2020 - Dunda Football

December 29, 2020

An heated and open Premier League Title Race, 10 in.

A Heated Up Title Race

The English Premier League (EPL) title race is heating up, with several clubs eyeing the coveted trophy. The 2020/21 season is proving to be the most competitive in recent times. Last season, Liverpool won the trophy with little competition from Manchester City. However, this season looks different. After game week 14, Liverpool is still on top of the table with 32 points. Everton is 2^nd with 29 points, while Leicester City sits 3^rd with 28 points. Man United complete the top 4 with 27 points. Only 7 points separate Liverpool and Southampton, who sit 9^th on the table. It is proving to be the toughest title race ever seen.

Bertrand Traore celebrating a past goal for Aston Villa. Aston Villa are contenders in the EPL title race. — Bertrand Traore celebrating a past goal for Aston Villa. Photo Credits : Premier League

Last Weekend’s Results

Over the weekend, most of the title contenders dropped points. Leicester City and Man United shared spoils with a 2-2 draw. Tottenham drew with Wolves as Chelsea lost to Arsenal. Liverpool’s results were the most shocking. Since they drew 1-1 vs. West Brom at Anfield, they have lost the chance of increasing the gap on top to 5 points.

Man City and Everton were the biggest gainers winning all three points in their respective matches. The weekend matches have left the English Premier League title race much open than before.

Outcome of Game week 15 EPL matches. The results have made the Premier League title race more open than before — Gameweek 15 EPL results. Photo Credits (Premier League)

Upcoming Matches

The title race continues in game week 15. Leicester City will be up against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. On the other hand, Aston Villa will visit Chelsea in yet another anticipated match. The biggest game will pit Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park, with both clubs being in good form. Manchester United is up against Wolves at Old Trafford, with Ole looking to win his first EPL match against Nuno Espirito. Furthermore, Tottenham will face Fulham while Newcastle United host Liverpool.

Olivier Giroud celebrating his headed goal vs Aston Villa. The results leave Chelsea and Aston Villa tied at 26 points. — Olivier Giroud celebrating his headed goal vs Aston Villa. Photo Credits : Premier League

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Verdict

The English Premier League (EPL) title race is still very open to most of the clubs in the top 10. The Premier League’s current race is proving to be an exciting fight, with most top clubs posting decent performances. The battle for the Premier League might go into the last matchday of the season.

Main Stories/Premier League

December 27, 2020

A new man at the wheel for Manchester United 20/21 Premier League title race?

by Lawrence Juma

Alex Ferguson as Manchester United coach, lifting the Premier League title. Photo Credits : Alex Ferguson(@alex.ferguson.official) Instagram

Post – Fergie Drought

According to the Premier League Statistics, Manchester United have not won the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. It has been a season of two halves last time around for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The signing of Bruno Fernandes was an extraordinary move for Manchester United. More so with regards to their title contention. The main idea behind signing Bruno Fernandes was to revitalize the Red Devils club. Eventually, United recovered from the poor start, especially this season and recorded four wins across November and December.

The 2021-21 season is United’s 29^th season in the Premier League. Moreover, Ole Gunnar’s team has successfully achieved the 46^th consecutive season in the English Premier League’s top flight. Bear in mind that the red devils are currently participating in the UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and the EFL Cup. In addition to that, they will participate in the FA Cup. Currently, the team stands at number three in the Premier League, four points behind the leaders Liverpool. On top of that, Manchester United has gathered 26 points in 13 Premier League matches this season. The Red devils and their noisy neighbors, Manchester City, have a game at hand.

The Bruno Effect

Bruno Fernandes has currently been voted as United fans’ superstar player for the year 2020. Most betting platforms have carried out polling activities, which has showcased that Bruno Fernandes is the calendar year’s best player at Manchester United. When Men Sport ran a poll asking its United fans, Readers, to vote for their outstanding player, many votes cast made him the overwhelming choice.

