new site

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to Sky Sports: “I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won.

“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.

“Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.”

On his subs: “We were not happy. We played too high in midfield and it was easy for their two centre-halves to go and attack. We had to play a little bit deeper. Therefore we made the sub. Then we made changes to bring more energy. Then in the end we were losing so we decided to go with three at the back and play an extra offensive player and I decided to take both centre-backs off with Lindelof to defend the spaces.

“We have to deal with the setback and learn a lesson. So many times recently, we came back after Liverpool. I don’t have that concern. I believe in the team. I believe we’ll bounce back.”

Newcastle vs Manchester United .
Score: 2-0.

Southampton manager Ruben Selles said after his side’s loss to West Ham: “It’s always frustrating to concede a goal, especially from set plays.

“I think we had control of the game until then. The goal and then VAR decision, sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it doesn’t.

“We had a couple of chances at the end but it was hard to fight back.”

West Ham United vs Southampton .
Score: 1-0.

“We didn’t lead the game with the ball after the red card,” said Stellini. “We had the chance to control the game better than we did and you have to do it with the ball, You have one extra player, you have to move the ball side by side but sometimes we were rushing.

“We were frantic and we have to improve in this aspect. It is a long process, we don’t change in one night.

“We played a good match, started the game well in the first half but against this type of team they are very direct and you have to be strong. With the ball you have to find the right solution.

“We arrived well around the box but after this you have to find a way to score. The approach and plan was good, but at 1-0 up and with an extra player, you have to be more lucid with the ball.”

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur .
Score: 1-1.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to the BBC: “We all saw that before – a team full of confidence and one that lacks confidence. The team with confidence scored and then we had to find a way back. We had to run a lot and work a lot but that is normal. In a game against Arsenal you have to close the centre. We had our struggles but when we were more compact and played with more direction it was good.

“In the end it is a question of how can we not win this game. It is obviously much better than getting nothing. I am not overly happy but I am absolutely OK with it.”

On the incident between the assistant referee and Andrew Robertson: “I didn’t see it at all. I heard something happened. I heard the pictures speak for themselves but I don’t know more.”

Liverpool vs Arsenal .
Score: 2-2.

It’s crunch time in the Premier League, as clubs give it one last push to achieve their targets in the 2022-23 season.

For some, that target is simply to remain in the division. The relegation odds are still extremely difficult to call, with at least five teams still in realistic danger of the drop at the time of writing. 

However, amidst the disappointment of a below-par season for their teams, some players have still performed at a high level and enjoyed superb campaigns. Let’s take a look at five players who have stood out despite operating in the bottom reaches of the Premier League table. 

Although Southampton’s season looks doomed to end in relegation, the performances of James Ward-Prowse have continued to impress. The midfielder has been Southampton’s best player by far, and it speaks volumes of the team’s struggles that Ward-Prowse is their joint top scorer this season.  

With a deadly ability to score from direct free-kicks, Ward-Prowse is just one behind David Beckham’s record, but it looks like he’ll be breaking that record for another club next season if Southampton succumb to the dreaded drop.

Declan Rice

Even though West Ham have had a disappointing season, Declan Rice’s stock continues to rise. The midfielder seems to get better and better with each passing week, and it’s no surprise that the top clubs are circling to try and tempt Rice away from the London Stadium.

The 24-year-old has been the standout performer for the struggling Hammers, and with no European football next season, perhaps this will be the summer Rice finally heads for pastures new.

Morgan Gibbs-White

It’s been a bit of a topsy-turvy season for Nottingham Forest. The mass influx of new players at the beginning of the season posed a real challenge for Steve Cooper, but it’s fair to say that Morgan Gibbs-White has proved to be a valuable addition, despite the hefty fee it took to bring him in from Wolves.

Gibbs-White plays with the kind of flair that excites supporters, and his ability to create moments of magic out of nothing has made a massive difference in Forest’s efforts to avoid the drop. Wolves may well regret letting him go.

Harvey Barnes

Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League title win now seems a long time ago. Seven years on, the club are staring down the barrel of relegation, but the performances of Harvey Barnes this season have at least brought a modicum of hope to the King Power Stadium.

Barnes has bagged 12 Premier League goals so far in this campaign, which is comfortably his best scoring season in a Leicester shirt. The 25-year-old has done his level best to drag an ailing Foxes side out of the murky depths, but only time will tell whether Barnes and co. are destined for the Championship.

