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Arsenal’s Balogun challenges Anjorin and Tella for Premier League award

Thanks to their impressive performances in December, the Englishmen of Nigerian descent will go neck to neck for the monthly prize

Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun has been shortlisted for December 2020’s Premier League 2 Player of the Month award alongside Chelsea’s Faustino Anjorin, and Southampton’s Nathan Tella.

The Anglo-Nigerians are among the seven talents who made the cut decided by the Premier League’s Football Development Panel as coaches nominated the best performance by an opposing player in each of the league games.

In the month under review, 19-year-old Balogun scored the winner in the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Leicester City. In that period, also, he made three senior caps for the Emirates Stadium giants, while finding the net once in two substitute appearances across wins over Rapid Vienna and Dundalk in the Europa League before playing a fringe role in Mikel Arteta’s men 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Anjorin,19, contributed to the Blues’ 2-1 defeat of Leicester City before finding the net on two occasions and bagging two assists in the 6-1 decimation of Manchester United to leave Chelsea at the summit of Premier League 2 Division 1 at the end of 2020. He also made his full Champions League debut in a 1-1 draw against Krasnodar.

For Southampton’s Tella, his only Division 1 match was a memorable one – getting four goals in the Saints’ 5-2 triumph over Leicester City. The 21-year-old who had become a regular face in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first team also came on as a substitute during the senior side’s 1-0 English topflight defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Harvey White (Tottenham Hotspur), Brad Lyons (Blackburn Rovers), Harr Chapman (Blackburn Rovers) and Lewis Bate (Chelsea) complete the final cut as the panel will choose the winner who will take over the diadem from Manchester City’s Liam Delap who won the prize in November.

“Nathan is a player and person we are proud of, who stays the same in terms of attitude no matter if he is with the first team or B team,” coach Dave Horseman said of Tella’s performances per Southampton website.

“The game versus Leicester showed the importance of the B team concept, as it allowed him to perform well using the same principles and philosophies of the first team.

“He plays with pace and energy with and against the ball and is direct when it comes to his thinking and actions."

Born in England, Balogun, Anjorin and Tella who have played for England at youth levels are eligible to represent three-time African champions Nigeria at senior level.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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LIVE: In-form Arsenal host Crystal Palace

The French forward is accused of conspiracy to attempt blackmail, with his lawyer claiming the player "has nothing to be ashamed of"

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema is to face trial over his alleged involvement in the attempted blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena relating to a sex tape apparently featuring the Olympiakos star.

The former Lyon forward is accused of trying to extort money from his fellow France international ahead of a friendly against Armenia five years ago.

And, according to AFP, the French forward has now been informed by the Versailles prosecutor’s office that he will be taken to court at an as yet unspecified date.

Benzema's lawyer responded to the news that his client is being charged with conspiracy to attempt blackmail by telling the Efe news agency: "The decision to try him is absurd and is unfair cruelty.

"Benzema has nothing to be ashamed of in this case."

Valbuena's lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins told  L'Equipe that the decision to go to trial is "the logical continuation of the instruction which perfectly established the participation of the various people".

Benzema has spoken out on the matter in question on a regular basis in recent years, with the Frenchman accusing Valbuena of dragging his name "through the mud".

He told L’Equipe in May 2017: "He said he would not have lodged a complaint if he knew I was involved in the story. For more than a year and a half I'm his worst enemy, a bad guy, a thug, I have to be punished, dragged through the mud, my name and that of my family, in the dirt.

"It has been almost two years since I was forbidden to see my best friend [Karim Zenati], if not we go to prison, and he is quiet, but he must stop his crap, and I do not know why he keeps talking about me already.

"[Saying] I am his enemy, I wanted to take money from him... he really has to stop inventing, it makes me mad to keep on lying.

"He just had to tell the truth about what really happened, and he would not have had all of this."

Benzema, who denies any wrongdoing, has been overlooked for international duty with France  ever since the allegations made against him.

The 33-year-old has not figured for Les Bleus since November 2015, when the last of his 81 caps was earned.

A succession of national team coaches have kept him on the outside looking in, despite impressive standards being maintained at club level with Madrid.

Benzema has remained a prolific source of goals for the Blancos, with 261 efforts recorded through 533 appearances. He ranked eighth in Goal 50 in November.

A prominent role at Santiago Bernabeu has been taken on since Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Juventus in 2018, with his contribution helping Zinedine Zidane’s side to another La Liga title in 2019-20.

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‘Stones knows Man City can go and buy another defender’ - Richards hails character of rejuvenated centre-half

The England international appeared to be heading towards the exit at Etihad Stadium, but he has returned to form over recent weeks
Original author: Chris Burton
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Golden Shoe 2020-21: Lewandowski, Ronaldo and Europe's top scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or Robert Lewandowski - who will come out on top this season?
Original author: Goal
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Liverpool unlikely to sign centre-half reinforcements in January as Klopp offers transfer update

The Reds boss has seen a number of senior players pick up untimely knocks, but he will not be rushed into bringing in replacements

Jurgen Klopp admits that Liverpool are unlikely to sign a centre-half during the January transfer window, but nothing is being ruled out as the Reds continue to mull over their options.

