Month: April 2023

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Versatile Trent

Trent Alexander-Arnold is happy to fill in wherever Jurgen Klopp needs him as Liverpool make a late charge for European football. 

The Reds host a Tottenham team in disarray on Sunday having recorded three successive wins in the Premier League. 

And Alexander-Arnold, who was deployed in midfield in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal earlier this month, is relishing playing his part for Klopp’s resurgent side. 

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the England defender, 24, said: “We’ve been scoring goals, that always helps. I’ve been able to create, it’s not just my position that has changed. 

“We’ve gone to a bit of a back three so everyone’s roles have changed. Players further forward have to fill in the spaces but it gives us an extra player going forward in the attacking line. 

“It wasn’t something I was expecting [to change] — I never played that role specifically but I had a free role to roam around. 

“I was familiar in receiving the ball in those areas, it’s not too dissimilar to things I’ve done in previous seasons. 

“You have good times, you have bad times, you have to roll with the punches. 

“We’re enjoying it now, winning games and we’re getting some momentum.

“It needs to be a freak season and then next season be back in title races — that’s our aim.”

Tough task ahead

Marc Skinner has warned Manchester United not to take Aston Villa lightly when they bid to go six points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League tomorrow. 

United host fifth-placed Villa at the Bescot Stadium knowing they can take advantage before nearest rivals Manchester City take on Reading on Sunday. 

And with fellow title contenders Arsenal and champions Chelsea not in league action this weekend, Skinner is determined to turn the screw. 

He said: “We need to make sure we are on the very best of our game. This is a difficult one to navigate.”

Sweet deal for Toffees ace

Lucy Hope has signed a new two-year deal with Women’s Super League side Everton. 

The Scotland midfielder, who joined the Toffees in 2019 from Bristol City, has adapted to a new position at right wing-back this season and missed only one league fixture due to injury. 

Hope’s new contract runs until 2025 and the 26-year-old ace said: “I’m absolutely delighted to extend my stay. 

“The way the club and team is going at the minute is such an exciting time to be here and be involved. 

“Brian [Sorensen, Everton boss] came up to me quite early this season and was keen to have me stay. As a player that is obviously encouraging. 

“To put pen to paper now, I’m just ready to get the next chapter going.”

The Toffees return to WSL action at title-chasing Chelsea on May 7. 

Injury blow

Everton have confirmed defender Gabby George will be out for the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury. 

George, 26, will not require surgery and should return for the start of pre-season.

Lauren James may hold the key to Chelsea’s hopes of overturning their Women’s Champions League semi-final deficit against Barcelona tonight.

The Blues head to the Camp Nou trailing 1-0 courtesy of Caroline Graham Hansen’s early stunner in the first leg on Saturday.

England forward James, 21, did not make Emma Hayes’ starting XI at Stamford Bridge but was introduced at half-time as the Women’s Super League champions chased the game.

Ahead of the second leg, we look at whether it is the right time to unleash James from the start.

Breakthrough campaign

James has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season for club and country.

Highly rated in the women’s game for some time, injuries had prevented the former Arsenal and Manchester United youngster from delivering on her undoubted promise.

With explosive pace, impressive ability on the ball and clinical finishing, James has been a standout star in Hayes’ side, helping herself to seven goals and five assists.

She is making strides in the national team too, winning her first eight caps for the Lionesses and scoring her first international goal against South Korea in February.

Delivering on her promise

You would be hard pressed to find a fellow player who does not regard James as one of football’s most exciting talents.

Barca defender and Lionesses team-mate Lucy Bronze, who is ruled out of tonight’s clash, said after James’ first England goal: “Everyone knows the quality that LJ’s got. 

“Technically she’s probably one of the best there is.

“It’s crazy that she’s so young because this is the player that everyone has been talking about for five years now. Everyone has been waiting for this superstar and it’s exciting to be here now.”

First-leg snub

Having started four of Chelsea’s previous five games — including both legs of the quarter-final win over Lyon — it was somewhat of a surprise to see James’ name absent from the XI.

The Blues were dominated by the Blaugrana for much of the encounter, having just a 30% share of possession and taking just six shots compared to the visitors’ 16.

