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Tag: EPL

  • Full List: EPL Managers with shortest spells

    Full List: EPL Managers with shortest spells

    The Premier League is often described as one of the most cutthroat environments in world football — and once again, it has lived up to its reputation.

    Nottingham Forest’s decision to sack Ange Postecoglou after just 39 days in charge has added a new chapter to the league’s long history of managerial turmoil. The Australian coach, known for his attacking style and previous success at Celtic and Tottenham, arrived at the City Ground with high expectations. 

    But a string of poor performances saw Forest act swiftly — making Postecoglou the second-shortest serving manager in Premier League history.

    Here’s a look at the top five shortest managerial spells in the Premier League era:

    1. Sam Allardyce – Leeds United (30 days)

    Brought in during the 2022/23 season to save Leeds from relegation, Allardyce lasted just a month. Four games, no wins, and a 19th-place finish saw both parties part ways swiftly.

    2. Ange Postecoglou – Nottingham Forest (39 days)

    Appointed with hopes of steadying the ship at Forest, Postecoglou’s tenure never took off. A series of uninspiring displays and mounting pressure led to his dismissal less than six weeks into the job.

    3. Javi Gracia – Watford (69 days)

    The Spaniard’s second stint in the Premier League ended almost as quickly as it began. Tasked with rescuing Watford in 2023, Gracia couldn’t turn the tide and was swiftly replaced.

    Read Also: EPL managers sympathise with Ten Hag after Man United sacking

    4. René Meulensteen – Fulham (75 days)

    After replacing Martin Jol in December 2013, Meulensteen managed only a handful of wins before being shown the door in February 2014 as Fulham battled relegation.

    5. Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace (77 days)

    Perhaps the most infamous case, De Boer’s Palace tenure in 2017 lasted just four league games — all defeats without scoring a single goal. The Dutchman’s philosophy clashed with the club’s direction, leading to a swift exit.

  • EPL: Rice, Saka score as Arsenal go top with comfortable win over West Ham

    EPL: Rice, Saka score as Arsenal go top with comfortable win over West Ham

    Declan Rice scored his first goal of the season before Bukayo Saka added a second as Arsenal comfortably beat West Ham in manager Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge.

    Arsenal have had an excellent start to the season losing just one game and Arteta looked to ensure that continued with his attacking selection.

    The Arsenal manager named a midfield three of Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as he utilised the options in his squad after a £250m spend in the summer.

    However, that trio did not last long with Odegaard having to go off with an injury, the third Premier League home game in a row that he has been withdrawn early.

    Rice was then pushed into a more advanced role as Martin Zubimendi was brought on and the former West Ham midfielder was on hand to finish smartly after Eze’s shot was pushed back into the area by Alphonse Areola.

    Arsenal dominated the majority of the game with West Ham restricted to speculative efforts whenever they got the rare chance to attack.

    The Gunners sealed the win in the second half when Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf and Saka slotted the penalty confidently into the corner.

    It was a great way for Saka to mark his 200th Premier League appearance and means that his impressive record now stands at 55 goals and 45 assists.

    The win moves Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, supplanting Liverpool prior to their match against Chelsea later on Saturday.

    BBC Sports

  • From glory to survival: Nigerian players face pivotal battles today

    From glory to survival: Nigerian players face pivotal battles today

    Nigerian players will take center stage across major European and local leagues today (Sunday), as seven high-stakes fixtures unfold. 

    With title dreams, European ambitions, and survival hopes hanging in the balance, these stars are poised to play decisive roles in shaping the outcomes of their clubs’ seasons.

    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

    Rivers United vs Remo Stars

    The Nigeria Premier Football League title race could reach a critical turning point this weekend, as second-placed Rivers United welcome table-toppers Remo Stars to Port Harcourt in a high-stakes showdown.

    With only seven matches left after this round, Remo Stars sit firmly in the driver’s seat—boasting an eight-point lead and a game in hand over their nearest rivals. The pressure is mounting for Rivers United, who know that anything less than a win could effectively hand the title to the visitors.

    Captain Temple Emekayi has rallied his side ahead of the clash, calling on his teammates to shake off recent setbacks and rise to the occasion in what could be their last chance to keep their title hopes alive.

