Month: May 2023

Pep Guardiola believes the perceived injustice of Erling Haaland’s disallowed goal in Wednesday’s thrilling 1-1 draw at Brighton proves Manchester City are Premier League champions on their own merits.

City top scorer Haaland looked to have claimed a late winner at the Amex Stadium but his close-range header from Cole Palmer’s cross was ruled out after VAR spotted a shirt pull on Levi Colwill.

Guardiola was visibly angered by the decision after seeing a replay on the big screen inside the ground and was later shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper for his ongoing protestations.

The City boss claims 36-goal striker Haaland has endured similar physical contact from defenders all season and feels the incident shows his side have not benefited from favourable refereeing calls during their charge to the title.

“If it’s disallowed, every action to Erling Haaland by all central defenders is a fault,” he said.

“Every action. And we saw one or two (on Wednesday).

“It’s a goal because he’s bigger, he’s stronger, he won the position (from Colwill) and it was an incredible action from Cole Palmer and the goal should be given.

“But that proved that what we won on the pitch belongs to us, not anyone gave us anything.

“He has bruises on all of his body after the games. If he’s faulting in the disallowed goal, every action to him is a fault and never happens.”

Haaland, who squandered two excellent first-half chances, nodded home 11 minutes from time in front of the travelling fans after Julio Enciso’s stunning strike cancelled out Phil Foden’s opener.

A gripping south-coast contest halted City’s top-flight winning streak at 12 games but mattered little in the context of their season.

Guardiola’s men enjoyed alcohol-fuelled celebrations after lifting the Premier League trophy following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea and are bidding to complete the treble with FA Cup and Champions League glory.

Following Sunday’s visit to Brentford, City face rivals Manchester United at Wembley on June 3 before attempting to become European champions for the first time against Inter Milan in Istanbul a week later.

Guardiola has defensive issues moving towards the two finals after Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji missed the trip to Sussex.

Jack Grealish was also absent, while John Stones and Foden were withdrawn during the game as a precaution.

“Phil had a knock in the first half and problems in his leg and the doctor told me that in this position it is dangerous so we don’t take a risk,” said Guardiola.

“John at the end was a little tight but he didn’t feel anything and is fine, he told me, but we didn’t want to take a risk because we had just one central defender with John.

“The others are injured so hopefully they can recover as soon as possible.

“We sustained no injuries for a long time but the moment we get near the Champions League final, four or five players get little niggles – important ones – and we have to recover them.”

Sixth-placed Brighton cemented their spot in next season’s Europa League with the midweek point.

Pascal Gross, the Seagulls’ first signing following promotion to the top flight in 2017, told his club’s website: “I’m so proud of the boys, what an achievement for us.

“We can’t wait for the Europa League. What a season ahead.”

Paraguayan Enciso’s spectacular equaliser followed another goal of the season contender from the 19-year-old in last month’s 2-1 win at Chelsea.

“He can have it (goal of the season),” said Gross. “Two incredible goals.

“What I like more, he’s getting better and better. It’s not easy coming from far away abroad with no English.

“But he’s improving speaking English, he’s improving adapting to the group, a good guy and I think there’s much more to come.”

Marc Skinner is bemused at the lack of praise for his Manchester United side even though they head into the last Women’s Super League game of the season with an outside chance of winning the title.

United head to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon two points behind league leaders Chelsea, who will be crowned champions for a fourth successive time if they defeat relegation-threatened Reading.

However, even if the final day unfolds as anticipated and United settle for a runners-up spot, it would still be their highest top-flight finish, in a season where they reached the FA Cup final for the first time.

Just five years after being reformed, Skinner believes United gate-crashing the established order of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal should be more widely recognised by those following the game.

“We’ve been exceptional this year and I don’t think we get enough credit, I really don’t,” said the United boss.

“There’s always a caveat as to why we’re successful. That is other teams’ injuries, other teams maybe not having the run they wanted and having Champions League and I get that. It’s a factor we will have to look at but I just feel the players have been exceptional this year.

“It’s not about where we finish in the league right now, that’s not the over-riding factor. We’re growing up in front of the public eye whereas other teams have already done that. I feel this team in a pressure cauldron not only have performed well but won games of football.

“We’re still in contention to win and if we don’t we finish second but to do that and disrupt the historical top-three, that is a big, big season regardless of what’s happened elsewhere.

“I want people to give this team and the players the credit they deserve.”

Aoife Mannion will miss out this weekend after tweaking her knee while blocking a shot in training although Skinner is confident the Republic of Ireland defender will be fit for the World Cup.

