Month: February 2023

Erik ten Hag says the constant public commentary and criticism from former Manchester United players of the team in the media is “difficult” for his players.

Former United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes Rio Ferdinand and Peter Schmeichel all work in the media nowadays and regularly scrutinise the plight of the club.

This week, Ten Hag has won plaudits from some of those former players following their Europa League triumph over Barcelona, with Schmeichel calling it “vintage Sir Alex Ferguson”, inviting comparisons to previous sides.

The Dutchman conceded that constant discussion and scrutiny weighed on the players but acknowledged they needed to be able to accept it as part of the job.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for the players of today because there are so many references to the past, a big history which former players made and I can imagine those players [say it] because they love the club, it’s part of their lives,” Ten Hag said.

“What they most love is what they most criticise often, so I can understand, but sometimes it affects the players, it’s clear, but I also think it’s part of our job, you have to live with criticism and see it as a gift to do better.

“They want to help you and as a player for Manchester United, you know you have to perform, win games and trophies. That can only be possible with togetherness, you can’t do it on your own, you need the team to perform.”

Ten Hag added that the only way to handle United’s trophy-laden past was to be part of a successful future. United can claim their first piece of silverware under Ten Hag when they face Newcastle United in Sunday’s EFL Cup final.

“That’s the point, you’re a player for Manchester United and you have to create your own legacy, therefore you have to win trophies and we have that opportunity on Sunday,” he said.

“After Sunday, we are still in three competitions and good opportunities to win something.”

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe wants his players to grow accustomed to playing for trophies in finals ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup decider against Manchester United.

The Magpies have not featured in a domestic final for 24 years, while they have not won a major trophy since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

Expectations have grown around Newcastle since the change of ownership in October 2021 enabling greater financial expenditure on the squad, with the side currently contending for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the Premier League.

Since Howe’s appointment in November 2021, the Magpies improved from relegation battlers to finishing 11th in the 2021-22 campaign, with their 2022-23 league position and cup final appearance seen as another step forward which the boss wants to become the norm.

“We want the players to become accustomed to these days and expect them, not look at this final as a one-off and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Howe told reporters.

“In our position, that wouldn’t be a healthy way to look at this game. We want to be very controlled in our emotions, use the energy of the crowd, but also have high expectations.

“This is the future we all want and we know only hard work and staying true to our principles will earn us the right to achieve it. We hope this is the start of an era where we compete for honours on a more regular basis.”

Howe was hopeful his side could use the final as a springboard to bigger and better things but insisted that defeat would not be devastating for the club.

“Winning would help us accelerate the process, for sure, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all for what lies ahead,” he said.

“Regardless, the club is in a good place and can grow from here. Of course, we want to put pressure on ourselves to achieve. There is no part of me that’s going to Wembley just to enjoy the day.”

Jurgen Klopp acknowledged “something is not right” with Liverpool’s performances after they laboured to a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Reds endured a frustrating outing in a drab encounter at Selhurst Park, missing the chance to record three Premier League wins in a row for just the second time this term.

Both Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah hit the woodwork for the visitors, who were without Darwin Nunez for the trip to London, which came on the heels of a 5-2 Champions League loss to Real Madrid. 

Despite dropping points once again, Klopp focused on taking a result back to Anfield, though he remains troubled by his side’s hit-and-miss form.

“I liked the start to the game,” he told Sky Sports. “The dynamic was good, the passes were good. In the end, because we didn’t threaten them in behind enough, we had to play in between the lines.

“They had no shots on target. I think we had three or four. We hit the crossbar. Usually, we score one or two [of] the chances we had. We didn’t do that tonight.

“I think we killed the atmosphere with the way we played. When football is predictable, it means it’s easier to defend. You feel something is not right.

“But it’s an away point and it’s okay. It’s not brilliant, but it’s okay.”

Having thrown away a two-goal lead against Madrid in midweek, questions of a European hangover could have been levelled at Liverpool following their performance at Palace, but Klopp argued his side did not suffer from their continental exploits.

“I didn’t see a massive influence [from the Real Madrid game],” he added. “If we score, we go home and win 1-0.”

Midfielder James Milner echoed his manager’s comments and stressed Liverpool’s destiny remains firmly of their own making this term.

