دسته: گل

Wayne Rooney hails Chelsea star for frustrating Mo Salah

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Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat against Enzo Maresca’s side in their first match since being crowned Premier League champions.

Still recovering from their title celebrations the previous week, the Reds looked sluggish, allowing Chelsea to seize the advantage early. ..Continue Reading

Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring within three minutes after a well-executed move involving Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.

Chelsea extended their lead with 20 minutes remaining when Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Jarell Quansah and into the net for an own goal.

Although Van Dijk managed to pull one back for Liverpool with a well-timed header from a corner, Cole Palmer’s late penalty secured a crucial win for Chelsea in their push for Champions League qualification.

Salah was unusually quiet throughout the game, and Rooney credited Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella for delivering an outstanding defensive display.

Despite enjoying a spectacular season—having netted 33 goals and provided 23 assists across all competitions—Salah was unable to make his usual impact against his former club.

‘I was really impressed with Marc Cucurella,’ ex-Manchester United and England striker Rooney said on BBC’s Match of the Day 2.

‘I really liked how aggressive he was against Mohamed Salah. He was right in Salah’s face all afternoon, he didn’t give him any time on the ball.

‘Salah can obviously hurt players if he faces you up but Cucurella didn’t let that happen. He kept winning the ball and driving forward, he didn’t really give Salah any joy.

‘I think he won the ball back nine times which was more than any other player on the pitch. He was just really aggressive and I think you need to be against Salah because he will cause you massive problems if you give him time.

‘Mo Salah can make you look silly but Cucurella didn’t fear him at all. I was really impressed with him.’

Chelsea’s decision to spend over £60m on Cucurella in 2022 raised some skepticism, but the Euro 2024 champion has since established himself as a crucial figure in the squad.

Their latest victory brought them level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United, with just three matches left in the season.

Securing a Champions League spot remains a key goal for Maresca’s team, though Nigel Reo-Coker believes they are not yet equipped to compete at the highest level in Europe.

‘You would have to say they are still in it but there are still a lot more questions about this Chelsea team,’ the ex-Premier League midfielder told BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘Just on the game against Liverpool, they took 45 minutes to get going and then they missed some real good chances.

‘Whether it is the Premier League celebration hangover. Chelsea were let off the hook in this game. It’s going to come down to Newcastle v Chelsea next [weekend] when they play each other.

‘Whoever wins that will be the one who makes it [into the Champions League positions]. I would put my money more so on Newcastle.

‘From their performances and from the way they look. They have won the League Cup this year and they have got tunnel vision.

‘With Chelsea, there are still quite a few questions. I don’t think they are strong enough defensively.’

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06/05/2025
Van Dijk names two toughest players he ever faced in his career

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The Liverpool defender has tested himself against many of the most formidable attacking talents of his generation. ..Continue Reading

He is frequently recognized as one of the toughest opponents by fellow players—Martin Odegaard has described him as his most challenging adversary, while Sergio Aguero also admitted he found it difficult to compete against Van Dijk.

In an interview with GQ, Van Dijk was asked to identify the most difficult player he has ever faced.

The Dutch center-back singled out both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the two most formidable opponents he has encountered.

He acknowledged that defending against either of them posed a tremendous challenge.

Speaking to GQ, Van Dijk was clear in his assessment—Messi and Ronaldo were the hardest players he has ever had to contain.

Van Dijk stated via TBR Football: “Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both very, very, very good players.

“Very difficult to defend against. In my opinion, it is always a privilege to play against the best. You can continually challenge yourself, and you must always be at your absolute best — it is a beautiful thing.”

Van Dijk has gone up against Ronaldo five times, with the Portuguese forward getting the better of him on three occasions.

The Dutch defender has faced Messi three times, suffering defeat twice. However, his lone victory was a momentous one—Liverpool’s stunning 4-0 comeback at Anfield against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate.

Both Messi and Ronaldo are now in the latter stages of their legendary careers.

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Ronaldo continues his journey in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

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05/05/2025
Bukayo Saka names best team Arsenal have played against this season

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Arne Slot’s dominant squad celebrated their title win last Sunday with a commanding victory over Tottenham at Anfield, while the Gunners continue their fight to secure second place for the third consecutive year. ..Continue Reading

Despite falling behind Liverpool in the standings, Arsenal has performed admirably against the league’s top sides and held their own in a thrilling 2-2 draw against the champions earlier this season, with Mohamed Salah’s late equalizer salvaging a point for the Reds.

