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Much-needed win keeps Galatasaray in the race for Super Lig title
After a nervy start, Galatasaray got a comfortable win that keeps them alive in the race to become Süper Lig champions once again. A Kerem Akturkoglu hat-trick saw Galatasaray come away with all three points, beating Goztepe 3-1 to pile the pressure on second-placed Fenerbahce having played the same number of games for now. Anything less than a win for the Lions would have surely given them an even tougher task to try and gain a Champions League spot, but now the pressure has bounced back on to Fenerbahce who next play away to Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday evening. Speaking after the game to Galatasary.org Kerem insisted it was important that the team got the win; “For me it was a match full of emotions, we fell behind but as a team we showed a good performance and won playing beautiful fo...
Nkunku confident Leipzig can win first trophy this season
Christopher Nkunku joined Leipzig two years ago and is desperate to continue his trophy-winning form by helping them the way he did PSG. Before they took to the pitch to play against Hoffenheim, star midfielder Christopher Nkunku sat down with Bundesliga.com to discuss the final few games of the season and what it would mean to the team and himself if they were to be victorious this season; “Everything is possible…We have six matches left – six finals you could say. We have to win, no matter who we’re up against. We’ll give our all to pick up three points in each game. If we want to finish the season without any regrets, we have to win each game. That’s the objective.” Speaking on possibly getting that first trophy by winning the DFB Pokal, Nkunku said: “Yes, we’re determined. We’re fighti...
‘Out of the team’, ‘Terrible today’ – Some West Ham fans tear into 30-yr-old after defeat
West Ham United were beaten 3-2 by Newcastle United in the Premier League yesterday and the Hammers will be disappointed with the way they lost the game. Unnecessary defensive errors cost the Hammers vital three points yesterday and the defeat could be damaging to their top-four aspirations. West Ham were down to ten men after just 36 minutes following a couple of mistimed challenges from Craig Dawson. The experienced centre back was sent off and the Hammers struggled to contain the Magpies after that. Dawson has been in very poor form over the last five matches and he has scored two own goals in that period as well. Yesterday’s sending off seems to have infuriated the Hammers fans and it will be interesting to see if David Moyes keeps him in the starting line-up once his suspension is ove...
‘He can go all the way’: Former Chelsea star blasts critics of ‘special player’
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has tipped Mason Mount to become a club legend if he resists the temptation to move elsewhere. During an interview with talkSPORT, Cole sang the praises of a player that many critics have disparaged over the past few months. “I’ve been so impressed with him,” said Cole. “I trained with him at the back end of my career. “When I was coming back from America to keep myself fit I trained with Mason and I knew from the first ten minutes of the session he was a special, special player. “I couldn’t understand it for the life of me why people weren’t singing his praises. “He’s a young man and he’s ended up captaining Chelsea this year – he’s playing regularly, he’s scoring goals now. “He’s a top, top player and I think he can go all the way.” SL View It is impossible t...
Journalist confirms Chelsea have joined PL rivals in the chase for 27-yr-old star
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in recent weeks. According to Christian Falk, Chelsea have now joined the race for the Frenchman. TRUE ✅ Manchester United have a competitor in the Transfer-Poker for @raphaelvarane Thomas Tuchel is also interested in the Player of @realmadrid for a Transfer to @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/bxkRyym0uo — Christian Falk (@cfbayern) April 16, 2021 The Blues need to add quality defensive reinforcements this summer, and Varane would be a quality signing for them. Cesar Azpilicueta is declining, while Kurt Zouma has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival. Chelsea cannot rely on Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger to see them through an entire season, and they must look t...
Bielsa has reportedly told Orta to sign Rangers star before pre-season
According to The Scottish Sun, Leeds United remain interested in recruiting the services of Rangers winger Ryan Kent and are preparing a £15 million bid ahead of the summer transfer window. The Elland Road outfit tabled two bids for the Light Blues star last summer, with the last one worth £11 million. However, Rangers held on to Kent and he helped fire them to their 55th Scottish Premiership title a couple of weeks ago. Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa remains keen on the 24-year-old as he prepares his side for another season in the Premier League, and he has told director of football Victor Orta to try and pull off a deal for Kent before the start of the 2021-22 pre-season. The Argentine is a huge fan of securing early transfers in the summer transfer window in order to properly bed in ne...
