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England/Premier League
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Tight race for the English Golden boot

by Quincy Charles
Tight race for the English Golden boot

With only a few games left, the battle for the golden boot in the premier league seems to get harder by every game week. At the top of the list is Jamie Vardy, Leicester City’s main man upfront, who has been quite prolific this season. He has scored 21 goals in 30 games and provided 4 assists and his contribution to the club has seen it strongly secure the third position in the league table. With a 0.7 goals per game ratio, Vardy has been quite consistent before the break and had a three game goal drought before he scored a brace in their previous game against Crystal Palace. This season he joined the list for players with 100 premier league goals and I believe he has got eyes for the golden boot.

At number two is, Pierre- Emerick Aubamayeng, Arsenal’s best forward who also happens to be the previous season’s golden boot holder. The Gabonese attacker has been in good form this season and joined the list of fastest premier league players to reach 50 premier league goals. With 19 goals in 31 games, two assists and a 0.61 goals per game ratio, Aubamayeng seems to be the only player who doesn’t get criticism in the club. The Gunners knight in shining armor, is potentially a golden boot winner this season and he is aware that it is game on. These two strikers meet tonight in Emirates Stadium at 10:15pm in a premier league clash, hoping one would score and increase their chance of winning the accolade.

At 18 goals is Danny Ings, Southampton’s forward who has had a surprisingly good season and a huge spell of individual brilliance .He is  among the contenders for the boot and still has a couple of games to increase his tally. At fourth position is Mohamed Salah, also last Season’s golden boot winner. At 17 goals, he hopes to defend his title making this race even harder. Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s winger and also last season’s golden boot winner, is at 16 goals tying with Mancity’s Sergio Aguero, whose injury has affected him and is out of season. Raul Jimenez from Wolves is tied at 15 goals with United’s Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Photo Credit: Premier League App

Europe
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Matteo Guendouzi’s troubles at Arsenal

by Quincy Charles
Matteo Guendouzi’s troubles at Arsenal

Matteo Guendouzi has for a while had disagreements with his boss Mikel Arteta. Their recent fight was after their game against Brighton where they suffered a defeat.

Due to the disagreements, Arteta has since failed to include Guendouzi in the first-team training, directing him to train alone with his fitness coach.

In Arsenal’s game against Brighton, Guendouzi clashed with Neal Maupay, grabbing him by the throat. However, Guendouzi escaped punishment after FA in a statement said that the officials did not witness the clash.

In February 2020, Guendouzi was reprimanded by Arsenal’s technical director Edu, for allegedly removing his shirt and waving it in support of a local music artist in Dubai. He was left out in several games but was later recalled after the club felt he responded well to the punishment.

His relationship with Arteta has worsened to the extent the manager is now looking for potential swap deals for the young star. Guendouzi still has two years left on his contract with Arsenal. If the club wants to recoup a maximum value on him, they will have to offload him this coming summer.

The Frenchman is still young, with outstanding qualities in the midfield but Arsenal manager has had enough of him and expects everyone to respect his decision.

Guendouzi’s prideful and ambitious attitude will cost him in his football career. Before he joined Arsenal, he was kicked out of Lorient due to the same reasons.

Photo Credit: talkSPORT

England/Premier League
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Nemanja Matic pens down a new contract extending until 2023.

by Peter Ongalo

Serbian Midfielder Nemanja Matic is reported to have signed a new contract with Manchester United .It is a long term contract that will keep the defensive midfielder at United till 2023.This is a good move by the club considering he has played a big role in their victories more so after the restart. He was signed in 2017 from Chelsea, under Jose Mourinho’s management and his contract was supposed to run out by 2021.

Matic, who was injured before the break, is now back in good shape and top form and has reclaimed his position in the first eleven. The position was being held by Fred and Scott Mctominay who also proved to be quite prolific in holding that midfield.Now that he is back, he has been a constant starter and has very good chemistry with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

This contract extension means he might stay with the Red Devils until he is in his mid-30s.The Serbian is definitely part of Ole Gunnar’s club rebuilt plan.We now wait for an official statement by the club to announce his contract extenson.

Photo Credit:@Man Utd Official Twitter Account

Europe
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Australia and New Zealand to host 2023 Women’s World Cup

by Quincy Charles
Australia and New Zealand to host 2023 Womens World Cup

Australia and New Zealand have officially been confirmed as the hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, beating Colombia which also had an interest in hosting the tournament.

The two countries won by 22 – 13 votes to get the rights to host the tournament that is to be the first Women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams.

According to FIFA, their technical evaluation showed that Australia/New Zealand bid received a 4.1 score out of 5, presenting the most favourable commercial proposition.

Australia/New Zealand’s bid tagged as superior compared to Colombia’s 2.8 scores. FIFA determined that there would be need of “a significant amount of investment and support from both local stakeholders and FIFA”.

Moreover, the Women’s program in Colombia has faced several problems like few camps, inadequate financial support and poor conditions from the federation.