Mikel Arteta’s men remain unbeaten against the rest of England’s elite and have enjoyed a smooth path through the Champions League knockout rounds—until Tuesday, when Inter became the first team to defeat them in Europe this season.

Now, Arsenal faces a major challenge in their quest for a place in the final in Munich, after Ousmane Dembele’s decisive goal secured a first-leg victory for Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG has developed significantly since their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier this season, leading Saka to declare them the strongest side he has encountered all campaign.

‘100% they were like a different team,’ said Saka in an interview with Sky Sports, when asked to rate PSG’s performance in midweek.

‘I know they only changed two players from the line-up against us previously but how much cohesion they have, how they flow, how they move the ball they were a lot better and they impressed me to be fair.

‘I would say so probably yes. They have a lot of threat up at the top end of the pitch and I think in the midfield as well they keep the ball really well and try and make you run. I don’t think anyone likes to run if I’m honest’.

Saka got the better of his opponent Nuno Mendes when the two clashed back in October, but it was a far more even contest in midweek.

‘It was a good battle, he’s a top full-back he’s so quick,’ said Saka. ‘I enjoy those battles and look forward to going against next week.’

Despite a far from ideal scenario heading to the Parc des Princes, the England star remains confident his team are capable of raising their game and overturning a one-goal deficit.

He said: ‘I think it’s important to stay calm but obviously we know we have another level to go and I think we’re going to show it in Paris and I’m confident we can turn it around.

‘It was tough to find space, they put a lot of bodies around me, they defended well and I’m looking at the space I can find in the second leg.’

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04/05/2025
Cole Palmer has made his feelings clear on Liverpool transfer

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Journalist Simon Phillips reported on his Substack that both Liverpool and Manchester City have been keeping a close watch on Palmer ahead of the upcoming transfer window. ..Continue Reading

City are also said to have made an official inquiry about signing the talented Chelsea midfielder.

Palmer excelled during the first half of the campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca, netting 13 goals and registering six assists before the turn of the year.

However, his form has dipped in 2025, managing just one goal—a strike in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on January 14—sparking concerns about how he fits into Maresca’s tactical approach.

In The Telegraph, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher weighed in on Palmer’s future, discussing the potential of a move to Anfield, even though such a transfer remains unlikely.

He said: “It surprises me that no-one has argued that Palmer should be on the new champions’ radar.

“Far-fetched? Too expensive? Most likely. Liverpool ‘going big’ for footballers who are already established on mammoth and long contracts elsewhere is not their strategy.”

In addition to Carragher’s observations, Palmer is still bound to Chelsea for the next eight years, following the record-breaking nine-year contract he signed last summer.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old has already expressed his thoughts on the newly crowned Premier League champions.

Speaking in October ahead of the Premier League game between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield, which the Reds went on to win 2-1, Palmer told club media: “I just remember the Anfield crowd from our last game there.

“They had a great team then, and they’ve got a great team now, so it will be a difficult game if we’re not 100 per cent on it.

“As a boy from Manchester, you’re aware of the relationship between both cities. It’s a bit of a rivalry. Everyone knows what their stadium is like, what their fans are like and what their team is like.”

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03/05/2025
One Man Utd player banned from playing against Brentford

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Noussair Mazraoui for Sunday’s Premier League fixture, citing concerns over his fitness levels.

The versatile defender will be rested ahead of the crucial second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club.

With little recovery time between matches—though Brentford also played on the same night, securing a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest—Amorim is unwilling to take any risks that could lead to injuries before two pivotal European encounters.

The Portuguese coach is expected to rotate his squad, giving young talents like Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jaydan Kamason, Bendito Mantato, and Chido Obi an opportunity after they traveled to Spain for United’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.

Mazraoui, who played 74 minutes before being substituted for Luke Shaw on Thursday, will not feature in the clash at Brentford, opening up a spot at wing-back.

Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Leny Yoro, and Viktor Lindelof all completed the full 90 minutes in Spain, meaning players like Hojlund might also be left out due to limited options in attack.

“There are some positions that we don’t have more players,” explained Amorim. “For example, Nous Mazraoui cannot play. He’s in the limit to get an injury.

