Real Madrid advance to quarter-finals despite draw
Real Madrid 2 Numancia 2 (5-2 agg): Guillermo double deepens Zidane’s woes despite Copa progression Jamie Smith Last updated 1 year ago 06:27 1/11/18 
Getty Images Real Madrid moved into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey easily but Numancia claimed a famous 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. Numancia striker Guillermo scored a brace at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid were held 2-2 in the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie, Zinedine Zidane’s side progressing 5-2 on aggregate.Dubiously awarded penalties converted by Gareth Bale and Isco helped Madrid establish a comfortable win in last week’s first leg, in which Pape Maly Diamanka was sent off for Numancia.And when Lucas Vazquez headed Dani Carvajal’s cross in after just 10 minutes, the LaLiga giants looked set to win their first home game of the new year easily despite Zidane making 10 changes from Sunday’s league draw at Celta Vigo. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Numancia had other ideas, however, Guillermo levelling just before the break and mere minutes after coming on as a substitute to give the second-tier side hope of a memorable cup shock.Vazquez scored his second of the night to record his first Real Madrid brace in 109 appearances for the club, turning home from close range after Borja Mayoral unselfishly headed Marco Asensio’s cross into the attacker’s path to restore the hosts’ lead.But Numancia – who had Dani Calvo sent off deep into injury time – were not finished, Guillermo matched Vazquez’s feat by heading home his second of the night to deepen the gloom surrounding Madrid, who lost their last home game 3-0 to Barcelona and are 16 points behind their rivals in the LaLiga table.Asensio lashed an early effort into the side-netting but Madrid were in front inside 10 minutes.Vazquez won both penalties against Numancia last week and he was the second-tier side’s tormentor again, heading Dani Carvajal’s pinpoint right-wing cross into the ground and past goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi.@Lucasvazquez91 makes the breakthrough at the Bernabéu! #RMCopa | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/jRtVj3qFfi — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) January 10, 2018 Munir saved from Vazquez, while Asensio and Mayoral both wasted chances to extend Madrid’s already comfortable advantage.Unai Elgezabal headed Dani Nieto’s corner over after 32 minutes but Numancia’s attacking threat was seemingly minimal, before they scored out of nothing on the stroke of half-time.Madrid were caught short at the back and Marc Mateu squared a low cross that Guillermo – on as a substitute for the injured Higinio Marin – could hardly miss from close range.Munir made a simple stop from Dani Ceballos five minutes after the break as Madrid – thrashed 3-0 by Barcelona in their last home game – sought to get back in front.And when Madrid regained the lead it was again Vazquez, the forward scoring his fifth goal of the season in all competitions. A second of the night for @Lucasvazquez91 sealed with a kiss… pic.twitter.com/1b956HRFaf — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) January 10, 2018 Excellent football led to Asensio finding space on the left, with Mayoral nodding the ball into the middle of the box for Vazquez to turn past Munir, although he nervously checked for a raised offside flag before celebrating.Kiko Casilla had to save from Nacho Sanchez and Pere Milla bundled wide as Numancia battled for a second equaliser, before Zidane introduced senior stars Isco and Casemiro in a bid to see the game out.Numancia claimed a second equaliser, however, Guillermo flicking a sublime header beyond Casilla from an excellent Saul Garcia left-wing cross to give the second-tier side lifelong memories of their trip to the Bernabeu, Calvo’s late dismissal for a foul on Isco in stoppage-time proving a mere footnote. read more
Transfers Chelsea January transfer news LIVE: Dzeko still motivated at Roma Goal Last updated 1 year ago 23:55 1/20/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) Transfers Chelsea Premier League Goal brings you all the latest news, rumours and deals related to the Blues as the January transfer window heats up Dzeko still motivated to play for RomaRoma coach Eusebio Di Francesco has insisted that Edin Dzeko still wants to give his all for the club despite rumours linking him to Chelsea. The former Manchester City man has become one of the most potent strikers in Serie A since moving to the Giallorossi, smashing 39 goals in all competitions last year on his way to the Capocannoniere award. That form has not gone unnoticed, with the Bosnian reportedly unsettled by the interest shown in him from Stamford Bridge, however, Di Francesco confirmed that Dzeko would start in Sunday’s vital clash against Inter. Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Read the full story right here on Goal! Rahman set for Schalke loan
Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman is set to join Schalke on loan, the German club’s sporting director Christian Heidel has confirmed.The Ghana international suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage at the start of 2017, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.However, he is now on the comeback trail and Schalke, who took Baba on loan in the 2016-17 season, are in talks to secure him for the rest of the season.Read the full story right here on Goal! Dzeko agrees to Chelsea switch
Edin Dzeko has agreed to join Chelsea in a £44 million deal, according to Gianluca Di Marzio .The former Manchester City striker has been a regular source of goals at Roma and could be set for a second stint in the Premier League.Chelsea line up Vidal bid
Chelsea are interested in signing Arturo Vidal from Bayern Munich this summer, report Bild .Bayern have agreed a deal to sign Leon Goretzka from Schalke once the season ends, and that acquisition could trigger a transfer for Vidal, with Antonio Conte’s side leading the pack.Bale eyes Man Utd move, Real want swap
Gareth Bale wants to leave Real Madrid and join Manchester United, but the club are keen on using the Welshman in a swap deal, according to Don Balon .Bale is keen to return to the Premier League with Jose Mourinho’s men, but Real, who are set to break up the ‘BBC’ trio, would rather utilise him as part of any deal for Eden Hazard or Harry Kane.However, the former Tottenham winger does not want to move to Chelsea, and is not highly regarded by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.Chelsea make Crouch contact
Chelsea have approached Stoke regarding a possible deal for Peter Crouch, reports The Daily Mirror .The experienced striker has emerged as a shock target for the Blues, with efforts to secure his signature now stepped up after seeing routes to other targets blocked.Enrique lined up by Blues
Chelsea will look to replace Antonio Conte with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique if their current coach walks away in the summer, reports the Daily Star .It is also claimed that the Blues will seek to bring Juliano Belletti back to Stamford Bridge as the club’s director of football.Chelsea could turn to Benteke
As Chelsea’s search for a new striker continues, the Blues could set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke, according to The Sun. The 27-year-old has struggled this season at Selhurst Park, scoring just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances. United lead hunt for £35m Seri
Manchester United have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, says the Daily Mail .Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have also expressed an interest in the Ivorian, but the Red Devils are ready to complete a £35 million deal.Chelsea face two-window transfer ban
Chelsea could be banned from two transfer windows as FIFA investigate the club for irregular signings, according to the Guardian .The Blues have reportedly been accused of breaking rules on recruiting under-age foreign players, with as many as 25 cases being reviewed. Bertrand Traore’s arrival in 2014 is just one of the signings under scrutiny.If the charges are proved they could face similar punishments to those suffered by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent years.
Real Madrid v PSG ‘My relationship with Madrid is finished’ – Di Maria Dejan Kalinic 12:22 2/14/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Real Madrid v PSG Real Madrid PSG Barcelona Ligue 1 Primera División UEFA Champions League Despite his history with Los Blancos the Argentine said his relationship with the club is over and he would consider a move to their rivals Former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria revealed he would have no problem playing for their La Liga rivals Barcelona.Di Maria spent four seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning a La Liga crown and Champions League title among numerous other trophies.The Argentina international spent a campaign at Manchester United before arriving at his current club Paris Saint-Germain in 2015. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Despite his history at Madrid, Di Maria, 29, said he would play for Barca if the opportunity presented itself.”My relationship with Madrid is finished because my cycle there ended,” he told So Foot .”Frankly, I wouldn’t have a problem to play at Barca, to the contrary.”While playing for Barcelona wouldn’t be off limits for the Argentine, who turns 30 on Wednesday, he does still have some loyalty to one of his past clubs. Di Maria played 35 times at senior level for boyhood club Rosario Central and claims he couldn’t bring himself to turn his back on the team that raised him. “The only club I couldn’t play for is Newell’s Old Boys because I am a fan of Rosario Central,” he said. Di Maria and PSG will face former club Madrid in the premier tie of the Champions League round of 16. The first leg is set to take place Wednesday, with Di Maria having staked a strong claim for a starting spot with a hat-trick in a 4-1 smashing of Sochaux last Tuesday.