Last year, the Women’s World Cup took place in France with the US women’s national team beating the Netherlands team in the final winning their fourth title in the competition.

New Zealand was among countries like England, South Africa, South Korea and France who showed interest in hosting the last year’s tournament. However, New Zealand pulled out in the bidding process.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be held in July and August same year, while the qualifying process will start in 2021 and end in 2022.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Editor's Pick/England/Premier League
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Ole Gunnar Confirms Man Utd’s decision on Dean Henderson’s future

by Quincy Charles
Ole Gunnar Confirms Man Utd’s decision on Dean Henderson’s future

Despite the fine form of Dean Henderson who is currently on loan at Sheffield United, Ole Gunnar still continues to back De Gea as his ManUtd’s number 1 goalkeeper.The Man Utd boss said that Henderson is not yet ready to replace De Gea as United’s no. 1 goalkeeper and therefore considers a one-year loan extension for Henderson to stay at Sheffield.“We need to make sure Dean plays football to develop, so we’re going to make a decision later on,” Solskjaer said.“He’s had two fantastic years and we appreciate what Sheffield United have done with him as well. So that’s an option, for him to stay at Sheffield United.”“I think Dean has had a fantastic couple of years at Sheffield United and I think eventually he will end up as England’s No.1 and man Utd’s No.1.“But he’s got the best goalkeeper in the world to tip off his place and for me, David is still developing and still getting better and better."“We are going to make a decision after both clubs sit down with him," he continued.Henderson, who is currently 23 years old, has continued to impress in the 2 years he’s been at Bramall Lane. He helped Sheffield to championship promotion and a fine return to the English Premier League.Ole Gunnar currently does not see a need of Hendersonreturning to Old Trafford with the availability of other three goalkeepers. According to Solskjaer, Sergio Romero will continue to deputize De Gea.“I think Sergio is the best No.2 in the world. He’s so professional, even though he wants to play every game. He challenges David but they’re also good friends.Earlier this season, Henderson said that he will return to OldTrafford only if he is guaranteed playing time. He is currently holding out on a new contract extension and only has 2 years left and a year’s option on his current deal.Manchester United manager still believes De Gea is the best in the world and wouldn’t swap him with anyone even after Degea faced a lot of criticisms after their match against Tottenham after making an error resulting to a goal in the first half."Dean can work in our goalkeeping department alongside David, Sergio (Romero) and Lee (Grant) but you can’t have three or four top keepers there and he needs games.”Photo Credit: Getty Images

England/Premier League/Serie A
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Lazio Set to Sign Manchester City Playmaker David Silva

by Quincy Charles
Lazio Set to Sign Manchester City Playmaker David Silva

According to Sky Sports  Italia and the Guardian, Lazio have plans of signing Man City playmaker David Silva this summer.

Silva has played over 400 games for Man City in the last ten years he has been at the club. He played his final Premier League match against Norwich in July where they won 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

In his last game for Man City in the Premier League, he said: 

“I have enjoyed the ten years here, today was the last game in the Premier League, but now we have to be focused on the Champions League.

“It was emotional, I have been here for ten years, I love all of the players and staff, we have a good relationship and I am going to miss all of them.

“I couldn’t imagine winning so many titles in the way we did when I first came here. I am a lucky guy; I’ve had a lot of nice moments. I will miss everything, even the weather!”

He is currently a free agent but will still play for Man City in the ongoing Champions League games. According to the Guardian, Lazio offered the Spaniard £50,000 a week but he wants around £100,000 a week to sign a new deal with the club. The club is still negotiating with Silva hoping to close a deal soon.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Premier League
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English Premier League to end in style.

by Peter Ongalo
English Premier League to end in style.

 As the Premier league ends this Sunday, there will be quite some interesting fixtures on that day. At the top of the table will be their fierce battle for Champions League qualification as three clubs fight for the third and fourth position. 

The matches to watch will definitely be Chelsea vs Wolves and Leicester City vs Manchester United. These fixtures will be moment defining for the three clubs. For Manchester United, a win or a draw against Leicester will be a direct ticket to the UEFA Champions league. They are at number three in the league with 63 points and a goal difference of 28 goals. For the Leicester Foxes, they strongly need a win against united to be assured of getting a UCL ticket. They are currently fifth with 62 points and a goal difference of 28 therefore, a draw for them would be an option depending on how the Chelsea match against wolves will turn out. Chelsea on the other hand also strongly needs a win because if it comes to goal difference they are the lowest in the top five with on 13.It surely never gets bigger than this. 

Since the leagues number five will automatically qualify for Europa, there is also a mid-table battle for Qualification by position 6 between Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur. Wolves at 59 points and a goal difference of 13 will be hoping to beat the South West London Blues to secure that position. They are also currently in the same tournament and if by any chance they win, they will be getting a ticket to the Champions League. For them its a no taking chances situation. Spurs at 58 points and a goal difference of 14 are also trying to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. A win against Crystal palace on that same day would be important to their campaign.