“We have to keep going,” he said. “We’re our harshest critics. It’s important we don’t listen to the noise outside.

“It’s down to us. We’re the only ones who can change it. We’ve fallen short this year. We have to dig down.”

Liverpool had to settle for a point as they were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta both saw first-half efforts denied by the woodwork, while Mohamed Salah rattled the crossbar soon after the restart.

The hosts put pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s men but were unable to capitalise on a number of set-pieces on an evening that started slowly under the lights but picked up the pace after the break.

The Reds were unable to bounce back from their Champions League thumping by Real Madrid four days ago with victory, while the result represented a fifth draw of the new year for Palace, who remain in search of their first win of 2023.

Liverpool’s 7-0 win at Selhurst Park in December 2020 was their biggest ever away victory in the Premier League.

Klopp’s side had already scored by the third minute of that contest, but by the 10th of this one neither side had managed a shot on target, Liverpool coming closest when Cody Gakpo fed Salah on the edge of the area, the Egyptian only able to roll an effort wide of the right post.

The visitors swerved danger when Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip lost control of the ball deep inside their own half and Mateta pounced, goalkeeper Alisson Becker reacting quickly to make a critical block.

The Reds worked their way back up the pitch, the ball taking several touches before landing in front of Jota in space on the edge of the area, but the forward sent a volleyed effort straight into the arms of Palace keeper Vicente Guaita.

Both sides soon squandered set-pieces, Jota nodding an effort from six yards against a post before Guehi directed a header from Michael Olise’s free-kick just wide.

Liverpool won another free-kick in a dangerous position when Nathaniel Clyne was booked for his sliding challenge on Jota.

Alexander-Arnold stepped up and sent an effort toward the top right corner but was thwarted by his own team-mate when the ball took a deflection off Jordan Henderson.

Palace were soon left to rue a good chance of their own when Olise sent in a cross from the right which narrowly missed the head of target man Jeffrey Schlupp.

Salah tried to get his name on the scoresheet with a solo effort, collecting the ball inside his own half and, after a neat move to bring it down, breaking free before he was blocked by Guaita.

Palace were then inches away from netting an opener when, just before half-time, Schlupp dispossessed Alexander-Arnold and crossed to Mateta, who rattled the woodwork.

The second half started much as the first ended, Salah next to be denied by the crossbar with a curled effort towards the top left corner.

Palace dialled up the pressure, Jordan Ayew first firing over before Olise’s drive down the right was impeded by Henderson on the edge of the area.

The England man was booked but the hosts were unable to make anything out of the resulting free-kick.

It was a pacier second half overall as both sides remained in the hunt for an opener.

A sloppy turnover could have cost the hosts when Salah slipped the ball to Gakpo, who was denied by a sliding Guaita, while Liverpool fended off another free-kick from the edge of the area.

At times both sides appeared moments away from a second-half breakthrough, but the Reds successfully defended two late stoppage-time set-pieces to ensure it remained all-square at the final whistle.

Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland and Phil Foden after Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Both Haaland and Foden found the net at the Vitality Stadium in between Julian Alvarez’s opener and a Chris Mepham own goal, with Jefferson Lerma hitting a late consolation for the hosts.

It was the fourth of five consecutive away games for City, and their first win in three after 1-1 draws at Nottingham Forest and RB Leipzig.

“Considering the amount of games and a lot of travel, we played incredibly aggressive,” said Guardiola. “Our attack was more dynamic and we got a good result.”

Haaland scored the second of the game from close range to record his 27th Premier League goal of the season, beating Sergio Aguero’s club record for a single season in the competition, and giving the Norwegian the most league goals by a City player in a single top-flight campaign since Francis Lee’s 33 in 1971-72.

“Erling Haaland, his impact has been incredible,” Guardiola added. “We love him and he is helping us. Today we found him more and he is an incredible threat.”

It was only Foden’s 15th start in the league this season from his 22 appearances, and he was instrumental as he created seven chances in all, the most by a City player in a Premier League away game since James Milner’s eight against Aston Villa in October 2014.

“We need Phil, his work ethic, his goals, his assists. Step by step he will be back,” his manager said.