Liverpool Mane, Firmino and Salah confirm status as Premier League’s best striking trio Goal Last updated 1 year ago 03:27 18/3/2018 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(2) 
Getty Liverpool Premier League Liverpool v Watford Watford No other attack in the top flight can match the seven assists Liverpool’s forward stars have provided each over the course of the current season Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were once again on the same wavelength on Saturday as Liverpool beat Watford 5-0. Salah hit the Reds’ first two goals of the weekend against the hapless Hornets, before his Brazilian strike partner swooped to make it three before the hour mark. The Egypt international went on to complete his hat-trick in the 77th minute and added a fourth before the end as Jurgen Klopp’s side strolled to three points.Firmino’s strike, moreover, was assisted by none other than Salah, while two of the Egyptians goals came courtesy of Mane, cementing the trio’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest forward partnerships. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Williams case shows Solskjaer isn’t holding Man Utd’s youngsters back – he’s protecting them Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp The only duo that can match Salah and Firmino’s record of seven assists between each other is Mane and Salah, while the rest of the league lags behind. Firmino has fed Salah three times, while the Egyptian’s latest assist means he has repaid the favour on no less than four occasions. Mane, meanwhile, teed up his team-mate twice on Saturday to make it six assists for him overall, with Salah providing for the Senegal international once.Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Alvaro Morata and Man United pairing Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial lie in second place with six mutual assists.7 – Roberto Firmino (3 assists) and Mo Salah (4 assists) have combined for more goals than any other duo in the Premier League this season. Telepathy. pic.twitter.com/iyeQzXjBaM— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) 17 de marzo de 2018It has been a season to remember for both Salah and Firmino, as they have spearheaded the Premier League’s second-best attack behind Manchester City. Salah has hit a total of 28 goals so far, with his four on Saturday taking him clear of Harry Kane as the current top scorer. With 14 of his own league strikes, meanwhile, and 23 overall this campaign, Firmino has already surpassed his previous season-best in both the Premier League and in all competitions, beating the marks set in 2016-17 for the Reds (11 Premier League goals) and back in 2013-14 with Hoffenheim (22) respectively. Subscribe to Goal’s Liverpool Correspondent Neil Jones’ weekly email bringing you the best Liverpool FC writing from around the web
Manchester United Man Utd’s Herrera claims Man City’s record-breaking season was a one off Goal 20:47 5/19/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(1) 
Getty Images Manchester United Premier League Chelsea v Manchester United Southampton v Manchester City Chelsea Southampton Manchester City FA Cup The Spain international does not see Pep Guardiola’s side enjoying such success again in 2018-19, although he admits he is somewhat envious of it Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera believes that Premier League champions Manchester City will not be able to replicate the devastating form the showed this term for another year.City ran away with the title, claiming the crown with five matches to spare and running out 19 points clear of the Red Devils, who finished second.He believes it is entirely possible that United can bridge the gap next term – and not just because he is confident that they will improve. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now “I think this season was an exception,” he told the Telegraph. “I don’t think the Premier League is going to be like it was this season. Next season I think the champion can be champion with 85, 86 points.“I think this season was an exception. City won six or seven games in the last minutes. I remember West Ham at home, Huddersfield away, Southampton, Bournemouth.”If they draw all those games, maybe the champions would be seven or eight points less. I don’t think next season the champions will be again that far from the second.”Meanwhile, he admits that he is envious to see City and Liverpool – who will contest the Champions League final against Real Madrid next weekend – enjoy such success.