Bruno Fernandes celebrating a past goal for Manchester United in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes was born in Portugal. The Portuguese midfielder was signed for forty-seven million Sterling Pounds (£47m) plus bonuses totaling to twenty-one million Sterling Pounds(£21m). Before joining the Manchester club, the Portuguese magnifico had a remarkable season at Sporting Lisbon. He has being a significant impact on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Besides that, he propelled Man U to a third position in the Premier League. The main objective is to secure a top four spot. This assures them of a Champions League spot next season.

Most people know him for hop, skip, shoot. Well, you cannot help but notice the three Premier League Player of the Month Awards he has bagged this year. A great fete indeed. Another great Portuguese signing in a Manchester United jersey.

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Whether United wins the league or not, it’s just but a matter of time. But the numbers are currently favorable this far. Numbers do not lie, class is permanent and bottling happens.

Manchester United Coming Fixtures

December 2020.

Saturday 26^th December – EPL
Tuesday 29^th December – EPL
Friday 1^st January – EPL
Saturday 9^th January – The FA Cup – Sunday
Wednesday 17^th January – EPL
Wednesday 20^th January – EPL

Manchester United vs Leicester, Premier League Prediction

by marina

Scott Mc'Tominay celebrating his goal for Manchester United vs Leeds United in the Premier League. Photo credits: Manchester United Instagram

A Club on Form

Manchester United are flying high in the premier league right now. The lethal red devils are winning games convincingly week in week out. Despite starting the premier league season on a low note, United have gained momentum in recent weeks. They have won six of their last 7 games in the EPL. The most recent win came against Leeds United. 6 goals were scored by Man United while conceding 2 in the process. The win has pushed them up to position 3 in the table standings and a point above their next opponents Leicester City. A win against Leicester City is therefore an important test to Manchester United’s premier league title chase.

Cavani celebrating his goal vs Everton in carabao cup. Photo Credits : Manchester United

Leicester City’s Form

The Foxes have a somehow poor home form. In 7 home games this season, they have gannered 9 points only out of a possible 21. This means that they have lost 12 points at home this season. This gives Manchester United an upper hand in the much-anticipated clash. This is because Manchester United have a perfect away record this season winning 6 out of 6 games this season. They are therefore poised to be a major threat to Brendan Rodgers’s side.

Jamie Vardy and Tielemans celebrating goal in one of their past matches. Source Credits : Jamie Vardy

Head to Head Record

Surprising enough, Leicester City have not beaten Manchester United in the premier league since 2014. Their last victory was a 5-3 thumping of Ole Gunnar’s boys in September of that year. Their only other premier league win is a 1-0 win at Old Trafford that happened in 1998.The last 5 meetings at the king power have seen Man U win 4 matches while drawing once. Leicester City will therefore have to be on top form to dispatch off Manchester United.

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Injuries, Suspensions and Key Players

The Red devils are still missing the services of long-term absentees Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones. Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan Bissaka are also major doubts for the clash. Leicester City are also missing the services of defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira. No player is suspended for the match. Leicester City’s main man is Jamie Vardy who has scored 11 goals and assisted 4 more. On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes is United’s key man for the game. With 9 goals and 5 assists to his name, he is expected to cause more problems to Leicester City.

Verdict

Both clubs are having a great season. However, Manchester United have a better consistency. Most factors favour Manchester United including the head to head record. They could squeeze a win here.

England/Main Stories

December 18, 2020

Manchester United Fans Show Disgust At Romero Treatment

by marina

Sergio Romero in action for Manchester United

Manchester United fans have shown their displeasure at the treatment of one time second choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero. The fans are displeased with the way their club has handled the Romero situation. This was vivid in the fans social media posts.

Why Romero Lost It

Last season, Romero played the role of the second goalkeeper and was entrusted with the cup games. However, during the latter stages of the competition, Ole decided to use first choice goalkeeper David De Gea. This meant that Sergio Romero was to enjoy the matches from the bench. Manchester United got eliminated from the competition at the semi finals stage. This was disappointing to the fans since they preferred Romero to De Gea. Romero reportedly showed his displeasure at being denied the chance to perform his role in the team.