    Rivers United aim to bounce back from back-to-back losses—falling 1-0 to Bayelsa United in the league and suffering a 2-1 cup upset to Beyond Limits FA. Victory would trim Remo Stars’ lead to five points and reignite the title race, but defeat could all but crown the Ikenne giants champions.

    ENGLAND

    Fulham vs Liverpool (Iwobi, Bassey)

    Alex Iwobi has more than Fulham pride on the line when Liverpool visit Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Nigerian midfielder, along with compatriot Calvin Bassey, will be crucial as Fulham aim to stall the league leaders—and possibly hand Iwobi’s former club Arsenal a lifeline in the title race.

    Liverpool sit atop the Premier League with 73 points from 30 games, eyeing a first title since 2020. Iwobi, Fulham’s creative engine with seven goals and three assists this season, could play spoiler. He leads Europe’s top five leagues in progressive carries into the final third and has had a hand in 28% of Fulham’s goals.

    Bassey, rested midweek, is expected to return at the back as Fulham gear up for one of their toughest tests of the season.

    Tottenham vs Southampton (Aribo, Onuachu)

    Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu could be involved in a must-win clash that may seal Southampton’s Premier League relegation at Tottenham on Saturday.

    Rooted to the bottom with just 10 points, the Saints will go down if they lose and Wolves beat Ipswich. Aribo is tipped to start as the club fights to delay the drop, while Onuachu—four goals in 20 games—may come off the bench.

    For Spurs, it’s a chance to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea, with rotation expected ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final.

    SPAIN

    Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid (Ejuke, Adams)

    Nigerian duo Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams will aim to leave their mark as Sevilla take on Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Ramon.

    Adams, recently back from injury, is still chasing his first goal for the club after just two appearances, while Ejuke—two goals and an assist in 19 outings—remains a key attacking threat.

    Sevilla, sitting 11th in La Liga, are desperate to snap a two-game losing streak. Atletico, winless since early March, need all three points to stay in the Champions League race as their title hopes fade.

    ITALY

    Atalanta vs Lazio (Lookman vs Dele-Bashiru)

    Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta host Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s Lazio in a key Serie A clash on Sunday, with both Nigerians battling to revive their Champions League hopes.

    Neither team has won in their last two matches—Atalanta are scoreless in their last two, while Lazio have just one win from their last six. In their previous meeting, Dele-Bashiru scored a stunning goal and Lookman assisted Atalanta’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw.

    Lazio’s Marco Baroni has urged Dele-Bashiru to sharpen his play in the final third, while Lookman will be keen to end his goal drought after a strong start to the season.

    Read Also: Bendel Insurance coach, Ikhenoba salutes players after convincing win

    PORTUGAL

    Porto vs Benfica (Zaidu Sanusi)

    Zaidu Sanusi could play a part in Portugal’s biggest derby as Porto host title-chasing Benfica at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday.

    The Super Eagles left-back has seen limited action this season, recovering from a serious ACL injury. Porto, third in the Primeira Liga, are nine points behind Benfica, who are locked in a tight title race with Sporting Lisbon. A win would boost Porto’s Champions League hopes and reignite their title challenge.

    Porto were thrashed 4-1 in their last meeting with Benfica but will be buoyed by their 5-0 victory over them at home earlier this season.

    TURKEY

    Fenerbahce vs Trabzonspor (Bright Osayi-Samuel)

    Bright Osayi-Samuel could start as Fenerbahce take on Trabzonspor in one of Turkish football’s fiercest rivalries.

    The Nigerian defender, whose contract expires this season, has been linked with a return to England, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest reportedly interested. Fenerbahce, six points behind Galatasaray, will need a win to keep their title hopes alive.

    Osayi-Samuel has been a standout for Fenerbahce, following a controversial incident last March with Trabzonspor, which saw him involved in a post-match altercation. The Turkish FA cleared him of any wrongdoing.

    Trabzonspor, under new manager Fatih Tekke, are aiming to extend their strong form after a win and a draw in his first two matches.