Guardiola also had words of praise for 18-year-old Rico Lewis, who impressed again at right-back, lauding his “quality and intelligence” and ability to “move in small spaces, to play in pockets that we need”.

Lewis completed 67 of his 72 passes (93.1 per cent), and was also happy to have the backing of the Spanish coach.

“I love playing in this role. I have played as a midfielder before and then been a full-back, so I love it,” he said. “I have played there all the way through the academy but with these players around you, it’s 10 times easier.

“I got my rhythm quickly and did as well as I could. Pep just tells me to play my normal game but asks me to go inside alongside Rodri, to give us more control of the midfield. It’s about winning the ball back on the transition.

“It’s nice that he wants to play me and trusts me, it’s up to me to perform. The players in the dressing room are very experienced and have had it every year, we know to focus on ourselves and that’s the only way.”

Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged it will be “difficult” for Real Madrid to win LaLiga after Los Blancos were forced to fight back in a frustrating 1-1 draw with 10-man rivals Atletico Madrid.

Madrid would have fancied their chances of moving within five points of leaders Barcelona when Atleti substitute Angel Correa was controversially sent off with Saturday’s derby poised at 0-0.

Atleti then looked set for a memorable win when Jose Gimenez headed them in front at the Santiago Bernabeu, only for 18-year-old forward Alvaro Rodriguez to spare Madrid’s blushes late on.

With the stalemate handing Barcelona the chance to go 10 points clear when they visit Almeria on Sunday, Ancelotti is aware of the size of Madrid’s task.

Asked about the title race by DAZN, Ancelotti said: “It was already very difficult before this match, now it’s more. We are going to fight until the end, that’s what I can say.

“We lacked a bit of freshness. But mentally more than physically. At 1-0, it took us 10 minutes to compose ourselves, to reposition ourselves.

“In the first half there was a lack of intensity and in the second, we reached it at the end, but we didn’t fully take advantage of the numerical superiority.”

However, Ancelotti did reserve praise for Alvaro, who became the youngest player to score in a Madrid derby in LaLiga this century (aged 18 years and 226 days).

“It was very important for him, a young man with an enormous dream of playing for Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said of the Uruguayan forward. “This will be a special night in his life.”

Alvaro’s 85th-minute header denied Diego Simeone a famous victory on the day he matched Luis Aragones’ record tally of 612 games in charge of Atleti, and the Colchoneros boss opted to focus on Correa’s red card – issued for an innocuous push on Antonio Rudiger – in his post-match interview.

“Those who have played know that contact is not always a blow. Rudiger is 1.94 metres tall and such a brutal blow left him sitting down… then he immediately gets up,” Simeone told DAZN.

“It may be a yellow, but taking out a player for that… there would be no players left on the field. 

“It repeats itself, it is becoming normal and that is not right, and it would be nice if we could all compete in the same way.

“I think that VAR exposes errors much more. Every time we come here, it is never our turn to be in favour.”

The result saw Atleti halt a run of three successive league defeats at the home of their cross-city rivals, though Madrid have now lost just one of their last 14 matches against Los Colchoneros in LaLiga (W6 D7).

Victor Osimhen believes Napoli’s success is the result of great leadership as Luciano Spalletti’s team moved a step nearer to their first Serie A title for 33 years.

The Nigerian striker scored for an eighth consecutive league game, taking his goal tally in Serie A to 10 since the turn of the year, with Napoli winning 2-0 at Empoli on Saturday.

The last player to embark on a goal-getting streak so long in Italy’s top flight was Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in 11 consecutive games for Juventus during the 2019-20 campaign.

Napoli’s latest away success – their fifth in a row without conceding – was a result that could be directly seen as a measure of the team’s progress, given they lost the corresponding game 3-2 last season despite holding a two-goal lead at one point.

This time Napoli never looked like surrendering their advantage after getting ahead, with Ardian Ismajli’s own goal followed by Osimhen tucking away a close-range chance.

Napoli were two goals clear inside half an hour, and even the sending-off of Mario Rui midway through the second half did not prove costly.

Spalletti made a tactical reshuffle, and it was Napoli who looked the likelier scorers of a third goal, even with their numerical disadvantage.

“Today we had last year’s defeat in mind and we were very concentrated to be able to redeem ourselves and get the win,” Osimhen said.

