Category: Premier League

Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United: Benrahma and Bowen strikes gift the Hammers first Major Title Since 1980>>>

West Ham United ended their 47-year wait for a major European title, after defeating Italian Serie A side ACF Fiorentina 2-1 in the Final of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa Conference League, which took place at Eden Park in Prague, Czech Republic. 

The opening period was evenly contested though the Hammers did a bit more defensively, in a bid to thwart the offensive tactics of Fiorentina.

The game was momentarily stopped for a while after the half-hour mark, when Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi was injured in the head after the West Ham United supporters threw objects (plastic cups) onto the pitch.

The Italian side thought they had the lead when striker Luka Jovic found the back of the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside by the VAR.

In the second half, it was West Ham United who got their noses in front. Ranieri handled the ball in the area which led to the Hammers being awarded a spot-kick. Algerian international Said Benrahma stepped up and scored to give manager David Moyes’ side the advantage.

Their lead didn’t last long as Giacomo Bonaventura levelled for Fiorentina in the 67th minute, following a smart touch and finish. Bonaventura became the oldest Italian player to score in a major European Final, since Paolo Maldini last did so for AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool.

Just when it seemed the game was heading for extra-time, Englishman Jarrod Bowen raced clear to poke home on the stroke of 90th minute to win it for the Hammers and give David Moyes his first major piece of silverware.

West Ham United will be in next season’s UEFA Europa League, following their victory in the Conference League Final.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United (J. Bowen)

90′ MIN: Jarrod Bowen strikes home to hand the initiative back to the Hammers.

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 1-1 West Ham United (G. Bonaventura)

67′ MIN: Giacomo Bonaventura levels for the Viola, following a smart touch and finish.

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 0-1 West Ham United (S. Benrahma)

62′ MIN: Said Benrahma converts from twelve yards to put the Premier League side in front.

PENALTY!!! To West Ham United

After consulting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the center referee awards a penalty to the Hammers following a handball by Ranieri in the box.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

HALF-TIME AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

KICK-OFF AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

Both sides last won a major UEFA competition in the 1960s (Cup Winners Cup), and only one of them will end their long wait for a European title when they meet in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) final in Prague.

Also, both sides finished outside of the European qualification positions in their domestic leagues, so winning here is their only chance of getting back into Europe next season.

The Italian side have already made history by becoming the first team to reach the Final of all four major UEFA competitions and they will now attempt to improve their strike rate in UEFA Finals after lifting a European trophy just once in four prior attempts (W1, L3), an emphatic victory over Rangers in 1961.

The Violets have put their Coppa Italia disappointment against Inter Milan last month behind them, as they come into this showpiece event on the back of two successive Serie A wins to wrap up their domestic season.

They had to battle past Basel to get this far, winning their semi-final courtesy of a late extra-time winner after losing the first leg at home.

As for West Ham United, the European stage has been the clear highlight of their season, after ending the 2022/2023 PL campaign in 14th position, winning just two of their final seven league fixtures (L5). They’ve made easier work of their progress to the final than their opponents (W13, D1) but have historically struggled against Italian opponents, so they will have to break new ground to lift a second-ever European title.

Older Hammers fans will remember a brace of 1-0 H2H defeats in the 1975 Anglo-Italian Cup, the only occasions these two sides have ever met and it has been a similar story since as they lost twice to Palermo in the 2006/2007 UEFA Cup, their only other experience against an Italian outfit.

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Al-Ittihad Complete Signing of Karim Benzema on a Free Transfer

Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad have officially announced the signing of former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on a free transfer.

The Frenchman who ended a fourteen-year spell with Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid this week, joins the Saudi Arabian champions on a three-year deal and will wear the number nine shirt.

“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe,” Benzema said.

“It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project…I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner becomes the latest big-name star to head to the Gulf State, and follows former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia after the Portugal forward signed a two-and-a-half-year contract estimated by media to be worth more than €200 million with Al Nassr last December.

Al-Ittihad last month clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009.

Manchester United Winger Antony Accused of Domestic Violence

Manchester United attacker Antony has been accused of “domestic violence, threat and bodily injury” by a former partner in his native homeland of Brazil.

The 23 year-old was in a relationship with Gabriela Cavallin in 2022 and according to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte, it is reported that Gabriela Cavallin has filed a police report in Sao Paulo.

The report states that Antony assaulted Gabriela Cavallin on May 20th, a day on which the Brazil international featured for United in a Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The report also includes “photos of abrasions and threatening messages”, while Cavallin is said to have discussed previous aggressive behaviour from Antony.

Globo Esporte further reports that Antony had a relationship with the woman in question during 2022, with Cavallin revealing on social media in June 2022 that she had suffered a miscarriage when the pair were expecting their first child.

