SPORTS
SUPER Eagles striker Umar Sadiq produced a sensational strike to help Real Sociedad to victory in Spain, while his international teammate Terem Moffi also scored for Nice in France last night.
It took Sadiq his 14th appearance in all competitions to open his goals account this season but it was well worth the wait.
The 26-year-old Nigeria international picked the ball up in midfield and glided past two defenders before firing a rising shot from about 30 yards out that gave the Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic no chance.
The sensational strike was in the 22nd second minute and Real Sociedad’s second goal following Dmitrovic’s third minute own goal.
Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri pulled one back for Sevilla on the hour mark but Sociedad held on to claim a tight victory.
Sadiq, who was making only his fourth LaLiga start of 12 appearances this season, was taken off to huge applause in the 75th minute, 13 minutes before Sevilla veterans Sergio Ramos and Jesus Navas were both sent off.
With the victory, Real Sociedad moved up to fifth in the LaLiga table while Sevilla are 15th.
In France, Super Eagles striker Moffi scored the only goal of the encounter as Nice defeated Toulouse 1-0.
Moffi struck in the 54th minute to take his Ligue 1 tally to four goals and two assists in 13 matches this season as Nice moved to within one point of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Also in France, Nigeria winger Moses Simon played the full game as Nice were held to a 0-0 draw by Le Havre, while Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma was brought on at the start of the second half in Hoffenheim’s 1-1 draw at home to Mainz in the German Bundesliga.
PHOTO: Umar Sadiq celebrating his goal.
[NaijaTImes]
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has explained why he let Marcus Rashford take a penalty in their 3-0 victory over Everton on Sunday.
The England international forward hit a personal-best 30 goals for the Red Devils last season, but headed to Goodison Park in 2023-24 with just one effort to his name. He was able to double that tally from the spot on Merseyside, with club captain Fernandes stepping aside after a VAR review presented United with an opportunity to score their second goal of the game from 12 yards – following a spectacular overhead kick opener from Alejandro Garnacho.
Quizzed on why he passed the ball to Rashford, Fernandes – who is the Red Devils’ go-to option on penalty duty – told Sky Sports: “Because I felt that Marcus needed a bit of confidence, needed goals. Marcus is an excellent penalty-taker too. I’m 100 per cent sure that he could score the penalty. It’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring the penalty and Marcus did it perfectly.”
Rashford has faced plenty of uncomfortable questions this season, on the back of signing a lucrative new contract at Old Trafford, but Fernandes says none of the 26-year-old’s team-mates have ever doubted his quality. He said when asked if Rashford’s confidence has dipped: “Obviously strikers, wingers, they want to score goals, they need to score goals, that’s part of their game and it gives you a boost. After the penalty, Marcus was unstoppable – he could take on everyone. I think sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity to get confidence back. But Marcus has been great for us. Obviously last season he was amazing, so everyone’s expectations for this season were higher. It’s just about getting his goals back and everyone will stay say that he is world-class again.”
United boss Erik ten Hag added to BBC Match of the Day when asked how much Rashford needed his goal: “A lot. You see also how great captain Bruno is. He assessed his team-mate needed that goal. He has the confidence in Rashy, who is a good penalty taker. As a team you need that leadership that you back each other. We have to go step by step. This is one step.”
[Leadership]
‘You’ll be killed if you come to Cameroon’ – Ambazonian fighters warn Okocha, Amokachi against Eto’o’s invitation
AdminNigeria’s football stars invited by the President of Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o for a ceremonial tournament holding in Victoria City, Cameroon, on Thursday 30 November 2023 will be killed if they honour the invitation, a separatist group has warned.
The warning was issued in a voice message sent to DAILY POST’s correspondent by one Comrade Chris Anon who claimed to be head of the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States of America.
Eto’o invited international football stars including those in Nigeria to the tournament to promote relationships and football development in Cameroon.
The Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government, who are agitating for the independence of Southwest Cameroon, warned Nigeria’s former national football skipper, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and other ex-Super Eagles stars not to honour Eto’o’s invitation.
They emphasized that their security will not be guaranteed if they ignore the warning.
Anon described the tournament as a mockery of the Ambazonian people.
