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Could this be the year Messi leads Argentina to world glory?

by marina

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named his 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. As expected, the eyes of the world will be on their captain Lionel Messi. At 35 years old, this is likely his last chance to add the glitter of the World Cup to his impressive individual and team honors. Now at his fifth world cup, Messi enjoys the company of a team that is a hot favorite for the title. The favorite tag is backed by an impressive 35-game unbeaten streak from 2019 and polished up by a Copa America triumph in 2021. But it has not been easy sailing for the Albiceleste.

The team reached four Copa America finals between 2004 and 2016 and the World Cup final in 2014 and lost all of them. Messi has endured much criticism for his inability to lead Argentina to the trophy. Like his predecessor Maradona, high expectations lie on this footballing spectacle to lift this most coveted trophy. The 2021 Copa triumph was a welcome relief but many believe he can do one better and clinch world glory. Seen by many as the best football player in history, winning the world cup will open doors to the Pantheon of football gods.

Soccer Football – International Friendly – Argentina Training – Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 14, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Messi has been in red-hot form for PSG season racking up 28 goal contributions in 19 games. Surely, this is the time for Messi and Argentina, if not now, when? He’s already stated in numerous interviews that this will be his last World Cup. One last dance for the best player to ever paint this great gallery of the game, to go on and put a stamp on his venerable title, GOAT.

Omissions

Giovani lo Celso is the notable omission from the squad. The midfielder has been integral in the Argentina cog and misses out due to a hamstring injury. Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul have formed a successful double pivot for Argentina in midfield making his absence disruptive to how Argentina sets up.

Scaloni had no place for Atletico Madrid Angel correa and Manchester United’s rising star, Alejandro Garnacho. Argentina’s plethora of attackers has squeezed out Correa from a spot in Qatar and the Atleti man, now 27, will be disappointed after missing out in 2018.  Napoli’s Giovanne Simeone is enjoying a stellar season but unfortunately misses out on the squad.

Argentina’s line-up options

The big names are included in the list although Roma’s Paulo Dybala and Juventus’ Angel Di Maria have injury concerns. Di maria is integral to the team given the versatility, experience, and width he offers on the left flank. Inter’s Lautaro Martinez is expected to fill up the No. 9 spot with La Pulga occupying the right-wing of attack. Martinez offers a great link-up play and is deadly in front of goal. Messi has a free role and frequently drifts inwards leaving the right back to provide width.

In midfield, Lo Celso’s absence means Rodrigo de Paul will settle for either Enzo Fernandez or Alexis Mac Allister as a partner in the double pivot. Leandro Paredes, on loan at Juventus from PSG, will be a mainstay in the midfield.  The center-back pairing of Nicholas Otamendi and Christian Romero will be Scaloni’s go-to option. However, Manchester United’s Lautaro Martinez has been faultless this season and could stake his claim to one of the spots.

Finally safe in goal

Argentina has struggled in goal often relying on unconvincing performers. Nowhere is this more apparent than in their calamitous 2018 world cup with Willy Caballero pulling off a few howlers. However, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez has risen from obscurity to provide a safe pair of hands for the Albiceleste, especially in their Copa America triumph of 2021.

Potential formation and setup

Argentina is built around Messi. He provides the beginning, link-ups, and often the final touch of many attacks. This time he is surrounded by a well-oiled machine that presses high and places demands of quality and athleticism on the players. Scaloni prefers a 4-3-3 which will likely feature Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Rodriguez; Di Maria, Messi, and Martinez.

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Full 26-man squad

Goalkeepers: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal).

Defenders: Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), German Pezzella (Real Betis).

Midfielders: Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis).

Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Popular/Premier League
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Arsenal vs Chelsea: the London derby you should not miss

by marina
Arsenal vs Chelsea- Will the Gunners win their 14th FA Cup title

London rivals go head-to-head (Arsenal vs Chelsea) this Sunday at the Emirates and you don’t want to miss it. Here’s why

The past matches: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Although Chelsea won the last match when these two sides met, Arsenal have had the better of them in the early years of the rivalry. In terms of goals scored in the last 10 matches between the two sides, Arsenal boast scoring 16 goals against the Blues(14) goals. Since the first four meetings between the two sides we’ve seen plenty more action on the pitch so let’s focus on what happened post 2018: Arsenal beat Chelsea 5 times, drew 2 times and lost just 3; there were 30 goals scored. Chelsea scored 18 goals vs Arsenal during this period, while Arsenal netted 12 goals.

