Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Alexis Sanchez Display His World Class Status as Arsenal Star Shakes off Injury to Rescue Chile

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as one of the best players in the world after he shrugged off injury to score twice in Chile’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday evening. The 27-year-old was initially a major doubt to feature during the international break after suffering a low grade hamstring tear last Tuesday.

But the Arsenal forward showed no signs of injury as he struck twice in the second half to secure a vital victory in Chile’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

‘Individuals speak for themselves,’ Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi said after the match.

‘Alexis is among the best players in the world.

‘[But] I am more in favour of emphasising the strengths of the group. And it is what allowed us to turn the game.’

Despite having his right thigh heavily bandaged in training, Sanchez was declared ‘100% ready’ to play against Uruguay by Pizzi.

Friday, 11 November 2016

Aresenal's Wing Back, Hector Bellerin Ruled Out for Remainder of November

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has been ruled out for the rest of the month with ankle ligament damage, according to reports. Bellerin returned home from training with the Spain Under-21 side earlier this week but there was some initial confusion over what injury he had picked up.

The IBTimes suggest the defender took a knock to his ankle during the 1-1 draw with north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday.

Bellerin’s latest setback could see the Spaniard miss the Gunners’ next games against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham Hotspur Star Christian Eriksen Choosed to Join Ajax Thinking He’d Fail at Chelsea

Christian Eriksen has admitted he thought he’d fail at Chelsea, if he chose to join them rather than Ajax as a 16-year-old. The Dane has been a major hit at White Hart Lane since joining from the Dutch giants in 2013 and is a regular feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

But his career could have panned out very differently had he opted to move to Stamford Bridge as a teenager. The Demark international, now 24, rejected a host of clubs including Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan to join Ajax.

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Qatar Bans Alcohol in the Streets and Public Places at World Cup 2022

Football fans are in for a sober time at the 2022 World Cup as Qatar authorities announced that alcohol will be banned from the streets and all public places during the event. The head of the country's tournament organising committee has mentioned that they are also attempting to prohibit the sale of liquor at the stadiums which will be used for games.

"There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final," Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said in an interview printed on the website of Arabic language newspaper Al-Sharq.

"We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings."

He went on to explain that while there would be provisions for alcohol; they would only be available in "far-away places".

Diego Costa Uncovers Groin Problem on International Duty with Spain

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has discovered a groin problem while on international duty with Spain. The 28-year-old played 90 minutes during Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing of Everton on Saturday and got himself on the scoresheet against the Toffees.

The former Atletico Madrid forward flirted with a return to the Vicente Calderon this summer but Antonio Conte convinced him to stay and he’s repaid the Italian’s faith with nine goals in 13 appearances so far this term.

However, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Costa arrived at Spain’s training camp with a groin injury and is now a doubt for his country’s upcoming games against Lithuania and England.

Spain boss, Julen Lopetegui, considered sending Costa back to London for treatment but decided that the forward could remain at Spain’s base to recover.


Chelsea Set New Record with Penalty Shootout Victory over Oxford United

Chelsea and Oxford United have set a new record for the longest penalty shootout in the history of English football after 34 spot-kicks were needed to decide Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy clash. Chelsea eventually emerged with a 13-12 victory after Oxford striker Wes Thomas missed his second penalty of the shootout.

Oxford had managed to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge after Kane Hemmings’ injury-time equaliser cancelled out Josimar Quintero’s opener.

But Chelsea goalkeeper Bradley Collins saved four penalties to help his side win the shootout, although he missed his spot-kick along with Ola Aina, Josh Grant and Marco van Ginkel.

The previous record of 32 penalties had been matched by Derby County and Carlisle United when the Rams won 14-13 in the EFL Cup third round back in August.

Confederation of African Football CAF Review Prize Money for CAF Competitions with AFCON Winner to Earn $4m, Effective 2017

Following a decision by the CAF Executive Committee at its meeting held on 27 September 2016 in Cairo, Egypt, herewith the update of the Revenue’s Grid detailing the allocation of revenues for national teams and clubs taking part in CAF competitions for the four-year cycle, 2017-2010. 

You can go through the details below;

THE POPULAR ONE Kadiri Ikhana Returns to Kano Pillars as Coach for Another Spell

It will be a fourth coaching journey for one of Nigeria Professional Football League's most celebrated coaches, Kadiri Ikhana, at Kano Pillars after he was unveiled by the hierarchy of the club to their fans, players and backroom staff on Tuesday. 

