The Nation Newspaper

Tag: liverpool

  • Impressive Liverpool seek Wembley redemption

    Liverpool will not have happy memories of their last visit to Wembley Stadium and will head south with a point to prove against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

    Eleven months ago Juergen Klopp’s side were swept aside 4-1 by a rampant Tottenham leading to a bout of navel-gazing that, as it transpired, helped transform Liverpool’s season.

    The defensive lapses that undermined them that day were soon eradicated, the goals began to flow and with the addition of central defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in January, Liverpool became a force to be reckoned with.

    The damage had already been done though and, just like every other contender, they never got anywhere near a Manchester City side that strolled to the English Premier League title.

    They did reach the Champions League final and have continued the momentum into the new campaign, topping the table with four wins from four, scoring nine goals and conceding one.

    Tottenham began with three wins but slipped up in their last game before the international break, losing 2-1 at Watford who are surprise joint-leaders.

    Early in the season it may be, but the lunchtime clash will offer a pointer as to which club can push on and make a credible challenge to a City side who host Fulham.

    Read Also: Milner, Mane secure victory for Liverpool at Palace

    Tottenham’s starting line-up will be similar to the one that started last year’s fixture after the London club bucked the trend by spending nothing in the transfer window.

    Liverpool, on the other hand, splashed out in the region of 160 million pounds on the likes of Naby Keita, versatile Brazilian Fabinho, Brazil keeper Alisson and Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri from relegated Stoke City.

    The Merseysiders have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League meetings against Tottenham but were also frustrated by them in a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season when Harry Kane scored a last-gasp penalty equaliser.

    There is an edge between the clubs and Klopp knows three points on Saturday would send out a message of intent.

    Defeat for Tottenham in a fixture that was supposed to be the christening of their new stadium will lead to further scrutiny of the decision to trust the same players that have achieved three successive top-three finishes but no silverware.

    Watford’s best-ever start to a top-flight season will be put to the test as they take on a Manchester United side without striker Marcus Rashford, who was sent off in their morale-boosting win against Burnley.

    Chelsea, who have quietly gone about their business under new manager Maurizio Sarri, are also 100 percent after four games and will relish a home clash against Cardiff City.

    While Liverpool’s outlay on new players has, so far, proved beneficial, the same cannot be said of West Ham United.

    The London club bolstered their squad with nearly 100 million pounds worth of new signings for incoming manager Manuel Pellegrini, but are pointless after four games.

    Things do not get any easier either with West Ham away to Everton on Sunday.

  • Everton’s Moshiri increases ownership stake in club

    Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has increased his ownership stake in the club from 49.9 per cent to 68.6 percent, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday.

    Moshiri purchased the additional 18.7 pe rcent through his Blue Heaven Holdings Ltd. and the club said the British-Iranian businessman’s share should rise to 77.2 percent by July 2019.

    “Everton today announces that major shareholder Farhad Moshiri has further committed to and increased his shareholding in the club,” the club announced on it websites.

    Since taking over in February 2016, Moshiri has underlined his commitment to Everton by delivering on his promise of increased investment in the transfer market.

    Read Also: Everton part ways with Sam Allardyce

    Everton spent more than 150 million pounds before the start of last season but produced poor results.

    The club struggled in the opening stages of the league campaign before finishing eighth under their second manager of the season Sam Allardyce, who took over from Ronald Koeman.

    Everton continued their big spending this year with new coach Marco Silva, bringing in forward Richarlison from Watford for a reported 40 million pounds and defender Lucas Digne from Barcelona for 18 million pounds, among other players.

    The 63-year-old Moshiri has also stated plans to help the club move into a new ground at Liverpool docks.

    Everton have won the English title nine times and the FA Cup on five occasions, albeit not since 1995 when they last lifted a major trophy.

    The Merseyside club is seventh on the Premier League table with six points after four matches of the current campaign.

  • Watford’s Gracia named Premier League manager of the month

    Watford Manager Javi Gracia has been named August’s Premier League manager of the month after guiding the club to a winning start this season.

    Watford recorded three wins out of three in August, beating Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley and Crystal Palace.

    “I am very pleased. “We are enjoying (it). You never know what will happen,” Gracia told the Premier League website on Friday.

    “Don’t look only at the end of the road. Try to enjoy day by day. Try to enjoy the very good atmosphere; the workers who are helping us, the supporters in all the games are amazing.