Cavallin is now calling upon authorities in Brazil to take “an urgent protective measure” while further evidence in the case is gathered.

No statement has been made by Antony, his camp or Manchester United.

BREAKING: Liverpool reach Agreement with Brighton for the Transfer of Alexis Mac Allister (Fabrizio Romano)>>>

Merseyside outfit Liverpool are set to sign midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on a five-year deal, after reaching an agreement with fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

The World Cup winner will become the first signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer, after the Reds triggered the release clause in his contract at Brighton.

He is said to have agreed personal terms with the Reds and will see a big-money transfer pushed through once a medical has been completed.

Mac Allister who helped his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 and the Seagulls to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, is poised to pen a long-term contract which will keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2028.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the fee involved is considerably less than the £60 million ($74m) fee that had been speculated previously.

EXCLUSIVE: Karim Benzema to Leave Real Madrid as Free Agent ahead of Mega Saudi Arabia Transfer

Real Madrid skipper Karim Benzema’s time at the club will come to a close, as the Spanish giants revealed he will be leaving upon the completion of the 2022/2023 campaign.

The 35 year-old Frenchman will not have his contract renewed with Los Blancos for next season, amidst reports of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

The club said it reached an agreement with the former Les Blues hitman to “put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable” stint with the club”.

The announcement comes amid reports that Benzema will join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, where he will earn a mammoth €400m Euros for two seasons.

Benzema has been with Real Madrid since 2009, when he made a summer move from French Ligue 1 side Lyon.

He featured in 14 seasons for the club, scoring 353 goals and winning 25 titles – a record for any player with the Spanish giants.

Among his titles were five UEFA Champions Leagues, five FIFA Club World Cups and four Spanish La Liga crowns.

Real Madrid Ends Eden Hazard’s Disastrous Four-Year Saga

Eden Hazard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after agreeing to terminate his contract a year early.

Real Madrid have confirmed they have agreed to terminate Eden Hazard’s contract a year early and that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The Belgium international has endured a miserable time at the Santiago Bernabeu since moving from Chelsea 2019 and will leave a year before his current contract had been due to expire.

“Real Madrid Football Club and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will leave the club as of 30 June 2023,” read a club statement. “Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, during which time he has won 8 titles: 1 European Cup, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 LaLiga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups. “Real Madrid would like to express our affection to Eden Hazard and we wish him and his family the best of luck for the next stage of his career.”

Los Blancos have reportedly been trying to nudge Hazard out of the door for some time, but the player has repeatedly insisted that he wants to stay in Madrid, despite having very few opportunities to play at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Hazard was Madrid’s highest player by some distance, pulling in a reported €600,000(£530,000/$640,000) per week to sit on the bench. He has previously spoken on a fractured relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti, while team-mate Toni Kroos admitted that he ‘does not feel sorry’ for his colleague.

Hazard was considering retirement after seeing out his Madrid deal next summer. His next move is not known, however, both Relevo and The Athletic have suggested that Hazard may hang up his boots soon.

Man City 2-1 Man United: Gundogan score twice to clinch FA Cup title for Cityzens!

Manchester City emerged victorious in the FA Cup Final, defeating their arch-rivals Manchester United with a score line of 2-1. This victory marked City’s second trophy of the season, further solidifying their dominance in English football under the guidance of their esteemed manager, Pep Guardiola.

The match kicked off with an absolute bang as Manchester City took the lead in just 13 seconds, courtesy of an extraordinary strike from Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder unleashed a thunderous shot that left United’s defence and goalkeeper stunned. Gundogan’s goal etched its name in history as the fastest ever scored in an FA Cup final, igniting wild celebrations among the City faithful. The fans’ excitement echoed throughout the stadium, and pundits marvelled at the early breakthrough.

However, Manchester United displayed their resilience and fought back into the game. They were awarded a penalty, albeit a controversial one, as Jack Grealish was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box. Nevertheless, Bruno Fernandes stepped up confidently and converted the spot-kick, leveling the score for the Red Devils.

Both teams battled fiercely, it was Gundogan, once again, who proved to be the hero for Manchester City. In a beautifully orchestrated move, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a cross into the box, and Gundogan displayed his impeccable timing and finishing ability by volleying the ball into the net from the edge of the area. The shot evaded the grasp of David de Gea, leaving the United goalkeeper helpless. Gundogan’s goal secured the victory for the Cityzens, who now had their sights set on an incredible treble, with the UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan looming on the horizon.