“So we are going to deal with that and prepare a game against a team that they won today and is in a great moment. And we have always a responsibility to perform. We have always a responsibility to offer the result.

“But in this moment, we have to be clear. Our focus is more on saving players and trying to be competitive. It’s not a good thing to say, but we need to understand the context.”

Amorim confirmed that any player who is at risk of injury will be rotated, despite the huge prize money at stake for each higher position in the Premier League table, with United languishing in 14th.

“The first thing is that the players who are in risk to get injury will not play,” Amorim added. “No matter what. We need to take a risk in [doing] that. And then we are going to assess tomorrow [Friday] and the next day, who are the best players to start the game.

“Then we have to be careful because we are Manchester United and we cannot go to a game without thinking we can win this game. So the process is going to be like that. It’s going to be tough, but we pass so many things this year. It’s one more. Let’s see.”

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03/05/2025
VAR made huge error as new angle of second incident before Man Utd penalty emerges

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The defender was shown a red card after VAR ruled that he had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity without attempting to play the ball, with United leading 1-0 at the time. ..Continue Reading

Bruno Fernandes stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling his team’s advantage, before netting again to compound Bilbao’s misery with a third goal against the 10-man side.

Some fans contended that Vivian’s challenge on Rasmus Hojlund did not warrant a penalty, but focus soon shifted to an earlier moment in the match.

Alejandro Garnacho lost his footing just outside the box but quickly regained balance and continued his run.

As he got back up, he seemed to unintentionally make contact with the ball using his hand, momentarily stopping it before pushing forward again.

Check it out below…

This is unfair to Bilbao ????
pic.twitter.com/jqObnIdHmY

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 1, 2025

But, the IFAB Laws of the Game indicates that the decision not to penalise Garnacho was correct.

The relevant section of Law 12, relating to handball, reads: “A handball offence is not committed when a player heads, kicks or plays the ball with another part of their body and it then hits their own hand/arm (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards).”

Simply put, if Garnacho’s handball had led directly to a goal he scored, it would have been considered an offense. However, since the play carried on, no infringement was committed.

With a 3-0 advantage against 10 men, Ruben Amorim’s squad will now aim to extend their lead even further, strengthening their grip on the tie ahead of the decisive second leg at Old Trafford.

For Bilbao, the prospect of hosting the final at their home ground adds extra motivation to cut down the deficit in what promises to be a daunting second half.

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02/05/2025
Cristiano Ronaldo spotted ‘talking to himself’ as bizarre clip emerges after Al Nassr defeat

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Ronaldo and his teammates competed in the tournament’s final rounds in Saudi Arabia, where the top Asian clubs battled through the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in a tightly scheduled week of matches. ..Continue Reading

After dominant performances from Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran helped Al Nassr secure a decisive victory over Yokohama F. Marinos—who currently sit at the bottom of the J1 League following the dismissal of former England assistant coach Steve Holland—the Saudi side faced another Japanese opponent in the semi-finals.

Kawasaki Frontale, the lone non-Saudi team in the last four, proved too strong for Al Nassr, securing a 3-2 win and advancing to Saturday’s final against Al Ahli.

Ronaldo had two chances to equalize in stoppage time. His first opportunity—a free kick—was denied by Kawasaki goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi, and his second was a clear scoring chance after dribbling past Yamaguchi, only to be denied by Asahi Sasaki’s impressive goal-line defense.

Given Ronaldo’s pedigree, the miss was unexpected, and his reaction spoke volumes.

They knocked Ronaldo out of the AFC Champions League and my G started speaking to ghosts! ???????? pic.twitter.com/UM9dYluZEG

— BeksFCB (@Joshua__Ubeku) April 30, 2025

Standing in the middle of King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the 40-year-old appeared to analyze his mistake, visibly frustrated, gesturing and even mimicking the left-footed strike he felt he should have used to force extra time.

Earlier in the match, Kawasaki took the lead with a spectacular volley from Tatsuya Ito, though Mane quickly leveled the score.

Goals from Yuto Ozeki and club legend Akihiro Ienaga put the J.League side 3-1 ahead with just 15 minutes remaining, but Ayman Yahya’s deflected shot reignited Al Nassr’s hopes.

Ronaldo’s late opportunity ultimately went unconverted, sealing Al Nassr’s exit as Stefano Pioli’s squad fell short.

