Tag Futebol

Manchester United made sure not to hand the Premier League title over to rivals Manchester City and take the battle down to the last day with a 2-0 win over Swansea on Sunday.

With the Red Devils level on points but behind on goal difference with their cross-town rivals the emphasis was on an emphatic victory, with Paul Scholes and Ashley Young scoring in the first half.

However, the champions could not add to their tally in the second 45, and are now dependent on QPR getting something from their game against City at the Etihad Stadium on the last day.

Despite being underdogs to lift the crown, Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to give up hope.

“We have to go there with the right spirit to win the match. You never know,” he told Sky Sports.

“Our responsibility next week is to win the game.

“We’ve got next week. QPR need a point, so you never know. I just wish Sparky (QPR boss Mark Hughes) was playing,” he stated.

In regards to the victory over Swansea, the Scottish trainer felt his team played well and were good value for their win.

“We did what had to do. We won the match. We had a lot of chances. I thought we played very, very well.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I was pleased to win the match,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Chile have picked up just a second win of the Copa America tournament, while Uruguay became the latest favourite to be held to a draw.In a Group C double-header at Mendoza’s Estadio del Bicentenario, Peru frustrated Uruguay into a 1-1 stalemate – the fourth draw in six completed games at the tournament in Argentina – while Chile’s class helped them overcome Mexico 2-1.

Despite Uruguay’s much-vaunted front three of Napoli’s Edinson Cavani, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan, Peru’s well-organised defence enjoyed the better of the early going.

After a lively opening, it was Peru who drew first blood when Paolo Guerrero was picked out by a great ball from Michael Guevara on 25 minutes.

The Hamburg striker coolly rounded Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera before slotting into an empty net.

Uruguay – the third-favourite nation behind Argentina and Brazil – began to wrest control late in the half and could have been back on level terms when Forlan launched a vicious swerving free-kick towards goal five minutes before half-time, but Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez performed an acrobatic save.

They did not have to wait long to equalise, however, and Suarez fired home on the stroke of half-time after a neat turn and pass from Ajax midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro.

The second half was a pulsating affair, with both sides having chances to take away three points as things became willing.

Guerrero had a great chance to seal a win for Peru in the 90th minute, but the 27-year-old put his close-range header wide of the mark.

In the later game, Chile showed their quality but needed to come from behind against a stubborn Mexico side.

Just six of the faces that helped their nation lift the Gold Cup on June 25 were included in Mexico’s largely Under-22 squad, with five overage players and only two who boasted more than 10 caps.

It showed as Chile dominated large sections of the game, with Barcelona target Alexis Sanchez busy and Sporting Lisbon midfield Matias Fernandez the hub of his side’s attacking moves.

Fernandez went close from a free kick and then open play, while team-mate Humberto Suazo was only thwarted in his hunt for a goal by some agile goalkeeper from Mexico’s Luis Ernesto Michel on 30 minutes.

The half appeared destined to end scoreless despite Chile’s domination, until 19-year-old defender Nestor Araujo threaded a header beyond Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo after Giovani dos Santos’ ball was flicked on in the area.

The goal failed to shake Chile, however, and they pulled level 22 minutes into the second half when substitute Esteban Paredes prodded home from close range.

They then finally made their domination count when Fernandez’s corner was headed into the net by Arturo Vidal, though Bravo was needed to keep the score at 2-1 when he blocked Edgar Pacheco’s effort shortly before the final whistle.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that his side had enjoyed a 'good day' after they saw off Wigan Athletic 2-0 to draw level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

United took advantage of their rivals losing 1-0 at Birmingham City, with their win over the Latics at Old Trafford also seeing Wayne Rooney return to action as a substitute.

Ferguson told MUTV:"While it wasn't a great performance, it was competent and if you'd asked me at the start of the day, would I have taken joint top spot at the end of it, I would have said yes.

"It's been a good day for us, no question about that. This league is without doubt a high-quality league now. All the games you play are very difficult.

"You saw that last week when a young Aston Villa team came out and set about us. It was the same again today.

"I think we know ourselves that come the second half of the season we'll definitely get better.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"At this moment in the time, we just need to be in that bit at the top of the league. We're joint top with Chelsea now."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Rangers missed a fantastic opportunity to beat Celtic and kick-start a genuine Scottish Premiership title race in a thrilling derby at Ibrox on Sunday.