Having seen Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip pick up untimely knocks, the defending Premier League champions have been left down to the bare bones at the back.

It was expected they would dip into the winter market for reinforcements, with various targets being mooted from Dayot Upamecano to Kalidou Koulibaly via Ben White and David Alaba.

Klopp, however, has always maintained that he will not spend for the sake of it - and that remains the official line coming out of Anfield.

Quizzed again on his recruitment plans ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash with Aston Villa, the Liverpool boss said: “I cannot say definitely we will not bring anyone in, it is just not likely because of the situation in the world. We should not forget that the situation is a tough one for all people, and for football clubs as well.

“There might be, I don’t know, there might be some clubs who have absolutely no financial problems, but this club always was and always will be, with these owners, very responsible with the things we do.

“If the world was in a normal place, everything fine, we won the league, Champions League, the club was in the best possible situation.

"Then we had three senior centre-halves, plus Fabinho, plus kids, and the three seniors are all injured. Would that be a situation where normally we would do something? Yes, definitely - but we are not in that situation.

“I don’t know if something will happen or not. Maybe you could do something but that would be a short-term solution, and we don’t have that short-term solution. That’s not right, because it doesn’t help really.

“We have to deal with the situation like we did so far, and get through it. It’s not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for the football club?”

While Liverpool have seen their numbers depleted at the back, they continue to boast an enviable array of attacking options.

Diogo Jota has been removed from those plans after joining the ever-growing injury list, but Klopp says the Portuguese forward will not be forced under the knife and will be given as long as he needs to shake off a knee complaint.

The German added when asked for an update on Jota, who has made an immediate impact on Merseyside: “It will still take time, he is still wearing a brace so that means he is still a few weeks from team training. It takes time. No surgery needed, which was good, but it was a proper injury, not a little knock. No real timeframe there.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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Value of Partey return clear for Arsenal, Arteta ahead of Newcastle United

The Ghana international has resumed training with the Gunners and could be available for Saturday’s fixture against the Magpies

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Thomas Partey could be available for Arsenal’s FA Cup fixture against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Partey, 27, joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £45 million ($60m) in October 2020, however he has made only few appearances on account of injury.

With just 45 minutes into the league clash against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur, the 27-year-old was replaced by Dani Ceballos having sustained a thigh injury.

As a result of that, the midfielder has missed his team’s last eight matches in all competitions. However, the Spaniard has given a piece of reassuring news as his team prepare to take on Steve Bruce’s Magpies in two days’ time.

“Well, we have an extra two training sessions [before the game] and we will assess after that whether he is completely fully ready to participate against Newcastle, or if we’re going to leave it another few days for the Palace game,” Arteta told media as reported by Arsenal website.

“He is training really good, he is comfortable, he is not aware of the injury right now and he has done more than what he already did before he played after the injury against Spurs, so he is in a good place, a good mood and you can see the player he is when he is training.”

Partey has made six appearances for Arsenal in the first part of the 2020-21 season, five of them in the Premier League.

Before his knock against Spurs, the Black Stars midfielder had missed almost a month of action having initially picked up the injury during the defeat against Dean Smith’s Aston Villa on November 8.

Nevertheless, he worked untiringly to be fit into to face Tottenham and was cleared to play having completed two full days training ahead of the North London derby.

After the showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta and his men host Crystal Palace in a Week 18 English elite division fixture.

Victory for them would help them improve on their position in the log. As it stands, they are 17th after garnering 23 points from 17 games played so far in the 2020-21 campaign.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Chelsea set ‘biggest trophy’ target by Azpilicueta as long-serving skipper eyes Champions League glory

The Spanish defender has reached the 400-appearance mark for the Blues, but he is yet to get his hands on the grandest of European prizes

Cesar Azpilicueta has made 400 appearances for Chelsea and helped the Blues to Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League honours - but the “biggest trophy” available is now in his sights as he looks to chase down Champions League glory.

Success on the grandest of European stages has so far proved elusive for the long-serving Spaniard at Stamford Bridge.

He was snapped up from Marseille in the summer of 2012, a matter of months after the Blues conquered the continent for the first time in their history.

They have remained regulars in Champions League competition since getting their hands on that silverware, but a succession of managers have failed to replicate the achievement of Roberto Di Matteo.

Azpilicueta has been a mainstay for Chelsea in their many quests for more major trophies, with the 31-year-old determined to finish his collection before departing west London.

The Blues captain told the club’s official website, with Frank Lampard’s side due to face Atletico Madrid in the last-16: “It’s the biggest trophy, and being a Chelsea player you have the biggest ambition for trophies.

“That’s one that I would like to achieve. We know it’s a new competition that starts in February, seven games, and every detail counts. We have to learn from the Bayern Munich games last season, make it right and hopefully go as far as possible.”

Azpilicueta has been a revelation for Chelsea following a £7 million ($10m) deal, but he is eager to ensure that his standards do not slip amid added competition for places from the likes of Reece James and believes he still has plenty to offer in his ninth season with the club.