“We’re hoping so, that’s the plan,” said Skinner, who will also be unable to call upon Maria Thorisdottir because of the Norwegian’s foot injury.

“There’s nothing structurally wrong. She won’t be in at the weekend but we’re hoping in a few weeks, she’ll be back.”

The Women’s Super League draws to a close on Saturday with the title race going down to the wire between champions Chelsea and second-placed Manchester United.

Here, we take a look at the best XI from a truly unforgettable season. 

Mary Earps (Manchester United)

Another strong season for United and England star Mary Earps, who picked up the FIFA Best award for women’s goalkeeper. 

Earps, 30, has been another crucial cog for Marc Skinner’s side in their quest for the WSL title and Champions League football, keeping 13 clean sheets so far this season.

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

Slotting into full-back and able to play further up the pitch if needed, NIamh Charles has been important for Chelsea’s success — particularly in the second half of the season. 

Her defensive work has seen her keep clean sheets in the last four games but she has also bagged two goals and three assists in her last six WSL matches as the Blues continue their title push.

Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

Alex Greenwood continues to prove an ever-reliable presence in Manchester City’s defence. 

Her calmness with the ball allows her to help the team play out from the back and build-up play well, picking out good passes in the process.

Millie Turner (Manchester United)

Millie Turner returned to football after a six-month sabbatical following a diagnosis of the rare condition carotid artery dissection. 

Back for the opening day of the season, she became a key part of a United defence that has only conceded 12 goals in 21 games.

Ona Batlle (Manchester United)

United’s defensive success has been aided by Ona Batlle at right-back but she has also proved herself important in attack. 

Her ability to get forward has seen her register nine assists so far this season.

Guro Reiten (Chelsea)

An influential asset on the wing, Guro Reiten has been pivotal in Chelsea’s attacking success this season. 

She currently tops the charts in terms of assists in the WSL with 10 and has also chipped in with goals when needed, scoring eight across the campaign, including the opener against Arsenal last Sunday.

Frida Maanum (Arsenal)

Competing in only her second WSL season for the Gunners, Frida Maanum has truly come into her own this season. 

The Norway international has stepped up amidst Arsenal’s injury crisis to put in consistently solid performances, earning her nine goals and four assists so far in the league.

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)

An important pillar for Chelsea, Cuthbert’s versatility has been a key part of their success but this season she has settled into a regular central midfield role. 

She has also been able to contribute with some goals, including a great strike from outside of the box against West Ham earlier this month.

Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)

Villa continue to impress and improve in the WSL and Manchester United loanee Kirsty Hanson has been a big part of their success for a fifth-placed finish. 

Her contributions this season have seen her earn seven goals and nine assists.

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has had another great season in front of goal for City, providing the majority of their goals. 

She had an electric start to the campaign, scoring eight goals in seven games, and has since been in battle with Rachel Daly for the Golden Boot. 

Shaw goes into the final day of the season with 18 goals.

Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)

Daly has had the perfect debut season with Villa as she leads the Golden Boot race going into Saturday’s final round of fixtures with 21 goals. 

Her form has been hugely impressive since joining the club last summer and has given England manager Sarina Wiegman a selection headache ahead of the World Cup.

There is still plenty to play for at both ends of the table as the 2022-23 Women’s Super League season reaches its conclusion on Saturday.

Here, we look at the main talking points heading into the finale.

Chelsea in pole position

Holding a two-point lead at the top, five-time champions Chelsea will secure the title for a fourth successive season — to complete a league and FA Cup double — if they beat Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. 

While Emma Hayes’ side, currently on a six-match winning streak in which they have scored 24 goals and conceded one, are certainly fancied to do so, they are facing opponents battling for their WSL lives. 

Kelly Chambers’ rock-bottom Royals need a victory to have any chance of survival, with them two points adrift of 11th-placed Leicester. 

Reading pulled off a shock 1-0 win at home against Chelsea last season, before losing 5-0 and 3-2 in subsequent meetings at Kingsmeadow, and go into this contest on a five-match losing run.

United poised

Marc Skinner’s second-placed Manchester United, who kept the title race alive with a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City last Sunday, will be looking to take advantage of any Chelsea slip when they play Liverpool away.

If the Blues were to draw, United would likely need to win their game by six goals to end up on top. 

Although it could be a trophyless season for the Red Devils — beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup final — they have already achieved a record WSL points tally and their first Champions League qualification.

Arsenal set for Europe

Arsenal are three points clear of Manchester City in the third and final Champions League berth and their goal difference superiority means European football is all but sealed for Jonas Eidevall’s League Cup winners, who host Aston Villa. 