Ahead in the game twice and then finding their opponents down to 10 men, Graeme Murty’s side have never had a better chance of beating the reigning Scottish champions in recent years, but squandered glorious opportunities in front of goal and eventually lost 3-2.

The biggest culprit was Alfredo Morelos who missed two second half chances to score a vital third goal of the afternoon, one of which will likely be the miss of the season.

Meeting Josh Windass’ saved shot six yards out with an open net at his disposal, the Colombian somehow managed to hit the post when it was easier to score.

Fans were left fuming with his contribution, the miss so bad that many can’t imagine seeing him play for the club again despite his 17-goal haul this season.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts in the aftermath…

[ad_pod ]

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea considered leaving the club after a tough debut season at Old Trafford, Mirror reports.

The Spanish shot-stopper was the hero in Man United’s 2-1 win over Everton last weekend, making three incredible saves plus denying a Leighton Baines penalty to secure three points for his side.

WANT MORE? >> Manchester United Transfer News | Latest Transfer News

De Gea now admits that may be in the form of his lift at the moment, but not long after his £17.8million move from Atletico Madrid, he was tempted in making a return back to Spain after a series of mistakes in his first season.

Prompted whether he wanted to leave Manchester during his tough period, he replied: “Sometimes. I was difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did.

“But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive. I loved training. It was a great pleasure so I just did my work and worked through it.

“Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United it is normal when you don’t play well.

“Yes, I am glad it happened in some ways because the criticism makes you stronger. Goalkeeper is a difficult position and you make mistakes. It is normal. But you have to be strong in your mind to get through it all and get better.

“I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years and in the beginning it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.

“I think that experience at the start at United has helped me be the player and man I am now. When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has likened Robin van Persie’s effect on the Manchester United team to that of Lionel Messi for Barcelona, the Guardian reports.

The praise from O’Neill followed his side’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday in which van Persie was influential throughout for the Red Devils, scoring once as well as providing an assist for Wayne Rooney’s goal.

Speaking of the Dutchman’s impact on the United team, the Sunderland boss made reference to the importance of Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi for the Spanish side.

“Would, for instance, Barcelona have the same effect if Lionel Messi didn’t play? The number of goals he has scored is incredible [90 in 2012]. They are a very talented team, but without him, you don’t know because Messi is their talisman.”

Van Persie took his tally to 15 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season for his new club, following his switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in August.

“Honestly, he [Van Persie] can get goals out of very little. It looks like nothing is happening, you have players there in the area, but all of a sudden, he has opened up a gap,” O’Neill said.

“Just look at the third goal. We would say we didn’t defend brilliantly, but he would say it was great play, fantastic play, and you always felt that United would give themselves a big edge by getting van Persie.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

United currently sit six points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, and are now guaranteed to be able to enjoy being leaders of the pack at Christmas.

[cat_link cat=”manchester-united” type=”grid”]

Manchester City have humbled many teams in the Premier League this season, but Chelsea seemed to bring that process upon themselves on Sunday as Antonio Conte set up his side for a decisively passive performance at the Etihad Stadium, resulting in a 1-0 defeat.

As much as Chelsea’s players were following the instructions of their manager, it was still a disappointing performance from the Blues; Eden Hazard became completely disinterested after the first half an hour, Willian and Pedro failed to make the most of the few opportunities in which they received the ball, the midfield struggled to have any real impact on the game and the backline was largely found wanting as Bernardo Silva drifted in at the far post for the only goal of the afternoon.

But there’s one player who can return to west London with his head held high, and Chelsea fans won’t be too surprised that it’s Cesar Azpilicueta – the Blues’ Mr. Reliable and undoubtedly the most consistent, versatile and dependable defender in the Premier League at this moment in time.

The Spaniard’s most telling contribution came in the form of a goal line clearance to prevent what would have been a sensational goal from Leroy Sane, and that epitomised what was a decent performance from Azpilicueta under difficult circumstances – especially in comparison to many of his exceptionally quiet team-mates.

Indeed, the 28-year-old also won the most tackles of any Chelsea player, made the second-most clearances and blocked the most shots – an impressive three – while completing 92% of his passes, ranking first throughout the Blues’ XI for touches and not committing a single foul.

