Antonio Rudiger has said that his team, Chelsea will not win trophies with the way they concede easy goals from opponents in recent weeks.

He said they ‘have to address’ their recent trend of giving up ‘easy’ goals after Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Leeds.

Chelsea managed to beat Leeds United on Saturday, bouncing back from last week’s defeat to West Ham.

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Individual errors culminated in two goals scored by the Hammers.

Raphinha put Leeds ahead from the penalty spot after Marcos Alonso brought down Daniel James in the box but Mason Mount got the Blues back on level terms and a fine spot-kick from Jorginho saw the Blues take the lead shortly before the hour mark.

The home side were pegged back again when substitute, Joe Gelhardt tucked away Tyler Roberts’ cross late on, however, Jorginho converted the game’s third penalty in stoppage time to earn Chelsea all three points.

Rudiger, despite the victory, feels that Chelsea team are making ‘silly mistakes’ of late and must stop gifting goals to their opponents.

“In terms of mentality, we matched their [Leeds’] game, in terms of quality, no because the goals we conceded were too easy,’ Rudiger told Chelsea’s website.

Highest Goal Scorers In English Premier League After Week 23

‘These days we concede a lot of goals which are too easy and we have to address this. If you want to compete for trophies you should not do that type of mistake. We know we need to improve things as quickly as possible.

“We do silly mistakes, we punish ourselves and give away goals. It’s not that the opponents are killing us or outplaying us.

“Obviously we are missing players, this is clear, but I don’t look for excuses. We have a good squad and this is the chance for people now and everyone has to take their chance.”

December 13, 2021

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EPL: Top Pundits Reveal Club To Win Premier League Title This Season

by Victor Ndubuisi December 6, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Former Premier League stars, Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards, have named the club to claim the league title at the end of the season.

Both pundits believe that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City would win the title after several pulsating matches at the weekend.

Chelsea lost their place at the top of the table with a 3-2 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.

Premier League Club To Win 2021/2022 Premier League Title Revealed

Man City are now top of the table with Liverpool in second place and Chelsea down to third.

Just two points separate the three teams after 15 matches, in what is shaping up to be one of the closest title races in Premier League history.

But Redknapp believes that Manchester City and Liverpool have the edge over Chelsea in the battle for the top spot but gave it to Pep Guardiola’s side.

“Man City are a joy to watch right now,” Redknapp told Sky Sports after City’s win over Watford.

“I would say that they and Liverpool are just ahead of Chelsea right now as favourites in this race.”

Richards added, “We have three top managers competing this season for the title and we all love to see the competitive nature at the top of the table that has been missing for a couple of years now,” he added.

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“By wanting to buy a striker in the summer – people say they need one but when they had Aguero, he didn’t play every game.

“But a striker would be taking more of these chances. That’s just the fact of it.”

December 6, 2021

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EPL: Arsenal And Man United Set For A Fierce Rival Battle At Old Trafford

by Victor Ndubuisi December 2, 2021

written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

Manchester United will welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Thursday evening in a week 14 Premier League fixture as they continue to pick themselves up from where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left off.

Both teams have had their share of a mixed start to this season. While Arteta’s men struggled at the beginning and sat at the bottom of the table at some point, they have managed to get their act together and now occupy a spot that qualifies them for European football. United on the other hand had a fair start to the season but a poor run of results prompted a change at the helm of managerial affairs if they were to salvage what was left of the season.

United now under Michael Carrick, until Ralf Rangnick takes over, has not lost any of their two matches, and will need to continue on that path today if they want to end Arsenal resistance when it comes to their head-to-head count.

Arsenal Break 14 Years Wait to Beat Manchester United At Old Trafford

Arsenal has not lost to United either home or away in their last six meetings. The last time they met in January 2021 ended in a barren draw at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. United’s last win over the Gunners dates back to 2018 – a late Marouane Fellaini goal winning it for them that time.

Ralf Rangnick has been granted his work permit but will watch today’s clash from the stands. He is expected to have his first interaction with the media on Friday when he will speak about United’s next game against Crystal Palace.

Cristiano Ronaldo will expectedly start after playing a fringe role last weekend against Chelsea, even as other players in the squad will hopefully try to impress the incoming manager.

The trio of Paul Pogba, Edison Cavani and Raphael Varane are still out injured.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka went off injured after his opener against Newcastle last weekend and has not recovered to face United. Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac will also not feature.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts After Manchester United Lost To Aston Villa

“Well, we’re not going to risk our players if we believe that that can obviously go against us. Playing with an injury means that he may have to leave the pitch and when someone has to leave the pitch, I believe that he’s injured, even though he’s willing to continue. That injury can be 24 hours, 72 hours or a year. Bukayo is really willing. He’s been preparing for the last two days because he wants to play and let’s see how he is.” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said when asked if Saka could play.

A win for Arsenal takes them to fourth. In the event that United takes the intiative and run away with all three points, they will move above Wolves and finish the week in at least the seventh position as against the tenth they currently occupy.

December 2, 2021

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