Hayes was quick to defend her decision to leave their deadly forward out, indicating the 5-3-1-1 formation was a way of stifling Barca’s threat.

The Blues boss said: “[Wing-back] isn’t where Lauren’s strengths are going to be. 

“The decision was the right decision. Even in the second half Lauren brought a threat, but there is so much work to do without the ball because they are so good in possession.”

Be bold

While second best in the first leg, the one-goal deficit means Chelsea are still well in with a chance of progressing to the final in Eindhoven.

Given the Blues were not breached after Graham Hansen’s third-minute strike, Hayes may feel a similar counter-attacking approach gives them the best chance at the Camp Nou.

But the decorated Blues boss may feel James should come in to partner Sam Kerr in attack, switching Guro Reiten to a deeper position.

The Blues will be under no illusions about the mountain they have to climb in their pursuit of European glory.

If James can inspire a second-leg turnaround against the 2020-21 European champions, it will propel her burgeoning reputation to an exciting new level.

Joelinton has gone from looking like a waste of money to a complete bargain for Newcastle.

Signed for a club-record fee of £40million from Hoffenheim in 2019, the then striker appeared to be a disastrous purchase over his first two seasons with the Magpies. 

It was not until Eddie Howe arrived in 2021 and converted the Brazilian into a midfielder that his form justified the significant outlay.

Ahead of Newcastle’s important trip to Everton tonight, we take a look at Joelinton’s journey and the heights that he may yet reach. 

Seven heaven

The spectacular 6-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday saw Joelinton score his third goal in four games. 

This has boosted his total for the season to seven strikes in 35 appearances across all competitions. 

They are solid numbers for a player used in midfield or on the left flank. Yet when you consider that this is his most prolific season in front of goal for Newcastle, it sums up his past woes. 

Joelinton only scored four goals in his debut campaign in 2019-20 and then just six the following season despite the vast majority of his games during this time coming as a striker. 

Back then he looked destined for a cut-price exit from the club but the 26-year-old has become a vital part of Newcastle’s new-look team thanks to his transformation under Howe. 

Middle management

Howe stumbled upon Joelinton’s positional change within his first month in charge of the club. In a home game against Norwich, Ciaran Clark was sent off and the manager moved his striker into midfield. 

The former Bournemouth coach liked what he saw and, freed from the pressure of having to put the ball in the net, the Brazil youth international has blossomed. 

A combination of technical ability and physical strength makes Joelinton a natural in central midfield, with his transformation akin to Mousa Dembele — another former striker that thrived deeper. 

In recent weeks, Howe has often used the 6ft1in ace on the left of Newcastle’s attack. It was from that position that he wreaked havoc in the thrashing of Spurs. 

On a day when many shone, Joelinton was Newcastle’s best player.

Talk of the Toon

Shortly after the Brazilian made the move to midfield, Sean Longstaff spoke about the criticism he received and quality that the squad knew he possessed. 

He said: “We know how good Joelinton is, the abuse he gets is a disgrace to be honest. If he’s on your team in training, you win, you’re buzzing. 

“Ask anyone at the club, everyone rates him so highly. Some of the noise from outside is really disrespectful. I’m so happy for him.” 

There are many footballers who look the part on the training ground but never quite make the steps needed to show their quality in packed stadiums. Joelinton has made that journey. 

At a time when Newcastle are moving into a new era of achievement and have the funds required for their growth to continue, many of their existing players will be upgraded upon. 

As impossible as it may have seemed less than two years ago, Joelinton will likely not be one of them.

Ralf Rangnick believes Julian Nagelsmann could enjoy a “very exciting story” if he becomes the next Tottenham head coach.

Former Manchester United interim boss Rangnick rates Tottenham as a club with huge potential and believes it could be an ideal next step for former Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann.

It appeared Nagelsmann was a firm contender for the Chelsea vacancy until he pulled out of the running, seemingly paving the way for Mauricio Pochettino to come in.

Having won plenty of admirers during successful spells with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig before leading Bayern to the Bundesliga title last season, Nagelsmann has impressive credentials considering he is only 35 years old.

Speaking to German broadcaster Sky Sport about Spurs and Nagelsmann, Rangnick said: “It can be a very, very exciting story. There is room for improvement, a lot of room for improvement, and yet this is not a club where you’re expected to finish in the top one, two or three right away.”