  • EPL: Salah double takes Liverpool nine points clear

    EPL: Salah double takes Liverpool nine points clear

    Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah’s double saw off a battling Bournemouth at a noisy Vitality Stadium.

    Salah is now on 178 league goals, lifting him to sixth on the list in the Premier League era, ahead of Frank Lampard on 177.

    The Egyptian put the Reds ahead with a well-taken 30th-minute penalty, awarded after Lewis Cook was judged to have clipped the heels of Cody Gakpo.

    Bournemouth had already gained wins over Arsenal, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest this season and had almost taken the lead against the Reds when it was goalless, only for Antoine Semenyo’s shot to bounce off the left post.

    Read Also: Klopp wants Salah’s stay at Liverpool

    Semenyo then had a great chance to equalise early in the second half, only for Alisson to make an excellent save with his legs to keep out the well-struck effort.

    The chances kept coming for the hosts and substitute Marcus Tavernier hit the inside of the post, with Justin Kluivert wastefully shooting the rebound over the bar.

    That failure to equalise proved critical as Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, sealed the three points with a magnificent curled effort to make it 2-0.

    The Reds are now on 56 points from 23 matches, although Arsenal will cut the gap back to six points if they win at home against Manchester City on Sunday.

    BBC

  • No EPL clubs charged with PSR breaches

    No EPL clubs charged with PSR breaches

    The Premier League will not issue any fresh charges against clubs over breaches of its financial rules after all were deemed compliant for the 2023⁄24 campaign, though Leicester could still be sanctioned over a charge brought last season.

    It is understood that no clubs have been issued with a complaint for a breach of the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) in relation to accounts submitted for 2023⁄24 by a December 31 deadline.

    However, a dispute over whether the league had jurisdiction to charge Leicester in March last year remains on-going.

    PSR mean clubs are not allowed to lose more than £105 million ($128 million) over three-season rolling periods.

    Everton and Nottingham Forest were both punished last season for PSR breaches. Everton were docked eight points and Forest docked four, though both survived in the top flight.

    Leicester went unpunished after they won an appeal against a charge in September, which covered the three years up until the end of the 2022⁄23 season.

    An appeal board ruled the league did not have jurisdiction in relation to Leicester’s 2022⁄23 submission because the club were in the English Football League when the accounts were submitted.

    The Premier League said at the time it was “surprised and disappointed” by that decision and confirmed on Tuesday the case had not concluded.

    Read Also: Meet Éric Sékou Chelle the new head coach of Super Eagles

    “Issues as to the jurisdiction of the Premier League over Leicester City Football Club in relation to PSR compliance are currently the subject of confidential arbitration proceedings,” the Premier League and Leicester said in a joint statement.

     “Accordingly, neither the league nor the club will make any further comment at this stage about any aspect of the club’s compliance or otherwise with any of the PSR or related rules, save to say that no complaint has been brought against Leicester by the league for any breach of the PSRs for the period ending season 2023⁄24.”

    PSR is set to be replaced by a new set of financial rules for next season.

    Clubs will instead be limited to spending 85 percent of revenue on squad-related costs, dropping to 70 percent for those involved in UEFA competitions in order to comply with the rules at continental level.

  • Hot weekend in European football: battles of the giants in EPL and Bundesliga

    Hot weekend in European football: battles of the giants in EPL and Bundesliga

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    Liverpool vs Manchester City: a battle of tournament contenders

    In the central match of round 13, the Premier League leaders will face off. Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, has won 10 of its first 12 games, making it one of the best starts to a season in its history. The only setback came in the match at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, which Liverpool surprisingly lost to Nuno Espírito Santo’s team.

    Mohamed Salah has also had a royal start to the season—the Liverpool forward already has 10 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League. His phenomenal scoring form will add excitement to the top scorer race, where Erling Haaland has had little competition in the past 2 seasons.

    Rodri’s injury has made the football world recall the Cinderella story: the prince went off to treat his knee, and Manchester City turned into a pumpkin. A series of 5 consecutive losses put Pep Guardiola in an unfamiliar position—his teams have never faced such challenges before.