He added on becoming Blues captain and a stalwart at Stamford Bridge: “You couldn’t imagine it then. When you first sign, you see such great players who have won the Champions League, you just want to be part of it and win trophies. I won trophies with Marseille but this was a step forward.

“I try to improve. I always analyse my game, and am sometimes harsh on myself. As a perfectionist you always want more. To be the captain now, I’m really proud, but if you had asked me that back in the day, it would have been difficult to predict.”

Chelsea, who have endured a Premier League wobble of late, will be back in action on Sunday in an FA Cup third-round clash with Morecambe.

Original author: Chris Burton
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'That's not the standard we expect' - Klopp acknowledges poor Liverpool run but insists 'not everything is bad'

The champions took nine points from six games to let Manchester United into the title race, but such a spell was "not unlikely", the manager claims

Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged Liverpool are enduring a tough run but insists performances have not been as bad as results suggest.

The defending Premier League champions are top of the table again but have won just two of their past six matches.

Rivals Manchester United, who have a game in hand, have moved level on points with the Reds at the summit ahead of the sides meeting next weekend.

"We were not waiting for [this run of form] and we do not enjoy it, but it's not unlikely that these kinds of things happen," Klopp told a news conference on Thursday. "I think we only won two of the last six – that's not the standard we expect from ourselves, obviously.

"So, we don't take it easy, but we still see what we can improve, what we have to improve, and don't think everything was bad in the last few weeks.

"The league is too strong, and if you struggle a little bit, immediately the results go the other way because the opponents are fighting with everything they had. You saw that against Southampton [a 1-0 defeat on Monday]."

Liverpool must first focus on the FA Cup, however, with Aston Villa hosting Klopp's men in the third round on Friday.

Last season's run to round five was Liverpool's best under Klopp, with the Anfield outfit eliminated from four of their past six ties against fellow Premier League sides, only beating Everton (in 2018 and 2020) in this time.

The Reds had reached the semi-final in the final season before Klopp's appointment, losing to Villa in the last four to end a six-match winning run against Friday's opponents in the competition.

Despite his underwhelming record in the competition, the manager says Liverpool have always been determined to succeed.

"It's important. It's the FA Cup," he said. "We didn't go far so far in this competition. I didn't think we were blessed so far with sensational draws so far and now we go to Aston Villa, which is a tough one as well.

"We always took it very seriously and will do this time as well, but we cannot forget the intensity of the period we are in and all these kinds of things.

"It's important – football games are important. We are professional football players or coaches or managers and the only thing we have to do is to win football games and to try to make sure that we really can do that. It's a very important competition, so we will try to win that."

Liverpool were beaten 7-2 by Villa in the Premier League this term, shipping seven goals in a single match in any competition for the first time since 1963. Klopp is therefore reluctant to name a weakened team, even with the United game on the horizon.

"We need to find the balance to field a team where we didn't change too much," he said. "We bring in fresh legs again.

"The rhythm [for returning players] is a different issue. That's step by step. We cannot do that in one game. We can't use the FA Cup to give players rhythm – the opponent is just too strong for that.

"After the Aston Villa game, we have eight days between Villa and Man United, so that's a long training week where we can do a lot of stuff in 11-v-11 situations, which will help the players a lot, especially the players who were out for a while. After that, we will be in a different place."

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I-League 2020-21: Injured players may be replaced till mid February

AIFF League CEO Sunando Dhar admitted that I-League can take lessons from the qualifiers held in October

The 2021-21 season of the I-League is all set to kickoff on Saturday, January 9, with new entrants Sudeva Delhi taking on promoted Mohammedan Sporting at the Salt Lake stadium.

The competition is set to be held in a bio-bubble and there have been numerous changes effected with regards to squad composition and replacement rules. 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) League CEO Sunando Dhar explained how this year's competition will differ from the previous editions.

"I-League rules for the last few years have stated that injured foreigners can be changed but not the registered Indian players. This year indian players can also be replaced because of injury or otherwise till the middle of February. If you have an all-Indian squad, there is no limit to the number of replacements. If you have foreigners in the team, you can change up to three foreigners and up to three Indian players," he told reporters on Thursday.

It must be noted that Sudeva and Indian Arrows will be playing with all-Indian squads. 

Though the league has lost a bit of star quotient with big clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal joining the Indian Super League (ISL), Dhar pointed out that this is an opportunity for other clubs to utilise. 

"The fan base that clubs that East Bengal or Mohun Bagan have - I don't think any other (Indian) club can replicate that. But the thing is that the void that is left behind after Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have gone to the ISL gives opportunity to clubs like Sudeva. That has been the USP of I-League for the last seven to eight years, to have clubs participate from new destinations which gives players from that state, city or neighbouring areas to showcase their talent," he said.

Due to the pandemic halting football across the country, the Indian FA had to organise the I-League qualifiers (to determine the second division winners) in October 2020 under a bio-bubble. Dhar feels the I-League can take the best practices from that tournament. 

The tournament format has also changed, with the home and away format scrapped.

"14th March was when the last I-League match was played (before the Coronavirus pandemic hit). So when we were planning for the qualifiers, we had a clean slate and didn't have anything to fall back on. We had a couple of workshops held by the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) as AFC also started their Champions League matches in Qatar. Obviously, the ground realities are different in every country. So we had to adapt for the Indian model. 