The recent times

Although arsenal have won 2 games out of 4 past Premier League fixtures between the two sides, Chelsea have been on a solid run lately. We must admit arsenal’s form recently has not been as good as they would’ve hoped for. It is worth noting that arsenal beat Chelsea last season both home and away, taking the double from Tuchel’s side. During the first leg, Lampard was still Chelsea’s coach where as in the second leg he had been replaced by the German coach Thomas Tuchel.

Last season Arsenal won 3-1 and proceeded to take 3 more points at Stamford Bridge winning 1-0 against Tuchel’s side. An early goal from Emile Smithe Rowe sealed the fate for the Champion League winners. Arsenal went on to finish in 8th place as Chelsea finished 4th, qualifying for a Champions League spot.

The Belgian who dominated the London derby

Eden Hazard was a popular name during Arsenal vs Chelsea fixtures in the past before he left Chelsea to join Real Madrid. Chanting of his name was a normal occurrence during past London derbies due to his prowess in giving Arsenal’s defence a hard time. [Jesse Lingard, Heung Min Son, and Eden Hazard, are some of the names that cause some discomfort for the Arsenal defense].

Current Form: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Chelsea has been a more stable side of late compared to their London rivals. However, Arsenal has a good record against the Blues and should not be rules out just yet. Chelsea, under Tuchel, beat Manchester City in the Champion’s League final, 1- 0. This marked their second Champions League trophy; Arsenal has none as per the time of this writing. Their endeavor to collect trophies did not stop their, since they went ahead to bag the UEFA Supercup trophy after beating Villarreal, the UEFA Europa winners, on penalties. Two trophies for Tuchel in a span of months.

Tammy Abraham holds up the Champions League trophy following their Champions League win after beating Guardiola's City, 1-0 in 2020/21 season.
Tammy Abraham holds up the Champions League trophy following their Champions League win after beating Guardiola’s City, 1-0 in 2020/21 season. Photo credit: Chelsea
Rudiger celebrates holding the UEFA Supercup following their win over Villareal. Rudiger will be available to play in the London derby where Chelsea go head to head with Arsenal at the Emirates
Rudiger celebrates holding the UEFA Supercup following their win over Villareal. Rudiger will be available to play in the London derby where Chelsea go head to head with Arsenal at the Emirates. Photo Credit: Chelsea

Arsenal on the other hand have not bagged any trophy of late other than the FA Cup which they won in the 2019/20 season and a ceremonial Community Shield.

Joe Willock holding up the FA cup following their win in 2019-20 season. The player has been sold to Newcastle and therefore wont be available for the London derby
Joe Willock holding up the FA cup following their win in 2019-20 season. The player has been sold to Newcastle and therefore wont be available for the London derby. Photo Credits: Arsenal

Contrast Premier League opener matches for the London rivals

The most recent fixtures saw Chelsea easily beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to mark the start of the season, and a possible Premier League trophy pursuit. Marcos Alonso gave the Blues an early lead from a free kick. The Spaniard fired the ball right past Vicente Guaita making it 1:0. The Crystal Palace keeper was supposedly caught unawares in this case. In the 40th minute Pulisic poached a rebounce ball from Guaita to make it 2:0, generally a tap-in. Several minutes after the break, Trevor Chalobah grabbed a debut goal, scoring from outside the box right past Guaita to make it 3:0 for the hosts. Intrestingly, the fans had prior urged Chalobah to shoot, and voila, a perfect strike to mark a debut.

A Gunner side lacking character and verve

Arsenal on the other hand had a very rough start to their campaign this season. The team lacked any attacking verve as they possessed the ball largely against newly promoted Brentford. Sergi Cannos fired a strike that went past Arsenal’s defence, right past Bernd Leno, making it 1-0 for the hosts – their first Premier League goal ever.

In the 73rd minute, Christian Nørgaard headed the ball into Arsenal’s net following a long deep throw into Arsenal’s box. That marked the second goal of the night. Aubamayeng and Lacazette were missing from the squad due to an illness. Whether they would have helped better the state of the Gunners is something that is not certain at the moment.