Sergio Romero lifting the Europa trophy after winning it back in 16/17 season. Photo Credits: Manchester United

The Transfer Request

The Argentine submitted a transfer request with some decent premier league sides in need of his services. However, Manchester United did not accept any offer and decided to keep him. At the time, Ole had already frozen him out of the team and made Dean Henderson the second choice goalkeeper. Moreover, Romero was axed from the season squad. His wife was frustrated by this mistreatment. She took to social media expressing how Romero had been treated with disrespect and wanted to leave Manchester United. The season started with the Argentine still frozen out of the squad. Since he has not been registered for the season matches, he has had to settle for mild trainings to keep his form as he anticipates a January move.

Sergio Romero heading to training. Photo Credits: Manchester United.

The Fan’s Verdict

The fans have given their opinion about the issue, with most advocating for a move for the goalkeeper. Most fans feel the goalkeeper should be allowed to leave for a club of his choice having given a hundred percent effort whenever he played for Manchester United. United fans consider him one of their best goalkeepers of modern times due to his impressive statistics in the cup games.

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At one time, he was nicknamed ‘Mr Cleansheets’ and even earned the title of ‘the best back up goalkeeper in the world’. This was due to his regular performances that saw him keep clean sheets day in day out. The goalkeeper is famously remembered for the incredible role he played in the 2016/17 Europa league season. United won the trophy with Romero between the posts. Both the goalkeeper and the fans will be expecting the goalkeeper to part ways with the club in January. This is in a bid to save the already soiled relationship between the two.

Exciting Merseyside Derby: Ancellotti still unbeaten as Everton draw against Liverpool

by marina

Ancelloti Effect!

Ancellotti’s Everton drew against Liverpool, in today’s edition of the Merseyside derby at Goodison park, in what was a fairly contested match. The Toffee’s came into this game having won all their previous four league games. You would suppose they have faced weak opponents. However, that is not the case. Before this match, Everton were top of the table with twelve points and scoring twelve goals. Following their draw against Liverpool, they are still top of the table with 13 points and scoring 14 goals. It` s notable that this is quite a good start as compared to previous season. Ancellotti effect!

No sooner had the match started than Mane found the back of the net. Two minutes and a few seconds into the game, the Senegalese forward converted a pass from Robertson to hand the Reds the lead. Liverpool were having a good start to the game.

However, just a few minutes following the goal, Virgil Van Dijk was taken to the ground by Pickford. In what surprisingly was not deemed as a foul. Joe Gomez was subbed following Van Dijk`s injury. Michael Keane headed the ball right past Adrian to even the scores.

1:1 was the Merseyside derby score at the end of the first half. Mohamed Salah later on added his goal tally to make it 6 goals in five appearances. His goal was an unexpected swish right past Pickford. Yerry Mina made a poor clearance which landed just in front of the Egyptian goal scorer. At this moment Liverpool seemed to have won the game against Everton. In the 81^st minute, Dominic Calvert Lewin headed the ball past Adrian ensuring the scores were level.

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A draw again

Later on, Richarlison landed a red card following his two-footed tackle on Thiago Alcantra. Fortunately, no injuries. In added time, Henderson found the back of the net. The celebration was short lived thanks to VAR. This ensured that the Merseyside derby ended level at Goodison Park. The last three Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park have all ended level, this was the fourth.

Ancellotti extended his unbeaten run this season in charge of the Toffee’s. Not even Mourinho’s Tottenham could get a win against them. How many more matches before Everton losses a Premier league match? Klopp yet again remains unbeaten vs Everton since he made his arrival to EPL. More records counting up, and new been made. A great match, great coaches and equally amazing players. Looking forward to the reverse fixture at Anfield.