Rangnick is working as head coach of the Austria national team, but he has significant behind-the-scenes experience in the club game as a sporting director and knows Nagelsmann will need support should he be installed at Tottenham.

For that reason, Rangnick says the north London club must be sure to appoint a sporting director, having recently lost Fabio Paratici who lost an appeal against his 30-month ban from football, which stemmed from his time at Juventus.

Regarding Nagelsmann, Rangnick said: “If Tottenham really want him, then I think it would be important if a sporting director was still there to support him.”

Rangnick added: “I think Tottenham is an exciting club in many ways. They probably have one of the most modern, beautiful stadiums in the world at the moment. They have one of the best training centres around, and [chairman] Daniel Levy, who has been leading the club for many, many years.”

Tottenham’s next manager or head coach will want to sharpen up the team’s defending.

Spurs have conceded 51 goals in the Premier League this season, exceeding their expected goals against (xGA) figure of 41.83 by 9.17.

Ahead of Thursday’s game against Rangnick’s old club, United, that disparity stood as the biggest negative gap between goals conceded and xGA In the English top flight this season.

The xGA figure reflects the quality of the opposition team’s chances and likelihood of scoring from those opportunities.

They sit seventh in the table as a result, having conceded the most goals of all among the Premier League’s 14 highest-placed teams.

Aaron Ramsdale claims Arsenal will not give up on their title dream despite Wednesday’s shattering loss at Manchester City.

The Premier League leaders crashed to a 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium to lose control of a title race they have dominated for most of the season.

City’s emphatic victory took the champions within two points of the Gunners at the top and, with two games in hand, Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side now look firm favourites.

April has been a frustrating month for Arsenal, with three successive draws preceding the trip to Manchester, but Ramsdale is not ready to throw in the towel.

The England goalkeeper said: “We’re going to be disappointed now but we haven’t played nine months of Premier League football, and played the way we wanted to play, to give up with five games to go.

“If anything is going to happen in football, it is this league it is going to happen in. It might not do – but stranger things have happened in the Premier League.

“You see how tight it is at the bottom, you see how tight it is at the top, so we are going to be pushing every game – with five games left we need to win five games – and we will see how that ends at the end of the season.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We’ll get over it and the manager will do what the manager does and dissect it and tell us and we will do everything we can.”

The game failed to live up to its billing as a heavyweight contest as City completely overran their visitors.

Kevin De Bruyne struck twice either side of a John Stones header as City effectively wrapped up victory inside 54 minutes.

It might have been even worse but for the fact Erling Haaland spurned a host of chances – most of them saved by a defiant Ramsdale – but the prolific Norwegian wrapped up the scoring late on after Rob Holding grabbed a consolation.

“Disappointment is the key word,” said Ramsdale. “When you give arguably one of the best teams in the world at the minute a bit of a leg-up in the game and are 2-0 down at half-time, it is a tough task to overcome.

“We know we are better than that but also this is where we want to be and the team we want to be like and be competing with.”

For Ramsdale there was some personal satisfaction in thwarting Haaland for most of the game, making four fine saves from the striker, but he was frustrated to concede to him in injury time.

The 24-year-old said: “I’m devastated I got to 94 minutes and 50 seconds – it was probably the goal I am most annoyed about, which I should save.

“But it was a good battle and hopefully I can have these battles with other players as well.”

Supporters travelling to the FA Cup final look set to face disruption after train drivers announced three fresh strikes in a long-running row over pay.

Members of Aslef will walk out on May 12 and 31, as well as June 3 when Wembley hosts Manchester City’s showdown with rivals Manchester United.

The union have rejected what they believe is a “risible” 4% pay offer from the 16 train companies embroiled in the dispute. 

Justifying the action, general secretary Mick Whelan stated drivers working for the firms in question have not had a pay rise since 2019.

He said: “Our executive committee met this morning and rejected a risible proposal we received from the Rail Delivery Group.

“The proposal — of just 4% — was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of 10% and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years.

“The RDG, in turn, rejected our proposals to modernise Britain’s railways and help them run more efficiently, for passengers and for businesses, in the 21st century.

“Consequently, we have today announced three more days of strike action on Friday, May 12, Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3 at the companies with which we are in dispute, and which are letting down passengers, and taxpayers, so badly.