Arsenal’s captain Aubameyang in a past shirt promotion for the club. The Gabonese international will be available to play against the Blues at the Emirates in what looks like a loosing London derby for Arsenal. Photo credit: Arsenal

Aubamayeng has of late not scored for the Gunners. This is a rather worrying scenario for Arteta since in past seasons, the former Dortmund striker has been scoring almost half of Arsenal’s goals. On the other hand, Arsenal have being rumoured to make a move for Inter’s Lautaro Martinez to bolster their attack and rake in the goals.

The presence of yet another Belgian

Going into the weekend, it is not certain whether Lacazette and Aubameyang will be available to face the Blues. Lukaku on the other hand will be available to debut for his boyhood club, following his re-signing from Inter Milan. Will Romelu Lukaku wage war against Arsenal like his fellow Belgian team mate Hazard? Mason Mount has being on form for his side creating several chances for his side, a crucial midfielder indeed. Its not certain whether Tuchel will start Kai Havertz, however if the German starts, he may pivotal to Chelsea. The German scored the only goal in a past friendly against the Gunners.

Lukaku's comments following his return to the Bridge. Lukaku will be available for selection this weekend as Chelsea go head to head with Arsenal at the Emirates
Lukaku’s comments following his return to the Bridge. Lukaku will be available for selection this weekend as Chelsea go head to head with Arsenal at the Emirates. Photo credits: Chelsea

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The London derby face off between Arsenal and Chelsea

As we head into the London derby, Arsenal have history in their favour as Chelsea have form in their favour. Let’s see who will win as these two battle it out at the Emirates.

England/Popular/Premier League
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What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United this season 2021-22?

by marina
What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United this season 2021-22? Manchester United have gone a couple of years without laying their hands on any trophy, based on their squad outlook and form, Ole Gunners boys seem determined to end the trophy drought this season.

What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United this season 2021-22? Manchester United have gone a couple of years without laying their hands on any trophy, based on their squad outlook and form, Ole Gunners boys seem determined to end the trophy drought this season.

What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United? Photo Credits Manchester United

Spending without holding back: A hunt for trophies

The Red Devils have been in the news for their huge spending spree this transfer window. They’ve added Raphael Varane to their squad and Jadon Sancho. After several seasons of waiting for the arrival of Jadon Sancho, they were able to acquire the English winger from Dortmund. With Raphael Varane around, United now has enough quality and depth at the back making them a force in domestic competitions as well as Europe next season.

Raphael Varane holding his shirt number after he was announced at Old Trafford. Raphael Varane is one of the additions to Ole’s squad in a bid to win a trophy this season. Photo Credits: Manchester United

A consistent presence in the champions league this far

For starters, they won’t be entering the Champions League knockout phase having failed to finish among the top four last season but will most certainly start their European campaign at the group stage following their second place finish behind Manchester City in the Premier league last season.

The teams that they will be facing in the Champions League will be announced after the Champions League group draw is done. Currently the various European teams that finished at playoff positions in their various leagues are competing for the qualification spots.

What lies ahead if United win their first European trophy in six seasons this season? What happens if they finally end Man U’s long wait for a trophy since the Europa league final triumph over Ajax in 2016? What next when at last, the drought ends for Manchester United? What is on the horizon? What should we expect to see occur during the coming season? What are some of those things that might happen as a result of winning their first European trophy under Solskjaer’s management.

What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United?

What next – What happens after trophies are won? What is the feeling like just before, during and after a trophy win? What happens immediately after that momentous occasion in sport history when a team lifts their first league title in however many years or decades it may be (Arsenal comes to mind). What will be the general mentality of the individual players? What should we expect from every one else who’s part of that club including fans staff members journalists owners etc.

Sir Alex Ferguson posing with trophies after winning the treble. Will current coach Ole Gunnar be able to end the trophy drought at Manchester United? Photo Credits: Manchester United

A whole sea change takes place almost overnight as everyone involved with the club moves into another gear of existence and begins to look forward again instead of living constantly looking back on the Fergie days. Its certain that Manchester United players and fans look back with nostalgia to the good old Alex Ferguson days. Back when playing them was way tougher than it is now. Whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be as successful as him or not time will tell. What I mean by looking back and living with nostalgia is that every one associated with United are still looking back to have the former day experiences Sir Alex Ferguson.