"The I-League is much more complicated. The number of players is more, more games, more hotels. So the coordination level and communication goes up. It's definitely a challenge but obviously having had the qualifiers does help. There are situations that we have planned for. There are 10 things that we have planned for but there could be 15 more that could happen and we have to react to that," Dhar remarked.

The AIFF League CEO informed the protocols to be followed for all the 11 participating teams, referees and match officials and also in case a positive case of Covid-19 is detected.

"There are 11 teams put up in two hotels, the referees and match officials in the third hotel. All officials and players were required to have three negative covid tests before checking into the hotels. For the first seven days, they had to be isolated in their rooms and within those seven days there were two more tests. And only with all five negative tests from the eighth day they could go out for practice. 

"Inside the hotel, we have also created a medical hub because we are trying to minimise the chances of a player going to the hospital (outside bubble environment). In case of an X-ray, stitch or oxygen is required, that facility can be provided inside the hotel. Obviously, we cannot install an MRI machine in the hotel. But other than that, more or less everything will be taken care of by doctors and a medical team available 24x7.

"Everyone will be tested on regular intervals. So we are trying to be as careful as possible and hopefully we will be able to contain the virus," he continued.

"On an average, we are doing about 200-250 tests every day. There have been very few positive cases, mostly among officials and support staff than players. For the positive cases, in each hotel there is a floor that has been booked for an isolation room. After that, once they have three negative tests, they are allowed to get back in the bubble."

With matches to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, and the Kalyani Municipal Corporation Stadium in Kalyani, Dhar provided an update on the ongoing jobs at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. "It should be ready by January end. Hopefully from February onward, we can host matches there."

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha
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‘Grealish is super but doesn’t fit Manchester United’ – Cole not convinced by renewed transfer talk

The former Red Devils striker sees no reason for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to break the bank on a player who would not be guaranteed a starting place

Jack Grealish is a “super player" says Andy Cole, but the former Manchester United striker is not convinced that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to be breaking the bank in order to sign the Aston Villa playmaker.

Speculation regarding a possible move to Old Trafford for the 25-year-old has resurfaced with another transfer window now open.

Grealish first sparked talk of interest from United 12 months ago, only for the Red Devils to move in a different direction and snap up from Bruno Fernandes from Sporting. That decision has been vindicated, with a Portugal international midfielder becoming a talismanic figure in Solskjaer’s plans.

There have, however, been suggestions that Grealish could be targeted again as his stock continues to rise, particularly with questions being asked of Paul Pogba’s future in Manchester.

Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that he would be launching a raid on Villa, telling FIVE: “I don’t care if [Paul] Pogba goes or not, Grealish is my man. If I am a manager of a top team in England, a top three or four team, then I would not allow him to stay there, I would go and take him.”

Cole can appreciate why Grealish is generating such buzz, with a further six goals and nine assists for Villa this season. He has questioned, however, whether a player that is said to have a £100 million ($133m) price tag would fit into the system that has helped Solskjaer to deliver a reversal in fortune at Old Trafford.

The former frontman told talkSPORT: “I think Grealish is a super player, I’m not going to sit here and say anything different, but I’m looking at Manchester United’s midfield at the moment, where would you play him?

“You look at Bruno [Fernandes], the performances he’s putting in; that’s the position [Grealish] likes to play in. If you put him off the left, [Marcus] Rashford plays there - so where would you play him again?

“I’m a mere mortal when it comes to things like this. I’m like everybody else from the outside looking in.”

United saw Fernandes endure a rare off day in their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City.

Original author: Chris Burton
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Caf Champions League: Why Kipkirui missed Gor Mahia game vs CR Belouizdad

K'Ogalo were dumped out of the continental competition after a humiliating 8-1 aggregate loss to the Great Chabab

Gor Mahia forward Nicholas Kipkirui opted to lengthen his stay in his rural home after failing to raise money for rent, instead of playing against CR Belouizdad

The former Zoo FC attacker scored the winning goal as K'Ogalo sealed passage to the second round of the Caf Champions League with an aggregate 4-3 win over Rwandan outfit APR.

He, however, missed the game against CR Belouizdad, where the Kenyan champions bowed out after a humiliating 8-1 aggregate loss.

Prior to the first leg, the forward had requested to leave for his rural home to complete his engagement. He was expected to be back for the return leg which was played on Wednesday, January 6, but he was a no-show.

"Kipkirui has not paid his three-month rent and without salary from his club, things have become tough," a source close to the player told Goal on Thursday.

"He wished to be part of the team but without financial boost, he could not manage and opted to remain in his rural home. But he is committed to the team, it is only that some things cannot be done without money."

After Tuesday's training, Gor Mahia players camped in chairman Ambrose Rachier's office hoping their dues will be settled, but the administrator did not show up.

The players are owed two months' salary, stretching back to November last year. Former club organizing secretary Judith Nyangi and some fans chipped in to ensure the players attended training sessions conducted by stand-in coach Sammy Omollo.

In the second leg, K'Ogalo put up an improved performance despite going down 2-1 to the Great Chabab.