The final whistle signalled jubilation among the Manchester City players and their fans, who celebrated their triumph in the FA Cup Final. Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius and the team’s exceptional performance earned them another major trophy, further solidifying their status as one of the top teams in Europe. The focus now shifted to the Champions League, where Manchester City aimed to continue their quest for an unprecedented treble and etch their name in the annals of football history.

🔴 Live Blog

Goal! Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

He can’t stop scoring! Gundogan has done it again, volleying home De Bruyne’s fairly hopeful cross to the edge of the area! It bounces a couple of times and out of De Gea’s reach. A real training ground move.

Second half

We are back at it again!

Half-time

The final act of the half sees De Bruyne float a free kick into De Gea’s arms.

Goal! Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United

Fernandes makes no mistake from 12 yards! He sends Ortega the wrong way.

Penalty!

It’s given! That looks harsh on Grealish but I guess it’s the rules now, right?

“From my angle the offender looked mightily close to Wan-Bissak,” reports Dom Smith. “Hard to see how City gained an unfair advantage through Grealish there. Harsh.”

Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United

Oh my wooooooooord! Gundogan has ALREADY scored! There’s about 15 seconds on the clock. It’s a loose ball near the edge of the area, and Gundogan has just put his boot through it. Fastest goal in FA Cup final history, you’ll be unsurprised to learn.

Kick Off!

Both teams already have a trophy in the bag, winning the FA Cup would bring either team’s trophy count to two. Manchester City could be on course for a treble.

Starting XI

So, for City, Guardiola has been able to go full strength with Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias all coming back into the team in four changes. All four were left out of the squad for last Sunday’s defeat to Brentford. Guardiola, as expected, has stuck with Stefan Ortega in goal in place of Ederson, with the German having played in every previous round up to the final.

It’s also four changes for Manchester United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Christian Eriksen come in for Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho.

Sevilla (4) 1-1 (1) AS Roma: Andalusians win Record-Extending Seventh UEL Crown on Penalties as Mourinho finally Loses in a Final>>>

Sevilla emerged champions of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League, after overcoming Italian Serie A side AS Roma 4-1 via penalties, following a 1-1 regulation time scoreline.

The Giallorossi who were making a second successive European Final appearance, struck first through Paulo Dybala in the 35th minute.

The Argentine who had been battling injury and fitness issues in recent weeks, returned to the Starting XI and made an immediate impact as his deft finish beat Yacine Bono in goal for Sevilla.

The Andalusians went close to getting the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, but Ivan Rakitic’s belter from outside the area struck the post as Roma went into the interval with the slender lead.

Upon resumption of the second period, Sevilla mounted the pressure in search of the leveller which paid off in the 55th minute as a cross into the box came off Gianluca Mancini and flew past Rui Patricio in goal for the Italian side.

The record holders thought they had a penalty after R. Ibanez had seemingly fouled in the box, but it was overturned when center referee Anthony Taylor consulted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Soon after, it was the turn of Roma who felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick when a Sevilla defender handled the ball in the box but Anthony Taylor waved the Giallorossi’s calls away which infuriated Roma boss Jose Mourinho.

Sevilla went close in the dying stages but Youssef En-Nesyri’s headed effort went over the bar.

Extra-time went by but there was nothing to separate both sides, and it all came down to the lottery of a penalty shootout.

Lucas Ocampos, Erik Lamela, Ivan Rakitic and Gonzalo Montiel converted for Sevilla as the Andalusians preserved their record of having won every single Europa League Final they have been involved in.

For the Giallorossi, Bryan Cristante scored but Gianluca Mancini and Ibanez missed for AS Roma as Jose Mourinho finally lost a first European Final in his career.

🔴 Live Blog:

PENALTY SHOOTOUT SEQUENCE:

Sevilla: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

AS Roma: ✅ ❌ ❌

END OF EXTRA-TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

SECOND HALF OF EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

HALF-TIME IN EXTRA-TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

FIRST HALF OF EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

END OF REGULATION TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma (Own Goal – Mancini)

55′ MIN: Sevilla grab the equalizer after Mancini turns the ball into his own net.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma

HALF-TIME AT PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma (P. Dybala)

35′ MIN: Paulo Dybala shoots the Giallorossi in front.

KICK-OFF AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-0 AS Roma

Both sides clash in what is the first European Final of the campaign, with the trophy and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stages at stake.

Sevilla who have had a rocky campaign culminating in the dismissals of Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli, have been on the mend since the arrival of Jose Luis Mendiliba. The former Athletic Bilbao boss has steadied the ship, resulting in their safety in La Liga and a place in the Final of European club second-tier competition.

The Andalusians come into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid last time out, but have won each of their last six Final appearances in the UEFA Europa League too, so the omens are firmly stacked in their favour when they come up against the Italian side.