Europe/Main Stories/UEFA Champions League

October 1, 2020

A Ballon d’Or consolation for Lewandowski as he bags UEFA awards

by marina

UEFA Men’s Player of the Year

Robert Lewandowski bagged two UEFA awards, a consolation following the cancellation of the Balon d’Or. Following a remarkable season at Bayern, Lewandowski was the fans’ favorite to win the award. The Polish striker scored 34 goals in 31 appearances in Bundesliga for the Bavarians and made four assists. Moreover, he netted 15 goals in the Champions League. He made five assists also. Haaland followed him with ten goals in his name.

The 32-year-olds performance in the Champions League helped Bayern Munich bag a sixth Champions League Trophy. It is worth noting that this is an exemplary performance indeed. As a result of the excellent performance, Lewandowski won the UEFA award for best striker in the league. He beat the likes of Erling Haaland, Christiano Ronaldo and Mbappe to the award. To crown it all, he was awarded the UEFA Men’s player of the year award.

Other UEFA awards were also made.

Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season

The fantastic German shot-stopper, Manuel Neuer, was also awarded. He was awarded the Champions League Goalkeeper of the season award. This man made several saves in the final against Paris Saint Germain in the final. Moreover, he kept six clean sheets in eleven starts for the Bavarians in the Champions League. A well deserved one.

Manuel Neuer wins the UEFA Men's Best Goalkeeper Award — Manuel Neuer wins the UEFA Men’s Best Goalkeeper Award

The versatile full back

Joshua Kimmich won the Champions League defender of the season award. This versatile German player has been prolific in all positions that he has started in. Joshua Kimmich scored two goals in the Champions League. Furthermore, he made four assists, creating four big chances. Kimmich had a 88% pass accuracy in the Champions League. His presence, together with Thiago Alcantra in the team, ensured Bayern Munich made the right moves with the ball. The 25-year-old has been a site to watch.

Joshua Kimmich wins UEFA Men's Best defender award — Joshua Kimmich wins UEFA Men’s Best defender award

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Champions League Midfielder of the Season

At the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, you will find Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has been pivotal in Manchester City’s victories and team cohesion. Pep Guardiola has continuously praised him for his brilliance. De’Bruyne scored two goals in seven appearances in the Champions League. As expected, his stats are never complete without him making an assist: two assists and innumerable chance creations.

Kevin De Bruyne wins UEFA Men's best midfielder award — Kevin De Bruyne wins UEFA Men’s best midfielder award

Indeed, Bayern Munich dominated the UEFA awards. The Bavarians coach, Hansi Flick won the award for UEFA Men’s coach of the year. He led his team to win the Champions League. Moreso, a remarkable win against Barcelona. Bayern beat the Bavarians 8:2.

England

October 1, 2020

Mourinho’s Tottenham Fixture Cancelled

by Lawrence Juma

On Tuesday September 22nd Tottenham Hotspur’s League Cup tie at Leyton Orient was called off . This was after several of Leyton’s players tested positive for Corona Virus. Spurs are placed Sixth on the Premier League table standing.

English Football League postponed the fixture. However, the match was later called of. This is because of the spread of the novel COVID-19. The news came two hours before Jose Mourinho’s side played the third round match at the Breyer Group Stadium.

The EFL and relevant authorities conducted a thorough review of the club’s Covid-19 secure procedures. Orient had earlier shut down their training ground since a majority of their squad tested positive of the virus. They were advised to self-isolate.

Called off

On Thursday, the fixture was finally called off. As a result, Tottenham was awarded a bye into the fourth round against Chelsea or Barnsley under League Cup rules.

Spurs played on Sunday against Southampton in the Premier League. They will travel to Macedonia for their Europa League third qualifying round tie against Shkendija on Thursday. Jose Mourinho made a complain to Uefa about the size of the goalposts before Tottenham’s Europa League play-off victory.

Mourinho talking to players during a past match

Football League clubs are no longer obliged to conduct mandatory tests on their players and staff for Covid-19 on a weekly basis this season. However, it is still the case in the Premier League.

Leyton Orient club had revealed the positive cases on Monday. Reports claimed Tottenham paid for their opponents’ testing after Orient’s game against Mansfield last Saturday.