“We are also withdrawing non-contractual overtime from May 15 -May 20 inclusive, as well as on Saturday, May 13 and Thursday, June 1.”

The train operating companies involved in the dispute are: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, SWR depot drivers, SWR Island Line, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Trains.

The May 12 strike will be held the day before the Eurovision final in Liverpool.

A RDG spokesperson said: “This is disappointing news for our customers and staff, more strike action is totally unnecessary and will only heap more pressure on an industry already facing an acute financial crisis. 

“Senselessly targeting both the final of Eurovision and the FA Cup final is disappointing for all those planning to attend.”

Tottenham acting head coach Ryan Mason has acknowledged part of his role over the next month is to restore a connection with the supporters.

Spurs saw their season hit a new low on Sunday when they were thrashed 6-1 at Newcastle after they trailed by five goals inside 21 minutes.

It saw many away fans leave St James’ Park before half-time and while the squad have since promised to reimburse the travelling support, a toxic atmosphere could occur when Manchester United visit on Thursday night with chairman Daniel Levy set to again bear the brunt of criticism.

Mason, who threw his name into the hat for the managerial job on Wednesday, said: “I think the fans know what I feel for this club.

“They’ve always been great with me. I played for this football club and was fortunate enough to be captain, as well. They know my opinion and how much I want this club to succeed. The players know that as well.

“Ideally when you have a football club doing well on the pitch, the fans are with you. And I want the fans to be with us. But I understand that we need to give them a reason to be with us.

“And, yeah, that’s part of my job absolutely. It’s part of any manager’s job to create a connection and an alignment between players, academies, fans – the whole football club.

“It’s probably the biggest job of any manager and one I’m keen to do. The fans know that I care and want what’s best for this football club.

“Hopefully we can get performances and results which warrant them coming along with us.”

Mason unexpectedly put himself forward as a candidate to be Antonio Conte’s long-term replacement having also performed a caretaker role in 2021.

During his previous stint, which lasted seven matches, the former Tottenham midfielder played with a 4-2-3-1 system which was synonymous with his old manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Conte preferred to use wing-backs during his tenure and last weekend saw Spurs, under then-acting head coach Cristian Stellini, go with a back four for the first time in 15 months.

It ultimately ended in disaster at Newcastle and while Mason hinted it is likely he will revert back to Conte’s trusted 3-4-3 formation for the visit of Manchester United, he insisted doing the basics right is more important than any system.

“The most important thing is a reaction,” Mason added.

“We have to realistic and understand we’ve got injuries in key areas, which probably hasn’t been spoken about enough at times. We’ve got some key players missing in key areas of the pitch.

“The formation is the formation. The most important thing for me is how you approach the game: the aggression, the passion, the desire to run and compete as a team, because we see many different formations and systems be successful over the years.

“Arguably Tottenham’s most successful season (2016-17) came with three at the back. That’s just football.

“The fans buy into and connect with the feeling they get from players. Not so much the system or formation.”

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi does not know whether his side have the squad depth required to cope with a hectic run of games.

The Seagulls’ European dream suffered a big blow on Wednesday night as they were beaten 3-1 at Nottingham Forest, where De Zerbi said his players lacked energy just three days after they lost the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United on penalties.

They now have eight games to play in a month as they aim to qualify for European football for the first time in their history.

Asked whether his squad is light, the Italian replied: “I don’t know. For sure I am honest and I don’t want to speak in this way when we lose the game.

“I am proud of my players even though we lost. We will speak with (chairman) Tony (Bloom) at the end of the season. We are suffering too many injuries in this moment.

“I said this game was the most important game of the season. I knew the game was very, very, very tough. It was very tough for the energy but for the head too. The big teams are used to playing today, tomorrow, at four o’clock in the night, at nine o’clock in the morning, in the afternoon with the rain or sun. We are working on this.

“I think we can reach this level. I am speaking with Tony (Bloom). If we want to reach this level I think it is better to say I know the way. I will work hard to reach this level. I am not speaking about the table, I am speaking about the mentality.”

For Forest, victory gave their survival chances a much-needed shot in the arm as they climbed out of the bottom three.

