Olise Hits Brace As Crystal Palace Thrash Man United 4-0

Published

6 months ago

May 7, 2024

Manchester United are at risk of failing to qualify for Europe next season after a dismal 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace left the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League.

Michael Olise scored twice, either side of goals from the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell, as the Eagles’ resurgence since the appointment of Oliver Glasner as manager continues.

The time for a change of boss at Old Trafford could be coming soon as Erik ten Hag fails to arrest a slide in his second season in charge.

That came after finishing seventh in David Moyes’ sole campaign 10 years ago and the Scot was sacked with four games of the season to go.

United have never come lower than seventh in the Premier League era but are staring that possibility in the face with title-chasing Arsenal to come at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ten Hag has routinely cited injury problems as mitigation for his side’s struggles.

The Dutchman was forced to cobble together a makeshift backline as Casemiro deputised out of position at centre-back, alongside 36-year-old Jonny Evans.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was also absent as his proud record of never missing a club game in his career due to injury came to an end.

But there was little excuse for the lack of fight or quality on show from a United side, whose sole Premier League win in their last seven games came against relegated Sheffield United.

Palace are unbeaten in their last five as former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner’s project takes shape.

United failed to muster even a single shot on target in the first half but were unfortunate not to level against the run of play.

Casemiro’s looping header dropped into the net after Rasmus Hojlund clashed with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and was harshly penalised for a push.

But a two-goal half-time lead was the least Palace’s superiority deserved.

Mateta has been a man transformed under Glasner and hammered home his ninth goal in 11 games after skipping past the leaden-footed Evans with ease.

There was no response from United after the break on a night which could be the final straw for the club’s new leadership group when deciding Ten Hag’s future.

Some heroics from Onana briefly kept the scoreline down as he saved from Eze, Will Hughes and Mitchell in quick succession.

But he was powerless to deny Mitchell a rare goal from close range as United were cut open from a set-piece.

Onana was then caught out by the power of Olise’s strike that flew past the Cameroonian.

The margin of the defeat took United’s goal difference to -3 which tells the tale of a sorry season for the 20-time English champions.

The FA Cup final against Manchester City offers Ten Hag one last shot at redemption, should he survive in charge until on May 25.

However, based on this evidence, United fans will fear double-chasing City could run riot at Wembley to inflict the ultimate humiliation.

AFP

Osimhen scores two goals to drown Spurs to go top in Europa league

Published

5 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray inflicted a first Europa League defeat of the season on Tottenham to move top of the table with a 3-2 victory in Istanbul on Thursday.

The Turkish champions have 10 points from four games and have all but secured qualification for at least the knock-out play-off round, while Spurs sit in fifth place after losing their 100-percent record.

Galatasaray took an early lead when Yunus Akgun smashed a sensational long-range volley into the top corner in the sixth minute.

But the visitors hit back just 12 minutes later as teenage striker Will Lankshear marked just his second first-team appearance with a goal by tapping in Brennan Johnson’s pass across goal.

Galatasaray took control before half-time, though, as Osimhen scored twice in the space of eight minutes.

The Nigerian star fired them back in front just after the half-hour mark, before cleverly volleying Dries Mertens’ cross past Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Osimhen has now scored six goals in eight appearances for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli.

The home side passed up several opportunities to put the game out of sight for their opponents, but Spurs’ hopes of a comeback were hit when Lankshear was sent off for two yellow-card offences in quick succession in the second half.

Dominic Solanke pulled one back in the 69th minute, shortly after being brought on by Ange Postecoglou, but Galatasaray held on with relative comfort.

Eintracht Frankfurt are second in the standings, behind Galatasaray on goals scored, after Omar Marmoush’s 13th goal of the season clinched a 1-0 win against Slavia Prague.

The Egyptian clipped a superb free-kick in off the crossbar shortly after the break.

Athletic Bilbao are in third, separated from Eintracht also by goals scored, after coming from behind to grab a 2-1 success at Ludogorets.

Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano both scored in a two-minute burst from the Basque club.

Roma’s disappointing form this season continued as Kevin Mac Allister’s goal 13 minutes from time secured Union Saint-Gilloise their second point of the competition with a 1-1 draw in Belgium.

AFP

Sports

Al-Hilal eye Salah, Ronaldo as Neymar’s replacement

Published

20 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are preparing to part ways with Brazilian superstar Neymar, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly among their targets as potential replacements.

Neymar, who joined Al-Hilal for €90 million from PSG 18 months ago, has struggled with injuries, including a recent ACL setback, which has kept him sidelined for much of his time at the club.

According to UOL Esporte, Al-Hilal’s frustration with Neymar’s injury problems has led them to consider terminating his contract as early as January.

A report published by FootballTransfer on Thursday stated that Al-Hilal are now exploring high-profile replacements as they prepare for life without Neymar, who is rumoured to be returning to Santos or possibly moving to Inter Miami.

Saudi broadcaster Action Ma3 reports that Al-Hilal are considering a sensational bid for Ronaldo, who has enjoyed a prolific spell at Al-Nassr since his arrival in 2022.

Meanwhile, TalkSport suggests Salah, a superstar in the Arab world, is also on their radar as an ideal successor to Neymar.

“The Egyptian ace is a superstar in the Arab world and a player that the Saudi Pro League has long coveted. Out of contract with Liverpool in the summer, he could potentially join Al-Hilal on a free transfer,” the report stated.

Sports

Eguavoen names Super Eagles squad for Benin, Rwanda games

Published

1 day ago

November 7, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Eguavoen named 23 players in his squad for both games.

Nasarawa United defender, Victor Collins is the home-based player in the list.

Auxerre defender, Gabriel Osho will have the chance to make his debut for the three-time African champions after earning his second invitation.

Talismanic forward, Victor Osimhen makes a return to the team after missing out the last time due to injury

The Super Eagles will be up against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Thursday, November 14.

They will host the Amavubi of Rwanda four days later at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)