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Tag: Premier League

  • Three Nigerians Set to Light Up the 2024/25 Premier League Season

    Three Nigerians Set to Light Up the 2024/25 Premier League Season

    As the 2024/25 Premier League season approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Manchester United will raise the curtain as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford. Between then and the end of May, twenty of England’s finest will battle it out to become champion. Manchester City have dominated proceedings in recent years, winning the last four titles on the spin and six crowns in the last seven seasons.

    While the Blues have indeed dominated, they have a new challenger rising in the form of Arsenal. The Gunners are without a title in over 20 years, but they have finished as runners-up in each of the last two seasons. When comparing odds from top online bookmakers, Bet365 is the number one betting site as per Oddschecker’s ranking, currently pricing last season’s top two as the favourites once again this term. Pep Guardiola’s men are the 6/5 frontrunners, while their North London rivals are just behind them at 15/8.

    Among the myriad of stars set to dazzle on the grand stage, three Nigerian talents stand out and are poised to make a significant impact. But who are they, and why are they set to have marquee campaigns?

    Taiwo Awoniyi

    Having honed his skills in various European leagues, Taiwo Awoniyi finally found his footing at Nottingham Forest following his move from Union Berlin two years ago. In his maiden campaign, he scored six goals as he helped the Tricky Trees avoid the drop. He bagged another six last term to help Forest stay up once again, despite them being given a points deduction. However, the former Liverpool youngster suffered numerous injuries last term, which practically ended his season as early as March.

    Awoniyi has featured prominently in the preseason for his side and is set to cause havoc once again next term. The giant target man’s powerful build made him a nightmare for opposition defenders and his side will be hoping he causes similar problems this term. If Awoniyi can find the form he showed before his campaign ended early last term, then his ability to score crucial goals could be pivotal in Forest’s quest to climb the league table.

    Premier League

    Alex Iwobi

    Having plied his trade at Arsenal before moving to Everton, Alex Iwobi has been a familiar face in the Premier League for several years. His last couple of years at Goodison Park were a mixed bag, but his creativity and work rate were never in question. His move to Fulham last summer seemingly rejuvenated his stagnating career.

    The Nigerian international netted five goals and provided two assists for the Cottagers last term and he’ll be aiming to build upon that this season. Iwobi has been joined by former Arsenal teammate Emile Smith-Rowe this summer and the link-up between that attacking duo will be crucial for the West London club as they look for further consolidation this season.

    Wilfred Ndidi

    Before Leicester City’s relegation last year, Wilfred Ndidi had established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders. He stepped into the void left by N’Golo Kante after he left the Foxes following their miraculous title victory in 2016 and has since garnered plenty of rave reviews for his powerful display in the centre of the park. While relegation to the second tier seemingly saw his stock tumble, an immediate return to the top flight has provided the former Genk man with the perfect opportunity to prove just how talented he really is.

    His tenure at the King Power Stadium has been characterized by tireless running, precise tackling and an uncanny ability to read the game. An injury-hit season was one of the primary reasons why Leicester suffered relegation in the first place. But now they are back, and so is Ndidi. Expect further lung-busting displays in central midfield as the Foxes look to avoid the trap door back to the second tier.

  • FULL LIST: Five new players to watch in the Premier League

    FULL LIST: Five new players to watch in the Premier League

    The new Premier League season is almost upon us and while that will mean the return of some familiar faces, there will also be players looking to make their mark in the competition for the first time.

    Some clubs have been busier than others in building for the 2024-25 season.

    In no particular order, BBC Sport has picked out 10 players who will be looking to catch the eye in England’s top flight.

    Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal (defender)

    Arsenal will again attempt to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title this season, and they strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.

    The 22-year-old completed his £42m move from Bologna at the end of July.

    The versatile left-footer only joined the Serie A side for £3.3m last summer but swiftly became a key player, drawing interest from clubs across Europe after being one of the standout figures in a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign for Italy.

    Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United (forward)

    Another new arrival to the Premier League via Bologna, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United this summer in a deal worth £36.54m.

    The former Bayern Munich player scored 12 goals in 37 appearances in Italy last season and has been handed the number 11 shirt with the Red Devils for the coming campaign.

    Savinho, Manchester City (forward)

    Manchester City paid £30m to sign Brazil winger Savinho from Troyes in July.

    The 20-year-old starred while on loan at Spanish side Girona last season as they finished third in La Liga. He made his Brazil debut against England in March and has since picked up a further six international caps.

    City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “He has a big role to play for Manchester City this season and beyond. We are totally confident in his ability.”

    Niclas Fullkrug, West Ham (striker)

    New West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has made several signings as he looks to reshape the side for the coming season, but the pick of the bunch could be Niclas Fullkrug.