Jules Ulimwengu scored K’Ogalo’s opener while Amir Sayoud and Abdelkader Belharane found the back of the net to complete the rout for the Algerian Premier League side.

Ulimwengu, who is fast establishing himself as a dependable striker at Gor Mahia, broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute as he awarded the hosts with an opener.

Gor Mahia started the match looking a more determined side than in the first leg, backed-up by a handful of fans on the stands, and the Ulimwengu goal served to make them even more hopeful of an unlikely turnaround.

A case of few and missed chances became the order for most of the first half as Gor Mahia headed back into the tunnel clutching onto a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the visitors ventured forward more than in the first half and ended up restricting Gor Mahia in their own area. Belouizdad’s hard work was rewarded in the 79th minute when Sayoud scored the equaliser.

It took the visitors a few minutes to all but bury Gor Mahia’s hopes of a win on the day when Belharane added the second goal in the 84th minute.

Original author: Seth Willis
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Boost for Arsenal as key midfielder Partey returns to full training

The summer signing from Atletico Madrid has missed out recently due to a thigh problem although he could return for the Gunners on Saturday

Thomas Partey could be fit for Arsenal's FA Cup third round clash with Newcastle United on Saturday after he returned to full training.

The midfielder has missed the previous month after suffering a thigh injury, although the Gunners say the summer signing from Atletico Madrid is back with the first-team squad and will be ready to return to action very shortly.

Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that Partey is back in training but that he will be assessed regularly in the build-up to the FA Cup clash, in which the north Londoners will begin their defence of the FA Cup having beaten Chelsea in the final last season.

They face Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, with Mikel Arteta's men having finally found some form following a terrible start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal have won their last three games and will get another big boost should £45 million ($60m) summer signing Partey be available for action.

Arteta has been eagerly anticipating Partey's return, saying earlier this month that having the Ghana international back will be like having a whole new signing at Emirates Stadium.

He said of Partey: "We are in January and I think he’s played two and a half games. That’s all and he was our main signing. 

"We’ve been missing him. He brings something different to the team, he’s a player with an enormous talent, but as well someone that can transform the team the way we want. 

"It’s great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think he will contribute in a really positive way."

Partey has made six appearances for Arsenal in the first part of the 2020-21 season, five of them in the Premier League.

One player who is not available for the cup match, however, is Gabriel, who remains sidelined after testing positive for Covid-19.

Arsenal say the player is asymptomatic and showing no signs of illness, but he remains in self-isolation and the club say he will not be permitted to return to training until thorough medical checks have been carried out.

The Gunners beat West Brom 4-0 in their previous match and the club confirmed there are no other major injury concerns following their comfortable Premier League win at the Hawthorns.

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Pogba admits playing for Manchester United ‘is not easy’ but he is setting his sights on ‘the big stuff’

The French midfielder was unable to help the Red Devils past Manchester City and into the Carabao Cup final, but he is trying to remain upbeat

Paul Pogba admits playing for Manchester United “is not easy”, but he is keeping his sights set on “the big stuff” after enduring more semi-final heartache at the hands of rivals Manchester City.

Having come unstuck at that stage in three competitions last season, history is repeating itself at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side headed into their latest derby date with City buoyed by an upturn in fortune that has fired them into the Premier League title picture, however they suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Citizens.

Pogba says there is no time for United to wallow in misery with expectations as high as ever, and he remains confident that tangible success can be delivered in 2021.

The World Cup winner told MUTV on the challenges facing Solskjaer’s side: “There is no time to be disappointed for a week because we know where we are.

"We are in a good position now. We don’t have time to be disappointed. We don’t have the time. We will get through this and we will go again.

“It is difficult and it is going to be difficult, and you learn from these games. It is going to hopefully help us to get through, to get better and to have a positive result in the next games.

“Football and playing for Man United is not easy, it will never be easy, but it makes the victory prettier and more beautiful when we get through a tough time, then we get through this.

“It is beautiful and you get the emotion. That is all we want. That is what the fan wants, that is what the team wants, everyone wants this. The club is built on winning and big things, so that is all we want to get – the big stuff.”

Pogba believes United are heading in the right direction despite seeing their semi-final curse strike once again.

The France international, who has enjoyed his own return to form of late, added: “We are improving. Last year they [City] were obviously more dominant and they dominated us.

“We are improving in the league and, even though we lost in the semi-final, we are still going far and that is what we want - but now it is about details. It is good to improve but we have to go to the next step now, all of us.”

United have more knockout football to come on Saturday, with their FA Cup third-round clash with Watford next for the Red Devils.

Original author: Chris Burton
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Ucheibe and Amani help SL Benfica win maiden Portuguese Women's League Cup

The Nigerian and Cape Verdean youngsters have helped the Eagles claim the first Portuguese title in 2020 on Wednesday night

Nigeria's Christy Ucheibe and Cape Verde's Jolina Amani made history, winning the first-ever Portuguese Women's League Cup with SL Benfica after their 3-0 victory over Sporting Braga.

The Portuguese League Cup, launched in January 2019, saw SL Benfica and Braga progress to the final after finishing the first phase of the round-robin format in first and second, respectively.