The separatist group has ordered a total lockdown on Victoria City and entire Fago County on the said Thursday 30 November 2023.
The group warned residents to stay indoors, stressing that violation of the order would be met with death.
Parts of the voice message stated, “The Restoration Fighters of Ambazonia Control Victoria and entire county and are committed to ensuring the lockdown. Our determination to safeguarding the integrity of Ambazonia independence struggle will not be deterred. We show no mercy for any persons who attempt to disregard the lockdown.
“It is essential to emphasise the severity of the situation and to caution against actions that could be misconstrued as aligning with any forms of propaganda.
“The football match proposed by Samuel Eto’o is very controversial; it is a misguided and insensitive initiative.
“That decision to involve international players from Nigeria is deeply troubling.
“The timing and location of the tournament give rise to suspicions.
“We seriously and strongly caution Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and others who are promoting and preparing to participate in the tournament to reconsider their involvement as their participation may unintentionally result in bloodshed.
“We cannot help but question Samuel Eto’o’s decision to organize this tournament in Victoria, an Ambazonia territory that has been marred by war for over seven years, for which 30,000 Ambazonians have been killed.
“It raises legitimate concerns about potential exploitation of the situation for purposes that are not in the best interests of Victoria and Ambazonia in general.”
[DailyPost]
Terry Venables was saluted as an “innovative” and “charming” manager after the charismatic former England, Tottenham and Barcelona boss died aged 80 on Sunday.
Venables guided England to the Euro 96 semi-finals, led Barcelona to the 1986 European Cup final and won the 1991 FA Cup with Tottenham during a managerial career that made him one of English football’s most admired coaches.
“We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” Venables’ family said in a statement.
“We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
Venables’ vibrant personality and love of attacking football established him as a firm favourite with players and fans alike.
Gary Lineker, signed by Venables for Barcelona in 1986 and then Tottenham in 1989, encapsulated the feelings of the football world as he paid a heartfelt tribute to his trail-blazing former manager.
“Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for,” he wrote on social media.
“He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.
“He’ll be hugely missed. RIP Terry.”
Tottenham paid tribute to Venables’ by holding a minute’s applause ahead of their Premier League fixture with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Both teams wore black armbands, while an image of Venables was displayed on two big screens in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Venables masterminded England’s run to the last four of Euro 96 on home soil at Wembley, with the highlights including a stunning 4-1 rout of the Netherlands and a memorable 2-0 victory over Scotland.
They fell agonisingly short in the semi-finals, losing on penalties to eventual winners Germany, bringing an end to his reign after two years.
England’s current boss Gareth Southgate, who infamously missed a crucial penalty in that shoot-out against Germany, praised Venables’ empathy, as well as his tactical acumen.
A brilliant man
“Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star,” he said.
“He was open-minded, forward-thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.
“A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”
Nicknamed ‘El Tel’, Venables led Barca to the La Liga title in 1985, their first since 1974, and the following season’s European Cup final, where they lost to Steaua Bucharest on penalties.
He was sacked by Barca in 1987 and moved to Tottenham, enjoying success with a side that included Paul Gascoigne and lifted the FA Cup in 1991.
Venables endured an acrimonious end to his spell as manager of the north Londoners after falling out with then owner Alan Sugar.
He won two England caps and made more than 500 club appearances between 1960 and 1975, largely for Chelsea, QPR and Tottenham, where he won the FA Cup in 1967.
Venables also had spells in charge of QPR — taking them to the 1982 FA Cup final — and Crystal Palace, who were labelled the ‘Team of the 80s’ after being promoted with a dashing young side, and the Australian national team.
Hailing Venables’ impact, Tottenham’s current manager Ange Postecoglou said: “If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.
“It wasn’t just about the way he managed or coached, it was the person he was.
“The biggest testament is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across.”
[Vanguard]
Nigerians have been doing well in all sporting activities in recent times, including boxing, with Anthony Joshua emerging as one of the richest boxers in the world according to their net worth.
In January 2022, we saw a record-breaking purse bid of £31 million from Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions to stage Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte.
In boxing, the roar of the crowds and the knockout punches often translate into multi-million dollar paychecks, propelling fighters into the upper echelons of wealth.
