Connect with us

Sport

Liverpool vs Chelsea could be the battle of two 22-year-olds- The Week

Published

on

Liverpool vs Chelsea could be the battle of two 22-year-olds- The Week

As the Premier League returned after the international break, there was plenty of action on Saturday. However, the most exciting fixture of the weekend, at least on paper, is set to take place on Sunday. Liverpool, who began the gameweek as league leaders will take on Chelsea, who were placed fourth. 

Coming into gameweek eight, Chelsea were second in the league in terms of goals scored with 16, only behind Manchester City on 17. But, Chelsea had also missed 16 big chances against City’s 10. So, it could be argued that in terms of pure goal threat, Chelsea has been the best team in the Premier League so far this season. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool has had the best defence in the league so far, conceding only two goals (the next-best record was for Arsenal with six goals conceded).

It then looks like the Sunday fixture, at 9pm IST, will very much be a case of attack against defence. However, not quite in the traditional sense, as both teams will want to control the game—Liverpool ranked second for passes, behind City, with 4,000, while Chelsea were fifth with 3,575 passes. When you consider the fact that the Reds are not far behind Chelsea in terms of goals scored—they are joint fifth on 13—and that the match is being played at Anfield, it becomes increasingly clear that Chelsea will find it difficult to upset the table-toppers. 

Advertisement

One battle that will be key to the outcome of the match though will be Chelsea’s most potent attacking threat Cole Palmer against Ryan Gravenberch, who is playing a more defensive role in Liverpool’s midfield this season. Both have been excellent in their roles this term, and it seems as if whether Chelsea can overcome the home team depends on whether Palmer, who has six goals and five assists so far, can win the midfield duel against the Dutchman. 

The 22-year-old has looked revitalised by his new role under Dutch coach Arne Slot and has been a key cog in Liverpool’s dynamic midfield. He has broken up play with ease and has looked comfortable driving into the opposition’s final third. These runs often draw opponents in, freeing his teammates to receive the ball and Gravenberch stood second in the league for passes at the end of a ball carry, behind City’s Mateo Kovacic, ahead of the gameweek. However, Chelsea’s attacking threat may see him playing a slightly more reserved role. 

Therefore, it maybe his ball-winning capabilities that are more prominent on Sunday. 

And, he has been among the best players in the league for both ball recoveries and duel success. 

Advertisement

The biggest threat for Liverpool could be quick counter-attacks. Their only defeat of the season so far was at home and was the result of a successful counter-attack by Nottingham Forest. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has excelled in counter-attacks. Indeed the Blues were clear at the top in terms of shots from quick counter-attacks after the first seven gameweeks, with 11 (the teams in joint second, which included Forest, had 9 each).

Palmer, also 22, expectedly, has been key in the most impressive of these breakaway chances. Indeed, since he joined Chelsea last season, the Englishman has been brilliant at creating chances from fast breaks, both for himself and for his teammates. He has created eight such chances this season, while taking on seven shots. As a result, in terms of direct attacking threat from dribbles, he has arguably been the most well-rounded—goal contributions, shots and chances created—threat this season, even ahead of City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. 

Therefore, while Liverpool has plenty of potency in the attack, they will have to keep Palmer quiet to avoid nervy moments in defence. To achieve this, Gravenberch will have to stay close to Palmer and prevent him from getting into his stride. It will take a dogged and determined performance and he will need plenty of help from his partner in midfield. 

If Gravenberch wins the battle of the two 22-year-olds, that will most definitely give Liverpool the platform to comfortably see off Chelsea’s challenge. If Palmer finds space and time, it could lead to another upset at Anfield. 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sport

Manchester United: ‘Chaos’ at Old Trafford goes back to Sir Alex Ferguson departure – Patrice Evra

Published

on

Manchester United: 'Chaos' at Old Trafford goes back to Sir Alex Ferguson departure - Patrice Evra

Five-time Premier League winner Patrice Evra says the future at Manchester United is “not bright”, with his old club having been “in a chaos” for more than a decade.