Before the final at the Aveiro Municipal Stadium, the two sides had clashed in the group phase, with the Lisbon side claiming a 3-1 win.

Coach Miguel Santos handed South Africa's Jermaine Seoposenwe, who arrived from Real Betis last July, a starting role for Braga, while Ucheibe and Amani came on from the bench for the Lisbon side.

The Eagles made a promising start to the clash in Aveiro but could not find a breakthrough until Cloe Lacasse broke the resilence of Braga when she struck one minute before the half-time break.

Braga, however, resumed the contest on a high but saw their possible equaliser netted by Cindy Konig cancelled by the VAR a few moments into the second half.

Following Braga's setback, Filipa Patao's team, however, regained dominance in the match and eventually doubled their lead through Ana Vitoria, who scored with a powerful shot in the 64th minute.

The Portuguese champions went on to compound the woes of Santos' ladies when they were gifted a penalty and Nicole converted from the spot in the 73rd minute to seal the historic triumph. 

The result means SL Benfica are the first-ever winners of the Women's League Cup and further confirmed their 2020 title triumph following the coronavirus cancellation of the 2019-20 season.

Seoposenwe featured for 84 minutes of the encounter before making way for Ana Teles but could not help Braga to avoid the Cup defeat.

Ucheibe and Amani replaced Vitoria and Lacasse in the 87th and 92nd minutes, respectively, to play their parts in Benfica's triumph.

After the Lisbon team's historic feat, they will meet Sporting Braga again in the 2020/21 Portuguese Women's Cup final next Wednesday.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
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Uganda’s McKinstry drops Mukwala, Ssenyonjo from final Chan squad

The remaining players will be tasked to fly the Cecafa nation’s flag as they hope to make their mark in the continental tournament

Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry has picked his final 25-man squad for the African Nations Championship tournament in Cameroon.

McKinstry has maintained Vipers SC’s Halid Lwaliwa as the captain for the competition. The defender has worn the armband in the ongoing pre-Chan competition and is destined to keep it even when Chan starts on January 16.

Wakiso Giants’ captain Hassan Ssenyonjo, Steven Mukwala – the 2019/20 top scorer - BUL FC’s Joseph Semujju and URA defender Ashraf Mandela are the players who have been dropped by the North Irish coach.

Meanwhile, McKinstry has said the Niger pre-Chan game on Thursday will give them an indication of what kind of a game they would face from Togo.

Uganda have been in camp in Cameroon since December 29 as they prepare for Chan. Apart from Togo, the Cranes are in Group C alongside Morocco and Rwanda.

“Niger play physical, fast and direct football,” McKinstry told Fufa website. “The biggest aspect of the game against Niger will be for the players to understand what kind of football they will face against Togo.

“A lot of the young boys in the squad have not come across this kind of football. Not many of them have experience and Thursday will be preparation for Togo. It is time to get their feet in the water so that they can understand and hopefully we can put up another top performance like in the previous two games.”

Uganda will face Niger at the Annex 1 Omnsiprorts in Yaounde before they start on a journey to Douala on Friday.

Final Uganda squad:

Goalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC, 1), Mutakubwa Joel (Kyetume FC), Alionzi Legason Nafian (URA FC), Ikara Tom (Police C)

Defenders: Hassan Muhamud (Police FC), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (Vipers SC), Mujuzi Mustafa (Kyetume FC), Ssenjobe Eric (Police FC), Iguma Denis (KCCA FC), Willa Paul (Vipers SC), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC), Mbowa Paul Patrick (URA FC)

Midfielders: Mawejje Tonny (Police FC), Kagimu Shafik Kuchi (URA FC), Anukani Bright (KCCA FC), Kyeyune Saidi (URA FC), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC), Watambala Abdu Karim (Vipers SC)

Forwards: Ojera Joackim (URA FC), Brian Aheebwa (KCCA FC), Ocen Ben (Police FC), Viane Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants FC), Orit Ibrahim (Vipers SC), Muhammad Shaban (Vipers SC), Karisa Milton (Vipers SC).

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  292 Hits

'It's not just Santana who's scoring' - Manuel Marquez pleased that Hyderabad have goalscorers all over the pitch

The coach from Barcelona is happy that Hyderabad are not relying on Aridane Santana for goals...

Hyderabad coach Manolo Marquez has revealed his admiration for the style of football NorthEast United have adopted this season ahead of facing them in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Friday.

The Nizams started 2021 with a 4-1 win over Chennaiyin, while NorthEast United recently suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan.

"The other day we won 4-1 after three consecutive defeats. Now, after we won 4-1, they say we scored four goals and Aridane (Santana) didn't score. Now NorthEast, they started with two wins and four draws but they didn't win the last five games but it's the same answer (for them). I think NorthEast can win this game and so can we.

"NorthEast are not in their best form in terms of their results but they have had good games against good opponents. They have good players and a good coach (Gerard Nus). They are with a very good organisation. I like the style of NorthEast. They are fast on the wings," the Hyderabad coach conceded.

Marquez also revealed that he expects his entire squad to be fit for selection only for their match against Mumbai City on Janaury 16. 