David Moyes run at the club

The firing of David Moyes in 2014 was something everyone had thought would never happen especially after he was given a vote of confidence by one of the greatest managers to have ever graced the Premier League, Alex Ferguson. What makes it more depressing than his average-performance tenure at United is that ever since then there has been no light at the end of any tunnel for us fans to see so we can get excited again.

David Moyes in a previous match coaching Manchester United. He succeeded Alex Ferguson following his departure after 2013-14 season. Photo Credits Manchester United

A ray of hope to end Manchester United trophy drought…

However, with Bruno Fernandes present, a trophy seems around the corner. Bruno Fernandes has been a sensation since his arrival at Old Trafford. His goal and assist statistics can only be largely compared to those of Belgium’s finest, Kevin De Bruyne.

What was even more impressive, however, is that Fernandes’ assists were the leading ones in his team. What does all this mean? What it means is that Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United’s main threat in recent years and has been a core component of the teams successes so far, Portuguese Magnifico.

The Portuguese Magnifico netted 18 goals in the 2020/21 Premier League season, coming third to Harry Kane(23) and Salah(22). Regarding assists, he came in third again(12) tying with Etihad’s Kevin De Bruyne. Harry Kane recorded 14 assists, beating the two to this accolade.

A UEFA Europa Cup exit for United

One trophy did come close to United’s door. A lose to Villarreal on penalties marked another trophy less season for United. Despite being trophy less, United fans take pride in beating their noisy neighbors, Manchester City, last season. “So although we do not have much to boast about right now, at least we beat one of our rivals! And as you know, winning against your biggest rival can only be a good thing!”

But what will happen when [the drought] ends? What would it be like to get a trophy for the club? What can we expect to happen? What will change at the club after? What is needed and what could be done better?

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The unending pressure to end the trophy drought at Old Trafford

First, when United do win a trophy, there will be more pressure. Expectations are higher than ever. United manager Ole Gunnar will face an even bigger challenge in making sure he prepares his team well, playing almost perfect football. Every single decision he makes in regards to players will be under scrutiny. Which player needs to be sold or which new signings are necessary – all eyes on him as he guides the ship that is [the drought] ending and its consequences going forward.

Furthermore, fans would hope that some of their favorite players remain at United despite huge interest from foreign clubs. What happens if a player like Anthony Martial wants to leave? What happens when some fans don’t want a certain player to remain at the club, such as Paul Pogba? What would Ole Gunnar do in these situations? How will he handle them?

Paul Pogba in a previous match for Manchester United. He provided 4 assists in this match whereby Manchester United played Leeds. Man U won 4:1. Photo Credits Manchester United

The possibilities

What if United continue their winning ways and reach one of the cups final but lose it again. What will happen then? Will the fans bear the sight of loosing yet another final after loosing Europa final last season? What kind of consequences will this have on the team’s confidence and reputation in England and across other leagues around Europe who are watching Ed Woodward trying to sign more players with Erling Haaland being one of them. What do you guys think about all this? Is there anything else that could or should be mentioned within these scenarios/questions? What will happen when the trophy drought ends for Manchester United this season 2021-22? What will happen if United continue to win more trophies after winning a trophy first time in – What do you guys think about all this?

Popular/Premier League
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Exciting fixtures beckon this week in EPL, how long will they last atop?

by marina
Antonio cel;ebrating his goal vs West Brom

The Title Race

The English Premier League title race is shaping up with a host of fixtures set to be played this week. Manchester United top the English Premier League table. Manchester City comes second and Leicester City third. Liverpool has slumped to 4th position after the recent draw with Manchester United. The point difference between position one and four is 6 points currently. This week’s results will, therefore play a big role in changing the table.

The other notable clubs are Tottenham Hotspurs, Chelsea and Arsenal. However, they sit in positions 5, 8 and 10, respectively. They form a part of the traditional big six clubs of England. With more efforts, they could also mount a title challenge.