Despite the scoreline and the lack of intent Chelsea showed in a disappointingly negative performance, Azpilicueta still found a way to have a positive influence on the match.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has admitted he retired from football as he ‘never felt like a footballer’, reports the Daily Mirror.

The former England international retired this summer at the age of just 29.

Bentley said: “To be honest, I was even having a few doubts about football when I was at Blackburn.

“It was weird. Kim was like: ‘You’ve got to buck your ideas up’. A lot of people were saying that and I remember walking my dog, thinking: ‘This ain’t for me’.

“I remember being a bit disappointed in myself. I was thinking: ‘You should love it, what’s the matter with you? You’re only saying this because you’re a little bit unhappy at the minute’.

“But in the end I just got tired of all the bull**** that goes with it, people wanting you to sell yourself as something you’re not.

“I loved matchdays, the atmosphere and the buzz, but, looking back, the biggest disappointment was coming out of youth team football.

“Back then I was with my mates, playing Sunday League, you’re winning together with all your mums and dads, that’s when football is brilliant.

“For me the professional dressing-room wasn’t that exciting, life wasn’t that great. Whether my career reached the heights it could or should have done – certain people are built for the life of a footballer but I don’t think I was.

“I had the tools but I don’t think I had that. But that’s what makes me who I am and I never wanted to change it.

“Everyone grows up dreaming of being a Premier League footballer, playing for England – and I did it.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“But it wasn’t like whoopee-do and then, bang, finished. The contract ran down, it stopped and I stopped playing. I didn’t give up while I had a contract, I just decided that my future was outside of football.”

Norwich stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games with victory over Sunderland to heap more pressure on Martin O’Neill.

The Canaries have improved after a slow start under Chris Hughton and haven’t tasted defeat since a 4-1 reverse against Chelsea at the start of October.

In stark contrast to their hosts the Wearsiders just can’t seem to buy a win at the moment and a sixth defeat in their last nine leaves them just a place and point outside the bottom three.

Despite the loss O’Neill, who celebrates his first anniversary as boss on Monday, can take heart from a spirited second half display from his side, although his record of two wins in 22 league games is similar to the one that got predecessor Steve Bruce the sack 12-months ago.

And Norwich were quick to capitalise on the visitors’ defensive uncertainty and took just eight minutes to break the deadlock, former Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong stealing in at the back post to bundle Robert Snodgrass’ free kick into the net.

Sunderland barely looked like threatening goalkeeper Mark Bunn, standing in for the injured John Ruddy, and were dealt another blow as the hosts doubled their lead in the 37th minute with a superb team goal.

A move involving 29 passes ended with Anthony Pilkington latching on to a defence splitting pass from Bradley Johnson, shrugging off the attention of Carlos Cuellar and cooly slotting the ball past Simon Mignolet.

That seemed to jolt O’Neill’s men from their perpetual slumber and Craig Gardner gave them hope of a second half comeback, lashing the ball beyond Bunn from 20-yards after being teed up by Adam Johnson just before the break.

Despite improving after the restart they just couldn’t fashion an equaliser and centre back Matt Kilgallon squandered their best opportunity when he fired over an empty net from 10 yards after Gardner’s free kick struck the post.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Arsenal fans in and around the Transfer Tavern are hopeful that Unai Emery will recruit the necessary players for the Gunners to attempt to once again reach the top four in the Premier League.

The new boss has made a positive start to life in London, by bringing in the experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno to the club, building on two weak points in the Gunners’ side. 

Although not a weakness, Nacho Monreal isn’t getting any younger, prompting the need to bring in a player more capable of being a long-servant for Arsenal. Our punters believe that Valencia’s Jose Gaya is a player that would be a great addition at the Emirates and one that could walk straight into their starting 11.

Gaya, who’s valued at £31.5 million on Transfermarkt, has been a regular at Valencia and impressed massively during his time with the Spaniards so far. Having made 38 total appearances last year, attacking wise, Gaya helped Valencia to 5 assists as well as defending valiantly in a unit. 

Arsenal are heading into a new chapter in their history and the acquisition of Jose Gaya would be a good way to look forward rather than backwards, like they have been doing over the last few years. At 23, Gaya has years ahead of him to assert himself as number one left-back, proving why so much interest has been around him for years.

The Emirates needs a lift this summer and immediately by adding Jose Gaya to their two new signings as well, things will be looking a lot brighter for the London club.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Thoughts… Let us know!