INSIDER
Arsenal gets under Man City's skin amid 'dark arts' accusations in English soccer's new big rivalry
Read full article: Arsenal gets under Man City's skin amid 'dark arts' accusations in English soccer's new big rivalryArsenal has gotten under Manchester City’s skin in what has fast become the new big rivalry in English soccer.
Roma fires De Rossi and hires Jurić after going winless in its opening 4 Serie A matches
Read full article: Roma fires De Rossi and hires Jurić after going winless in its opening 4 Serie A matchesRoma has fired coach Daniele De Rossi in a move that was surprising despite the Giallorossi going winless in their opening four Italian league matches.
Sevilla wins Europa League at Mourinho's expense as Montiel clinches another penalty shootout
Read full article: Sevilla wins Europa League at Mourinho's expense as Montiel clinches another penalty shootoutFive months after scoring the winning penalty in the World Cup final Gonzalo Montiel converted the clinching spot kick for Sevilla in the Europa League final to beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Sevilla, Roma's Mourinho put perfect European records on line in Europa League final
Read full article: Sevilla, Roma's Mourinho put perfect European records on line in Europa League finalA remarkable perfect record in European soccer must fall Wednesday when Sevilla faces José Mourinho's Roma in the Europa League final.
Inter beats city rival Milan 1-0 to reach 1st Champions League final in more than a decade
Read full article: Inter beats city rival Milan 1-0 to reach 1st Champions League final in more than a decadeInter Milan has reached its first Champions League final in more than a decade with a 1-0 victory against city rival AC Milan.
FA Cup: Leicester ousts Man United to join Chelsea in semis
Read full article: FA Cup: Leicester ousts Man United to join Chelsea in semisLosing 3-1 at Leicester in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday realistically leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with only the Europa League to produce his first trophy as United manager. The other semifinal will pit Man City against Chelsea, which beat Sheffield United 2-0 in Sunday's other quarterfinal. “But the ambition is there to win titles and be competitive.”The FA Cup semifinals next month take place a week before the League Cup final between City and Tottenham. “But in the second half we played some of the best I have seen us play. Tottenham doubled its lead midway through the second half when Kane clinically scored from the penalty spot, having been fouled by Matty Cash.
United ends City winning run at 21 with Manchester derby joy
Read full article: United ends City winning run at 21 with Manchester derby joyManchester United's Bruno Fernandes, center right, scores the opening goal from the penalty spot past Manchester City's goalkeeper Ederson during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, March 7, 2021. (Peter Powell/Pool via AP)MANCHESTER – Success for Manchester United these days is being the spoiler as Manchester City goes on to eventually claim the league titles. City manager Pep Guardiola's pursuit of a world-record winning streak ended after United won the derby 2-0 on Sunday. Just like three years ago when Jose Mourinho's derby win prevented City sealing the title that April day. But there is no longer a vast gulf when these two sides meet in the Premier League.
Bale turns back time at Tottenham as Man U and Chelsea draw
Read full article: Bale turns back time at Tottenham as Man U and Chelsea draw(Matthew Childs/Pool via AP)LONDON – Gareth Bale turned back time for Tottenham, while Chelsea and Manchester United seemed happy just to play out time. Chelsea kept its unbeaten record under manager Thomas Tuchel in a 0-0 draw with Man United as both teams appeared reluctant to risk losing one point in the hope of getting three. However, Mourinho warned that Bale would still have to rest for some upcoming games to manage his form and fitness. He had scored six goals and assisted three more in his team's previous 10 league games. The draw left Scott Parker's team unbeaten in five league games, with only one goal conceded during that time, but still 18th and three points adrift of safety.
Man City earns 18th straight win, Spurs lose again in EPL
Read full article: Man City earns 18th straight win, Spurs lose again in EPLThings are changing fast in the lives of two of soccer’s most storied managers, whose teams are going in opposite directions this season. City beat Arsenal 1-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling’s second-minute header to preserve its 10-point lead over Manchester United and Leicester, which both also won Sunday. City has 13 straight wins in the league and looks unstoppable with 13 games left in its campaign. SLOPPY UNITEDUnited was far from convincing in beating Newcastle for just a second win in its last six league matches. THE MOYES EFFECTWest Ham occupies the fourth and final Champions League spot — somewhat unexpectedly — after its win over Tottenham.
Bale's homecoming at Tottenham proving a major letdown
Read full article: Bale's homecoming at Tottenham proving a major letdownTottenham's Gareth Bale warms up during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. “I don’t think it is an obvious injury,” Mourinho said, adding that he was “surprised” by the latest fitness status of a fragile player who it’s increasingly clear he cannot rely on. And, frustratingly, another likely lay-off for the Wales international whose second spell at Tottenham just cannot get going. With Tottenham playing City in the league on Saturday, it looks like Bale won’t be at Etihad Stadium again. AdBale’s one league goal since his return remains the headed winner against Brighton on Nov. 1, a moment many thought would kickstart his second spell at Tottenham.