    Pep and Manchester City know how to take a hit and will do everything to close the 8-point gap to Liverpool. The chanting Anfield and ambitious Slot will try to finish off the wounded beast, but the English champions have the powerful Haaland and Guardiola’s tactical ideas on their side.

    Odds: W1 – 2.172, X – 3.955, W2 – 3.2

    Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern: Der Klassiker in all its glory

    Bayern Munich has gone unbeaten in 11 league games and heads into the German football giant clash as the leader. Vincent Kompany’s combination football has taken hold on the Alpine horizon of Munich, giving fans hope after the dull era of Thomas Tuchel.

    Bayern Munich’s main weapon in attack remains Harry Kane—the England captain has 14 goals and 6 assists in 11 matches. The Bayern forward is confidently on track to win the Golden Boot once again.

    Borussia is adapting to Nuri Şahin’s demands, but the team lacks consistency. Big wins over Leipzig and Freiburg are followed by losses to Mainz and Augsburg. Dortmund is 10 points behind Bayern, and the Der Klassiker could be a great opportunity for it to close the gap.

    Borussia and Bayern have scored a total of 58 goals in 11 games, so their clash is sure to delight fans of exciting football and a total of over 2.5 goals betting.

    Odds: W1 – 4.58, X – 4.635, W2 – 1.72

    Using information about the teams’ style and shape, you’ll be able to figure out what type of bet is most profitable for the top games of the weekend. Follow the link and make predictions on the battles of England and Germany’s giants. Win with 1xBet while following responsible playing rules!

  • What to know about Leicester, Nottingham Forest clash

    What to know about Leicester, Nottingham Forest clash

    The only Premier League match today takes us to the King Power Stadium where Leicester will take on Nottingham Forest who sit in 8th position on the premier league table.

    Here are a few things to get yourself appraised with before the match:

    1. Leicester have won their last two Premier League home games against Nottingham Forest (December 1998 and October 2022), having won neither of their first two in the competition (D1 L1).

    2. Nottingham Forest won 2-0 against Leicester in their last league meeting (January 2023), last winning consecutive league games against the Foxes in March 2005/December 2009.

    3. There have been at least four goals scored in all four of Leicester’s Premier League home games against Nottingham Forest – a 4-2 win for Forest in March 1995, a 2-2 draw in December 1996, and 3-1 and 4-0 wins for Leicester in December 1998 and October 2022 respectively.

    4. After winning none of their first six Premier League games this season (D3 L3), Leicester have since won both of their last two. The Foxes last won three successive matches in the competition in January 2021 under Brendan Rodgers.

    5. Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last six away games in the Premier League (W4 D2); their longest run without an away defeat in the top-flight since February-October 1995 (12 games).

    How To Watch

    Here are a few ways to watch the match wherever you are in the world.

    United Kingdom      –       Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky GO

    United States     –             USA, Universo, Fubo, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream

    Australia            –             Optus Sport

    Canada              –              fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada

    India     –                           Star Sports Select 1, Disney+ Hotstar VIP

    Republic of Ireland    –    Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky GO

    Spain                 –                DAZN

    Italy                    –             Sky Sports Uno, Sky Go Italia

    Netherlands       –             Viaplay

    South Africa       –            SuperSport

    Nigeria       –                     SuperSport

    Venue:
    King Power Stadium

    Kick Off Time:

    8:00pm

    Prediction

    Following their previous meetings, the game should produce goals, your best bet will be over 1.5goals  

    Predicted Line-Up

    Leicester predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi; Buonanotte, Ayew, Fatawu; Vardy.

    Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Leicester (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Ward-Prowse; Elanga, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

    Current form (all competitions)

    Leicester

    Southampton 2-3 Leicester – 19/10/24

    Leicester 1-0 Bournemouth – 05/10/24

    Arsenal 4-2 Leicester – 28/09/24

    Walsall 0-0 (0-3p) Leicester – 24/09/24

    Leicester 1-1 Everton – 21/09/24

    Nottingham Forest

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace – 21/01/24

    Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest – 06/10/24

    Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham – 28/09/24

    Brighton 2-2 Nottingham Forest – 22/09/24

    Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest – 14/09/24

  • Rising star Asher Chris Agbinone impresses for Crystal Palace in EPL debut

    Rising star Asher Chris Agbinone impresses for Crystal Palace in EPL debut

    Talented youngster, Asher Ofega Agbinone, has become the latest Crystal Palace Academy graduate to make his Premier League debut for the team against Nottingham Forest .

