Tag: Premier League

Ten Hag Brands His Man United Side “One Of The Most Entertaining Teams In The League”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed his side are one of the best entertainers in the Premier League, despite their inability to win games.

The Red Devils played out a 1-1 draw with 19th placed Burnley on Saturday following Zeki Amdouni’s late spot kick leveller following Andre Onana’s error which led to the goalkeeper conceding a penalty.

The result implies Ten Hag’s team have now garnered just seven points from their past six league games and have registered just a single win in regular time dating back to the middle of March.

However, there have been 38 goals recorded in United’s last eight matches.

“We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment,” Ten Hag said to BBC Match of the Day.

“We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Every team gives up opportunities. But when it is up to us, it is weird.”

United remain in sixth place, one point above Newcastle, in the battle for next season’s Europa League spot.

The Dutch manager also defended his decision to take off Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo after 65 minutes, which ignited boos from the home faithful, also insisting to fans on need to show patience after the club placed a target on younger players last summer.

“It was a high intensity game, our third in quick succession, and Burnley had days off, so it was totally logical to bring players off who are very young and in their first years of the Premier League – and I don’t even talk about the injury risk,” he added.

“Rasmus Hojlund had injuries and Kobbie Mainoo had bad injuries, so I protected them. I understand fans want to see the skills those players bring but I have to do my job. It was the right decision.”

Salah Refuses To Play Down Severity Of ‘Fiery’ Touchline Spat With Klopp, Reveals There Will Be “Fire” If He Speaks

Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah declined to play down his heated exchange on the touchline with manager Jürgen Klopp in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at West Ham.

In a game which saw the Red’s title hopes take another severe blow, Salah and Klopp were seen having a fierce argument, with the Egyptian star needing to be restrained back by Darwin Nuñez.

The 31-year-old, who started the contest from the bench, claimed there would be “fire” if he spoke about the clash.

Desperate to recover from their Merseyside derby loss in midweek, Klopp opted against starting Salah even as Liverpool recovered to comeback into a 2-1 lead after conceding the opener, however, Michail Antonio played the role of a spoiler to equalise in the 77th minute.

Salah had been poised go come on as a substitute into the game, alongside Nuñez and Joe Gomez before the goal.

Speaking about the controversial scenario, Klopp said: “We spoke about it in the dressing room and that is done for me.”

Quizzed if Salah was also satisfied with things, Klopp responded: “That was my impression.”

However, when Salah made his way past pressmen and was questioned about the situation, he stated: “There’s going to be a fire today if I speak.”

The attacker has recently struggled to hit top form in the last weeks, netting once in his previous six games.

Salah has been linked with a transfer away from Anfield at the end of the current season, with Saudi Arabian clubs reported to be interested in his signature.

“Unbelievable”, “Ridiculous”, “It Has Damaged English Football” – Pochettino Slams VAR After Villa Draw

Mauricio Pochettino held nothing back when speaking on the use of VAR by match officials, insisting that it is “damaging the image of English football”.

The Chelsea manager made the bold claim after his side were denied a dramatic comeback against Aston Villa, with the contest ending 2-2.

The Blues seemed to be ending a disastrous week in brilliant fashion when Axel Disasi’s header in the fourth minute of injury time completed a come from behind win from 0-2 down, however, Benoit Badiashile was judged to have committed a foul on Diego Carlos in the build up to the goal which led to it being ruled out.

The game started in disheartening fashion from a Chelsea perspective as Marc Cucurella’s own goal and Morgan Rogers’ strike put the host 2-0 up at the interval.

And with the London outfit still in the ruins from their 5-0 hammering at Arsenal, rose from the ashes after levelling the tie following goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher.

Voicing his frustrations after the game, Pochettino said to TNT Sports: “Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed. Two different things the referee said it was a foul and disallowed the goal and then going to the VAR to confirm.

“The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.

“It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.”

They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].

“We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game.”

With Villa on the hunt to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, they were well placed to move nine points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham but they did not look their best.

The share of the spoils has opened the door to Spurs, who have three games in hand, but Villa are still favourites to finish in fourth as the north London club have Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City to play.

Pochettino will be pleased with his charges performance as they still have a chance to qualify for Europe if they can finish strongly in what has been an inconsistent season.

“I am calm and it is only to help,” Pochettino continued.

“The performance was very good and we played really well it is true in the first half we conceded easy.

“The things we tried to change the team didn’t concede too much. To play Villa who are fighting for the top four I am pleased with the team and the players were good.

“I think that it was what we expected and today was a good opportunity against a good team. Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal.”

Aston Villa’s next game is a home first leg home UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday by 8pm, then a visit to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Chelsea’s next action is back to back London derbies at Stamford Bridge.