The Latest: ACC postpones two women's basketball games
Read full article: The Latest: ACC postpones two women's basketball games___George Washington’s men’s basketball team is postponing two upcoming Atlantic 10 games after head coach Jamion Christian tested positive for COVID-19. ___The Kennesaw State women’s volleyball team called off the first two games of its spring season because of positive COVID-19 tests. The league says the postponement is because of a combination of positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantining inside the Vanderbilt program. ___Rutgers women’s basketball has postponed home games on Thursday against Penn State and Sunday against Iowa. Rutgers has not announced any recent positive tests, but it cannot play because of protocols outlining a return to competition after positive COVID-19 tests among Tier 1 individuals.
Son's 100th goal in Spurs victory; Arsenal wins 3rd straight
Read full article: Son's 100th goal in Spurs victory; Arsenal wins 3rd straightAlexandre Lacazette scored twice in a 4-0 rout of West Bromwich Albion that took Arsenal up to 11th place. Tottenham is six points better off in third place after Son scored and got an assist in a 3-0 victory over Leeds. SON-KANE COMBOSon and Harry Kane equaled the Premier League record for most goal combinations in a season, leveling Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton’s tally of 13 from 1994-95. With all stadiums denied fans due to pandemic restrictions, the South Korean could only celebrate his 100th goal with teammates. “We could have scored more goals," Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said.
Man United revels in 6-2 win v Leeds, Vardy sinks Tottenham
Read full article: Man United revels in 6-2 win v Leeds, Vardy sinks TottenhamManchester United's Scott McTominay celebrates his side's second goal during an English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Leeds United at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday Dec. 20, 2020. (Michael Regan/Pool via AP)Manchester United waited 16 years to play old rival Leeds in the English Premier League, and then made it look distinctly second-class. The easy win put United ahead of Tottenham, which swept United aside 6-1 in October but is now mired in problems of its own. HIT FOR SIXScott McTominay looked like one of the Premier League's top scorers as Man United swept into an early lead over Leeds. ALLARDYCE BEATENSam Allardyce is the coach Premier League teams turn to when they need to avoid relegation.
Relief, happiness as Bale is Tottenham's match-winner again
Read full article: Relief, happiness as Bale is Tottenham's match-winner againTottenham's Gareth Bale, right, celebrates with teammate Eric Dier following the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. (John Walton/Pool via AP)LONDON – Gareth Bale soared into the air, connected with the ball and powered it into the net. It's taken more than seven years but Bale was Tottenham's match-winner again. And it had only required three minutes on the field for the substitute to clinch a 2-1 victory over Brighton on Sunday. “A bit of relief and a lot of happiness,” Bale said after being set up by Sergio Reguilon, who also switched from Real Madrid in September.
'It's really crazy': Late goals cap another wild day in EPL
Read full article: 'It's really crazy': Late goals cap another wild day in EPL(AP photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)A two-week break for international matches has done nothing to suppress the relentless unpredictability of this season’s Premier League. No team had previously avoided defeat when 3-0 down as late as the 81st minute in the Premier League. “It’s really crazy at the moment,” said West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who added that the feeling after Lanzini’s last-gasp strike was one of the best he has had in his career. Spurs were leading 3-0 at the time, thanks to goals by Son Heung-min and Harry Kane (2) in the opening 16 minutes. Palace had just one shot all match, and that was the contentiously awarded penalty converted by Wilfried Zaha in the 19th minute.
Tottenham collapses on Bale's return to draw 3-3 vs West Ham
Read full article: Tottenham collapses on Bale's return to draw 3-3 vs West HamWest Ham's Manuel Lanzini, right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. Cruising 3-0 when Bale came off in the bench in the 72nd minute against West Ham, Tottenham incredibly collapsed in a game it had been in control of to draw 3-3 in the Premier League on Sunday. “It’s a pity he couldn’t score the fourth goal that could kill the game,” Mourinho said. Rather than any joy for Bale on his return to Tottenham after seven years, West Ham was celebrating in a way that seemed unimaginable in the first half. “For some reason they didn’t push on in the second half, try to kill off the game,” West Ham midfielder Declan Rice said.
Tottenham humiliates Man United with 6-1 Premier League win
Read full article: Tottenham humiliates Man United with 6-1 Premier League winTottenham's Serge Aurier, left, celebrates after scoring his side's fifth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (Carl Recine/Pool via AP)MANCHESTER – Tottenham tore apart Manchester United for a 6-1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, exposing the defensive weaknesses in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side by inflicting the team's joint-heaviest Premier League defeat at home. Not since 1986 has United opened the league season with back-to-back home losses. In contrast to that late penalty on the south coast, United was immediately off the mark from the spot against Tottenham. United was carved apart when Kane slipped the pass through for Son who lifted the ball over goalkeeper David De Gea.
Handball rule draws widespread ire in penalty-dominated EPL
Read full article: Handball rule draws widespread ire in penalty-dominated EPLTottenham coach Jose Mourinho gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham and Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. Almost inevitably, a penalty was awarded after the referee took the opportunity to view the incident on the pitchside monitor. The Premier League has fallen in line with the rest of European soccer this season and applied the ruling in a stricter way rather simply than judging it on intent. Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said the newly adopted rule was “killing the game” after his team lost 2-1 by conceding a handball penalty for the winning goal. Mourinho chose not to criticize the rule for fear of collecting a fine from the Football Association, but his Newcastle counterpart had his say.