A report done by PUNCH Sports Extra shows Joshua and others as the top ten richest boxers in the world and here is the full list:
1. Canelo Alvarez
Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez, the wealthiest active boxer worldwide, boasts an astronomical net worth of $180m.
Alvarez, 33 years old, has won multiple world championships in four weight classes from light middleweight to light heavyweight, including unified titles in three of those weight classes and lineal titles in two.
2. Anthony Joshua
34 years old Joshua’s meteoric ascent to the upper echelons of financial prowess parallels his ferocity within the squared circle. Renowned for his explosive punches and an impressive record of 26 victories in 29 bouts, with a staggering 23 of those triumphs ending by knockout, the Watford-born pugilist has showcased his dominance against renowned adversaries like Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian White and Charles Martin.
3. Tyson Fury
The British heavyweight maestro, Tyson Fury, 35, stands tall in third place with a net worth of $65m. With 33 victories in 34 bouts, including 24 knockouts, Fury’s showdowns against Wilder and Derek Chisora have added luster to his illustrious career.
4. Oleksandr Usyk
Ukrainian sensation, Oleksandr Usyk, 36, has accumulated a net worth of $50m and is fourth in the list. Renowned for his speed and ring craft, Usyk has held multiple world championships in two weight classes, including the unified heavyweight titles in 2021, and the Ring magazine title since 2022.
5. Deontay Wilder
Coming up in fifth place on the list is Alabama-born Deontay Wilder, 36, commanding a net worth of $30m. Wilder has fought against some of the biggest names in boxing, including Tyson Fury and Luis Ortiz. He has won 42 of his 45 fights, with 41 of those wins coming by knockout.
Wilder is known for his powerful right hand which has earned the former WBC heavyweight champion a reputation as a knockout specialist.
6. Gennady Golovkin
Golovkin from Kazakhstan in sixth place with a net worth of $30m, Sonny Bill Williams in seventh with a net worth of $25m, and former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in 8th place worth $10m.
7. Sonny Williams
Williams is in seventh with a net worth of $25m.
8. Andy Ruiz Jr.
Former world champion Ruiz is in 8th place and is worth $10m. Ruiz famously shocked Joshua in 2019 by stripping him of the world titles with a technical knockout at the Madison Square Garden.
9. Sergio Martinez
Argentine pugilist Martinez, aged 48 and the oldest on the list, holds a net worth of $10m in joint eighth position with Ruiz. Martinez has held multiple world championships in two weight classes, including the unified middleweight titles from 2010 to 2014.
10. Ryan Garcia
25-year-old Garcia is the youngest boxer on this list and worth $10m. Garcia has fought against some of the biggest names in boxing, including Luke Campbell and Francisco Fonseca. He has won 22 of his 23 professional fights, with 18 of those wins coming by knockout.
[Punch]
After an eventful 1-1 draw against Manchester City, Liverpool will cough up £8.5m to Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez who made his 60th appearance for the club.
The Uruguayan striker joined Klopp’s side for a transfer worth £85m, of which £64m was fixed and £21m in add-ons, of which £8.5m had to be paid when the striker played 60 games for his new club.
The former Almeria striker has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists in 60 official appearances for Liverpoool, 36 of them starts.
It’s been a strong start for the former Benfica man this season, having registered 12 goals and seven assists in 16 starts for club and country so far.
Liverpool managed to snatch a point from Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League match after Alexander-Arnold’s late goal cancelled out Erling Haaland’s record-breaking opener
Napoli manager, Walter Mazzarri hopes Victor Osimhen returns to his best as soon as possible after the Nigerian inspired a 2-1 away win at Atalanta on Saturday night.
Osimhen stepped up from the bench to teed up Elf Elmas for the winning goal at the Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo.
It was the striker’s first goal for the Serie A champions since he sustained a hamstring injury on international duty last month.
Mazzarri, who took charge of the Serie A champions last week has kind words for the talismanic striker.
“I didn’t need to be the Napoli coach to know that Osimhen is an excellent striker, I had watched him play!
“Fortunately he is back, I hope he gets his form back as soon as possible,” he said.
The 24-year-old has scored six goals in nine appearances for Napoli this season.