City appear likely to miss out on the Champions League places for the first time since 2014, their inaugural WSL season. 

Gareth Taylor’s team, who need to overturn an 11-goal deficit to the Gunners, conclude their campaign by playing Everton at the Academy Stadium.

Foxes look to finish the job

Leicester boss Willie Kirk will look to complete his the rescue mission at the club when they play Brighton away. 

The Foxes were without a point at the foot of the table when Kirk succeeded Lydia Bedford in November — they have secured 13 since, winning four times. 

While they have a two-point advantage over Reading, their goal difference is inferior by three. 

Brighton and Tottenham, 10th and ninth respectively, had their safety confirmed last weekend when Spurs thumped Reading 4-1.

Golden Boot for Daly?

Fifth-placed Villa have had an impressive season, with the form of Rachel Daly key. 

And the 31-year-old hotshot is on course for the Golden Boot with 21 WSL goals netted so far this season, three more than closest rival Khadija Shaw of Manchester City. 

It looks a good sign for England’s World Cup campaign, as does the exploits of United goalkeeper Mary Earps, who has registered 13 clean sheets in the league this season to claim the Golden Glove award.

Commanding midfielder Casemiro has been revered for his defensive ability for over a decade but is now finding himself providing more goals and assists under Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United’s Brazilian powerhouse has 13 goal contributions in all competitions this season and scored a spectacular bicycle kick at Bournemouth last weekend.

As the Red Devils look to confirm their Champions League qualification with a point against Chelsea tonight, we take a look at how Casemiro’s attacking game has developed.

Attacking freedom

Ten Hag’s style of play involves a high press and controlled possession, meaning Casemiro has the license to occupy positions further up the pitch.

The ex-Real Madrid star can often be seen running beyond the forwards as he attempts to win the ball back for his side and when they do have possession he lingers on the edge of the box to stop any counter-attack.

But more often than not, the 70-cap Selecao international receives the ball in a dangerous position and can unleash a strike on goal.

Casemiro has tried his luck 29 times in the Premier League and only four other United players have had more shooting efforts.

Nine have hit the target and three have found the back of the net which is two more than the midfielder managed for Los Blancos last term.

Silence the doubters

Former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood was one of many who were sceptical about Casemiro’s ability to play in the Premier League.

However, the pundit has admitted he was wrong and praised the 31-year-old’s all-round game, saying: “I thought he’s come to Man Utd to fill the till up. He’s done everything at Real Madrid he can’t possibly have the hunger.

“I was so wrong, so wrong.

“When that equaliser he scored at Stamford Bridge went in, you saw the way he celebrated with United fans, from that moment onwards I knew this boy was the real deal.

“He’s incredible. He puts out fires, any sort of danger he puts it out, but he can also play.”

Delicate touch

Casemiro’s shooting is not all that has improved since his move to England.

The five-time Champions League winner has also chipped in with assists and his range of passing has vastly improved under Ten Hag.

Compared to last season at the Bernabeu, United’s No18 has attempted more crosses (19) and through balls (10).

And while he may have lower passing accuracy and fewer passes completed, Casemiro cannot be discouraged from playing more risky balls and creating as many chances as he did with the LaLiga giants.

Only four other United players have completed more passes than the midfield maestro and only Bruno Fernandes has provided more through balls.

Manager’s love

Ten Hag has been nothing but complimentary of his summer signing and admitted that his expectations have been exceeded.

The former Ajax boss said: “I think he keeps surprising us, Casemiro. He’s such a brilliant football player.

“We know him as a very good organiser, positioning, anticipating, intercepting a lot of balls, winning duels, fighting, keeping the team together.

“But also in possession, his passing, his distribution, but also finishing. He’s just a great football player.

“We are happy we found him and his contribution is massive.”

Casemiro is contracted at Old Trafford until 2026 and will look to push on even further as United aim to challenge their Manchester rivals City for the title in the coming seasons.

– Manchester United need just a point to guarantee top-four finish
– Each of the last five league meetings between these two sides have ended all-square
– Recommended bet: Draw 

Champions League qualification has been Manchester United’s main target since the start of the season and they can achieve it with one game to spare if they take at least a point from their home clash with Chelsea.

Erik ten Hag’s side started off the month with 1-0 losses away to Brighton and West Ham, but they have since settled the nerves with successes at home to Wolves (2-0) and away to Bournemouth (1-0) and have subsequently opened up a three-point lead over fifth-placed Liverpool.

There is far less riding on the game for Chelsea, who can finish no higher than 11th.

The Blues are hoping to bounce back after they were beaten 1-0 at Manchester City on Sunday.

