Sports

Our Performance Against City Was Very Good, Says Ten Hag

Published

12 months ago

March 4, 2024

Manchester United boss, Erik Ten Hag, believes his side put in a very good performance against Manchester City on Sunday but were unlucky not to get a point out of the game

The Red Devils had a bright start as early as the eight-minute with a 26-yard screamer from Marcus Rashford to beat Ederson but a Phil Foden double turned the tide in City’s favour, before Erling Haaland put the game to rest in injury time.

But the Dutchman says his side did well despite the defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

”I think also [in] defending, we closed the middle very good, we defended the box very good. So the performance from our side was very good,” he said in a post-match interview.

“It’s about getting behind the defending line and with the speed from Garnacho and Rashford. And I think that went very well – we were already up after a couple of minutes. Good breakthrough from Garnacho, Rashford was in the perfect scoring position and then, quickly after the goal from Rashford, we had our moments and more throughout the game.”

‘A Win Was Possible’
Ten Hag indicated that he was impressed with how his side’s tactical awareness, feeling they were simply undone in a couple of ‘defining moments’,

”We had our moments after it as well, to go for a second one. I think we defended very well. But then [there were] two I will say defining moments where we almost make a breakthrough and we conceded the first goal and also the second goal after also a defining moment, when Garnacho is through on the break. So yeah, then you are disappointed,” he said.

”We have to accept it, but it is what it is. But still, I think we had the opportunity to at least get one point, but also a win was possible.”

Despite the loss, the Dutchman believes his side are still improving and do not need to dwell on a bad night at the Etihad.

“We had one bad, bad performance last week [against Fulham], where we didn’t play that well, but from this year on, I think we are really progressing. You have to get some points back, and then you have to win a game like today against City. And there are more coming games,” he said.

”There are still many games to play and everyone can beat everyone. So things can quickly turn around. So we have to win our games. Number five could be a position for the Champions League, so, as I say, we have to fight for it.”

Sports

End of road for Arsenal, may not win any shield this season – Report

Published

19 minutes ago

February 23, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.

Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.

He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.

“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.

I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.

“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.

They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.

The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Sports

Brighton humble Chelsea on Valentine’s day

Published

1 week ago

February 15, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.

A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.

Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.

Sports

Just in: Aston Villa send Tottenham packing out of FA Cup

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Aston Villa has sent Tottenham Hotspur packing from the FA Cup, securing a 2-1 victory in their fourth-round clash at Villa Park.

The win marks a significant upset, given Tottenham’s eight FA Cup titles, and comes on the heels of their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Aston Villa’s triumph was fueled by their strong home form, which has seen them deliver impressive wins in the Champions League this season.

Despite entering the match on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Wolves, Unai Emery’s side demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome their opponents.

Tottenham, plagued by injuries, with a dozen first-team players sidelined, struggled to find their footing. Their task was further complicated by the absence of key players, including Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and James Maddison.

The victory is a significant boost for Aston Villa, who will now advance to the next round of the FA Cup.

For Tottenham, the loss marks a disappointing exit from the competition, adding to the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.