Wilfried Gnonto

One surprising positive from Leeds United’s stuttering season is the emergence of Wilfried Gnonto. The 19-year-old, signed from FC Zurich at the beginning of the season, has been a breath of fresh air, entertaining the Elland Road faithful with his explosive style of play.

Unfortunately for Leeds, too much responsibility has fallen on young players like Gnonto to make things happen, and after Javi Gracia’s sacking, Sam Allardyce’s side are in great danger of dropping back down to the Championship after just two seasons in the top flight. 

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to Sky Sports on what made the difference today: “The clinical nature in front of goal. We were the better football team in the first half – in possession, chances we matched them at least. To be 2-0 down is probably a sign of where we’re at. Second half, probably a sign of where we’re at.”

On if the problems are in both boxes: “Our goal count for the season shows it’s a problem we don’t score goals enough. We gave them some threats in the first half but not many in the first half. Some of the defending in the second half showed why we play a back five at times.”

On how he feels: “Disappointed with it. We have to be better than that. It’s the end of a long season. There are some technical details inside you have to work daily to do the standards things you say, they are a fact. Maybe with United you see there’s some experience at both ends of the pitch that made the game as it was. It’s a reality for the players.”

On the importance of standards: “Any team that wins or consistently gets results has them. Without them the tactics don’t matter.

“Training well every day, trying to win, being a collective unit. I understand it’s hard for the coaches this year at the club as it’s a big squad and I’ve lived in that. Sometimes you can say maybe it’s a factor but as a player you have to put it to the side and focus on your own game.

“Since I’ve come in I’ve realized some of the collective standards. We have to realize why the club is where it’s at. There’s definitely not a lack of effort. I was fortunate to be here for many years, you can be here the next year and see that someone has improved on their standards.”

Manchester United vs Chelsea .
Score: 4-1.

In the world of football, there is a certain allure to the underdog, those teams that defy expectations and achieve remarkable success against all odds. From Leicester City’s historic Premier League triumph to Iceland’s remarkable journey in the UEFA European Championship, underdog stories captivate the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the secrets behind the success of underdog teams, uncovering the factors that contribute to their triumphant rise.

1. Tactical Brilliance: One key element that sets underdog teams apart is their tactical approach to the game. Often facing superior opponents, these teams rely on strategic formations, compact defenses, and swift counter-attacking plays to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. Leicester City’s title-winning campaign, for instance, showcased their ability to absorb pressure and strike with lethal efficiency on the break, catching established giants off guard.
2. Unyielding Teamwork: Underdog teams thrive on the spirit of camaraderie and unity within their squads. They possess a strong sense of collective identity and a never-say-die attitude. This cohesion fosters resilience, allowing them to fight back from unfavorable situations and maintain a level of belief that propels them to victory. The Greek national team’s unexpected Euro 2004 triumph epitomizes the power of teamwork and determination against all odds.
3. Managerial Genius: Behind every successful underdog team lies a shrewd and innovative manager. These managers possess a keen eye for talent and a knack for identifying players who may be undervalued by others. They instill a winning mentality in their players, tactically outmaneuvering their counterparts. The likes of Claudio Ranieri with Leicester City and Diego Simeone with Atlético Madrid have showcased their managerial brilliance, orchestrating stunning victories against the odds.
4. Mental Strength: Mental fortitude plays a vital role in the success of underdog teams. The ability to remain composed under pressure,  disregard external expectations, and focus on their strengths are all essential attributes. The belief that they can upset the status quo fuels their determination to overcome the odds. Iceland’s national team, with its population of only 330,000, demonstrated remarkable mental strength during their historic run in the Euro 2016 tournament.
5. Capitalizing on Opportunities: Underdog teams often seize pivotal moments to turn the tide of a game in their favor. They capitalize on set pieces, individual brilliance, and moments of luck. These teams understand that they may not dominate possession or dictate the game, but by making the most of limited chances, they can make a significant impact. Such opportunism was evident when Costa Rica advanced to the quarterfinals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, defeating established powerhouses along the way.

Conclusion: The rise of underdog teams in football is a testament to the fact that talent and resources alone do not guarantee success. Tactical brilliance, unwavering teamwork, exceptional managerial guidance, mental strength, and seizing opportunities all contribute to the triumph of these teams. As fans, we are reminded that the beautiful game is full of surprises, where the underdog can emerge victorious and leave an indelible mark on the history of football.

Poker is a game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to succeed. It is one of the most popular card games in the world, with various types and styles available. If you play poker already, you may know about the variants of the game, but here you can learn how each variant…