First against Pochettino’s former side, Tottenham on Thursday, by 7.30pm, and host West Ham on Sunday by 2pm.

Why Liverpool Have Decided On Slot To Takeover As Next Manager

With Jürgen Klopp’s exit as Liverpool manager on the horizon, the Merseyside outfit have been actively on the hunt for the next man to take the reins.

After names like Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann were mentioned, it is now reported that Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will be the next gaffer at the Anfield dugout.

The news of Slot’s expected arrival has stirred mixed reactions – with fans worried about the profile of the manager while others impressed with his exploits in the Dutch top flight.

Slot won the Eredivisie last season and the Dutch Cup this season with fans totally in love with his side’s playing style which has drawn similar comparisons to Klopp and Pep Guardiola.It has been reported that an agreement has been reached between Slot and Liverpool – and also Liverpool and Feyenoord on a compensation fee as he still has two years left on his contract.

The compensation package worth up to around €13/15million makes Slot the most expensive Dutch coach ever.

Speaking to Sky Sports about Slot, his philosophy, his influence and his profile in general, Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan said: “He is the prime candidate for Liverpool.

“It was only a matter of time before another big English club would come knocking on the door. He’s not only been a successful manager, he’s also been hugely impressive with his playing style of very attack-minded, Pep Guardiola-style football.

“I don’t expect Feyenoord to stand in the way. They know he’s a manager in demand but they will demand a big compensation fee. He has two years left on his contract. That was a record deal. Never before in Dutch football has a team paid a manager such huge wages.

“The players like him, the fans love him, the club love him – they won’t want him to go. Feyenoord have every right to demand a big fee as there is no clause in his contract, which he renewed last year.

“He’s been a successful coach and made Feyenoord champions playing crazy, sexy football. It is sexy what this man brings on a football pitch.

“There’s nothing more to win for him here. The next step for him is to enter a club in a big league and no league is bigger for the Dutch than the Premier League.

“I will be surprised if Slot doesn’t bite at this chance and become the manager of Liverpool next season.”

Slot has already grabbed the opportunity with both hands and his ready to lead a new era at Liverpool with the emotional departure of Klopp set for the final Premier League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Drama As Garnacho Likes Post On X Slamming Ten Hag For Substituting Him In Bournemouth Draw, Dutch Manager Storms Out Of Press Conference Also

(Image Credit: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

It has not been the best of seasons for Manchester United in the Premier League and with the risk of possibly missing out on Champions League football next season, Erik ten Hag is on a literal hot seat.

The Dutchman’s side are winless in six of their last seven Premier League games and Saturday’s 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth was another dent in United’s top four hopes.

Aside from the result, there was drama on social media as Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho reacted to a post slamming his manager of his skills after he took him off in the game.

The Argentine forward liked post on X by Mark Goldbridge, which read;

“Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half, but, taking him off at halftime and holding him up as the problem is a joke. Many have done much worse week in week out and are still out there.”

“Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference.. not a good look throwing a 19-year-old under the bus, who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he’s clearly scared of upsetting the big earners.”

Added to the controversy on social media was Ten Hag storming out of his press conference when asked about Man United potentially finishing in their worst Premier League position ever.

The former Ajax manager made it known he was not going to answer the question and then leaving journalists in his post match presser.

Erik ten Hag Admits Key Position Man United Will Be In The Transfer Market For

Erik ten Hag has revealed Manchester United will need the services of a new striker to aid their goalscoring problems.

Ahead of Saturday’s visit to AFC Bournemouth, United have scored 45 goals this campaign, the lowest among the top 10 teams on the Premier League log.

Signed for £72million last summer, Rasmus Hojlund has scored 13 goals in 34 games across all competions this season.

Anthony Martial, who has netted twice this season, has been out injured since January.

Alejandro Garnacho has recorded nine goals in 41 appearance and Marcus Rashford who netted 30 times last season has managed just eight in 38 games.

The Dutch manager who shut down the possibility of signing a poacher in the winter window due to financial fair play rules has now admitted plans are in place for that in the upcoming window.

“I think it would help,” he told reporters on Friday. “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.

“Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.

“We are working in the background on plans with the scouting. The plan is ready but we have to execute.”

Ten Hag also added that he is open to new ideas from the club’s new ownership, with the hope that they would collaborate.

“I trust the new ownership that they will work as quick as possible and bring new good structures and that they can execute [the plans],” he continued.

“But we have a way we want to play, so we know our profiles, it has to match the profiles we want.”

United are place sixth in the league standings on 49 points with seven games left in the run in.

Postecoglu Explains What Tottenham Must Do In The Long-run As He Aims Towards His ‘Ultimate Goal’ Of Winning The Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu has insisted that his side must work towards building long-term consistency in order to reach their ultimate goal of winning the Premier League title.

