The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EPL

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

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

    Joao Pedro headed home a dramatic 95th-minute winner for Brighton who extended their 100% start of the season at the expense of Manchester United.

    United thought they had won the game themselves when Alejandro Garnacho turned home Bruno Fernandes’ low cross 18 minutes from time.

    However, that effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check as the ball struck fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee just before it crossed the line.

    So Pedro was able to win it and give Fabian Hurzeler a dream start as Brighton manager after being left on his own to convert Simon Adingra’s far-post cross.

    Former United striker Danny Welbeck had given the hosts a first-half lead with his fifth Premier League goal against his old club, then hit the crossbar with a second half header as Brighton scented blood.

    United briefly took control after Amad Diallo had levelled on the hour but once Garnacho’s effort had been ruled out, the nearest they came was long-distance efforts from Scott McTominay and Casemiro, neither of which found their target.

    The winner created a party atmosphere at the final whistle, with Hurzeler, about whom there has been so much doubt following his appointment at the age of just 31, clearly elated and Billy Gilmour, who has been linked with Napoli, named man of the match, to more cheers from the home fans, who want the Scot to stay.

    BBC

  • EPL: Burnley boost survival hopes with 4-1 win at Sheffield United

    EPL: Burnley boost survival hopes with 4-1 win at Sheffield United

    Burnley gave their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost with a vital victory to push bottom side Sheffield United further towards relegation.

    A must-win game for both sides went the way of Vincent Kompany’s men as clinical finishing allowed them to move just three points off safety, while Chris Wilder’s side are now 10 points adrift.

    The Clarets were second best for much of the first half with Arijanet Muric making crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, before they scored twice in the space of three minutes.

    Read Also: Liverpool, Arsenal revup bid for EPL title

    On-loan Jacob Bruun Larsen broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when his scuffed volley took a deflection and wrong-footed goalkeeper Ivo Grbic to dribble in at the near post.

    In the next attack Burnley doubled their advantage courtesy of full-back Lorenz Assignon weaving through and poking home via Grbic’s outstretched leg and the crossbar.

    Muric made an outstanding save to deny James McAtee’s strike which was bound for the top corner, but he could do nothing about Gustavo Hamer cutting inside and curling in a sumptuous finish to give Sheffield United hope.

    But the visitors restored their two-goal advantage following Lyle Foster’s tidy, first-time finish from Assignon’s cross and substitute Johann Berg Gudmundsson added a delightful fourth for a thumping triumph.

  • EPL to  introduce new financial rules 

    EPL to  introduce new financial rules 

    Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce new financial rules next season, voting yesterday  to go ahead with squad cost ratio rules to replace the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), a source said. Clubs will likely be limited to spending 85% of their revenue on transfers, wages and agents fees if the new rules are adopted at the Annual General Meeting in June.

    PSR will still be in place next season with a transition period in 2024-25, as will points deductions, which will also remain part of the new rules once adopted.

    Everton were deducted 10 points in November, reduced to six on appeal, before they received a second deduction to take their points loss to eight for breaching PSR. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were deducted four points.

    Everton and Forest are 16th  and 17th  in the table respectively, just above the relegation zone.

    Although the season ends on May 19, the Premier League announced a backstop date of May 25 for all appeals to be concluded.

    Read Also: EPL: Semi-automated offside technology approved by clubs for 2024-25 season

    The agreement in principle comes after the Premier League decided at a shareholders’ meeting last month that it was prioritising the development and implementation of a new League-wide financial system.

    According to Premier League guidelines, clubs are at risk of breaching PSR if they incur more than 105 million pounds ($131.90 million) in losses over three seasons, which amounts to 35 million pounds annually.

    Last year, treble winners Manchester City were referred to an independent commission over more than 100 alleged breaches of finance rules, but no verdict has been reached in that case. City have denied any wrongdoing.

    Championship leaders Leicester City, who were relegated from the top flight last season, could also face a points deduction after the Premier League referred them to an independent commission last month over alleged breaches in the league’s spending rules.

  • EPL clubs approve semi-automated offside technology 

    EPL clubs approve semi-automated offside technology 

    Premier League clubs have approved unanimously the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024-25 season.

    The plan is to introduce the system after one of the international breaks in September or October, the Premier League said.

    FIFA first used the technology at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.

    It is anticipated SAOT could cut the length of a video assistant referee (VAR) check for offside by 31 seconds.

    In a statement, the Premier League said the state-of-the-art technology “will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking”.

    It also added SAOT “will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters”.