[DailyPost]
A friend, a foremost sports journalist, called me up last week from Abuja to inform me that he was racing to the office of the Minister of Sports to inform him of his decision to lead a national campaign to sack Jose Paseiro, the Portuguese coach of the Super Eagles. He wanted my urgent opinion.
Of course, I do not take decisions in a hurry, nor in a panic mode. I also do not swim with the tide of opinion based on emotional or sentimental outbursts, or be part of a mob action baying for the blood of a foreign or local coach, when everything around is skewed against any form of success.
I politely told him I had no opinion yet on the matter and would make it public when I do. That’s what I am doing now.
A new star is born!
I have traversed a similar path in the past, and got burnt by the power of narrower interests and personalities that have run and ruined Nigerian football for many years.
The core of the matter is that the Super Eagles are not winning their matches. Even easy ones. As far as the people are concerned, these last two drawn matches are ‘failures’ and someone must pay for them.
That person is Jose Paseiro. I won’t completely fall for such sentiments now. The Super Eagles should win AFCON 2023. They should also qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Let’s look at some of the issues that can truncate these goals.
Domestic Nigerian football.
There is no depth to the country’s domestic football. They were neglected for too long by successive football federation boards. The boards concentrated on the more personally ‘lucrative’ Super Eagles. They feasted on the fruits without properly feeding the roots. The tree eventually and inevitably weakened and withered, having been deprived of nutrients essential for development of players for a career in the domestic leagues – good nurseries, organisation, integrity, infrastructure, capacity building programs, adequate funding, great welfare packages, and so on. The only available ingredient has been the endless sea of young uncut diamonds in Nigerian players. Ironically, these players are doing everything to flee the country for greener pastures and better opportunities in other parts of the world, and not to strengthen the domestic leagues.
This uncontrolled migration has made nonsense of any attempt to build a serious national team of local players. The failure of the big clubs in the country to win any continental laurels confirms this. That is why all the recent foreign coaches employed don’t take the route of the domestic leagues to seek players for the national teams. The calibre of players is just not there.
So, Paseiro, like the others before him, concentrates on observing Nigerian players in the various leagues in Europe. He assembles the best of them that he finds to form the country’s Super Eagles. He also only has two days before most matches to work with the players before matches, making it impossible to build a team with any level of organised play, pattern and understanding. You do not build solid teams that way. They must have some time to train together, understand each other, be infused with a planned style and philosophy, and made to play several matches. That’s the only way a good team can emerge.
Under the present circumstances, the Super Eagles do not have such luxury. Coaches have been on this impossible mission for well over a decade.
AFCON and the World Cup are the only championships that provide a little time for the team to train together, to play some friendlies, to become a unit. The team uses the earlier group matches of the championship to get better.
That’s what happened during the transition between Gernot Rohr and Austin Eguavoen. A good team started to evolve during the group matches of AFCON 2021, only for the process to be disrupted by a difficult match and a costly error that saw the Eagles exit rather uncharacteristically ‘prematurely’. The baby and the bath water were thereafter thrown into the gully of history. The result is to begin-again.
That’s how Jose Paseiro came in to inherit an impossible and unchangeable situation. For as long as the present system is not changed, no coach in the world can change the fortunes of the Super Eagles. The best he can do is what Gernot Rohr and, now, Jose Paseiro have been doing – not wasting time on the local players from the domestic league (they are not good enough for the national team without additional exposure and training in Europe), scanning Europe for players of Nigerian descent, assembling the best of them for the short periods of time before matches that can NEVER make them a good team with organizational depth, and then going on their knees to pray for undeserved victories. They win some and lose most!
So, Nigerians are disappointed and angry, and bay for the blood of successive coaches.
Yet, deep down, the issues have roots in other issues. A proper study by proper experts is necessary.
Arm-chair critics masquerading as experts whose noise-making rises above the din of common sense and more careful interrogations blur proper and more meaningful conversations.
Meanwhile, the present Super Eagles are not strong in two major areas of the field – the mid-field and goalkeeping.
There is little that can be done about the team’s strength without the influence of a few players with exceptional skills and ability in certain areas of the team. Presently, there is a dearth of creative and attacking midfield players who can hold and distribute the balls well.
Goalkeeping has become a problem only because Paseiro refuses to see the difference between an efficient goalkeeper and one whose only qualification is his physical frame.