    The 31-year-old Germany striker joined the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund for £27m.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Premier League opening-weekend fixtures in full

    He scored 15 goals in 46 games in 2023-24 and finished as a Champions League runner-up. He also netted twice during hosts Germany’s run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, despite not starting a match.

    Daichi Kamada, Crystal Palace (midfielder)

    Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner moved to bring in a player he was familiar with this summer with the signing of Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada.

    The 27-year-old joined from Italian club Lazio on a free transfer after a year in Serie A and previously played under Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt, where the pair won the Europa League together in 2022.

    Kamada has been capped 33 times by his country. He scored 40 goals and recorded 33 assists in 179 appearances for Frankfurt before moving to Lazio.

    BBC

  • Haaland wins second Premier League Golden Boot

    Haaland wins second Premier League Golden Boot

    Erling Haaland won his second Premier League Golden Boot in as many seasons in England as Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 to win a fourth consecutive title.

    The Norwegian striker was absent for two months of the season through injury and struggled to match the heights of his debut campaign at City when he struck 52 times in all competitions, including a Premier League record 36.

    Read Also: Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR

    The 23-year-old failed to add to his 27 Premier League goals on the final day but still proved decisive in the run-in to help City secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight crown.

    Haaland scored nine times in his final seven Premier League appearances of the season to help City edge Arsenal to the title by two points.

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who himself started the season at City, was second in the top scorer standings with 22 goals, one ahead of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

  • Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR

    Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR

    Premier League clubs will be given the chance to scrap VAR from next season when they vote on the controversial review system at their annual general meeting next month.

    Wolves have submitted a resolution to abolish VAR to the Premier League, triggering a vote of the top flight’s 20 teams on June 6.

    The Molineux club said VAR is “undermining the value of the Premier League brand” after another season marred by a host of debatable decisions.

    In order for VAR to be axed by the Premier League, 14 of the 20 clubs will have to vote against it.

    Wolves are expected to canvas other clubs in order to gain support before the meeting.

    VAR was introduced in the Premier League in 2019 with the aim of helping referees avoid clear and obvious errors that had marred matches in the past.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Premier League clubs to vote on eradicating VAR

    But there have been numerous controversies surrounding the technology this season as Premier League managers and fans grow increasingly vocal in their disdain for the system.

     “The introduction of VAR in 2019⁄20 was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart,” a Wolves statement said.

     “However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand.

     “The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors.

     “Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024⁄25 season onwards.”

    Wolves boss Gary O’Neil revealed he has regularly received apologetic phone calls from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb after VAR decisions that went against his team.

    The impact of VAR on goal celebrations, the length of time taken for checks and a lack of communication in the stadium are all issues that have irked supporters and cited by Wolves as reasons for scrapping the system.

    However, the Premier League believes VAR is still a valuable tool.

    The English top flight, which is in regular dialogue with referees’ governing body PGMOL, believes the number of incorrect decisions would increase without VAR which could damage the competition’s reputation.

     “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the Annual General Meeting next month,” a Premier League spokesperson said.

     “Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at Shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.

    “However, the League fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”

  • Premier League clubs agree new spending cap 

    Premier League clubs agree new spending cap 

    Premier League clubs have reportedly agreed in principle to introduce a spending cap to limit the gap in financial muscle between sides at the top and bottom of the English top flight.

    Clubs will be limited to spending a multiple of the amount of money accrued in television rights by the lowest-earning club in the Premier League.

    The Athletic reported “the anchoring” plan will be capped at five times the lowest earning side receives via the Premier League’s broadcast deals.

    Official figures for last season show the bottom club, Southampton, were paid £104 million ($130 million) in TV money.

    Read Also: Ndidi scores to boost Leicester Premier League promotion hopes

    The Times said that clubs are expected to be assured that any cap would not cause any of them to reduce spending from their present level.

    The plan received at least the 14 votes necessary from the 20 clubs to be approved.

    But defending champions Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa are among those to have reportedly rejected the proposal, with Chelsea said to have abstained.

    If approved at an annual general meeting in June, the new model will replace the controversial Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) from the 2025-26 season.

    Everton and Nottingham Forest have been docked points this season due to breaches of PSR, which allows clubs to lose only £105 million over a three-year period.

    A number of other clubs are close to crossing that limit, which led to a massive downturn in spending during the January transfer window.

    Critics of a cap on spending believe it could hinder the Premier League’s position as the richest and most watched league in the world.

    Players’ union the Professional Footballers’ Association have also opposed “any measure that would place a ‘hard’ cap on player wages”.

    However, those in favour of the plans cite increasing Champions League revenue for the top teams and the spending power of state-backed clubs such as City and Newcastle as justification for limiting spending to maintain competitive balance.

    Premier League clubs have already agreed to follow UEFA’s new financial fair play regulations from 2025⁄26 by limiting spending to 85 percent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agents’ fees.