The Australian expressed his sentiments ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United.

In his first season in charge, Spurs are actively involved in the race for Champions League football, however, Postecoglu remains adamant that his aim is to reach the level of fighting for the Premier League title.

Spurs have been on a 16-year trophy drought since last winning the League Cup in 2008 and the last time they won the league was back in 1961.

After finishing third in the 2015-16 season and second in 2016-17, the North London side lost their first UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool in 2019, that was before finishing third in the league in 2018.

“Look, you try and win every competition you’re in,” Postecoglou spoke to TNT Sports in an interview.

“But ultimately for me, it’s about trying to make this club champion of the Premier League.

“That’s got to be the ultimate goal. It’s not easy, you’re competing against some top clubs that have been at this a lot longer… so we’ve got a bit of catching up to do.

“The most challenging bit is to get to where they are on a consistent basis. In a one-off year, maybe you could do it. But a consistent basis is where we should try and pitch ourselves.”

Spurs are currently in fourth place and have picked up 60 points. They are level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa but they do have a game in hand.

Arteta Outlines Havertz Importance To Arsenal’s Setup, Credits Him An Impact Player

Kai Havertz has kept critics muted following his recent performances for Arsenal – which has led manager Mikel Arteta to sing words of praises for his summer signing.

The 24-year-old was named the man of the match as the Gunners moved to the top of the Premier League following their 3-0 triumph at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

The German who had a tough start to life in North London, needing 10 games to net his first goal, has now recorded double-figures for goals in all appearances for Arsenal.

The former Chelsea player is also having his best season in the English top flight in terms of numbers and Arteta had nothing but accolades for his attacker while also maintaining the necessity of him keeping on with this form.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team,” Arteta told the press.

“His overall performances have been really good and now his numbers for goal contributions are really high.

“He needs to maintain that.

“I think his understanding with the attacking players was superb. I think they had real purpose and connection and a lot of clarity on where to attack and we created many chances.”

Havertz who was termed as one of the most underwhelming signings of the summer at the commencement of the campaign, is now earning plaudits from pundits and also Arsenal fans alike.

“Obviously he is in a very different moment. He has some fantastic players around him and we have tried to create the right environment for him,” Arteta added.

“I think it’s very important for any player, that they feel confident and we hopefully give him the love he needs. He has the admiration of the rest of the players and staff at the club and now the supporters of our club, for sure.”

Rio Ferdinand Urges Rashford To Leave Man United

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has advised Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United in a bid to revive his career.

Rashford has netted just eight goals in 36 games for the Red Devils this campaign — compared to what was a career best, scoring 30 goals across all competitions.

The Englishman has also received criticism for his off-field character with reports in late January suggesting he spent his time at a Belfast nightclub before missing training with United.

Another issue with Rashford making a decision to go to a separate nightclub event after a 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City — a scenario Erik ten Hag termed “unacceptable”.

And now, Ferdinand has suggested the forward, whose Euro 2024 place could be at risk should consider moving away from Old Trafford.

“I think it’s a pivotal moment in his career now, he’s not a kid anymore,” Ferdinand said to Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.

“I think there’s a big decision to make, from him. He’s got to look at who’s around him, who are the external people? Are they the right people?

“Are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors? Or are they saying ‘look at yourself and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.”

The former Man United captain also added: “When I left West Ham (for Leeds) I could have gone to Chelsea, that’s probably a club I would have preferred to go to at the time. But the reason I went to Leeds was it was out of London and the external people around me, I needed to get away from.

“He might need to go ‘you know what, I’ll get rid of them and stay in Manchester, or I’ve got to leave Manchester and get rid of those people’.”

Guardiola Fires Back At Roy Keane, Disagrees With Haaland Criticisms

Pep Guardiola has responded to criticisms targeted at Erling Haaland, stating that his poacher remains “the best striker in the world”.

Haaland came under fire for his performance, from pundits alike, against Arsenal in City’s goalless draw at the Etihad.

One particular opinion was Roy Keane’s – who labelled the Norwegian’s overall play as a “League Two player” when he is not scoring the goals.

Despite being the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals, Keane feels Haaland should be able to do much more – a sentiment Guardiola refused to agree with.

“I’m not agreeing with him, absolutely not.

“He is the best striker in the world and helped us to win what we won last season. He’s exceptional.”

Guardiola also weighed in on criticisms aimed at players, especially when it comes from former footballers.

The Spaniard added: “I’m surprised when it comes from former players.

“Journalists I understand but former players, I’m surprised.

“It’s like former referees criticising referees… memory disappears quick.”

City, sit third on the standings, are set to play host to top four chasers Aston Villa on Wednesday as they aim to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool whom they are three points behind.