    Read Also: Chelsea battle to keep Mount amid other EPL clubs’ interest

    One aim is to introduce the technology next season for FA Cup ties hosted by Premier League clubs, and for the semi-finals and final at Wembley Stadium.

    Decisions as to whether a player in an offside position is interfering with play, or whether a player is onside where a defensive player has touched the ball and the contact has been deemed deliberate, will still begin subjectively with the on-field referee.

    The system was also trialled at the 2021 Arab Cup and Club World Cup, where it was estimated to have reduced the time taken to make offside VAR decisions from 70 to 25 seconds.

    The use of VAR for offside calls has continued to be a controversial subject in the top flight, with a number of high-profile incidents dominating the headlines in recent seasons.

    In September, a breakdown in communication led to VAR failing to overturn an incorrect decision to disallow a Luis Diaz’s goal for offside during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

  • FULL LIST: Every game left for three EPL title contenders

    FULL LIST: Every game left for three EPL title contenders

    For the first time since 2014, just one point separates the top three after 28 games played – and it now looks likely that it will go down to the last week of the season.

    Sunday is shaping up to be a huge day in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool playing Brighton and Manchester City hosting title rivals Arsenal.

    The Reds would go top if they pick up a point or more against the Seagulls – before current leaders Arsenal go to third-placed City.

    Here’s a list of all the games left in the Premier League title race:

    Liverpool: Brighton (H), Sheffield United (H), Manchester United (A), Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)

    Read Also: Battle at Etihad: Brothers at war as EPL title race hots up

    Manchester City: Arsenal (H),  Aston Villa (H),  Crystal Palace (A),  Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A),  Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H), Tottenham (A)

    Arsenal: Manchester City (A), Luton (H), Brighton (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A), Chelsea (H), Tottenham (A), Bournemouth (H), Manchester United (A), Everton (H)

  • EPL: Liverpool beat Burnley 3-1, return to top of table

    EPL: Liverpool beat Burnley 3-1, return to top of table

    Liverpool returned to the top of the table as they got back to winning ways against struggling Burnley in front of a club record league crowd at Anfield.

    Jurgen Klopp’s side were looking to respond after last weekend’s defeat by Arsenal and took the lead through Diogo Jota’s header from a corner which Burnley keeper James Trafford failed to claim.

    The Clarets, who have been in the relegation zone for most of the season, levelled before half-time through Dara O’Shea superb header before Luis Diaz restored the lead in the 52nd minute.

    Burnley had several chances to equalise before Darwin Nunez’s header from Harvey Elliott’s cross sealed the points.

    Read Also: EPL: Haaland’s brace against Everton sends Man City to top

    On a tetchy afternoon, both Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany were booked for by referee Tim Robinson for protesting after decisions went against their teams.

    Liverpool were without first-choice keeper Alisson because of illness but stand-in Caoimhin Kelleher made a fine save to deny David Datro Fofana an equaliser when the score was 2-1.

    Liverpool, watched by a new club record attendance of 59,896, had briefly been replaced by Manchester City at the top of the table following their 2-0 win over Everton in the early kick-off.

    But the Reds are two points clear – albeit having played one game more than their nearest rivals – while Burnley remain 19th.

  • Ajayi eyes return to EPL with West Brom

    Ajayi eyes return to EPL with West Brom

    Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi said he hopes to spend as long as possible at West Brom in the hope he can help the club to restore their Premier League status.

    Ajayi is into his fifth year at Albion and still has another year left on his current contract beyond this year but, after enjoying a taste of the top flight previously, he has reaffirmed how much he is enjoying his time at The Hawthorns and hopes to help them back there.

    Ajayi, who’ll head off to AFCON when he represents Nigeria in the New Year, is currently out of the starting XI after picking up a minor injury and hasn’t immediately been restored to the line-up upon his return after strong showings from Cedric Kipre and Kyle Bartley, but he remains fully committed to the long-term cause.

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    “It’s been amazing,” he said. “I feel like I’ve grown massively as a player and as a man since I joined over four years ago. There’s a good group of lads here who I’m really close with and I’ve enjoyed my time at the club. I plan to be here as long as I can and get the club as high as possible,” Ajayi added.

    Meanwhile, Coach Carlos Corberan has revealed that both Grady Diangana and Ajayi will be available for the West Brom clash against Birmingham City today.

    Speaking to BirminghamLive yesterday, the Albion boss revealed that the pair will be back to 100 per cent ahead of the trip to St Andrew’s.