“If any player in the world tells you he doesn’t care about what the opponents do he is lying to you,” the Spaniard said.“I cannot lie to you – if I could choose at the beginning of the season who wins the Premier League and who wins the Champions League, if we couldn’t be champions, I wouldn’t tell you Manchester City and Liverpool.”I respect them – I have never hated anyone – but I cannot lie.”Herrera will have his opportunity to get hold of some silverware on Saturday, when Jose Mourinho’s side tackle Chelsea in the FA Cup final – evidence, he says, of the improving fortunes of the Old Trafford club. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Attention all NTL referees:Here you will find a gear order and levy payment form for the Opens and Seniors 2006 NTL.Please note: Payments MUST NOT be made until you have received your official letter of acceptance from Touch Football Australia.TFA will send out acceptance letters by mid January, with levy payments needing to be finalised by January 30th. With TFA recently introducing a new logo, the gear order form has the option to purchase either gear with the new logo, or gear with the old logo at a slightly reduced price. Click here to view the gear order and levy payment form: NTL GEAR ORDER 7 LEVY PAYMENT FORMAny enquiries contact Rachel on media@austouch.com.au or (02) 6285 2703.
South West Queensland have taken out the first Grand Final played at the X-Blades National Touch League today, defeating the South Queensland Sharks 2-1.The first half in the Women’s 35’s was a tight encounter, with both teams unable to score at all. The second half started better, with the Sharks scoring in the second minute, through Anna Fuiava.Just one minute later the game was all tied up with SWQ’s Karen Hegedus scoring. The Queensland derby continued to be close, with neither team being able to break the defence. SWQ did manage, however, in the 12th minute, through Anita Hagarty.That was the final score of the match, handing South West Queensland the first title of the 2009 NTL.Congratulations to the team.
The Touch Football Australia office will be closed on Friday, 25 March and Monday, 28 March due to the Easter long weekend. The office will reopen on Tuesday, 29 March. Related LinksTFA Office Closure
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Man Utd boss Solskjaer: De Gea save best I’ve ever seenby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveManchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed David de Gea’s wonder save for victory over Huddersfield.United won 3-1, though De Gea’s intervention came at a crucial moment.Solskjaer said, “The result was great. Obviously, you win the game and get three points. I think we started off slowly and maybe [it was] the whole occasion, we took one touch too many, we didn’t create too many chances early on but, after we got the first goal, I think we settled down, we passed it quicker. “There was a period just before half-time when you thought we would get the second here and it will be game over. In the second half, the first seven or eight minutes, I think we struggled then David’s save was the key moment for us. “You know every team, whatever game you are playing, if you are at home or away, they will get a chance because there is quality in all Premier League teams and that save must be one of the best I have seen – probably the best.” 
TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Pochettino declares he could stay with Spurs ‘for 20 years’by Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveTottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has declared he could stay with the Londoners for 20 years.The 46-year-old Argentine has guided Spurs to fifth, third, second and third in his four completed league seasons since joining from Southampton in 2014.”I hope, or I wish to be here 20 years, and decide to leave or to finish my career here,” said Pochettino.”I am so focused here, and want to help the club to achieve what the club want to be in history.”He added: “It would be fantastic. I am so happy to be here. I am so happy to work in that pressure. Why not?” 