The last goal conceded against Zimbabwe, scored directly from a free kick 30 metres from his goal clearly exposed Uzoho’s weakness. It is an elementary goalkeeping error.
Finally, Nigeria should not panic and take decisions that will not impact anything, will not change the Super Eagles and will not provide guaranteed outcomes.
This is the time to be cool, calm and calculated.
Nigeria is blessed with a lot of good players presently. With a little bit of luck, more patience and the time shortly before AFCON 2023 used properly to build a stronger team, plus the return of one of the deadliest strikers on the planet, Victor Osimhen, in the team, Nigeria shall improve steadily into AFCON 2023.
In January, the team will use the group matches of the championship to get better, and possibly go on to win AFCON 2023. They will then gain the essential confidence to play more consistently and (at the end of AFCON) establish a stronger team that shall be able to go into the World Cup qualifying matches with more strength and purpose, and qualify for the World Cup as true champions of African football.
Barcelona remain third in La Liga after a late own goal rescued a draw at Rayo Vallecano.
Trailing at the break to Unai Lopez’s stunning strike, Barca dominated the second half but missed good chances.
They finally got their reward when Florian Lejeune bundled into his own net under pressure from Robert Lewandowski.
Second-placed Real Madrid face Cadiz on Sunday while leaders Girona host Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
Barcelona made six changes from the side that came from behind to beat Alaves before the international break, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen absent through injury.
His replacement, Inaki Pena, looked shaky from the off and was beaten by Lopez’s ferocious right-foot effort midway through the first half.
Frustrated by a disjointed display, boss Xavi turned to former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan from the bench and Barcelona dominated the second half.
However, despite taking 10 shots to Rayo’s three after the break, they still needed the help of Lejeune in the 82nd minute, as he clumsily steered the ball past his own goalkeeper with Lewandowski waiting to pounce.
[Leadership]
ERLING Haaland broke yet another English Premier League goals record today as his Manchester City side surrendered the lead to draw 1-1 with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norway striker fired City in front in the first half but Liverpool equalised late in the second half through Trent Alexander-Arnold to earn a share of the spoils.
Champions Manchester City were the more dominant side against their big rivals in the early part of the match and they got their reward in the 27th minute.
After another wayward kick out by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Nathan Ake pounced on the ball, eased past three Liverpool players before slipping the ball to Haaland who fired home unerringly.
It was Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal since he joined Manchester City last season and he became the fastest player to reach that milestone in the competition’s history.
He reached the 50-goal mark in just 48 matches, beating the previous fastest player to score 50 goals in the Premier League, Andy Cole, who needed 65 matches.
Haaland is also the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 20 goals (14 games), 30 goals (27 games) and 40 goals (39 games).
However, his record-setting feat did not end in victory for Manchester City as Liverpool fought back to draw level.
Alexander-Arnold, who was one of the Liverpool players culpable for Haaland’s goal, equalised in the 80th minute with a smart finish off a pass from Mohamed Salah.
City could have been 2-0 up before Liverpool’s equaliser but Ruben Dias’ goal was ruled out for a foul on Alisson by Manuel Akanji.
With the result, Manchester City stay on top of the table, one point ahead of Liverpool and two clear of Arsenal, who would take top spot if they beat Brentford later this evening.
[NaijaTimes]
More...
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has identified Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, and Matt Ritchie as the three players who helped his team beat Chelsea 4-1 in Saturday’s Premier League tie.
Howe said Lascelles, Trippier, and Ritchie made sure that Newcastle did not surrender to Chelsea at St. James’ Park.
He also said that the Magpies made a statement against the Blues.
Newcastle opened the scoring through Alexander Isak, but Raheem Sterling equalised for Mauricio Pochettino’s side with a fine free-kick.
However, three second-half goals from Lascelles, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon gave the host all three points.
Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Howe said: “It was a real statement of character within the squad. We really asked the players to step up, and we really deserved to win. Big positives from today.
“The leaders within the group set the tone: Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Matt Ritchie. They make sure we don’t surrender.”
[DailyPost]
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 80th-minute goal earned Liverpool a 1-1 draw at leaders Manchester City after Erling Haaland broke yet another record.