    Read Also: EPL: Watford’s late goals stun 10-man Chelsea

    “I think altogether we can achieve very good things.”

    Their 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend ensured Gracia’s side are the first in the club’s history to record four straight wins at the start of a top-flight campaign.

    It is Gracia’s first Premier League manager of the month award and the second to be won by a Watford boss after Quique Sanchez Flores in December 2015.

    He beat Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp, Spurs’ Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri to the award.

    Watford is one of the three Premier League teams with a 100 per cent record this season, alongside Liverpool and Chelsea.

  • Angry Mourinho shows plenty of defiance but has few answers

    Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho stormed out of his news conference, following Monday’s 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

    Mourinho was ranting about the three titles he won with Chelsea and demanding “respect” from reporters present.

    The conference came shortly after he had stood at length in front of a mainly empty Stretford End applauding United’s fans.

    It added to a somewhat bizarre epilogue on another miserable night for the 20-times English champions.

    “We lost against Sevilla (last season in the Champions League last 16) and we were booed because we deserved it.

    “Today the players left the pitch after losing at home and they were applauded because they deserved it, so we keep trying, trying, trying,” Mourinho said.

    “What was the score? This (holding three fingers up). What is this also? Three Premierships I have won, more Premierships than the other 19 managers put together.
    Me three, the two,” he said. “Respect, respect, respect.”

    Perhaps the performance for the media was intended to show his defiance in the face of two defeats from the opening three games of the season.

    Read Also: EPL: United beaten 3-2 as Brighton add to Mourinho’s woes

    Maybe he felt that a display of passion would go down well with the supporters at Old Trafford, who, it should be noted, showed no sign of turning against him.

    Or was Mourinho just deflecting from the fact that he lacks any answer to the most obvious question facing him.

    The question is: how to sort out a defence that has leaked six goals in two games and was opened up with ease by Spurs after the break?

    Mourinho had made it clear during the off-season that he wanted to sign at least one new centre-half and the performances of the five he has employed this season have amply demonstrated he was right.

    Eric Bailly was not even on the bench against Spurs; Victor Lindelof came on for the injured Phil Jones and made a series of mistakes.

    Also Chris Smalling, who had made a key tackle in the first half to deny Dele Alli, was left standing by Lucas Moura for the third goal.

    Exactly why United did not bring in a new player in that department, whether it be Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld or Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng.

    The players were all linked with the club and their absence in that department remains unclear.

    Mourinho has denied there is a rift with united chief executive Ed Woodward about the lack of transfer activity.

    But there is no straight answer from either party about why the club failed to bring in a new central defender.

    What the former Chelsea manager is clear about is that he doesn’t have a clue what combination can sort out the mess, “No,” he said.

    “Because in the first game Lindelof and Bailly, now Jones and Smalling but now Jones is injured and in the next match will be Smalling with another one.

    “When Marcos Rojo comes he will also be an option. I don’t know my best back four.”

    There isn’t much time for Mourinho to find the right solutions — United are already six points behind the Premier League’s top four — Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford who all have 100 percent records.

    It is hard to see this united team challenging for the title but there is a real danger that their poor start could turn into a much deeper slump.

  • Milner, Mane secure victory for Liverpool at Palace

    Liverpool’s James Milner’s converted a penalty kick on the stroke of halftime and Sadio Mane added a late second goal to secure a hard-fought 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

    The English Premier League fixture offers an accomplished performance from Juergen Klopp’s side.

    With Virgil Van Dijk in commanding form at centre-half, Liverpool looked solid at the back as well as a threat going forward.

    Although they had to wait for Mane’s fine solo effort to wrap up the points in stoppage time, Liverpool would still be delighted.

    At least, after a 4-0 opening day win over West Ham United, they made it six points and two clean sheets from their opening two games.

    However, many will feel that Liverpool’s early form has confirmed pre-season predictions that they will be the main challengers to champions Manchester City for the title this season.

    Manager Klopp meanwhile has said he had no interest in such talk.

    “It’s very early. I couldn’t care less really. We are not in a race with other English Premier League teams each weekend.

    “I was not 100 percent sure tonight in the first half that we would score,” said the German.

    “You have to play it as it is and be a real challenger, play ugly, do all that type of stuff. Our target is to be a difficult opponent.

    “It is too soon to say anything after two match days. You can discuss whatever you want —- just do it without us.”