Boss Steve Cooper was delighted that his side stuck to a plan to deliver a first three points in 12 games.

“We were never going to have a competition of possession or passes with them, because that wouldn’t have been the right plan,” Cooper said. “I asked the players at half-time to continue, not to get too frustrated – because some parts of the game they wouldn’t have enjoyed greatly – but I said they would get their rewards.

“We scored the second goal completely from the plan. The little box they play in midfield, with the centre-backs and the midfield players, is good, but if you do get it, it’s a really open pitch. We managed to take advantage of that.

“The players stuck to the plan brilliantly. It’s not as if we’ve been winning every week, so for the players to show that mentality and confidence in the game…We should take a lot of heart from that.”

Chelsea are considering a double swoop for Brentford duo Ivan Toney and David Raya this summer.

The Blues’ rebuilding project has not gone to plan with 17 players and four managers arriving at Stamford Bridge since Todd Boehly took the reins last May.

And according to Football London, club chiefs were keeping a close eye on Toney and Raya last night as Brentford won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to pile the misery on interim boss Frank Lampard.

Striker is a major priority for Chelsea, who have struggled for goals and do not boast a traditional No9 in their ranks.

Rafael Leao has been touted as a major target but recent reports in Italy suggest he wants to stay at AC Milan.

Inter Milan loanee Romelu Lukaku’s future remains up in the air ahead of rumoured talks between the clubs, with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling among the options being deployed as a focal point.

Toney, 27, has bagged 31 goals in 64 Premier League outings over the last two seasons and would also offer a physical presence up front.

At the other end of the field, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have traded the No1 jersey with both failing to find the consistency 27-year-old Raya has provided the Bees.

Boehly’s transfer strategy has been to target younger players, which would make either of the Bees stars a change in direction amid reports Mauricio Pochettino is set to be the man tasked with reversing the Blues’ slump.

In other news

Liverpool have switched their attention to Nicolo Barella after ruling out a swoop for Jude Bellingham, according to reports in Italy.

Reports in Spain suggest Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are chasing Barcelona star Raphinha as the Catalans look to secure funds to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou.

Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu will join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, claims Fabrizio Romano.

Nico Raskin revealed that Rangers will be driven by two key objectives as they bid to topple city rivals Celtic in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

With the Hoops 13 points clear at the top of the cinch Premiership and unbeaten in the four meetings between the teams so far this season, the Belgian midfielder is desperate for Gers to finally enjoy an Old Firm derby victory and keep alive their last remaining hopes of silverware.

“It’s very important for two reasons,” he told Sky Sports. “We need to win something for the season and it is our last chance. And also we want to win against them.

“We’ve now lost two games (against Celtic) since I came. I think the last game was close. We are not too far from them. I’m sure we can do something in the semi-final, I’m sure if we play our best we can do something good. We have to go there with a strong mentality and go for it.”

Raskin has already experienced facing Celtic at Hampden, with his first Glasgow derby bringing a 2-1 defeat against Ange Postecoglou’s side in the Viaplay Cup final in February. The 22-year-old would love to be on the other side of the result this weekend.

“The atmosphere was great, the half-and-half stadium was great, now we want to make our fans proud,” he said.

“The last time we lost this game and it was painful to see them enjoying it with their fans and see our fans sad. We will go for it.

“I am waiting to play in the Old Firm game at our stadium, I have played there (at Celtic Park) and Hampden.

“You can feel the atmosphere, it is great. When you have 60,000 that are so passionate you can feel it, it is something you don’t see in every country.

“You need to see it and feel it to understand what it is.”

Raskin joined Rangers from Standard Liege in January and he explained that one of the main things he has had to adapt to is facing opponents who sit deep when they go up against his team.

“I’ve learned that the standards at Rangers need to be high every day in training,” he said. “For every aspect – nutrition, training or sleep – you need to put your standards higher. I’m trying to do this and improve myself.

“I wouldn’t say the pace of the game is faster in Scotland than I imagined but it is different. It is a different type of game.

“Here you can face teams that just go down (deep) and then counter so you need to adapt the way you play.

“It’s good for me because I am learning to play against a low block and how to create chances against a team playing a low block.

“It’s never easy for a team to play against a low-block team that defend well. It’s good for me to see every type of team.”