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

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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

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Robin Williams tribute

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Neuer unleashed as Bayern sign Reina

Could Pep Guardiola be considering a dramatic change of tactics following the arrival of Pepe Reina?

Sweeper keeper Manuel Neuer, who has made dashing from his goal to meet opponents something of a trademark, may finally get his chance to feature further up the pitch with the signing of the Liverpool goalkeeper.

Bayern begin their Bundesliga campaign on August 22 against Wolfsburg - it remains to be seen if both goalkeepers are given a place in the starting XI...

Saturday, August 9, 2014 13:00

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Desperate Suarez praying for ban reduction

Luis Suarez is in Lausanne for a personal hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as he desperately attempts to drive his four-month ban down.

At present, the Uruguayan is suspended from all football-related activity and also prohibited from national duty for nine months by Fifa after biting Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in the World Cup.

His adviser Alejandro Balbi described the ban that prevents him training with new club Barcelona as something that "violate[s] [Suarez's] fundamental rights".

Needless to say, the 27-year-old will be hoping CAS see it the same way.

Friday, August 8, 2014 12:50

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Webb hangs up his whistle... and Man Utd kit

Howard Webb blew the whistle on his 25-year refereeing career to become technical director at PGMOL on Wednesday.

The former policeman has refereed in the Premier League for more than a decade and taken charge of Champions League and World Cup finals, but will never quite shake off the unfair suspicion among certain football fans that he always favoured Manchester United.

When the announcement was made, social media buzzed with jokes about the Red Devils losing yet another big name... poor Howard.

Thursday, August 7, 2014 13:00

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