Saturday, August 16, 2014

Chaos of the Premier League is back for another season

It's finally here. After 97 days, a Premier League ball will be kicked in anger once again.

Saturday sees 14 of the top-flight's 20 sides in action with Louis van Gaal's Manchester United taking on Swansea. Later, Tottenham head to West Ham for Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge of Spurs and Arsenal host manager-less Crystal Palace.

With the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera brought to England over the summer, this Premier League season feels like no other.
Saturday, 16 August 2014 10:10

Suarez unleashed on Barca training

The Court of Arbitration for Sport may have upheld Luis Suarez's four-month football ban, but they have now allowed the Uruguayan to train with Barcelona ahead of his return.

The former Livepool striker, who nibbled on an opponent for a third time when he took a chunk out of Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder at the World Cup, had initially been banned from all football-related activity, preventing Barca from unveiling their big-money signing.

But CAS have now allowed Suarez to link up with his new team-mates on the training field, and he is expected to line up in a friendly against Leon FC on Monday, just hours after a planned official presentation at Camp Nou.

It will be a little while yet before Suarez can join his Barca team-mates in a competitive match, however, and he will instead have a watching brief until October 26 when he likely to make his full debut against Real Madrid.
Friday, 15 August 2014 14:00

Robin Williams tribute

Mourinho urges Khedira to snub Arsenal

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Sami Khedira is not for sale this summer, despite interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners never made an official bid for the Germany international, but with his contract expiring in 2015, the midfielder could still be on the move.

However, reports suggest Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who coached Khedira at Madrid, has told the German to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge in future.
Tuesday, 12 August 2014 16:52

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Bellerin, Arsenal's new king of speed

Arsenal have a new speed king, with teenage full-back Hesctor Bellerin having broken Theo Walcott's long-standing 40m sprint record.

Walcott had been the club's fastest player, having shaved 0.4 seconds off the previous sprint record held by Thierry Henry when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

But Bellerin has now smashed Walcott's record, and showed that raw pace in several high velocity outings during the club's pre-season preparations.

The former Southampton attacker may not be Arsenal's undisputed speedster any more, but he still insists he could beat Henry in a straight sprint.
Thursday, 14 August 2014 13:05

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Ronaldo the ultimate star of Madrid's Galacticos

Real Madrid have spent close to £100 million this summer on the signings of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

But it was Cristiano Ronaldo who once again stole the show as Madrid left Cardiff as Uefa Super Cup winners on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Sevilla as Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded side kicked off their season with a trophy win.

The new-look Galacticos boasts Bale, Benzema, James, Kroos, Modric and more, but Ronaldo remains the star attraction.
Wednesday, 13 August 2014 13:30

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sour grapes for Nasri

Samir Nasri further endeared himself to Arsenal fans prior to Manchester City's Community Shield clash with the Gunners on Sunday.

"I just think the abuse I get is stupid," he said. "I'm not an Arsenal fan, I am not from London. To be honest we are players and we are just looking at what are the best interests for us and our careers.

"When Manchester City came for me it was the best choice to come here. Since coming to City I have won ­trophies and I have a better life so I am really happy about everything.

"If the fans can't move on it's too bad. I am not trying to have a problem with that. They do what they have to do and they love their club.

"They see that as a treason or that I betrayed them but it's not that."

Nasri was met with boos from the Arsenal faithful at Wembley and it was the Gunners who had the last laugh, coming out on top with a comfortable 3-0 win.
Monday, August 11, 2014 12:00