Tottenham may not be disappointed that the match was called off. It could as well fit in the midst of a hectic spell of five games in 10 days. Jose Mourinho had previously branded this as “crazy”.

Zero ticket sales

The Corona Virus pandemic has had a huge toll on English Premiere League teams. Billions of pounds have been lost on zero ticket sales thus far. The empty stands have negative implications on the teams and their communities.

However, the British government is eager to roll out several pilot programs aimed at bringing back fans to the stands. A set of regulations has however to be followed to the book as to manage the situation well. Tottenham Hotspurs are among teams with possible chances to be on the pilot program.

Read this and more stories here: (https://dundafootball.com/2020/09/marcus-rashford-social-activist/)

Calvert-Lewin the goal Machine, Pogba laser and Torres’ debut goal

by marina

It was an exciting football night in EFL as Calvert-Lewin bagged a hat-trick, Pogba pulled a master class, and Manchester City got a victory vs Burnley.

Ancelloti’s squad

Following the new additions of players, Everton seem a formidable opponent to all Premier League teams. Everton has won all six games they have played, both in EPL and EFL. Of the six games that Everton has played, the Calvert-Lewin has started in five. He has scored in four of the games, eight goals. The English striker now averages 1.6 goals per game. He bagged a hat-trick helping his side beat Westham 4:1. Allan and Richarlison were subbed out following injuries they got. The severity of the injuries is yet to be clarified. Everton will now proceed to the quarter final round of EFL.

Everton has won all six games they have played, both in EPL and EFL. Ancellotti's new signings have been pivotal to Everton's success. — Carlo Ancelloti. Photo Credit opta

Manchester City vs Burnley

Manchester City was away to Burnley. However, they managed to win the game 0:3. Since 2016, Manchester City is yet to lose to Burnley in all competitions. During this time, they have drawn only once and won the rest of the matches. Pep Guardiola made three changes to the team that lost to Leicester. Sterling started upfront again since the Cityzen’s are without their natural strikers, Aguero and Jesus. Ferran Torres made his debut for the Cityzens.

Torres celebrating debut goal with teammate Rodri. Manchester City won the match 3:0 to progress to the quarter finals of EFL, Carabao cup — Torres celebrating debut goal with teammate Rodri. Photo Credit: Manchester City

Moreover, he netted the winning goal for Manchester City. Raheem Sterling made a through ball that found Torres. The 20-year-old Spanish winger found the top corner of the goal. Pep Guardiola fielded Sterling as a striker, and he scored a brace. Moreover, he made an assist. Indeed, a superb performance from him.

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The lost rematch vs Manchester United

On Saturday, Manchester United won against Brighton. Brighton had An excellent performance in this game but were not able to outscore the Red devils. Like Arsenal or Liverpool, United were to play the same team in the EFL as they did in the weekend.

Pogba celebrating freekick goal vs Brighton in Carabao. Manchester Unite won 3:0 — Pogba celebrating freekick goal vs Brighton in Carabao. Photo Credit: Manchester United

Van De Beek started for United. Moreover, Diogo Dalot made an appearance for United at the fullbacks position. Precisely, his first appearance for United this season. Scott McTominay found the back of the net in the first half, following a freekick by Juan Mata. Later on, Juan Mata found the back of the net from open play. A splendid connection with the new signing from Ajax, Van de Beek. In the 80^th minute, Pogba scored. Indeed, it was a magnificent shot past the Brighton wall. Jason Steele, Brighton’s keeper, did not move a muscle as he watched the ball get into the net. Above all, Dean Henderson’s performance was a 10 over 10. The English keeper made two superb saves. It was a well-deserved win for United.

Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City, and Newcastle have all proceeded to the quarter-finals of the Carabao cup.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Liverpool extend Anfield unbeaten run

by marina

Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, whereby they beat Arsenal 3 : 1. Indeed this match was an anticipated one. Following the previous successive losses by Liverpool to Arsenal, Klopp was determined to beat them. Earlier on in the week, Klopp praised Arteta for the changes he has made at Arsenal, especially in the balance of play. However, he made remarks that Arsenal would play at Anfield twice in the season this far. Firstly for the Premier League first leg, then secondly for the EFL Cup round.