It looked like Man City were heading four points clear at the top of the table thanks to Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal, but Alexander-Arnold’s superb strike means the Reds stay hot on City’s heels, one point behind in second place, and stops City’s 23-match winning home run in all competitions.
It also means that third-placed Arsenal can leapfrog both teams into first place with a win at Brentford in Saturday’s late match.
Man City made one change to the team that drew 4-4 at Chelsea prior to the international break.
Ederson was passed fit after pulling out of the Brazil squad, but Jack Grealish was absent due to illness.
For Liverpool, Curtis Jones started in midfield, with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota accompanying Mohamed Salah in attack.
The first chance of the match came in the 11th minute when Alisson’s poor pass went straight to Phil Foden, whose strike at goal was weak and did not trouble the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Liverpool had the best chance of the opening exchanges, with Nunez’s header from Salah’s cross being tipped away by Ederson.
But that was Liverpool’s only shot on target of the first half as Man City asserted their dominance, which they made count in the 27th minute after another Alisson error.
Alisson’s sloppy kick was controlled by Nathan Ake, who skipped between two challenges and played in Haaland to score his historic 50th goal, reaching the milestone in his 48th appearance, and smashing Andrew Cole’s record.
It was the Norwegian’s first Premier League goal against Liverpool, meaning he has now scored against 20 of the 21 opponents he’s faced in the competition, failing only against Brentford, whom City next face in February.
Man City came close to doubling their lead in the last minute of the first half in a moment involving a moment of brilliance by both goalkeepers.
Ederson’s long pass led to an opportunity for Foden to smash a shot at goal, which Alisson dived to his left to push wide of a post.
In the second half, City continued to look the more likely team to score, with Julian Alvarez lifting a shot over the bar and Ruben Dias having a goal ruled out after Manuel Akanji had fouled Alisson.
Liverpool also lost Diogo Jota to an apparent injury, with the Portuguese hobbling off before the hour mark.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side refused to give up, and shortly after Nunez saw a shot saved at the near post, they equalised, and Alisson played a big part, making amends for his mistake that led to City’s goal.
Alisson saved a close-range shot by Haaland and, less than a minute later, Salah passed to Alexander-Arnold, who produced a fantastic low finish from the edge of the box for his first goal of the Premier League season.
Both teams wanted to find a winner, and Klopp tried to benefit from fresh legs as he made five substitutions.
Pep Guardiola in comparison made none, but despite that, it was City who so nearly nicked a win at the death.
In the last minute of stoppage time, Alvarez’s corner was headed across goal and inches wide by Haaland, as the latest instalment of Man City v Liverpool ended all square.
[DailyTrust]
Manchester City will host league rivals Liverpool at Etihad this afternoon in the Premier League matchday 13 fixture.
Man City head into the game following a thrilling 4-4 draw against Chelsea while Liverpool defeated Brentford 3-0 courtesy of a Mohammed Salah brace.
Pep Guardiola’s side are on top of the Premier League table with 28 points from 12 games, while Liverpool are 2nd with 27 points.
Man City’s team news:
Man City’s striker Erling Haaland missed Norway’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland due to an ankle issue.
Goalkeeper Ederson also didn’t travel with Brazil for the international break, while Sergio Gomez (ankle), Mateo Kovacic (thigh) and Nathan Ake (knock).
Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), John Stones (thigh), and Matheus Nunes, was declared “clinically unfit” while on duty with the Portugal national team, are set to watch from the sidelines.
Liverpool’s team news:
Liverpool’s medical team must make late calls on a number of players, including Joe Gomez (knock), Ryan Gravenberch (knee injury), Ibrahima Konate (hamstring injury) and Curtis Jones (hamstring injury).
However, all four players trained with the team ahead of the tough fixture.
But all of Andrew Robertson (shoulder injury), Stefan Bajcetic (calf injury) and Thiago Alcantara (hip injury) are still out with long term injuries.
Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Silva, Alvarez, Foden, Haaland, Doku
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Jota
[TheNation]
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he wants Takehiro Tomiyasu to stay.
The Japan defender is a January target for Bayern Munich.
Arteta said today: “I really want him to stay.
“I value the player a lot. He’s loved and respected by everybody at the club. He’s at the level we need to make an impact on the team.
“He’s going to be with us.”
[TNG]