Ikhana last coached at the Kano-based club eight years ago and on that occasion helped them to win their first of four league titles. But the former Bendel Insurance man had his first stint with Sai Masu Gida in 1991 and then in 1997 got his second chance with the team before the title-winning stint.

In his speech, the gaffer remarked his union with Sai Masu Gida as a memory that is glued to the heart.

"I felt like shading tears after agreeing a deal to take charge of Pillars. Kano State was the gateway for me in my coaching career.

Monday, 7 November 2016

‘In my mind I wanted to play with a 4-2-4,’ - Antonio Conte Reveals Plans to Play 4-2-4 Formation with Chelsea

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed he planned on playing a 4-2-4 formation with the Blues this season before tweaking his system. The 47-year-old opted for a 4-3-3 system in his early days at Stamford Bridge but a 3-0 humbling at the Emirates to Arsenal forced Conte into a rethink.

The Italian decided to play a 3-4-3 formation and the Blues haven’t conceded a league goal since September 24th after Conte’s tweak.

Conte’s side have also scored an astonishing 16 goals in five league games but the former Juventus boss has revealed he was intent on playing on an ultra-attacking 4-2-4 system with the club.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal Striker Robin van Persie Suffers Gruesome Eye Injury

Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Robin van Persie suffered a horrific eye injury while playing for Fenerbahce on Sunday. Luckily for the striker, despite early fears that he may lose his sight in his left eye, it was later revealed that the Dutchman should make a full recovery.

The 33-year-old had to be stretchered off after an accidental collision during Fenerbahce’s 3-1 victory over Akhisar Belediyespor on the weekend – after he had already scored.

The Old Trafford favourite’s face was covered in blood and he was rushed to hospital immediately, but doctors later ruled that he would be fine.

Fenerbahce team doctor John Kunduracioglu told Fanatik: ‘Van Persie received a blow to his eye, it was torn and bleeding.

‘After investigating, we sent him to an ophthalmologist at the hopsital for further checks. We learned that nothing serious has happened, so the situation is good.

‘We had to wait for an ambulance. If the injury had been more serious, the situation could have been worse.’

Van Persie was apparently even able to return to the ground after being treated, turning up to watch the rest of the game.




Friday, 4 November 2016

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Nominated for Player of the First Time

The nominations for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October have been revealed and include Mark Hughes, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger.

Conte, who is nominated for the first time, will be the favourite, being the only one among them to win all four games during the month. Among them were victories over champions Leicester and Manchester United and it was all achieved without conceding a single goal.

Hughes might feel he deserves it after overseeing three wins and a draw – all the more remarkable considering Stoke’s horrendous start to the season.

YAYA Toure Apologises to Manchester City Via Facebook, Claims His Agent's Statements Do not Represent His Views on the Club

Yaya Toure has apologised to Manchester City after his off-field problems led to manager Pep Guardiola banishing from the first team. Guardiola demanded an apology from Toure’s camp after an ongoing feud with the midfielder’s agent Dimitri Seluk has seen the 33-year-old fail to make City’s Champions League squad for the group stages.

Seluk, claimed that decision ‘humiliated’ the midfielder and said Guardiola should have the ‘balls’ to apologise to the Ivorian if City fail to win the Champions League this season.

Yet to make a Premier League appearance, Toure has moved to calm the ongoing war of words by publishing a statement via his official Facebook account:

Bertrand Traore Blasts Chelsea for Loaning Him Out to Ajax this Season

Chelsea youngster Bertrand Traore has slammed the club for allowing him to move on loan to Ajax this season. The 21-year-old was given several chances in the first team under Guus Hiddink in the last campaign, and in pre-season this time round, but the Blues ended up sending him out to the Eredivisie.

Striker Michy Batshuayi was brought to Stamford Bridge in the summer, leaving less chances for Traore to play if he stayed with the Londoners.

However, this hasn’t softened the blow for the Burkina Faso international, who has scored three goals after 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

Thursday, 3 November 2016

"I Don’t Regret Going to Chelsea and I Don't Regret Leaving Chelsea" - Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne has absolutely no regrets after failing to impress Jose Mourinho during his time at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea. The Belgian international, who was swiftly sold by then Blues boss Mourinho after failing to break into the Chelsea first team, returned to the Premier League after two seasons in Germany when Manchester City paid a club-record fee of £55million for the midfielder.

De Bruyne’s stunning free-kick against Barcelona on Tuesday further silenced any lingering critics the 25-year-old may have been carrying from his failed sting in west London.