Premier League table standings. Photo credits: Premier League

This Week’s Fixtures

Arsenal opened the week with a crucial match against Newcastle United, where they won by three goals to nil. Emile Smithe Rowe has proofed to be a good midfield option for the Gunners. Aubameyang scored a brace, with Saka netting in the other goal. Emile Smithe Rowe and Saka have been crucial to Arsenal’s return to form.

Leicester City played host to the Blues. Everyone looked forward to this fixture, owing to its importance on the Premier League top 6 table standings. Fortunately or unfortunately, Chelsea lost two goals to nil to the host and consequentially dropped to position eight. Relegation-threatened Westbrom lost two goals to one as they visited Moyes’ Westham United. West Brom have recorded three losses in the last 5 EPL games, winning one and drawing the other

A race between two rivals, Manchester

Manchester was buzzing with chants from fans. On one end you could hear, “Glory Glory Man United” chants, on the other, you could overhear names like De’ Bruyne, Pep and the likes. Both teams were playing on the same day. The results would determine the amount of Twitter activity we would experience. Well, both teams won, Manchester United won 2 – 1 vs Fulham. A goal from ‘El-Matador’ and a great strike from Labile Pogba did the trick. De Gea conceded a goal, thanks to an early Lookman goal.

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Manchester City, on the other hand, got two past a prolific goalkeeper-cum-Arsenal reject, Emiliano Martinez. Emiliano made seven saves in this match, seven saves! That is quite a performance. He conceded one open play goal and a late penalty by Gundogan. Bernado Silva was responsible for the open play goal. The results leave Manchester City second in the Premier League, with a game in hand.

Bernado Silva celebrating with Pep Guardiola after he scored vs Aston Villa. Photo Credit: Manchester City

Upcoming Fixtures

Liverpool is set to play Burnley tonight. Whatever, the results, they remain fourth. Aston Villa has several games in hand. They play Newcastle tomorrow; if they win they will be level with Chelsea and Southampton at 29 points, the goal difference will be the distinguishing factor.

The fixtures this week were exciting all along. How long will Manchester United remain on top?

Africa/Editor's Pick/Popular/Premier League
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What the numbers say. Rashford – Mane comparison

by marina
Rashford - Mane comparison for Premier League and in other leagues

The Journey So Far

Rashford celebrating a past goal with Pogba and Wan Bissaka vs Wolves. Comparisons have been recently made between Rashford and Mane.
Rashford celebrating a past goal with Pogba and Wan Bissaka vs Wolves. Photo Credits: Manchester United Twitter

Marcus Rashford and Sadio Mane are two fine EPL footballers to do some comparison on. Both of them have played most of their games as left wingers. Rashford is 23 years old while Mane is 28 years old. Rashford has risen through the Man United youth ranks to where he is today. Mane on the other hand has had to switch clubs overtime. He started his professional career at Metz before joining Salzburg. He was spotted by Southampton scouts thereby making a move to the saints. After two seasons, Liverpool signed him up in 2016. Since then, the left winger has been delivering fine performances for the club. The two players have been a subject of debates in recent times. Football fans have been trying to find who is the better player. Here is how they compare.

Statistics Comparison

Sadio Mane is the better of the two when it comes to premier league goals. He has scored more goals having played more games too. His career has flourished more as a Liverpool player. He has 89 EPL goals in 205 appearances for the club. Rashford has scored 46 EPL goals in 117 appearances since Sadio Mane joined Liverpool. Mane has 17 champions league goals in 40 appearances for the club. Rashford on the other hand has scored 11 champions league goals in 24 appearances for the club. Mane has a slightly better minutes per goal ratio than Rashford. This can be attributed to Mane having had more experience in the two competitions than Marcus Rashford.

Squawka comparison of Rashford and Mane in UEFA 20/21.
Squawka comparison of Rashford and Mane in UEFA 20/21. Photo credits: Squawka
Rashford - Mane comparison for Premier League 19/20 season.
Rashford – Mane comparison for Premier League 19/20 season. Photo credits: Squawka

Recent Performances

Marcus Rashford has been a better player in recent times. Since the start of the 2019/20 season, he has proven to be a little bit better than Mane. He has a better consistency than Mane. Rashford seldom goes 4 games without a goal. Mane on the other hand has recently gone 8 games without recording a goal. Rashford finished the 2020 charts as the best left winger. This season, Rashford has already recorded 7 EPL goals and 4 assists in 16 games. Mane has recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in 15 games. In the champions league, Rashford has 6 goals in 6 appearances while Mane has 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 appearances. This means that Rashford is coming good and will eventually push Mane behind him in the left winger charts.