"Aridane is our top scorer but when you build a team, you want the wingers to score goals, centre backs from setpieces to score goals. I was told that Hali (Halicharan Narzary) doesn't normally score many goals but now with two goals against Chennaiyin, he now has three goals in the season. Sometimes you don't know what will happen but of course it's good news for our team that not only Aridane is scoring goals. 

"I am very happy with the performance of our players. I don't know if we play better than the other teams. The style of our team is the style of our players. With these kind of players it's very difficult to play with long balls. Of course, this part of the game we know that we have to manage. It's nice to see the style of these players but sometimes the most important thing is to win. The way we are getting our victories is very good," he stated.

Marquez had earlier claimed that Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan are a notch above the rest of the participants. However, he now has changed his opinion and believes that just about any team in the league can make it into the top four given that this is a pandemic-affected season.

"Even [bottom placed] Odisha, East Bengal and Kerala (Blasters) - all the teams are very equal and it's impossible to say who will be in the top four because it's not a normal season. For example, after this game we have about seven days rest but five games in 15 (16) days after that. This is not an excuse but only to explain why it is impossible to say who will be in the top four," he reckoned.

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha
  289 Hits

'I'm not sure about the agent' - Arteta unclear over Balogun's future as contract talks drag on

The young Gunners striker is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with Liverpool

Mikel Arteta says he is unsure whether Folarin Balogun’s agent wants the young striker to remain with Arsenal.

Talks have been ongoing for months between the north London club and Balogun’s representatives over a new contract, with the 19-year-old’s current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

But the discussions have yet to find an agreement, raising the possibility of Arsenal losing the forward in the summer, with the likes of Liverpool, Sheffield United and Brentford all said to be interested.

Arteta remains hopeful a deal can still be done, but admits he is unsure exactly what Balogun’s agent is thinking.

“You need three parties to make a deal,” said the Arsenal boss. “For sure, the club wants to make a deal, the manager wants to make a deal, the player wants to stay and I’m not sure about the agent.”

When asked if he thought Balogun’s agent was stopping the talks progressing, Arteta added: “I’m not saying he’s stopping, it’s that we need to find an agreement with him.

“We are negotiating with an agent, with a player that wants to stay at the club and we need to find an agreement.

“I’m telling you that we are doing everything we can to keep him here and hopefully from the other part they are doing the same and in the same interest, which is the player’s interest, which is to stay at the football club and be successful with us.”

Balogun, who is represented by Elite Project Group, has scored twice in five senior appearances for Arsenal and is expected to be involved on Saturday when the Gunners begin the defence of the FA Cup with a third-round clash against Newcastle.

“He is fit and available,” Arteta said. “His progression and the use of the time he’s had with us has been incredibly good and he will keep having chances while he is with us.”

Meanwhile, Arteta says he has reminded all his players about their responsibilities amid the rise of positive coronavirus cases in the Premier League.

The last two rounds of testing have generated 40 positive tests and several high-profile players were caught over the Christmas period breaking the strict Covid protocols that have been put in place.

“We have to be very aware of that and we have to be very strict,” said Arteta. “Players, like any public person, have to be more aware than anybody else.

“There are a lot of people that don’t respect rules. They are out there, they don’t get noticed, they can get away with that.

“We are luckier than anybody else because we are still being around the players, we can still do our job and continue with our professions and we have to bear in mind that everything we do has other consequences and [how] other people act doesn’t.

“At the moment we cannot let anybody down. You know people are sacrificing their lives to help the society in this moment and what we have to do is contribute, contribute, contribute and don’t give anymore issues - neither to the public, neither to the government, to make a decision that we don’t want.”

Arteta added: “The doctor is very aware and all the time trying to push. We are getting educated now with new rules, new protocols. Around the place we have a lot of people and sometimes you can make a mistake. But there are certain things we cannot allow to happen as well.”

Original author: Charles Watts
  228 Hits

‘Lampard must learn quickly on rocky road at Chelsea’ – Blues boss needs players to step up soon, says Sidwell

Questions are being asked of the club legend at Stamford Bridge, with an untimely wobble leaving the ambitious outfit with much to do in 2021

Frank Lampard has been warned that he is going to have to “learn quickly” in order to avoid the axe at Chelsea, with Steve Sidwell seeing the Blues heading down a “rocky road”.

Big investment at Stamford Bridge during the summer of 2020 was supposed to push the ambitious outfit back into contention for the Premier League title. Inconsistency has remained an issue, however, with a collection of high-profile additions delivering a mixed bag of results in west London.

Lampard is now seeing questions asked of his future, despite his status as a club legend at Chelsea. An untimely wobble that has delivered just four points from six top-flight outings has left the Blues playing catch-up and Roman Abramovich weighing up his options.

The expectation is that Lampard will be given time to get things right, as an inexperienced coach overseeing a long-term rebuilding project, but Sidwell says he needs players to step up.

“Before a ball was even kicked, a lot of money was spent in the summer getting players in,” the former Blues midfielder told talkSPORT. “He did ever so well getting top four last year, and top four will be a definite minimum requirement this season, but this season is a very odd and inconsistent one.