  • Onana is second best in Premier League

    Onana is second best in Premier League

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says goalkeeper Andre Onana is the Premier League’s second-best goalkeeper “based on stats”.

    Onana, 27, was at fault for two Galatasaray goals in Wednesday’s 3-3 Champions League draw which left qualification hopes in the balance.

    However, the Cameroonian is tied for most clean sheets in the Premier League this season with five.

    And Onana has also prevented 3.67 goals – the second most in the league.

    Only Luton Town’s Thomas Kaminski is ahead of him on 6.3 goals prevented.

    Those numbers come from Opta calculations, with actual goals conceded being subtracted from the expected goals on target (xGOT) conceded figures, which reflect quality of chances for the opponent and shot execution.

    Read Also; FG unveils decent work programme to strengthen employees’ rights

    Defending his keeper, Ten Hag said: “If you analyse it well then you see he is the second-best goalkeeper in the Premier League based on stats, so his expected defending goals is the second best in the Premier League.”

    Onana was a £47.2m summer signing from Inter Milan in the summer, replacing David de Gea, who left at the end of his contract.

    But in addition to the mistakes in Turkey, he also made errors in the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich at the start of the group phase.

    Ten Hag, whose team play Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening, said of Onana: “He’s doing well. Also he knows that in the Champions League he makes some mistakes, but all over you see the first five months he is doing particularly well.”

  • Premier League to play first Christmas Eve game since 1995

    Premier League to play first Christmas Eve game since 1995

    A Premier League match will be played on Christmas Eve for the first time in 28 years when Wolves host Chelsea.

    Originally scheduled for 23 December, the fixture will now take place on Sunday, 24 December at 13:00 GMT.

    The only previous Christmas Eve match since the Premier League was formed in 1992 took place in 1995, when Leeds United beat Manchester United 3-1.

    Three rounds of festive fixtures were provisionally set for 23, 26 and 30 December.

    The Crystal Palace v Brighton game from the first round has been brought forward to Thursday, 21 December (20:00), while Aston Villa v Sheffield United will take place on Friday, 22 December (20:00 GMT).

    Six matches remain on Saturday, 23 December before Chelsea visit Wolves on Christmas Eve.

    The second round of festive fixtures begins with five matches on Tuesday, 26 December and three on Wednesday, 27 December.

    Then on Thursday, 28 December, Brighton host current Premier League leaders Tottenham and West Ham travel to Arsenal.

    Because those matches take place on a later date, after six matches are held on Saturday, 30 December, Arsenal’s trip to Fulham and Tottenham’s home match against Bournemouth are scheduled for Sunday, 31 December.

    Liverpool versus Newcastle (20:00) on Monday, 1 January and West Ham against Brighton on Tuesday, 2 January (20:00) complete the fixtures.

    The Premier League said: “As in previous seasons, special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the three festive matchweeks.

    “This will allow greater time for players to recover, with the rest periods between matchweeks 18, 19 and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match.”

    Chelsea will have the shortest recovery time, with 143.5 hours between their first kick-off and third kick-off, while Brighton have the most with 287.5 hours – double that of Chelsea (see below).

    The Football Supporters’ Association said a Christmas Eve fixture was “an unwanted present which no-one asked for”, while the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) described the decision as “totally unacceptable”.

    The CST said it would request that the Premier League consults supporters on this issue and reverse the decision, having requested an urgent meeting with decision-makers alongside the Wolves 1877 Trust.

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    The Premier League previously decided against rearranging Arsenal v Liverpool as a Christmas Eve fixture in 2017 following a backlash from supporters.

    One match yet to be given a date is Manchester City’s home match against Brentford, originally scheduled for 23 December, which has been postponed because of the champions’ participation in the Fifa Club World Cup.

    After the winter World Cup in Qatar last season, Premier League fixtures resumed on 26 December with a televised game every day from then until 5 January – except for 29 December.

    Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Prime Video will share broadcast rights – with 29 December again the only date without a televised Premier League match during the festive period.

  • Moussa  Sissoko signs new Spurs  contract till 2023

     

    Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko has signed a new contract with the club until 2023.

    The Frenchman arrived in north London in the summer of 2016 and has developed into a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.

    The 30-year-old played a decisive role in Spurs reaching the Champions League final last season and insists he is ready to take the next step and deliver silverware.

    “I’m very proud. At the beginning it was tough, but I never gave up and today everything has changed.”

    Sissoko has played 132 times for Spurs in all and has started all six of their Premier League matches so far this season.

    Sissoko said: ‘I’m very proud to sign a new deal with the club – that means the club believes in me and they’re happy with what I’m doing, so hopefully I can give my best to the club for a long time and hopefully we can get some trophies all together.’

    Sissoko eyeing silverware with Spurs

    The midfielder says he feels like a leader in Pochettino’s team as he embarks on his fourth season with the north London club.