    Crystal Palace’s attacking threat was evident from early on.

    Winger Andros Townsend sent a warning when he rattled the bar with a thundering effort from distance after cutting on to his left foot.

    But the game turned as the visitors were awarded a penalty kick when Mamadou Sakho was ruled to have tripped Mohammed Salah.

    Palace felt Salah made a lot of the challenge.

    But, in spite of the protests, Milner kept his cool to fire past Wayne Hennessey and send the Merseysiders into the break with the advantage.

    Palace’s task was made harder 15 minutes from time when defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off for bringing down Salah in a goalscoring position.

    Mane made it 2-0 in stoppage time with great strength and skill as he broke from the halfway line, after collecting a Salah through ball, and rounded Hennessey before slotting home.

    Palace’s former England and Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson was clearly furious with the penalty decision.

    “I take some comfort and pride in the team’s performance, but it won’t change my disappointment and anger,” he said.(Reuters/NAN)

  • TAIWO AWONIYI: I’M OFF TO GENT FOR GOALS AND GLORY

    Following a fresh long-time contract with Liverpool, Taiwo Awoniyi has been farmed out to Belgian club, KAA Gent where he hopes to be among the goals and glory; reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN

    Early in the mornings, Taiwo Awoniyi often sets forth at dawn with the popular praise and worship song of Glowreeyah Braimah – Your name is Yahweh – and the former junior international has revealed the reason behind such routine;  admitting his life and football career is nothing but a miracle.

    “My favourite song has been composed and sung by many gospel singers,” began Awoniyi days after he signed another long five-year contract with Liverpool; and before going on with the late night conversation with our correspondent. Awoniyi, yet again, erupted into his favourite melodious chorus:  “Your name is Yahweh; your name is Yahweh; you’re the miracle working God; your name is Yahweh.”

    Awoniyi’s career has been miraculous since he was spotted few years ago on the streets of Ilorin by United Academy Football Club. It was from there Awoniyi went to Imperial Soccer Academy owned by former Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana,  after posting a fine performance at the Copa-Coca Cola tournament  London where he was voted one of the Most Valuable Players.  He would soon be on his way to the national Under-15 side where he played along with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Eze, amongst other budding talents with whom he was promoted to the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets class of 2013.

    Sparingly used until the team’s main striker, Isaac Success, copped an injury in the second FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Sweden, Awoniyi seized the moment at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain by scoring the important equaliser in that nervy 3-3 draw against the Europeans.

    He ended the tournament with four important goals that helped Nigeria to her fourth title at the global cadet championship and his career has been on the upward swing ever since.

    Two years later, his goals also helped the Flying Eagles to a gold-rious finish at the 2015 African Under-20  Nations Cup in Senegal Eagles which qualified the country to the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    Awoniyi’s potentialities were there for all to see in New Zealand despite the Flying Eagles’ little success since he was snapped up by English Premier League side, Liverpool Football Club.

    “I feel happy and really excited about this new contract with Liverpool and all thanks to God because he made all things possible,” offered Awoniyi with his usual pure smiles. “To be honest, I never see it  (the new contract) coming; all my goal was just to get better and work hard wherever I found myself  but  it’s part of what I asked  God before the beginning of the last season and he made it possible.

    “This is a long-term contract which will keep me as LFC (Liverpool Football Club) player for more years and I know playing for Liverpool is what will happen eventually if I get the work permit and the coach finds me fitting in the style of play of the club

    “But I believe giving me a new contract is due to the trust and belief the club and the coaching staff have in me based on how I’ve  developed  in  the first  three  years (of the initial contract). I just have to work harder and hopefully, God ‘ll make it a success.”

    Awoniyi has every reason to be looking forward to his 21st anniversary on August 12 coupled with his sterling performances as a loanee out of Anfield in the last three years with three different clubs including FSV Frankfurt , NEC Nijmegen and Royal Excel Mouscron.

    Last season, he had the credit of scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions for Excel Mouscron in the Belgian Jupiler. His fine performance has now been rewarded  during the week with another loan deal to Gent who reportedly finished fourth in the Belgian top-flight last season to secure a spot for the final round of Europa League qualification.

    “I’m not discouraged  in any way  despite the fact that I’ve not been able to play at Anfield with Liverpool since  I’ve been on loan to clubs in Germany, Holland and Belgium,” said Awoniyi who was shockingly left out of the national U-23 team to the Rio 2016 Olympic Football Tournament. “One thing that keeps me going even when I have disappointments is my belief and trust in God.