Finally, the tight relegation battle will be coming to an end of the same day. It is confirmed that Norwich City will be headed back to The Skybet Championship since they have 21 points and a goal difference of -44.Gaining 3 points against Manchester City wont save them but at least it will be a farewell match since they put up quite a show in the PL. Above them is Bournemouth with 31 points, and a goal difference of -27, who will be meeting Everton hoping for three points to put them level with Watford and Aston Villa who are at 34 points each. The Cherries can only escape relegation if both of the clubs above it loose. Watford, who will be facing Arsenal can only escape relegation if they win and Aston Villa loses their match against Westham. The last three clubs will be relegated and on Sunday we will be able to tell who gets axed and who gets lucky.

All matches on Sunday will be played at 6pm .The premier league is set to return in September 12th 

Photo Credits: Getty Images

England/Premier League
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Final Top 4 battle comes down to the remaining four matches.

by Peter Ongalo
Final Top 4 battle comes down to the remaining four matches.

After all the game week scuffles it all comes down to the remaining four premier league matches to determine who will get the third and the fourth position in the final table. Four clubs have been on wild chase for the UEFA Champions league Qualification spot but now it’s evident that it comes down to only three clubs. 

Leicester City,  who recently lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspurs, are at 62 points with a goal difference of 28,temporarily seated at position four with only one game left. The shocking defeat at London cost them so much and now they tie at goal difference with Manchester United who have a game at hand.  The two clubs will meet for a final showdown at King Power Stadium to square it out for European Football participation glory on July 26th. Based on the odds, if they manage to beat Manchester United or go level pegging they might still have a chance to qualify for the UCL.

Chelsea, at position three with 63 points and a goal difference of 15, are in a tight situation with two matches left. The South West London Blues will travel to Meyerside today to face Premier League champions, Liverpool at Anfield Stadium. A pretty tough fixture if you ask me.With their low goal difference, a win today would be very crucial for securing their third position. Liverpool haven’t lost a home game in the premier league since 2017 and  I can’t possibly imagine them letting that record get broken by The blues in as much as they aided in their early trophy when  they beat Manchester City. Tonight we will find out if they will return the favour. Chelsea will host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday 26th July for their final league game.

Manchester United, at position five with also 62 points and a goal difference of 28, had a chance of elevating to position three, but shared points after the draw with Southampton. Today they host a relegation- battling Westham United, hoping for a victory that might put them in the third position. If Ole and his boys blow this chance, it would come down to their final match with The Foxes. It wouldn’t be an easy game, considering Westham has been on a winning streak and are trying hard to avoid relegation. The East London Irons wouldn’t mind doing a double on the Red devils. The last remaining matches are very crucial for the clubs and every point and every goal counts.

Photo Credits: Fotmob App

Premier League
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Arsenal suffer shock defeat against relegation-threatened Aston Villa

by Quincy Charles
Arsenal suffer shock defeat against relegation-threatened Aston Villa

The relegation-threatened Aston Villa secured three points in their match against Arsenal, enough to move them out of the relegation zone.

The in-form Arsenal could not break Aston Villa’s defence despite leading in possession. The goal scored in the 27th-minute by Trezeguet with a fantastic strike turned out to be the winning the goal as Arsenal could not score.

Arsenal came into the game after two crucial victories against Liverpool and Manchester City, only to lose at Villa Park. Dean Smith’s tactics against Arteta’s paid off. Smith’s 4-1-4-1 formation forced Jack Grealish and Trezeguet into wide areas which prevented Arsenal from getting overloads. Arsenal failed to get a single shot on target in the first half.

Arsenal fans expressed the disappointment on Twitter showing different reactions about coaching and management of the club. Arsenal fans protested against the owner of the club with a flying message, ‘BACK ARTETA, KROENKE OUT’.

Arsenal are one of the best-attacking sides in the English Premier League having the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Aubameyeng and Lacazette in the attacking position. Arsenal needs improvements in their defence and will, therefore, have to make new signings this coming summer transfer window. 

Arsenal’s defeat means that they cannot finish higher than the eighth position in the Premier League. They will now have to win the FA Cup to qualify for the Europa League next season.

Photo Credit: Premier League Website

England/Premier League
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The English Premier League confirms dates for summer 2020 transfer window

by Quincy Charles

The transfer dates for the 2020 summer transfer window for the Premier League side are finally out.

The transfer period will run for ten weeks, from 27th July to 5th October. This decision was settled upon in a meeting by the Premier League shareholders on Wednesday. The new dates are, however, subject to FIFA approval.

EPL top clubs will be allowed to trade with EFL clubs for an additional 11 days till 16th October. The clubs will be allowed to sign players on either a permanent or loan basis.

The Premier League clubs will not be allowed to conduct deals with each other for that added time.

The EPL resumed in June and is to end by 26th July just a day before the summer transfer window will be open.

EPL clubs will then be able to sign new players who will, however, not be allowed to participate in the Champions and Europa League for their new clubs.

The Champions League and Europa League are to return in August, but the date for the start of 2020-2021 Premier League season is yet to be confirmed.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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