Ex-‘fatty’ Arsenal youth teamer Donyell Malen hits stunning 5 PSV goalsby Paul Vegasa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveFormer Arsenal youth teamer Donyell Malen has hit five goals for PSV Eindhoven in their thumping of Vitesse.He opened the scoring after 18 minutes before adding further strikes ten minutes before half-time and immediately after the break.Malen then completed the 5-0 rout with two penalties in the final seven minutes.The result still leaves Mark van Bommel’s side behind Ajax on goal difference at the top of the Eredivisie, with four wins and a draw so far this season.It takes the forward’s total to ten this season, which included a goal on his senior Netherlands debut against Germany this month.Malen was part of Arsenal’s academy between 2015 and 2017.Earlier this month, Malen admitted he still bristles over criticism from his time at Arsenal.Malen was branded overweight by former Arsenal youth chief Andries Jonker, now in charge of Telstar, during his time with the Gunners.”I heard him say that I came in too fat. That surprised me,” Malen recalled to AD.”They had been working at Arsenal for two months when I came. Then of course you are not immediately at the same level.”I was not fit yet, but too fat? No.” About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Crystal Palace boss Hodgson admits Benteke confidence rock bottomby Paul Vegasa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveCrystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson admits Christian Benteke’s confidence is rock bottom.The 28-year-old missed a fantastic opportunity to seal the victory in Palace’s last-gasp 1-1 draw with Wolves on Sunday, leaving him goalless for the season and with just four goals in his last 52 Premier League appearances.Hodgson said: “We cannot do more than we have been doing for a long period of time because unfortunately his confidence hasn’t been at the highest level because he hasn’t scored the goals that he wants to score, and the club want him to score.”But we work very hard with him to make certain that he realises there’s other aspects of his game that we appreciate and we still want him to give us every time he plays.”It’s not because he doesn’t try hard enough. It’s not because he doesn’t want to score goals badly. It just is a rut that he finds himself in and we’re working hard with him on the training field to try and help him to get out of it.” 
TagsTransfersAbout the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Son of AC Milan director Boban slams coach Giampaoloby Carlos Volcano24 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveThe son of AC Milan director Zvonimir Boban has slammed coach Marco Giampaolo.Giampaolo is under huge pressure at Milan after defeat to Fiorentina – marking the club’s worst start to a season in 30 years.And Rafael Boban has added to the speculation by taking to social media today.”Milan,” he wrote in his stories on ‘Instagram’, “has many quality players, the problem is the coach.”Boban Jr went onto praise the qualities of former Milan coach Max Allegri, now a free agent after leaving Juventus. 
ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Nick Chubb #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with running back Sony Michel #1 at the conclusion of the game against the Southern University Jaguars on September 26, 2015 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs won 48-6. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Matt Chernoff, a sports talk radio host in Atlanta, posed the following hypothetical question on Twitter this afternoon. Which player would you (Georgia fans) rather have: Todd Gurley or Nick Chubb? Georgia fans If you could have Chubb or Gurley this season, who do you want?— Matt Chernoff (@RealMattlanta) August 26, 2015Gurley, who starred in Athens, Ga., for three seasons, is now a St. Louis Ram. Chubb, meanwhile, burst onto the scene in Gurley’s absence in 2014, rushing for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns. The majority answer for Georgia fans: Chubb. As of 3:40 p.m. E.T., 19 people had responded to the tweet. The responses: 10 for Chubb and four for Gurley (the other five said stuff like “Churley” or “both”).Some of the responses: @RealMattlanta Chubb. Gurley has a bum knee and Chubb was just as good, if not better last year.— Georgia Native (@Georgia_Native) August 26, 2015@RealMattlanta Chubb all the way. #ChubbSmash— Amen…Go Dawgs (@Amen_GoDawgs) August 26, 2015@RealMattlanta Chubb because QB/WRs are question marks. Will need a back who can not only handle workload, but be more effective bc of it— Matt Berry (@MattBerry05) August 26, 2015@RealMattlanta Gurley, I still think he has more take it to the house speed— Kevin Bearden (@KKevin4268) August 26, 2015Who would you take, Georgia fans?