Since joining the Saudi club in 2023, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to claim a trophy in either domestic or AFC competition.

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01/05/2025
Man Utd to complete first summer signing with player ‘flying to Manchester’ today

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Ruben Amorim, who took over as manager from Erik ten Hag in November, has endured a challenging start at Old Trafford. ..Continue Reading

United has struggled in the Premier League, averaging just over a point per game since his arrival, but has shown resilience in the Europa League, keeping hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

So far, Amorim has yet to bring in new players, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe prioritizing the upcoming summer transfer window instead of making moves in January.

However, United is now securing its first summer signing after reaching an agreement for Enzo Kana-Biyik from Ligue 1 club Le Havre.

French journalist Benjamin Quarez reports that the 18-year-old striker is traveling to Manchester to sign his contract on Wednesday.

Despite not yet featuring in a senior match for Le Havre, Kana-Biyik has been training with the first team this season.

He was an unused substitute in a Ligue 1 win over Lille in February and during Le Havre’s Coupe de France defeat to Stade Briochin in December.

Since the start of 2025, he has been a consistent presence for Le Havre U19, playing full matches in their last eight league fixtures and netting four goals, bringing his season tally to eight.

Kana-Biyik has also represented France U18s this season, though he has yet to score on the international stage.

Although born and raised in France, he comes from a footballing lineage—his father, Andre Kana-Biyik, had a successful career, earning 80 international caps for Cameroon during the 1990s.

United managed to beat competition from clubs such as Monaco and Marseille to secure his signature.

Reports from Le Parisien suggest that he may immediately return to mainland Europe, likely on loan to Lausanne, the Swiss Super League side owned by Ineos.

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30/04/2025
LIVE BLOG – Arsenal vs PSG: Match updates

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Arsenal welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates Stadium today, aiming to take a major step toward reaching the Champions League final.

Mikel Arteta’s men previously got the better of the French giants earlier in the tournament with a 2-0 victory in October.

However, PSG have shown significant progress since then, knocking out Premier League opposition in both of the last two knockout stages.

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29/04/2025
Lipreader reveals what Alexander-Arnold said to Liverpool owner John W. Henry after league title win

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Alexander-Arnold, 26, played in Liverpool’s title-clinching 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, as the Reds equalled Manchester United’s 20 league titles. ..Continue Reading

The right-back joined in the celebrations but avoided speaking to media inside the stadium. Instead, on Monday, April 28, he posted several photos of himself and his teammates on social media, captioned: “For the City. For the Fans.”

His brother, Marcell, also added to the intrigue with what some fans believe was a cryptic Instagram story.

Amid growing speculation over his future, Alexander-Arnold was seen in conversation with Liverpool’s co-owner Henry, aged 75, during the jubilant scenes.

Though the exact details remain uncertain, forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling, speaking to OLBG, suggested Henry was advising the player to make the right decision.

Henry purportedly said: “You’ve been quiet. How did you get on?”

To which Alexander-Arnold replied: “Being sensible.”

The 75-year-old added: “I want you to do the right thing.”

The England defender answered and said: “Yeah, yeah.”

Henry continued: “Best way and don’t panic.”

Trent questioned: “Should I decide?”

The American then nodded slowly and exclaimed: “Absolutely,” before he turned and said: “Let them know.”

Alexander-Arnold responded with a nod during the exchange. It’s important to note that the exact details of the conversation remain unknown.

The future of the England star’s career next season remains uncertain.

Although he recently made a strong comeback from injury, scoring a decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Leicester, speculation continues to lean toward the possibility of the Liverpool-born player joining Real Madrid once his contract expires on June 30.

On April 24, journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update, he said: “The situation is still exactly the same between Trent, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. The deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is at the final stages, just waiting for the final stages. Just waiting to sign the contracts, just waiting for all the documents.”

One thing is certain: with the title race and relegation battle already settled, Alexander-Arnold’s future is set to dominate discussions in English football as the season draws to a close.

Throughout the campaign, the England international has remained largely silent regarding his plans for the seasons ahead.

But, on April 20 he was directly asked if he was going to leave Liverpool by Sky Sports’ Patrick Davidson, to which the right-back said: “Look, obviously, like I’ve said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever. I am glad to be a part of them.”

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29/04/2025