“I’m happy with the confidence the coach has given me, but credit goes to my team-mates because we are a group who are always proving to be competitive on the pitch. Winning here today was very complicated because Empoli are an excellent team.”

Saluting the coach and driving force behind this Scudetto push, Osimhen said: “Spalletti always pushes me to give my best, he’s a very good and very demanding coach.

“He wants every player to be able to express himself at his best and we follow him because we’re doing an extraordinary job which can be seen in the game and in the results.”

Osimhen, quoted on Napoli’s website, added: “This is definitely the best season of my career, I feel great mentally and physically and I’m happy to be able to continue like this to achieve great goals.”

He has 19 goals in 20 Serie A games this term, with Napoli pulling 18 points clear of second-placed Inter, who have a trip to Bologna on Sunday.

It is proving to be a rout of the field as Napoli close in on silverware, winning 21 of 24 games so far, a club record at this stage.

Spalletti said he sensed a “team that knew how to fight and win with a leader’s mentality”.

Considering Napoli were last champions of Italy in 1989-90, in the days of Diego Maradona and Careca, it is remarkable they have delivered such a spectacular show of dominance this term.

Napoli have lost just once in the league, to Inter on January 4, and they would have to collapse dramatically to not be champions.

“Today the concern was that our level of fighting might be lower than theirs,” said Spalletti. “Instead the boys had an availability and a predisposition to sacrifice that deserves praise. I congratulate the team because they are performing excellently.”

He said Napoli’s midfield “put on a tough face and fought ball after ball with extraordinary dedication”.

Using a colloquialism, Spalletti added: “This team is a lot of stuff.

“If we are at this point of the season it means that I have a squad that know how to interpret each match in an exemplary way, with the mentality and spirit which must a team that wants to impose itself must have.”

Teenage forward Alvaro Rodriguez came off the bench to rescue Real Madrid in a dramatic 1-1 derby draw with 10-man Atletico Madrid, heading a late equaliser to cancel out Jose Gimenez’s goal.

Despite half-time substitute Angel Correa controversially seeing red for a push on Antonio Rudiger, Atleti looked set for a famous win at Santiago Bernabeu when Gimenez headed them into the lead with 12 minutes left.

However, 18-year-old Alvaro rose to nod Luka Modric’s corner beyond Jan Oblak with five minutes remaining, scoring his first senior goal for Los Blancos in dramatic fashion. 

While Madrid will be relieved to have avoided a surprise defeat, they are now seven points adrift of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who could extend that gap to 10 points when they visit Almeria on Sunday.

Madrid created several half-chances early on, Marco Asensio forcing Jan Oblak into an awkward stop before Karim Benzema sent two wild efforts over the crossbar.

Yannick Carrasco then stung Thibaut Courtois’ palms with a low drive at the other end, but Atleti were largely content to sit deep and frustrate Madrid in a low-key opening half.

Atleti’s task was made all the more daunting after 64 minutes, and Diego Simeone’s men could feel hard done-by as Correa was controversially dismissed for an innocuous push to Rudiger’s chest on the halfway line.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Atleti continued to contain Madrid before hitting the front from a deep free-kick, Gimenez glancing Antoine Griezmann’s delivery home.

However, another set-piece was to prove crucial as the hosts provided one final twist, Alvaro heading Modric’s cross into the bottom-right corner to ensure the spoils were shared.  

What does it mean? Champions’ aspirations dented despite late drama

While Alvaro’s late intervention denied Atleti the bragging rights and means Madrid have lost just one of their last 14 league games against their cross-city rivals (W6 D7), it may be too little, too late for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Los Blancos’ failure to see off their depleted visitors means Barcelona could move 10 points clear in the title race on Sunday. With the Blaugrana only dropping points three times all season up to now, Madrid’s hopes of retaining their title look to be slipping away.

Alvaro takes Higuain record

Regardless of the outcome of the title race, Saturday’s derby will live long in the memory of Alvaro. At the age of 18 years and 226 days, he became the youngest player to score in a Madrid derby in LaLiga this century.

If he goes on to enjoy a career anywhere near as prolific as the previous record holder Gonzalo Higuain – who scored against Atleti aged 19 years and 76 days in 2007, the Uruguay Under-20 international will have done well.