“Look at Southampton vs Liverpool, Man City have had a slump in form, and so have other clubs.

“This is a rocky road at the moment for Frank, but he’s got a group of players who we’ve seen the levels they can produce and they need to get back to it.

“He’s learning on the job as a manager, so experience-wise he hasn’t got what a Klopp, a Guardiola, or even a Ralph Hassenhuttl has got. He’s got to learn quickly, but saying that he’s got a group of players that can do it. They just need to compete as that’s what’s been missing in the recent games.”

Sidwell has seen first-hand how quickly fortunes can change for managers at Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho ushered through the exits in September 2007 despite delivering long-awaited title glory.

“I go back to when I was at Chelsea and Jose Mourinho left and Avram Grant took over,” added Sidwell. “I remember when the players called a meeting. JT [John Terry] called all the players in and said, ‘look, I’ve been with Roman and he’s said that Avram would be taking charge’.

“The lads were pretty shocked as Avram was there as a kind of technical director and go-between between Jose and Abramovich.

“I remember John Terry and the lads saying, ‘right, we need to drive this ourselves as Avram hasn’t got the experience of the top echelons of football in terms of the Premier League. We have, and we’ll drive this’.

“I’m not saying they went against his wishes or anything. He still led the football club and the football team, but the players really drove that dressing room.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  301 Hits

Mathare United undergo coronavirus tests ahead of Sofapaka clash

The Slum Boys will face Batoto ba Mungu in their belated Premier League start after the StarTimes sponsorship tussle

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Mathare United have undergone mandatory coronavirus tests ahead of their game against Sofapaka on January 9.

The Sofapaka encounter will be the first one for the Slum Boys since they were reinstated by the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Mathare United alongside Zoo FC had been expelled by the FKF over the objection they had against the StarTimes broadcasting deal.

But since the tribunal ruled that the two clubs be reinstated, they have been training in anticipation of their league starts.

“In line with the regulations that have been set by the Ministry of Sports as well as Football Kenya Federation and in regards to the resumption of competitive sports in the country, the team on Thursday underwent Covid-19 testing,” Mathare United announced on their social media pages.

The first game for the 2008 league champions will be held in Wundanyi on Saturday. Four days after the clash against the Batoto ba Mungu, Mathare United will play Zoo FC before hosting Bandari on January 22

The Slum Boys will then travel to Nakuru and face Ulinzi Stars on January 27 before concluding the month’s duties with a game against Tusker on January 31.

 Although FKF president Nick Mwendwa did not object to the reinstatement of both Mathare United and Zoo, he was categorical the clubs will not enjoy the money from the StarTimes sponsorship.

“We said we will do it, to have the teams back in the league because we don’t have issues with them [the teams] and we also respect the courts,” Mwendwa told Goal in an interview. “However, it is not going to be possible to give them grants from the sponsors, they have refused to recognise the sponsors so how can we give them grants?

“If you don’t sign TV rights then you cannot receive any money, including the one from the main sponsors BetKing.”

Apart from the Mathare United vs Sofapaka game, league leaders KCB will be in action against Bidco United, AFC Leopards will host Wazito FC while Zoo will be at Afraha Stadium against Bandari.

On Sunday, there will be three matches - Nzoia Sugar against Western Stima, Kariobangi Sharks vs Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz vs Tusker.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  245 Hits

Van de Beek urged to push for Man Utd transfer as De Boer sounds Euros warning

The Dutch midfielder continues to struggle for game time at Old Trafford but could consider a switch during the January window

Donny van de Beek needs to consider leaving Manchester United says Ronald de Boer, with the former Netherlands midfielder warning the 23-year-old midfielder that he is in danger of missing out on the European Championships.

The major international tournament, which was postponed in the summer of 2020, will be staged this year. Van de Beek will be hoping to figure prominently for his country, but he is struggling to achieve similar recognition at club level.

A move from Ajax to Old Trafford was supposed to act a springboard for him to take his game to greater heights, with the talented playmaker having shown in his homeland what he is capable of.

Fierce competition for places in England is leaving him frustrated on the sidelines, with just 20 appearances and only two of those being Premier League starts.

De Boer says Van de Beek could be overlooked by his brother Frank, who is Netherlands manager, unless he plays more minutes, with the January window presenting an out-of-favour performer with the opportunity to request a loan switch or permanent move elsewhere.

Euro 2020 is coming, he will undoubtedly want to be there. Maybe it would be good for him to discuss with the club exactly what they want with him,” De Boer told AD. “If the view on playing time does not improve, he may have to declare that he should be loaned or even sold.

“You have to be lucky every now and then. Of course it doesn't look great now, but with a great performance it can suddenly change completely.

“We also don't know what's going on behind the scenes. Perhaps they have made certain agreements with his transfer, they will get him ready for next year this season. That always remains a bit of a guess.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sought to assure Van de Beek that opportunities will come his way if he remains patient. It may be that he gets a chance to impress in FA Cup action against Watford on Saturday.

Netherlands have been drawn in Group C of Euro 2020, alongside Austria, Ukraine and debutants North Macedonia.

Original author: Chris Burton
  274 Hits

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