N’Golo Kante’s priority is defending according to Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, despite the midfielder taking on a more forward role this season.The France international has played in a different position after Sarri brought in Jorginho, who played under the Italian at Napoli, which many pundits have claimed has negatively affected his performances. Kante is not renowned for his attacking play, but put away a second-half chance in clinical fashion as the Blues claimed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? When asked about Kante by reporters after the game, Sarri said: “He has to think about the defence first of all. Then he is improving, especially in movements without the ball. His movement today was really very good and was done with the right timing.”When we have to play against opponents who are very low, it’s difficult for the striker and wingers to find space. So for us the midfielders’ movement without the ball is very important.”Now we have to work on [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek and on [Ross] Barkley. Loftus-Cheek especially is a great player with the ball, but he can improve a lot in his movement without the ball.”Kante has had huge success in a defensive-midfield position, winning back-to-back Premier League titles for Leicester City and Chelsea in 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively and the World Cup with France, so some have questioned why he has been moved.Loftus-Cheek’s game time has been restricted under Sarri, despite an impressive loan spell at Palace last season and some promising cameos at the World Cup with England in the summer.Barkley on the other hand has enjoyed his best form in a Chelsea shirt since joining the Blues from Everton for £15 million in January 2018.The midfield has not been the biggest problem for Sarri since his arrival though, with the lack of a prolific centre-forward being more of a worry.Sarri has admitted he prefers Hazard as the main striker rather than Alvaro Morata, who has managed five Premier League goals this season, or Olivier Giroud, who has only one. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Gonzalo Higuain’s January arrival at Chelsea has cast him in an unenviable role as the club’s mid-season saviour but that was always likely to prove too heavy a burden for one man to bear.Exactly a year on from a 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth, they suffered an even more humiliating defeat at the Vitality Stadium, beaten 4-0 on a trying night for both Higuain and his manager, Maurizio Sarri.The Argentine had 29 touches, no shots and no key passes on his Premier League debut. Unsurprisingly, the home fans revelled in Higuain’s misery, dismissing him as “just a sh*t Callum Wilson”, the Bournemouth striker previously targeted by Chelsea. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? It wasn’t just Higuain who suffered, though.Josh King and David Brooks tore Chelsea apart time and again, combining for the first two goals and ultimately scoring three between them before Charlie Daniels added a fourth late on. The embarrassing nature of the defeat places Sarri and his side under further scrutiny, with Chelsea now fifth in the table, behind Arsenal on goals scored.The most obvious concern is that the players are not showing any signs of better adapting to Sarri’s system the longer the season goes on.’Sarriball’ is proving increasingly predictable, even with Higuain leading the line.Indeed, Bournemouth simply followed the blueprint previously laid out by a host of teams outside the top six who have successfully ceded possession to Chelsea in non-threatening areas before hitting them on the break.Everton, Manchester United, Southampton, Leicester and Crystal Palace all played this way against Chelsea, who proved unable to bypass deep-lying defences. Furthermore, in most cases, Jorginho was man-marked out of the game. It was an all-too-familiar story here: new striker; same old ‘Sarriball’.
N’Golo Kante again looked uncomfortable in the final third, fluffing a massive chance, while nobody was in the least bit surprised when Mateo Kovacic saw his close-range header pushed on to the bar.The Croatia midfielder hasn’t scored for 93 matches for club and country yet he has been charged with becoming Chelsea’s answer to Napoli captain Marek Hamsik at Stamford Bridge. It is not going well.Chelsea put Eden Hazard and Pedro alongside Higuain but all three proved incapable of providing any magic up front, with the Spain international particularly disappointing.Willian, Olivier Giroud and Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on but changed nothing, as Chelsea kept Sarri’s preferred 4-3-3 shape throughout.At the back, David Luiz made a terrible mistake for the second goal, only heightening