    “Many times, God has revealed himself to me as God in my life and this alone can never get me discouraged about anything whatsoever in life as a whole. And I must also add that my family has been very important.

    “From the start, playing football is just what I loved and I pray to God to allow my dreams come true and that’s why I chose Liverpool.

    “Going to Gent is good for me; Gent is one of the best clubs in Belgium and with a very nice and good atmosphere to play. It’s an opportunity of another year of hard work and commitment in getting better as a player and hoping to develop more once giving the chance.

    “Of course, I’m going to Gent for goals and glory. I’m going to develop more as a player and for the success of the team; and whatever we achieve as a team will be glory at the end of the championship. God willing, I’ll score goals as well if I have the opportunity.”

    Incidentally as a loanee away from Anfield, Awoniyi has given a rare insight about his experience in Germany, Holland and Belgium in the last three years, adding that it has bolstered his confidence for a better and brighter future.

    He volunteered: “I have had different experiences playing in Germany, Holland and Belgium. It was quite a tough time for me in Holland (with NEC Nijmegen) because I had less chance of playing most of the time. I only got my chance when the club changed the coach towards the end of the season; but the new coach gave me the chance and I was able to I score in the last five games.

    “It was quite different in Belgium. I got enough of playing time with Mouscron immediately I joined them and this helped a lot as the league progressed.

    “Generally, the first two years in Germany and Holland were more of a learning process for me; and I’m still learning and hopefully to get better by the grace of God.

    “Sometimes it is difficult to stay the same all through, most especially when things are not going the way you wish for. I just keep trusting God and doing my best; and hoping it will end in success.”

    Born August 12, 1997, Awoniyi has remarkably featured at all levels of the national team from  the U-15 to the U-23  and he believes he would soon earn his first international cap to follow on the legends of his former teammates that have been so blessed in that regard.

    “Life has taught me lot,” stated the unpretentious guy. “Everyone has been taught one lesson or the other; life has taught me to trust and lean only on God since he alone knows and ordains all things. I believe God is the greatest.

    “It is the dream of every player to be featured for the national team (the Super Eagles), but I have never been disturbed (that some of my former teammates at the youth levels were at Russia 2018) because I know it will one day happen. With my mates that are already there in the Super Eagles, it shows the hard work they’ve put into their game especially with the likes of (Wilfred) Ndidi and (Kelechi) Iheanacho and God has crowned it for them.

    “The rest of us just have to work hard and pray God crown ours as well; hopefully if is destined, I will get there as well God willing.”

    Following the end of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the name on the lip of everyone has been that of French youngster Kylian Mbape, but Awoniyi differs on the choice of the most exciting player on planet football at the moment.

    “Currently, my most admired footballer in the world is Roberto Firmino of Liverpool,” stated Awoniyi whose style is being compared with legendary Nigerian striker, Rashid Yekini. “This is simply because he works so hard for the team and he plays more for the team upfront and makes the job easier for others

    “I love his style; I love playing more for the team so that we can get the needed points. Yes, scoring goals is very important, as well as a striker but the team success is more important and I’m counting on God for goals and glory with Gent,” stated Awoniyi.

    Certainly, the rank and file of  De Bufallos (The Buffalos) complete with  three other Nigerians including Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon and Anderson Esiti would be delighted with the arrival of Awoniyi to the Ghelamco Arena as the 2018/2019 Belgian Jupiler season gets underway.

     

    AWONIYI: IN NUMBERS

    1.The number of goals scored by Awoniyi in 13 appearances on his first loan spell from Liverpool with 2. German side, FSV Frankfurt.

     

    2.On his second loan spell with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, Awoniyi was featured 18 times in all competition but he managed to score just two goals.

     

    4.Awoniyi is a FIFA World Cup U-17 winner with Nigeria in 2013 and he remarkably scored four goals in six matches he featured in as the Golden Eaglets claimed the country’s fourth title in the United Arab Emirates.

     

    5.The number of years for his newly-signed contract with the English Premier League, Liverpool Football Club, after he completed his first three-year contract signed in 2015 for a reported fee of around £400,000.

     

    7. In 2015, Awoniyi’s goals were instrumental to the success of the Flying Eagles at the CAF African U-20 Championship, and was credited with seven goals in both the qualifiers and tournament proper held in Senegal.