Team news

Marcus Rashford (illness) is back in contention and will rival Jadon Sancho for an attacking berth.

Lisandro Martinez (ankle), Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer (both knee) are ruled out and Tom Heaton (ankle) is a doubt so Jack Butland may continue as David De Gea’s deputy.

Chelsea have suffered from a lot of injuries this season and are missing at least eight for the trip to Old Trafford with Benoit Badiashile, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount (all groin), Armando Broja (knee), Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell (all thigh) and Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified injury) ruled out.

Mateo Kovacic (minor injury) is a doubt, so Frank Lampard may persist with Enzo Fernandez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield.

The stats

Manchester United’s last five league matches against Chelsea have seen the points shared.

However, United have won 13 of 17 Premier League home games and will finish the season with the second-best home record in the division if they win their remaining matches.

Chelsea can finish no higher than 11th and are assured of a bottom-half finish for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign.

The Blues have lost seven of their last nine fixtures.

Prediction

Manchester United have been far superior to Chelsea this season but the teams drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in October and could share the points at Old Trafford.

Backing United at odds-on looks fraught with danger because of the context of the game (they need just a point to clinch Champions League qualification) and their unconvincing recent performances.

The Red Devils have lost two of four matches this month and needed a spectacular Casemiro overhead kick to register a hard-fought single-goal success at Bournemouth last Saturday.

United have the added insurance of Sunday’s match at home to Fulham but they will want to finish the job at the first opportunity.

However, they will be respectful of Chelsea, who have some talented individuals and are potentially dangerous opponents if they turn up with the right attitude.

There have been far too many occasions when Blues’ players have looked like they are going through the motions.

But they looked a decent side in last Sunday’s narrow loss at Manchester City and would have claimed at least a point had they shown a more clinical touch in front of goal.

Chelsea players should be motivated to make sure they are part of the plans for next season and they can earn a point against United.

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Scott Arfield vowed to return to Rangers “in some capacity” after saying his goodbyes to the club and supporters at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The Govan club asked fans to stay behind after the final home game of the season – a 2-2 cinch Premiership draw with Hearts – to pay tribute to the 34-year-old midfielder as well as Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and long-term injured defender Filip Helander, all of whom will leave in the summer.

Arfield, who became a fans favourite following his move from Burnley in 2018, told RangersTV: “It is an amazing five years I have had here.

“I wanted to win the title when I first came and I managed to play a major part in winning the 55th title and that is something that nobody will ever take away from you.

“Success can be measured in many different ways, it can be measured in metal and money or it can be measured in friendships and legacies.

“I think I am welcome back here. As much as the supporters appreciate me, I appreciate them.

“It has been an amazing connection and it won’t stop here. I will be back at this club in some capacity one day.”

In typical fashion, veteran goalkeeper McGregor, ending his second spell at the club, was “disappointed” at losing a last-gasp equaliser to Jambos substitute Garang Kuol in his final competitive home match.

Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring after less than a minute and it was at the very end of the first half in which Rangers edged their way back into the game, Todd Cantwell levelling with a tidy finish.

Fashion Sakala then put Rangers ahead in the 47th minute but in the final seconds of three added minutes Kuol fired in the equaliser after some sloppy defending.

McGregor told RangersTV that he is looking forward to his testimonial game against Champions League-bound Newcastle at Ibrox in the summer.

The 41-year-old said: “It will be good. It is good that they have qualified for the Champions League.

“I am sure they will bring a good team. Hopefully the fans will come and hopefully we will have a few new signings as well. It should be a good game.”

McGregor, who came through the youth system at Ibrox, admits he will miss being a Rangers player.

He said: “I will miss the fans, I will miss the atmosphere but I will definitely be back supporting.

“The best fans in the world, they stuck through the club during the bad times and the good. I have so much respect for them. I am one myself. They are brilliant.

“When I walked through the door when I was 11 or 12 I never thought about playing more than 500 games, winning trophies, being in the Hall of Fame.

“It is definitely something special.

“It has got to end at some point and if you realise that you can handle it better.”

Manchester United are set to make a bid for Mason Mount as the midfielder’s contract stand-off at Chelsea continues.

The 24-year-old will see his current deal expire at the end of next season but is no closer to agreeing an extension at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are preparing to launch a first offer of £55million for the England international to try and steal a march on both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag is determined to get a deal done quickly, although the proposed sum falls below the Blues’ valuation, which is thought to be closer to £85m.

The United manager has already warned those above him that money alone cannot buy success next season.

ESPN say Mount and Tottenham talisman Harry Kane — whose contract also expires in 2024 — are among several targets.