the sense of déjà vu among the travelling support.Perhaps worst of all, Bayern Munich target Callum Hudson-Odoi travelled to the south coast but wasn’t included in the matchday squad, just a day after Chelsea rejected his transfer request in the hope of sending out a stern ‘hands-off’ warning to the Bavarians.Instead, the teenage talent would be forgiven for wanting to leave more than ever before.Make no mistake about it, this was a chastening defeat for Chelsea and their boss. It was only the second time in the club’s history that the Blues had lost a Premier League game by a four-goal margin.Sarri can, therefore, no longer point to the absence of a prolific striker for the failings of Sarriball. They have one now in Higuain, who knows ‘Sarriball’ better than most after his record-breaking heroics at Napoli in 2015-16.This defeat can’t be attributed to his players’ attitude either. Higuain may ultimately prove the answer to Chelsea’s problems up front but there are question marks hanging over every area of this team.And perhaps the biggest one of all hangs over ‘Sarriball’ itself.The manager needs to find answers, and fast. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
YouTube/The War Eagle ReaderApple CEO Tim Cook is one of the world’s most well-renowned Auburn alumni, and the company’s Thursday MacBook Pro launch event featured a nod to his Auburn football fandom.Apple revealed the latest version of the MacBook Pro during Thursday’s launch event, and some college football snuck its way into the presentation. Those who are familiar with Cook’s Auburn fandom probably aren’t surprised that highlights from Saturday’s Tigers rout of Arkansas were featured.Apple design lead Jen Folse gave this part of the presentation, but she had a nice nod to Cook during it. After some highlights from Louisville vs. NC State, Folse showed a 51-yard touchdown run by Auburn’s Kam Martin, the final score in the Tigers’ 56-3 win over the Razorbacks. From War Eagle Reader:
It isn’t the first time that Cook’s Auburn fandom was made very adamant during a speech or presentation. He made reference to the famous Iron Bowl “Kick Six” during his acceptance speech for Auburn’s lifetime achievement award, and yelled “War Eagle” in response to an Alabama fan waiting in line for an iPhone 6’s “Roll Tide” when that phone launched back in September 2014.We’re sure Auburn fans watching and covering the event appreciated seeing this touchdown one more time.[War Eagle Reader]
The college football season is underway, and Week 1 will be here in a couple of days. It is time to be excited.While every team has at least a little bit of hope right now before their first game, there are some who are destined to struggle. Those programs could decide to make a change and fire their coach.An updated list of betting odds for the first coach to be fired has been released, courtesy of BetDSI. You can check them out below.Maryland’s D.J. Durkin is no longer on the list. Kansas’ David Beaty is not surprisingly first, followed by Lovie Smith, Ed Orgeron, Brian Kelly and Chris Ash to round out the top five.The full list is as follows:David Beaty (Kansas) +400Lovie Smith (Illinois) +500Ed Orgeron (LSU) +600Brian Kelly (ND) +750Chris Ash (Rutgers) +800Kliff Kingsbury (Texas Tech) +1000Mike MacIntyre (Colorado) +1200Barry Odom (Missouri) +1500Mike Leach (Washington State) +2000Dino Babers (Syracuse) +2000Steve Addazio (Boston College) +2500Larry Fedora (North Carolina) +2500Mark Stoops (Kentucky) +3000Herm Edwards (Arizona State) +4000Bobby Petrino (Louisville) +7500Gus Malzahn (Auburn) +10000Field (Any Other Head Coach) +150Which of these names will be the first to go? Or will it be someone not even listed?No coach wants to be on this list, but they play the games for a reason. Just because your name is here doesn’t mean you will be fired.
The first Big Ten game of the 2018 college football season was a good one. Northwestern pulled off a major road victory, taking down Purdue in West Lafayette, 31-27.The Boilermakers entered the game with some optimism, as many experts picked Jeff Brohm’s team to get the win. Purdue costed itself too much late, though.Needing to make a stop late in the contest to get the ball back and go for the win, Purdue’s defense got one – but the Boilermakers’ front then made a stupid mistake and earned a devastating penalty.Purdue was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty when a defender threw the Northwestern running back to the ground after making the stop.Check it out:And now you know why we call them Purdon’t. pic.twitter.com/uXIK6kvQAL— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) August 31, 2018Yikes.Northwestern went on to seal the victory with a couple of kneels. The Wildcats improved to 1-0 on the season, while the Boilermakers dropped to 0-1.