     

    9.The  last 2017/2018 season can well be described as Awoniyi’s best moment  so far as a Liverpool  loanee  to Belgian side, Royal Excel Mouscron, where he scored an impressive nine goals in 29 matches to earn him a new contract with the Anfield giants.

     

    16.Awoniyi admitted June 16th 2018 is one of his happiest days after he tied the nuptial knots at a celebrated white wedding in Ilorin with his fiancée, Taiwo Jesudun, after engagement and traditional wedding a day earlier in Kabba.

  • Van Dijk ready to spur Liverpool to silverware

    Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is confident the team can step up another level in the upcoming campaign.
    The Premier League side looks to end their trophy drought after coming close in recent seasons, especially last season when they fell to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
    The Merseyside outfit’s most recent triumph was a League Cup win in 2012.
    And despite showing improvement under Juergen Klopp, the German manager has seen them lose three finals since he joined the club in 2015.
    “We’re going to work our socks off and do everything possible to make it happen this season.
    “We were very close to silverware but obviously not close enough,” Netherlands international Dijk told Liverpool’s website.
    “I can improve in any aspect of the game. At the moment, it’s getting back to full fitness, making sure I’m getting better and stronger than I was before.

    Read Also:‘ Southampton’s initial refusal to sell Van Dijk cost Pellegrino his job’

    “I will work every day and do everything possible and no doubt it will happen,” said Dijk.
    The 27-year-old made 22 appearances for Liverpool after he joined them in January.
    He helped the club finish fourth in the league and reach the Champions League final, which they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in May.
    Dijk missed Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly on Saturday, when Klopp’s men recorded a crushing 7-0 win over non-league Chester.
    However, he is expected to take part in several fixtures leading up to next month’s Premier League kick-off.

  • Salah signs new long-term deal with Liverpool

    Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has signed a new long-term contract with the club, the Premier League side said on Monday.

    Salah had a remarkable first season with Liverpool, scoring 44 goals in all competitions and helping the club reach the Champions League final.

    He was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year.

    “I think this news can be seen for what it is; rewarding a person who performed and contributed greatly for the team and the club last season,” manager Juergen Klopp told the club’s website.

    Read Also: FIFA sanctions hosts Russia, 3 others, warns Egypt over Salah

    “It demonstrates two things very clearly also – his belief in Liverpool and our belief in him.”

    “Mo reflects where we are as a team, I think. Last season was special with many special moments – but we want more.”

    The 26-year-old netted 32 times in the Premier League, breaking the record for the most goals scored in a 38-game season, and helped the Merseyside club to a fourth-place finish.

  • I Can’t Sleep – Liverpool Goalkeeper Karius

    Liverpool Goalkeeper, Loris Karius confessed on Sunday to have lost his sleep 24 hours after Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

    The 24-year old took to twitter to apologise to his fellow teammates, his club officials and the entire kop fans for the two ‘unpardonable goals’ he caused during the final of the UEFA elite match.

    The Reds lost 3-1 at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium as Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale capitalised on a shaky Karius in the Liverpool net.

    He wrote, “Haven’t really slept until now… the scenes are still running through my head again and again… I’m infinitely sorry to my teammates, for you fans, and for all the staff. I know that I messed it up with the two mistakes and let you all down…

    “Thank you to our unbelievable fans who came to Kiev and held my back, even after the game. I don’t take that for granted and once again it showed me what a big family we are. Thank you and we will come back stronger.

    “As I said I’d just like to turn back the time but that’s not possible. It’s even worse as we all felt that we could have beaten Real Madrid and we were in the game for a long time.”

    German professional footballer began his career with Stuttgart before moving to Manchester City in 2009. After two years in Manchester City’s youth system, he returned to Germany with Mainz 05.

    He established himself as first-choice goalkeeper for the Bundesliga side before transferring to Liverpool in 2016 for a fee of £4.7 million.

  • Breaking! Real Madrid win UEFA Champions League 3-1

    With two goals scored by Gareth Bale Real Madrid has won the UEFA Champions League final defeating Liverpool  3-1 on Saturday night.

    Karim Benzema was the first to score for Real Madrid after a clanger from Karius after which  Sadio Mane levelled scores.

    Bale then produced two incredible strikes – the first in particular a brilliant overhead kick – to seal the victory, although Karius should have saved the second.