    The Baggies duo were both named on the bench for the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the Hawthorns on Tuesday, but after Diangana was suffering through illness and Ajayi has been carrying an ankle injury, they are now in contention to start against the Blues.

  • EPL: Salah’s assists inspire comeback win over Wolves

    EPL: Salah’s assists inspire comeback win over Wolves

    Liverpool scored two late goals to earn a come-from-behind victory against a battling Wolves side at Molineux and go top of the Premier League.

    Andy Robertson marked his 200th Premier League appearance by putting the Reds ahead for the first time on 85 minutes, before substitute Harvey Elliott’s shot deflected off Hugo Bueno for an own goal to seal the victory in stoppage time.

    Read Also: Awoniyi nominated for EPL Player of the month award

    Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level at the start of the second half when he converted Mohamed Salah‘s fizzing cross-shot.

    The home side dominated the first half and deservedly opened the scoring when Hwang Hee-Chan fired home at the far post after some excellent wing play by Pedro Neto.

    The win moves Jurgen Klopp’s side one point clear at the top of the table before Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs. BBC 

  • Awoniyi nominated for EPL Player of the month award

    Awoniyi nominated for EPL Player of the month award

    . Chelsea tried to lure Nigerian to Stamford Bridge

    For his performance in the last three matches for Nottingham Forest, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been nominated for the August Premier League Player of the Month award.

    The 26-year-old scored in three consecutive games throughout August, in games against Arsenal, Sheffield United and Manchester United – taking his scoring streak to seven matches.

    Awoniyi became only the third African to score in seven successive Premier League outings after Mohamed Salah and Emmanuel Adebayor.

    Meanwhile, Chelsea reportedly made a last-minute move to sign Awoniyi this summer.

    That’s according to The Athletic, which claims that Chelsea asked about signing the Forest forward in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.

    Mauricio Pochettino bolstered his squad significantly over the summer as Chelsea continued to spend heavily.

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    The Blues broke the British transfer record to land Moises Caicedo, while they also bolstered their attack with the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

    But Chelsea remained in the market for another forward option late in the window, especially after Nkunku picked up an injury during pre-season.

    And a fresh report claims they attempted a late move to sign Taiwo Awoniyi.

    The Athletic reports that Chelsea asked about the possibility of signing Awoniyi in the final 48 hours of the window.

    But Forest were in a position to turn down their approach.

    Awoniyi has enjoyed a brilliant run of form for Forest of late having netted in each of his last seven Premier League appearances.

    The 26-year-old was snapped up by Steve Cooper last summer and managed 10 goals in his debut season in England’s top flight.

    Chelsea were on the lookout for a new striker over the summer and it’s hardly surprising they moved for Awoniyi given his promising form for Forest.

  • DStv, GOtv to beam big EPL, Serie A matches

    DStv, GOtv to beam big EPL, Serie A matches

    Jose Mourinho’s Roma will host AC Milan today at the Stadio Olimpico Stadium on matchday 3 of the 2023-24 Serie A season. This match will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv.

    Giallorossi have started their campaign on a disappointing note, picking up one point in their opening two matches against Salernitana and Hellas Verona. Mourinho’s side will be keen to secure their first victory of the league campaign against the free scoring Rossoneri. Tune in SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSelect 1 (DStv ch. 208 and GOtv ch. 63) at 7:35pm to watch.

    Read Also: EPL: Man City maintain winning streak

    On the other hand, AC Milan won their first two games against Bologna and Torino in impressive fashion. Ex-Chelsea forwards, Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic have hit the ground running for Stefano Pioli’s men, scoring in the two matches.

    Tomorrow, reigning champions, Napoli will host Lazio at the Diego Maradona Stadium. Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has continued his fine scoring form for Luciano Spalletti’s side, appearing on the scoresheet in their victories over Sassuolo and Frosinone. Tune in to SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSelect 1 (DStv ch. 208 and GOtv ch. 63) at 7:35pm.

    Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Arsenal and Manchester United will battle each other for vital three points on matchday 4 of the league season on Sunday. Tune in to SuperSport Premier League (DStv ch. 203 and ch. 66) at 6:10pm to watch the clash.

    Mikel Arteta’s side suffered setback in their bid to keep up with Manchester City on matchday 3 when they failed to hold on to their 2-1 lead against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium as Joao Palnhinha found the back of the net in the 87th minute to ensure the Cottagers emerged with one point.

    Their opponent, Manchester United, have struggled to pick up two wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest. However, Erik Ten Hag’s side currently face an injury crisis as six first team players namely Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and

    Rasmud Højlund are out injured ahead of this clash.