Rashford Mane comparison in Premier League 20/21 season.
Rashford Mane comparison in Premier League 20/21 season. Photo credits: Squawka

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Outside Football

Both players are decent outside the football pitch. Marcus Rashford has been running a campaign to feed vulnerable children in the United Kingdom. Sadio Mane has been building social amenities to improve the lives of fellow countrymen.

Sadio Mane vs WestBrom in a past match featuring for Liverpool, Premier League 20/21.
Sadio Mane vs WestBrom in a past match featuring for Liverpool, Premier League 20/21. Photo Credits: Liverpool Twitter

The Senegalese winger and English striker both have a good record on and off the pitch. Both are instrunmental to their teams. You now know what the numbers say about the comparison of Sadio Mane and Rashford.

Main Stories/Popular/Premier League
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An heated and open Premier League Title Race, 10 in.

by marina

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 2nd with 29 points, while Leicester City sits 3rd with 28 points.  Man United complete the top 4 with 27 points. Only 7 points separate Liverpool and Southampton, who sit 9th 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.

Editor's Pick/Popular/Premier League
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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

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 27th 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?

Editor's Pick/England/Popular
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Questions Raised About Thiago Silva’s Age as He Joins Chelsea

by Lawrence Juma
Chelsea's newest signing Thiago Silva has shrugged off concerns he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace.

Chelsea’s newest signing Thiago Silva has shrugged off concerns he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace. Critics have continued insisting that the Brazilian veteran could find it rough at Stamford Bridge. Read how foreign players adopt the premier league.

Adapting to the league

The 36 years old centre-back on Tuesday, brushed off concerns that he would struggle to come to live up to the English top-flight speed. The defender joined Frank Lampard’s side from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last month.

Silva believes he will play a big role in helping Chelsea’s young squad reach peak performance. This he asserts is prominent after the team’s expensive rebuild.

The former AC Milan player is expected to make his debut in Chelsea’s League Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday.

He said although the Premier League had not previously held great appeal for him, he is willing to put his back to notable duty. More about the story here.

Lampard’s side finished 33 points behind champions Liverpool  ast season. Liverpool also beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday to underscore the gap between the teams.

With all his experience in football career and everything he has won,he said it is paramount to show to the younger players that just playing matches is not enough. The Brazilian international said he could help instil a winning mindset at the club

Silva feels that Chelsea needs preparation to be as ready and in the best state possible. He said they need to see how important it is to win things.

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Thiago says its people who are successful winners that are remembered. Moreover, he gave an example of Manager Frank Lampard, hailing him as having accomplished so much.

Thiago says its people who are successful winners that are remembered. Moreover, he gave an example of Manager Frank Lampard, hailing him as having accomplished so much.
Frank Lampard as Chelsea coach

Sealing the defence

Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is set to become the seventh senior Chelsea signing in a hectic summer. The oddity is especially notable due to the Corona virus pandemic that has thrown the sporting world into unchartered waters. More more articles mentioning Corona virus here.

England/Popular/Premier League
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Man City’s two-year Champions League ban lifted

by Quincy Charles

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has today lifted Man City’s two-year ban from the UEFA Champions League. Man City will now compete in the next year’s competition. 

Manchester City were punished in February this year by UEFA following the accusations of breaching club licensing and financial fair play regulations.

From reports, the club breached the regulations between 2012 and 2016 and was later fined €30million after being found guilty of violating the Financial Fair Play (FFP) laws.

The Court today ruled in favour of Man City and reduced the initial fine that they were to pay to €10million. According to the Court’s ruling, the club did not disguise funds from their owners as sponsorship donations but will still have to pay the fine for failing to cooperate with the investigations.

Pep Guardiola is a happy man wherever he is, knowing his team will be in the UEFA competitions next season. Man City are currently at position two on the EPL table, a direct qualification of competing in the Champions League.

Photo Credit: Getty