Sports

Man City beat Chelsea 2-0 in their EPL opening game

Published

1 month ago

August 19, 2024

Man City beat Chelsea 2-0 in their EPL opening game

Manchester City kicked off their defence of the Premier League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Chelsea, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.

This win marked a strong start for Pep Guardiola’s side as they aim to secure a record-breaking fifth consecutive top-flight title.

Erling Haaland, making his 100th appearance for City, continued his remarkable goal-scoring form by netting his 91st goal for the club. Mateo Kovacic, returning to Stamford Bridge, added to the scoreline, sealing the win against a Chelsea side under new management.

City’s line-up was missing several key players who were given additional recovery time after their participation in Euro 2024, including Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden.

Despite these absences, the reigning champions showcased their depth and quality by overcoming one of the few teams they failed to defeat in the league last season.

Chelsea, now under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, faced the daunting task of forming a cohesive team from a large and bloated squad.

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The challenges of managing a squad of over 50 players were evident even before kick-off, with notable exclusions from the matchday squad such as Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell. Sterling’s exclusion led to a public expression of disappointment from his camp, highlighting the tough decisions Maresca must make.

None of Chelsea’s nine summer signings were in the starting eleven, and there were surprises as Enzo Fernandez was named captain despite recent controversy surrounding a social media post.

For City, continuity and excellence remain the hallmarks of Guardiola’s reign. Haaland, having enjoyed a summer without international duties, wasted no time in making his impact felt, scoring just 18 minutes into the match after receiving a deflected pass from Bernardo Silva.

While Chelsea had moments of promise, including a near-miss from Nicolas Jackson, they ultimately struggled to break down a resilient City defense. An early injury to Savinho forced Guardiola to call upon Phil Foden earlier than anticipated, further demonstrating the challenges of early-season fitness.

Despite Chelsea’s efforts to find an equalizer, City remained dangerous on the counterattack. Sanchez, Chelsea’s goalkeeper, made crucial saves but was ultimately beaten again when Kovacic capitalized on a lapse in the Chelsea defense to score City’s second goal, securing the win.

With this victory, Manchester City sent a strong message to their rivals, reaffirming their status as the team to beat in the Premier League this season.

Man City beat Chelsea 2-0 in their EPL opening game

Sports

Man United thrash Barnsley 7-0 in EFL Cup game

Published

17 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Trends Admin

Man United thrash Barnsley 7-0 in EFL Cup game

Manchester United enjoyed a dominant performance in the EFL Cup, securing their biggest victory under manager Erik ten Hag with a crushing win over League One side Barnsley.

United sailed into the last-16 of the competition, delivering an emphatic 7-0 win.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen each scored twice, while Brazilian winger Antony converted a first-half penalty, contributing to the rout.

This win marked United’s most significant victory since their 9-0 demolition of Southampton in February 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions kept the stands empty.

For Ten Hag, this match was a milestone as it was the first time his team scored five or more goals since his appointment. Eriksen’s late brace further added to the celebratory mood, capping a night that the Dutch manager described as “perfect.”

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“For the team, this is the perfect night,” said Ten Hag. “We did everything we planned—winning to reach the next round, scoring some great goals, entertaining the fans, and working on our game model, so we are happy.”

Despite the vocal support from Barnsley’s traveling fans, Darrell Clarke’s side was thoroughly outmatched.

Their most notable moment came when Clarke himself showed a brilliant touch to control a ball that had gone out of play, earning applause from both sets of supporters.

United also handed a first start to their £50.5 million signing, Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder looked assured throughout the game, giving Ten Hag confidence that his team is nearing the complete squad he envisioned when he took over in 2022.

Despite the victory, Ten Hag remains grounded. “I wasn’t devastated after Liverpool, and I’m not celebrating now. We will see where we are in May because then we have to be good,” he said, emphasizing the long-term goals for the season.

Man United thrash Barnsley 7-0 in EFL Cup game

Sports

Liverpool fan killed while crossing highway in Italy

Published

18 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Trends Admin

Liverpool fan killed while crossing highway in Italy

A 51-year-old Irish Liverpool fan tragically lost his life on Monday night while attempting to cross the A4 highway near Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo, Italy.

Reports from multiple Italian media outlets indicate that the unnamed fan had just arrived in Italy from Manchester when he was struck by a vehicle.

Local authorities found the man’s body near the airport, with no sign of the two individuals who had accompanied him on the trip.

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According to the Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera, the deceased was a devoted Liverpool supporter and held a ticket for the highly anticipated Champions League match between AC Milan and Liverpool at the San Siro stadium.

The unfortunate incident occurred as he was trying to reach the NH Hotel, where he was set to stay before the big match.

Investigations are currently underway, and the tragic death of this Liverpool fan has cast a shadow over what was meant to be an exciting European adventure for supporters.

Liverpool fan killed while crossing highway in Italy

Sports

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Luis Castroa and Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach

Saudi Arabian outfit, Al Nassr on Tuesday sacked Luis Castro as coach of the club.

The Saudi Pro League club announced on Tuesday that Castro had been dismissed from his role following weeks of speculation over his future.

“Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the Club,” read a club statement, posted on X.

“Everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months, wishing them the best of luck for the future.”

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Castro, 63, leaves Al Nassr seventh in the Saudi Pro League, three games into the new season.

Meanwhile, former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is set to take charge of the Saudi club instead, with a deal “on the verge” of being agreed.