Ten Hag said: “There is a centralisation of good players, of the best managers, also of the money, and it is all here in the UK. That makes a great competition, but also a tough and a hard competition.

“And you have to do the right things and you can have money, but you have to do it and spend it in a smart way. And also you need a strategy behind it, because otherwise, the money doesn’t work.”

In other news

The Independent report Aston Villa are leading the chase to sign in-demand Leicester winger Harvey Barnes.

West Ham are also interested in the Foxes attacker, as well as Leeds midfielder Jack Harrison, according to The Sun.

The Mirror report Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ready to offload academy product Emile Smith Rowe in order to make room in the squad for Leicester playmaker James Maddison.

The final round of fixtures of the Women’s Super League season plays out on Saturday, with Chelsea and Manchester United vying for the title.

At the other end of the table, Reading, who host the Blues, are fighting to beat the drop along with Leicester.

Here, we look at some of the standout moments from across the 2022-23 campaign.

Record at the Emirates

A notable sign of the women’s game’s growth following England’s triumph at Euro 2022 has been attendance figures.

Early in the season, a new record for the biggest WSL crowd was set when Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium in September in front of 47,367 fans.

Arsenal-United thriller

Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners made a perfect start to their campaign, winning the first six games, before their next league trip to the Emirates saw them suffer a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in November.

The hosts led 2-1 thanks to a 73rd-minute Laura Wienroither goal before headers from Millie Turner and, in stoppage time, Alessia Russo secured victory for Marc Skinner’s side.

Arsenal’s Beth Mead also sustained an ACL injury during the game — the Gunners would lose Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Wienroither to the same injury as the season went on.

Mary’s milestone

One of the stars of United’s impressive campaign has been Mary Earps, who in January became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 WSL clean sheets, via a 1-0 win at Reading.

The England international, who won FIFA’s women’s goalkeeping award the following month, has registered 13 shut-outs in the league this term, taking the Golden Glove.

Basement battle

Having lost each of their first six league matches, Leicester replaced boss Lydia Bedford with Willie Kirk in November.

A considerable revival followed and the Foxes moved off the bottom of the table, pushing Kelly Chambers’ Reading into the relegation place courtesy of a 2-1 home win over them in April.

Kerr to the rescue

Chelsea’s defence of the title started with a shock 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Liverpool, managed by ex-Blues boss Matt Beard, and it appeared they might trip up again in the reverse fixture earlier this month when Emma Koivisto put the Reds ahead in the opening few minutes.

But Niamh Charles equalised just before the interval and Sam Kerr scored an 86th-minute winner as Emma Hayes’ team turned things around.

Derby drama

Last weekend’s penultimate round of action saw Chelsea open up a five-point lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Arsenal, with the title to be theirs if United failed to beat Manchester City later in the day.

That was on the cards in the closing stages at Leigh Sports Village, with Filippa Angeldahl having cancelled out Hayley Ladd’s opener, until United substitute Lucia Garcia popped up with a goal deep into stoppage time to take the race to the final day.

It was United’s first WSL win over City and the result also confirmed their Champions League qualification.

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.

Fly higher

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom says his Seagulls will continue to soar even if they lose key players this summer.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side held Premier League champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw last night, earning the point they required to seal Europa League football next season.

Bloom, 53, knows that such a fine campaign means offers for his stars are likely over the coming months but is not flustered by such a prospect.

He said: “We’ll be able to compete on all levels next season, even if we lose a couple of our star players.

“That happens at almost every club. We don’t worry about these things and as long as we get the right price for our players, they will sometimes go.

“That happens across the board, we’re not at all worried about that and we look to come back stronger next season.”

And on De Zerbi, who has impressed since replacing Graham Potter last September, he added: “He’s doing things that no other head coaches have done. 

“Long may that continue and we look forward to seeing him in the Premier League and Europa League next season.”

No fear

Rob Edwards sees no reason why the occasion will get to his Luton players in Saturday’s Championship play-off final.

The Hatters are one game away from an unlikely return to England’s top tier for the first time since 1992, with Coventry their opponents at Wembley.

Edwards, who only joined the club last November having been sacked by their bitter rivals Watford two months earlier, is confident his side will not be overawed at the national stadium.

The 40-year-old explained: “Our away form was just as good as our home form and we’ll have over 36,000 people behind us, so I feel we’ll be supported even more than usual. 

“I know Coventry will have the same, but it will make for a great atmosphere and so far this season, the lads have really risen in those big games and big occasions — it’s brought the best out of them.

“Last week was a good example of that. Watford here or Sheffield United away, they’ve done well in big games and hopefully one more we can perform in, in the biggest of them all.”