Red mist descends for visitors

Atleti have not enjoyed much joy in Madrid derbies this campaign, losing the return fixture in LaLiga 2-1 and being dumped out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by their rivals last month.

Having had Mario Hermoso sent off in September’s 2-1 defeat to Madrid, Atleti have picked up a red card in consecutive league meetings with Los Blancos for the first time this century.

Key Opta Facts:

– Real Madrid have lost just one of their last 14 games against Atleti in LaLiga (W6 D7), 1-0 away in May 2022.
– Atleti ended a run of four games without scoring away from home against Madrid in LaLiga, ending their worst such run against them in the competition. 
– Nacho has played his 200th game in LaLiga, all of them for Real Madrid (W140 D36 L24).
– Diego Simeone has equalled Luis Aragones as the Atleti coach with the most games in all competitions (612). The Argentinian has also registered the most managerial games in LaLiga for a single team ever (425 – 424 for Miguel Munoz with Real Madrid).

What’s next? 

El Clasico is next up for Madrid, who host Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie on Thursday. Atleti, meanwhile, are next in action at home to Sevilla in LaLiga next Saturday. 

Notts County’s seven-match winning streak was brought to an end by a 2-1 home defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge in the National League.

County remain top of the table, but their lead over second-place Wrexham was cut to two points after their loss at Meadow Lane.

Ruben Rodrigues put the home side ahead in the 21st minute with his 14th goal of the season.

However, 10 minutes later Dagenham equalised through Angelo Balanta and substitute Inih Effiong scored the winner in the 86th minute.

Manchester City breezed past Bournemouth with a clinical attacking display at the Vitality Stadium to move back to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

The champions were under pressure after the Gunners’ win earlier on Saturday, but it did not show, Pep Guardiola’s side striding confidently to a 4-1 victory on the south coast thanks to a performance full of style and energy.

Bournemouth had a hand in their own downfall, gifting a goal to Phil Foden on the stroke of half-time, that after Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland had put City comfortably in command earlier in the half.

Chris Mepham’s own-goal added insult to injury for the Cherries who – for all their efforts – were outrun and outclassed.

Jerfferson Lerma’s late strike gave home supporters some momentary cheer, but this had been the champions’ day.

City opened the scoring after 15 minutes, the move beginning with a fine challenge by Rico Lewis, who started on the right of City’s midfield for his 11th appearance in the league, to win the ball out near the touchline.

From there, Ilkay Gundogan played it up to Foden, who was thwarted as he shaped to shoot but instead worked the ball to Haaland. After the striker’s effort smacked the underside of the crossbar, there was Alvarez, first onto the rebound to fire home from a yard out.

The second goal was not long in coming. As Bournemouth pushed forward, Nathan Ake won back possession and released Gundogan escaping down the left.

His ball into the middle again found Foden, who was knocked off it by Jordan Zemura. The defender’s intervention was in vain though, Haaland stealing in to tap home the loose ball to double City’s lead.

The visitors were cruising and had wrapped the game up before the break. The third goal was a calamity all of Bournemouth’s own doing.

Dominik Solanke failed to properly look up and played a lazy, aimless pass, square across the pitch from the touchline. That was pounced upon by Foden, alert to the opportunity, leaving him with the simple task of advancing on Neto’s goal and rolling the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

The Cherries were falling apart and their hopes of keeping the score respectable received a blow five minutes into the second half.

Lewis put in a good cross from the right which was cleared, but only as far as Foden, whose whipped ball in was blasted against Mepham by Alvarez for an own goal.

The hosts, for their troubles, fought gamely to pull a goal back, a goalmouth scramble midway through the second half leading to a VAR check for handball which ultimately did not yield a penalty.

City though were not in the mood to show mercy and as Bournemouth tired, the onslaught continued.

Riyad Mahrez came off the bench and picked up where the breathless Jack Grealish had left off. The England midfielder put in another outstanding performance as he looked increasingly at home as a regular starter for City.

Lerma’s goal seven minutes from time – blasted into the roof of the net after a silky first touch – gave the freezing home support something to cheer but it did little to take the gloss off City’s day.