The game

Arsenal opened the score sheets with a goal from Lacazette, following a defensive error by Robertson. On the other hand, In the 27^th minute, Sadio Mane equalized. Salah made a shot for the goal, it was punched by the Arsenal goalkeeper, only to come in Sadio Mane’s path. He tapped in the loose ball. Before the break, Trent made a nice cross that found Robertson at the far post. He was unmarked. The Scottish left-back made a nice first touch to stop the ball and sent it to the back of the net. Despite Arsenal’s defensive organization, a third goal found the back of the net. Diego Jota made his debut coming on from the bench. The former Wolves’ forward was subbed in for Mane. Having missed several opportunities prior, he could not just miss the next chance. He scored the third goal for The Reds, sealing their victory.

Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, whereby they beat Arsenal 3 : 1. — Diego Jota celebrates debut goal vs Arsenal. Photo credits: Liverpool CityFC

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Formation

Liverpool is currently unbeaten at Anfield in the past 3 years. It is at Anfield where they managed a comeback against a strong Barcelona side in the 18/19 Champions League. Arteta had fielded the usual back three with two midfielders in the middle of the pack, that is Elneny and Xhaka. During the first half, Arsenal lacked an attacking edge. Later on, Ceballos came in for Xhaka.

Liverpool played the usual back 4, with two attacking full-backs to increase the press. Indeed Klopp’s side was pressing high up the pitch. Moreover, they were also keen to avoid suffering quick breaks. The high press ensured that Arsenal would not play comfortably from the back.

On Thursday, Liverpool host Arsenal once again for the EFL round of matches. Will Klopp extend the unbeaten run? Will Arteta suffer yet another defeat against Klopp?

England/Main Stories/Premier League

September 28, 2020

Vardy bags hat-trick as Leicester beat Manchester City

by marina

Hat-trick double

Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick as Leicester played against Manchester City, a second in his career against Manchester City. Manchester City hosted the Foxes, in what was supposed to be a close match. Manchester City lost to Leicester City, 2:5. Following this defeat, this is the first time Pep has conceded five goals as a coach. Guardiola has faced losses, but never lost by five goals.

A top corner shot by Mahrez opened the scoring charts. The game at then seemed to be going Manchester City’s way. However, this was short-lived. Jamie Vardy was fouled in the box by Kyle Walker. As a result, Michael Oliver, the referee, did not hesitate to point to the spot. Well, the English striker hardly misses this kind of chances. Vardy superbly flicked the ball past Ederson following a great pass by Timothy Castagne.

More goals …

Eric Garcia committed a foul in the box, which resulted to a penalty. As expected, Vardy found the back of the net. The striker’s goal completed his second hat-trick ever against Pep Guardiola’s side. Afterward, James Maddison was subbed in for Praet. It did not take long for him to find the back of the net. A magnificent strike to the top corner from outside the box ensured Leicester is 3 goals ahead. At this moment, the score was 4:1.

Jamie Vardy after being awarded the match ball vs Manchester City. — Jamie Vardy after he was awarded the match ball vs Manchester City. Photo Credits Jamie Vardy

Nathan Ake, the new signing from Bournemouth, headed in a corner kick to increase the Cityzen’s tally in this game to two. The presence of VAR in the Premier League has resulted to the awarding of 15 penalties so far. A foul by Mendy led to the third penalty of the game. Tielemans fired the fifth goal past Ederson. The goal sealed Leicester City’s win against Manchester City.

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League Standings

As things stand, the Foxes are on top of the table with 9 points. They have a better goal difference compared to Everton, with whom they have tied at 9 points. The Cityzens face Bielsa’s, Leeds United, in their next game. On the other hand, Leicester plays host to Westham United. Will Pep bounce back from this defeat?