Spanish sides have claimed six of the last nine UEFA Europa League (UEL) titles – four of which were won by Sevilla. So Mendiliba has history to look up to for inspiration, and having shuffled his side in last weekend’s loss to Madrid, his troops should be fresh for their visit to Budapest.

As for Roma, they warmed up for this clash with a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina in Serie A over the weekend. However, the Giallorossi know exactly what it takes to claim a European title themselves, having won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season.

Most especially, they have the experience of manager Jose Mourinho – who is marking 20 years since first appearing in the Final of a European competition, when his FC Porto side saw off Scottish opposition Celtic 3-2 after extra-time.

The Portuguese has won five European Finals with three teams (FC Porto, Inter Milan and Manchester United) in the course of his career, and if there’s anyone who knows how to overcome in a Final, Mourinho is that man.

Only four Italian clubs have won back-to-back major European crowns, and none since the turn of the century, so there is a small piece of history on the line here for the Giallorossi.

Both Sevilla and Roma are winless in four UEL games outside of Spain and Italy this campaign (D2, L2), with that run forming part of a 13-match winless run for the Andalusians outside of their home country in European competition, lifting another UEL trophy here is far from a foregone conclusion.

But for Roma, the fact that they failed to score across each of those games, will serve as a bigger cause for concern for boss José Mourinho. ‘The Special One’ will hope he can turn the tide in Roma’s first-ever UEFA game held in Hungary and Mourinho holds the added incentive of knowing if his side lift the trophy he will become the most decorated manager in the history of major European competition!

OFFICIAL: Chelsea Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager on a Three-Year Deal

Chelsea have formally announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new permanent manager.

The 51 year-old Argentine will assume the role in time for the 2023/2024 season, and takes over from Frank Lampard who was at the helm on a temporary basis.

Pochettino was in pole position to become manager, after German tactician Julian Nagelsmann who was believed to be the first-choice candidate of senior members of the Blues hierarchy, pulled out of the race amid concerns over the recruitment process.

Talks and negotiations between the Blues and Pochettino accelerated in recent weeks, and the former Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspurs and PSG gaffer is set to become the fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.

Pochettino previously held talks with the club’s American owners last year following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel but Boehly and Eghbali opted to appoint Graham Potter instead. He has been out of work since leaving French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Pochettino will be bringing his own backroom staff consisting of long-serving assistants Jesus Perez and Toni Jimenez alongside his sports-scientist son Sebastiano with him to Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino’s previous stint in England saw him take charge at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspurs respectively. He guided the Lilywhites to the Final of the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and helped them compete regularly in the Top Four.

The strength of Chelsea’s squad despite their problems this season, and the club’s spending power on the transfer market should provide Pochettino with the foundations to win his first trophy in English football.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle: Blues end woeful season with a draw, Anthony scores first goal, Trippier own goal save point for Blues >>>

In a highly eventful encounter at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Newcastle United battled to a 1-1 draw. The match witnessed both moments of brilliance and defensive lapses that ultimately shaped the outcome.

Newcastle stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 9th minute through a defensive calamity from Chelsea. In a moment of absolute shock, the Blues’ backline failed to mark Anthony Gordon, a player they had pursued in the previous summer transfer window. Gordon capitalized on the lack of marking and calmly tapped the ball into the net from close range, leaving Chelsea’s defense and fans bewildered.

However, Chelsea quickly regrouped and showcased their attacking prowess. In the 27th minute, the England international Raheem Sterling displayed his class by cutting inside and unleashing a shot towards goal. Lady luck smiled upon him as his effort took a deflection off Kieran Trippier, deceiving the Newcastle goalkeeper and finding its way into the back of the net. The equalizer provided a much-needed boost for Chelsea, injecting renewed energy into their performance.

The match also marked the end of an era for Chelsea, as it was the last game under the management of Frank Lampard. With his departure imminent, the club now shifts its focus towards Mauricio Pochettino, eagerly anticipating what the Argentine tactician can bring to the team.

🔴 Live Blog

Second half

We are back at it!

Half-time

That would be all for the first 45! Both teams have shown promises, the second half would be interesting to see.

Goal! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

The England international, Raheem Sterling cuts inside and sees his shot deflected in off Tripier.

Goal! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle

Absolutely shocking defending from Chelsea allows Anthony Gordon – a player the Blues wanted last summer – to tap in from close range. Completely unmarked.

Kick Off!

And so it begins!

Starting XI

Mason Mount is not in the squad which could mean that he has played his last game for the club. Many among the starting line up, including Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and, most importantly, Cesar Azpilicueta could leave Chelsea this summer.