    He said: ‘I try to be [a leader]. I have a lot of experience, I’m now 30 years old.

    ‘If I can help new signings and even some players who have been at the club a long time, I’m trying to do it.

    ‘It will be helpful for everyone. If I can give them some advice it will be no problem with me. I was young as well so I had advice from other players.

    ‘It is always important to have something from the experienced players, so that is what I’m trying to do.’

     

     

     

  • Dramatic late win over Spurs puts Liverpool back on top

    Liverpool kept their title hopes alive as a 90th-minute Toby Alderweireld own goal gave them a 2-1 home win over Spurs and took them back to the top of the Premier League.

    The game looked to have been heading for a draw that would have handed a big advantage to Manchester City but, when Mohamed Salah’s header across was fumbled by Hugo Lloris, the ball rolled in off the unfortunate Alderweireld.

    Roberto Firmino had given Liverpool a perfect start, heading home early on but Lucas Moura levelled from close range after the break and Spurs missed a glorious opening to win it before the dramatic finale.

    Spurs started brightly and Harry Kane fed Lucas Moura, who was crowded out as he attempted to engineer the space to shoot.

    But Liverpool eased any nerves with the breakthrough after 16 minutes, striking in style when Andy Robertson curled in a wonderful cross that was headed home by Firmino.

    They could have doubled that lead soon afterwards, Trent Alexander-Arnold lashing just off target and Sadio Mane curling wide after slick build-up.

    The momentum was now firmly with Liverpool, who threatened again when Firmino played the ball through to Mohamed Salah, who was thwarted by a Davinson Sanchez challenge.

    Danny Rose came forward for Spurs and crossed dangerously, and at the other end Sanchez made another good intervention as Firmino threatened to wriggle clear.

    Dele Alli and Eriksen worked a neat one-two, the former firing over, before Mane was within a whisker of adding to the Liverpool lead with a curling effort that was fractionally wide.

    Virgil van Dijk made a key interception as Erikson looked to pick out Alli, Liverpool going in at the break with a narrow advantage as they looked to return to the top of the table.

    Eriksen shot over and Van Dijk sent a header too high in a lively start to the second half, with Spurs beginning to enjoy plenty of possession inside the Liverpool half.

    James Milner crossed for Firmino who could not keep his header down, but Spurs were close to of levelling when Kane’s shot was parried by Allison and Robertson’s superb block denied Eriksen.

    Salah raced onto a Firmino through ball but saw his strike blocked by Alderweireld, and soon afterwards the Egypt international tried his luck from the edge of the box only to send his fizzing effort too high.

    Spurs replaced Sanchez with Son Heung-Min, and within seconds they had a 70th-minute leveller, Moura firing in after Kane, Kieran Tripper and Eriksen had combined to steer the ball across the Liverpool box.

    As the hosts looked to regain the lead they needed to return to the top, Hugo Lloris tipped over a curling Alexander-Arnold effort and Jurgen Klopp brought Fabinho on for James Milner while Divock Origi replaced Jordan Henderson in a double change.

    That saw Liverpool adopt a 4-2-4 formation for the closing stages, and they almost regained the lead but Lloris grabbed the ball after a frantic scramble from a corner.

    Moura was booked for fouling Salah 30 yards out as the home side tried to counter, the free kick hit by Origi and deflected wide, and Spurs then replaced Moura with Ben Davies.

    But Spurs should have won it when, in a two-on-one break, Moussa Sissoko ran into the area but fired wildly over with Son waiting in support to his left.

    Rose got an attempted cross wrong in another break — but the final word went to Liverpool as Alderweireld’s own goal proved the crucial moment at the Kop end.

  • English FA set to announce mid-season Premier League break

    The English FA will go ahead with plans to implement a mid-season Premier League break “very soon”, the governing body’s chief executive, Martin Glenn has said.

    The British media are reporting confirmation should come in the next two weeks.

    Talks have been continuing between the FA, Premier League and Football League regarding the proposal.

    They look at the possibility of bringing their fixture schedule more in line with the top leagues in Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

    British media on Wednesday reported that the break for Premier League teams would be staggered over two weekends.

    10 teams are expected to play one weekend and the other 10 the next weekend, giving each club a two-week rest from the competition.

    “We’ve (been) working closer and more collaboratively with the professional game than at any time in recent years.

    “Very soon this will pay dividends with the creation of a mid-season break,” Glenn said in a statement released on the FA website.

    Glenn added that the winter break, which British media reported would be brought in during the 2019-20 season, was a “much needed improvement” for clubs and the England team.

    Sky Sports reported that the details of a winter break are expected to be confirmed in the next two weeks.

    A winter break has long been mooted in the Premier League, not least by overseas coaches who have argued that the existing schedule is too taxing on players.

    There have been suggestions that the lack of a break leaves Premier League players exhausted for international competitions such as the World Cup which starts in Russia next month.