Son nets 4 as Spurs triumph; Mane double in Liverpool win
Read full article: Son nets 4 as Spurs triumph; Mane double in Liverpool winHeung-min Son was rampant, scoring four in a league game for a first time — all assisted by Harry Kane, who got Tottenham's fifth. Sadio Mane took advantage, grabbing two goals in five minutes to give Liverpool a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Two minutes into the second half, Kane played in Son again as Tottenham went in front. The South Korean secured his first Premier League hat trick in the 64th minute after being set up by Kane’s lofted pass. Kane became the first player to set up a Premier League teammate for four goals, crossing for Son to chip goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Bale back at 'special club' Tottenham to reignite career
Read full article: Bale back at 'special club' Tottenham to reignite careerSoccer player Gareth Bale gestures to fans as he arrives at the training ground of Tottenham Hotspur in London, Friday Sept. 18, 2020. Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is in London to complete his return to Tottenham. Bale left Tottenham for Madrid in 2013 for 100 million euros. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)LONDON – Seven years after leaving for a world-record fee to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale is back at Tottenham in a bid to reignite his career. Bale won four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles at Madrid but struggled for game time in recent seasons.
Mourinho woe, Ancelotti joy: Everton opens with win at Spurs
Read full article: Mourinho woe, Ancelotti joy: Everton opens with win at Spurs“I didn’t like my team," the Tottenham manager said after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half header gave Everton a 1-0 win in the Premier League on Sunday. For all that Everton was dynamic — with James Rodriguez and Allan controlling the midfield on their debuts — Tottenham was ineffective going forward. “The struggle started in the way we pressed — or the way we didn’t press," Mourinho said. But it was the perfect start for Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge midseason last year like Mourinho. “He defended well, attacked and ... he will run all day and looks to get in the box," Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said.
France vs Germany semis mark Champions League power shift
Read full article: France vs Germany semis mark Champions League power shift(Franck Fife/Pool Photo via AP)LISBON Emmanuel Macron was quick to appropriate France's unexpected Champions League prowess for political purposes. It has never happened before: two French teams in the Champions League semifinals after two nights of incredible results in Lisbon. You have to go back even longer to find a Champions League semifinals that didn't feature Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. With Pep Guardiola twice a Champions League winner as Barcelona coach outwitted by Lyon's Rudi Garcia, the last of the managerial heavyweights exited this mini-tournament. Diego Simeone, who has lost two Champions League finals with Atletico Madrid, was dumped out by Leipzig on Wednesday.
Longest season ends, pandemic issues linger for the EPL
Read full article: Longest season ends, pandemic issues linger for the EPLIt was a test of resolve for new Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, but Project Restart was accomplished. No team suffered more after the restart in June than the 2016 champion, blowing an eight-point cushion in the Champions League places. The capitulation was completed by Sundays 2-0 loss to Manchester United, which took the last Champions League place off Brendan Rodgers' lineup. Like Chelsea, Arsenal turned to a former midfielder this season to take charge. But there wont be a fifth consecutive season in the Champions League for the 2019 beaten finalist.
Week after toasting title, Klopp hurting after rout by City
Read full article: Week after toasting title, Klopp hurting after rout by CityManchester City's Raheem Sterling, second right, celebrates after his team's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, July 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Laurence Griffiths,Pool)MANCHESTER Even a 4-0 drubbing is forgivable for Jrgen Klopp now the Premier League trophy has been sealed. Its a reminder of how good Man City is, Klopp said. Were going in a direction thats really bad for the beautiful game, Mourinho said, the game that everybody fell in love with.Still, Mourinho did not want his players using that frustration as an excuse. After reaching last seasons Champions League final losing to Liverpool Tottenham might not qualify for any European competition next season.
Slow starts, few home comforts: Early themes in EPL restart
Read full article: Slow starts, few home comforts: Early themes in EPL restart(AP photo/Jon Super, Pool)The first full round of games of the Premier League restart has almost been completed, with just one team yet to play. Seven of the 11 games so far have had goalless first halves. Less than half of the teams have chosen to take up that opportunity in the Premier League. Across the 11 games, 10 of the 22 teams chose to make all five subs. According to the Premier Injuries website that tracks injuries sustained in Englands top division, there have been seven confirmed in-play injuries since the restart and only one James Milner (left hamstring) has been a muscular problem.
Rashford back to the day job after activism during pandemic
Read full article: Rashford back to the day job after activism during pandemicFILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 file photo, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates during an English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England. Manchester United and England player Marcus Rashford is urging the government to provide free meals for needy students over the summer holidays. My day job, the Manchester United striker tweeted this week alongside a picture of him at practice at the teams training facility. They are qualities the United manager sees in Rashford the soccer player, too, having already made him his No. He has changed the lives of so many kids this summer, Solskjaer said, which is more important than any game of football he will probably play.