    The 19-year old’s  football journey began at nine, progressing through the ranks to earn his first-team debut against Nottingham Forest  on Monday night.

    Born to a Nigerian father and French mother, Asher Agbinone’s football prowess was nurtured at Crystal Palace’s esteemed Academy. 

    He attended Whitgift secondary school, the prestigious private UK school that Victor Moses passed out from

    Agbinone’s explosive forward play, versatility and goal-scoring ability have captivated fans.

    His key milestones include Under-18 Debut 2021/22,  First U18 Goal (October 2022), scoring the winner against Sheffield United in the Under-18 Premier League Cup, signed his first professional contract, won Crystal Palace’s Goal of the Month with a stunning strike against Tottenham Hotspur U18s and provided the assist for George King’s winner against Plymouth Argyle U18s.

    Read Also: Liverpool edge Chelsea to reclaim EPL top spot

    Asher Agbinone’s impressive performances yielded 20 appearances (18 U18, 2 U21, nine goals, one assist, Featured in the first-team’s pre-season US tour and cored in a 3-1 win against Wolves

    Speaking after his Premier League debut, Agbinone said: “I’m feeling good. Obviously, the result didn’t go as we wanted, so that kind of overshadows it, but I’m still grateful.”

    When asked about his playing style, Agbinone credited his manager and coaching staff, pointing out that, “They encouraged me to take players on when I can”.

    Agbinone’s rise underscores Crystal Palace’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Previously invited to join the England team, he’s poised for greatness ahead of him in his football career.

    The youngster is eligible to play for four countries like former teammate Michele Olise.

     Agbinone  can play for Nigeria, England, France and Congo Brazzaville

  • EPL: Everton beat Ipswich 2-0 in delayed kickoff

    EPL: Everton beat Ipswich 2-0 in delayed kickoff

    Everton extended their unbeaten run to four Premier League matches with a 2-0 victory against winless Ipswich at Portman Road.

    Iliman Ndiaye gave the Toffees an early lead when he capitalised on some sloppy Ipswich defending to fire home from close range for his third goal of the season.

    Some more poor defending allowed Dwight McNeil to pick out Michael Keane, who blasted home a left-foot shot from a tight angle to double Everton’s advantage before half-time.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin spurned a number of chances to make the result more comfortable for the Toffees either side of the break.

    Read Also: EPL: Leicester comeback to beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s Stadium

    Ipswich were full of effort and endeavour but struggled to create many clear openings.

    It is Everton’s first away win for 16 games in all competitions, a run stretching back to last December.

    Defeat means Ipswich set a new club record of eight games without a win to start a top-flight season.

    BBC Sports

  • EPL: de Ligt scores first goal as Man Utd beat Southampton

    EPL: de Ligt scores first goal as Man Utd beat Southampton

    Matthijs de Ligt scored his first goal for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s side claimed a much-needed Premier League victory at Southampton.

    The Red Devils went into the recent international break on a low after being comprehensively beaten by Liverpool, and needed to put in a performance on their return to action.

    They survived a difficult start before a penalty save by Andre Onana from Cameron Archer proved the turning point as soon after they took the lead.

    Summer signing De Ligt got the opener, heading into the bottom corner from Bruno Fernandes’ fantastic ball into the box.

    Six minutes later Manchester United doubled their lead, Marcus Rashford opening his account for the season with his first goal since March, guiding a low strike through a crowd into the net.

    Read Also: EPL: Pedro’s 95th-minute winner break Man Utd’s fragile hearts

    The double blow seemed to quell Southampton’s eagerness and Manchester United were comfortable in the second half.

    A bad day was rounded off for Southampton when Jack Stephens was shown a straight red card late on for a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.

    The substitute then wrapped up the win for the visitors with a thumping finish into the roof of the net deep into stoppage time.

    BBCSports