Premier League - The African Mirror

Mar

2024

Premier League talking points

TALKING points from the weekend's Premier League games: GUARDIOLA SHOWS RUTHLESS TOUCH AS DE BRUYNE HOOKED When Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was substituted after 69 minutes of a rip-roaring contest at Anfield with the game locked at 1-1 and the top spot up for grabs there was widespread surprise, not least from the Belgian playmaker. De Bruyne, a key component of five Premier League title triumphs, was not impressed and made his feelings known to manager Pep Guardiola who sent on the more defensively-minded Mateo Kovacic. City hung on for the draw in the face of a Liverpool onslaught,…

Mar

2024

By LORI EWING

Mac Allister penalty earns 1-1 draw for Liverpool in Man City thriller

SPORT

ALEXIS Mac Allister fired home a second-half penalty as Liverpool claimed a point against Manchester City in a breathless 1-1 Premier League blockbuster at Anfield that left Arsenal top of the table. Liverpool is second, level on 64 points with the Gunners who lead on goal difference, with 10 games remaining of a thrilling three-way title race. Holders City, who is unbeaten in 21 games across all competitions, is third on 63. Arsenal climbed top with their 2-1 win against Brentford on Saturday. City looked poised to hand manager Pep Guardiola his second victory in nine trips to the cauldron…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Arsenal’s Partey back for Sheffield United visit, Arteta says

FOOTBALL

THOMAS Partey is set to return to the Arsenal squad after a four-month absence when they visit bottom side Sheffield United, manager Mikel Arteta said. The Ghana international has had multiple injury problems this season and hasn't played since October, with just four Premier League appearances this campaign. "Thomas had a session before the last game and now he's done two consecutive sessions and he should be part of the squad," Arteta told reporters on Thursday. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both out with calf issues, are close to recovery but not certain for Monday, Arteta said. "It's possible but…

Feb

2024

By MARTYN HERMAN

Arsenal smash six past woeful West Ham to send title message

FOOTBALL

ARSENAL exacted sweet revenge on West Ham United with a 6-0 away thrashing to stay right in the thick of the Premier League title race, obliterating their hosts before halftime. Mikel Arteta's side had lost twice against their London rivals this season but were 4-0 ahead by halftime with goals by William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard. The punishment continued in the second half with Saka making it 5-0 before former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who assisted two goals in the opening period, thumped his team's sixth on a day of abject humiliation for the hosts. It…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

Liverpool move five points clear at the top after 4-1 rout of Chelsea

FOOTBALL

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Conor Bradley scored his first goal for Liverpool and then set up one for Dominik Szoboszlai as Juergen Klopp's team moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea. Liverpool, who are unbeaten at Anfield this season in all competitions, have 51 points after 22 games. Manchester City, who have a game in hand, are second and level on points with third-place Arsenal with 46. Chelsea are 10th with 31. Liverpool played with such intensity from the opening whistle, their stifling press had Chelsea struggling to get out of their…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Luton’s Lockyer collapses on pitch, match v Bournemouth abandoned

FOOTBALL

THE Premier League match between Bournemouth and visitors Luton Town was abandoned in the 65th minute after Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch. The score was 1-1 when the 29-year-old fell to the ground with no other player near him, and players and Luton manager Rob Edwards reacted immediately to get medical attention. Lockyer was carried off on a stretcher to applause from the crowd after the players had left the field, and the stadium announcer later informed the crowd that the match had been abandoned. "All our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer at this time," Luton posted…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Cameroon’s Mbeumo to miss Africa Cup of Nations after ankle surgery

AFCON 2023

BRENTFORD forward Bryan Mbeumo will be sidelined for three months and miss the Africa Cup of Nations for Cameroon after having an operation on his ankle, the Premier League club's manager Thomas Frank said. Mbeumo had stepped up in the absence of banned striker Ivan Toney to top the scoring charts for Brentford with seven goals and three assists in the league this season. But the Cameroon international limped off the pitch after rolling his ankle against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, adding to a long list of injuries at Brentford. "(Mbeumo) will not participate in the Africa…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Nkunku set for Chelsea debut against Sheffield United

FOOTBALL

FRENCH forward Christopher Nkunku will be a part of Chelsea's squad for the first time this season when they face Sheffield United this weekend, manager Mauricio Pochettino said. Nkunku signed from RB Leipzig in July but required surgery on a knee injury he suffered in pre-season. "Yes, he can be involved. That is very good news," Pochettino told a press conference. "To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to feel the competition after the pre-season is good news for us. We need to be calm and quiet so not to put all the pressure on him. Now…

Dec

2023

By MARTYN HERMAN

Tottenham end winless run as Richarlison hits two in Newcastle rout

FOOTBALL

TOTTENHAM Hotspur secured its first Premier League win since October as Brazilian striker Richarlison also returned to form with two goals in a 4-1 drubbing of a jaded-looking Newcastle United. Ange Postecoglou's side earned the dubious distinction of being the first Premier League team to lead 1-0 in five successive games without winning any of them in midweek as they went down at home to West Ham United. But this time, after Destiny Udogie tapped in his first goal for the club from captain Son Heung-min's cutback after 26 minutes, they never looked back. Richarlison was also fed by the…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Alisson praises Liverpool’s ‘passion and intensity’ after win over Palace

FOOTBALL

LIVERPOOL'S fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude helped them claim their comeback 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Alisson said. Mohamed Salah netted his 200th goal for Liverpool to cancel out Jean-Philippe Mateta's spot-kick, before Harvey Elliott scored a stoppage-time winner to seal the three points. Liverpool, who top the standings with 37 points from 16 games, have made a habit of scoring late goals in recent weeks, with strikes from Trent Alexander-Arnold earning a draw against champions Manchester City and a 4-3 win over Fulham. "We plan before the games for that – to start well, to stay well and to finish well,"…