Barcelona win Copa del Rey after sensational second half performance
Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey after putting on an incredible second half performance against Athletic Bilbao to win 4-0. Barcelona made a lively start to the game, and nearly took the lead in the fifth minute. Sergio Busquets floated a ball over the top to Lionel Messi, who cut back for Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman placed his first time shot off the far post. A few minutes later, Athletic Bilbao hit back with a chance of their own. Alex Berenguer swung in an excellent free kick to Inigo Martinez, but the Spaniard couldn’t direct his effort on target. After that, La Blaugrana continued to dominate the first half. Messi had two shots blocked, while Sergino Dest scuffed a shot wide. They ended the half with 86% possession and seven shots to Athletic Bilbao’s one, but the score remained...
Chelsea consider £100m-rated midfielder as ‘better alternative’ to West Ham United star
Chelsea have identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as a ‘better alternative’ to West Ham United’s Declan Rice, Eurosport claims. The Blues spent more than £220 million on new signings last summer, but they have been far from competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title. There has been an upturn in their league results since Thomas Tuchel took charge as manager in January, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. The club were heavily linked with a move for Rice when Lampard was the head coach last summer, and he continues to remain on their radar. However, it is reported that the Blues may turn their focus from Rice to Bellingham on the back of his sublime debut campaign with Dortmund. The 17-year-old made the big step from Birmingham City to...
Wolverhampton Wanderers ready to offload 25-year-old attacker, set £30m asking price
Wolverhampton Wanderers are prepared to part ways with Adama Traore as they aim to recoup funds for their summer transfer business, Football Insider reports. Traore had an impressive 2019/2020 campaign with the Midlands outfit, registering six goals and 12 assists from 54 appearances across all competitions. However, he has struggled to replicate his form this term with just two goals and two assists from 34 appearances for the club to date. Wolves reportedly put off Traore’s suitors last summer with a valuation between £60-70 million, but they are now ready to sell him for just £30m. The club are no longer in a position to spend big, and it is claimed that they will prioritise Traore’s exit to accumulate funds for new signings. Sportslens view: Aside from his goal contributions,...
Despite opposition from Arsenal, Man Utd and other fan groups, new UCL format expected on Monday
Arsenal and Manchester United supporters’ groups have criticised the controversial proposal to reform the Champions League. The new 36-team format is set for final approval by UEFA’s executive committee on Monday, with a view to implementing it from 2024 onwards. In an open letter to European Club Association (ECA) chairman Andrea Agnelli, 17 fans’ groups from 14 clubs blasted the idea. “Your plans to restructure the Champions League by increasing the number of games, introducing qualification based on past achievements, and monopolising commercial rights present a serious threat to the entire game,” it read (via thefsa.org.uk). SL View The current Champions League format already rewards failure. Finished fourth in your domestic league? No problem. The group stage of the tournament also of...
Leicester City interested in signing £36m West Ham United target with 18 goal contributions
Leicester City are among the clubs interested in landing the signature of out-of-favour Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims. The England international is the Blues’ top scorer with 12 goals this term, but he has barely played since Thomas Tuchel took charge as the manager in January. He has not featured in any competition over the past two months and was left out of the squad for the club’s FA Cup semi-final triumph over Manchester City today. West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, and Romano claims that the Foxes are also in the running to secure his services. Leicester are among the clubs interested in signing Tammy Abraham. He’s one of the targets for #LCFC if Chelsea will open to sell him in the summer – Tammy is...
Arteta vs Emery: Arsenal boss under the cosh as stats expose progress myth
Arsenal have had another disappointing Premier League season, currently languishing in ninth spot, 10 points adrift of the Champions League places. There has been criticism from some fans towards manager Mikel Arteta while others believe that progress has been made. We look into how Arteta has fared when compared to his predecessor Unai Emery after 51 league games into their respective careers with the club. The Gunners have scored 16 fewer goals since Arteta took over in December 2019, but they have been unfortunate, hitting the woodwork on 15 more occasions. In general play, Emery’s team also had the upper side in terms of possession, but there has been more patience in the build-up play under Arteta. While the high pressing has been evident, the passing has also been more slow and intri...