The Old Trafford side last won the league title in 2013, their last season under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and sit 12th in the table under current boss Erik ten Hag.

Evra left a year after Ferguson and the former France captain believes United are still counting the cost of losing such trophy-winning experience.

“It’s always tough to talk about United right now because back in the day we used to play for the fans, for the badge, for the history,” he told BBC Sport NI.

Advertisement

A smiling Evra added: “I blame myself, I blame Sir Alex Ferguson”.

“When we left, we left too early and it’s difficult for the players because they don’t have any example,” he added.

“I’m not inside, I don’t know what the problem is. The manager Ten Hag is trying to do his best – it’s not good enough. But it’s not just about this season, it’s since we won the last league in 2013, the club has been like in a chaos.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Freddie Freeman expects to return to Dodgers’ lineup in World Series opener vs. Yankees

Published

on

Freddie Freeman expects to return to Dodgers' lineup in World Series opener vs. Yankees


Freddie Freeman is penciling himself into the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ lineup for their World Series opener against the New York Yankees.

“I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind that I will be in the lineup for Game 1,” he said Tuesday during a Zoom news conference.

Advertisement

By Game 1 on Friday, Freeman will have had a week since running on his sprained right ankle in NL Championship Series Game 5 against the New York Mets.

Of course, the final lineup decision rests with manager Dave Roberts after discussions with the front office.

The All-Star first baseman missed Games 4 and 6 of the NLCS. Freeman was 3 for 18 against the Mets after hitting .286 in the NL Division Series against San Diego.

Advertisement

Freeman said he can hit and walk comfortably but his ankle flares up when he takes the first step to run. He’s been receiving hours of treatment for the first sprained ankle of his long career.

“I want to get this thing as calmed down as I possibly can, to give my best self and be ready to go by Game 1,” he said.

Freeman hurt his ankle on Sept. 26 against the Padres while trying to avoid a tag at first base by San Diego’s Luis Arráez and missed the Dodgers’ last three regular-season games.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Advertisement

[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience

Freddie Freeman

Los Angeles Dodgers

New York Mets


Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more




Source link

Continue Reading

Sport

Mumbai City FC continue domination over FC Goa, win 2-1- The Week

Published

on

Mumbai City FC continue domination over FC Goa, win 2-1- The Week

Mumbai City FC grabbed their maiden victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a closely-fought 2-1 win against FC Goa on Saturday.

Mumbai City extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games against the Gaurs to reaffirm their upper hand in the recent history of the fixture.

Two strikes in the first half from Nikalos Karelis (21st) and Yoell van Niff (40th) were sufficient for the Islanders as the spot-kick that Armando Sadiku (55th) converted for the home side in the second half of the game came as consolation.

The win for the Petr Kratky-coached unit was spearheaded by their Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff, whose sublime skill sets in the offensive half of the field helped the visitors pierce through a well-organised FC Goa backline repeatedly.

Advertisement

Hmingthanmawia Ralte, also known as Valpuia, was an energetic presence for Mumbai City and it was he who earned a free-kick for them from the right flank in the 21st minute that led to the Karelis’ opener.

Van Nieff stepped up on the set-piece and delivered a perfectly dipping curled ball inside the box that met an onrushing Karelis at the centre of the 18-yard area. Karelis thundered the ball into the back of the net through his head, getting the Islanders an important lead in the contest.

Seven minutes later, former Mumbai City midfielder Rowllin Borges came close to helping Sadiku secure the equaliser for FC Goa. Now with the Gaurs, Borges squared up a pass to Sadiku from the right flank, and the striker twice attempted to score but to no avail.

Van Nieff ensured to capitalise on a moment in the 40th minute, driving an attack forward with his sheer pace and trickery on the ball.

Advertisement

He dazzled ahead from the middle, but instead of taking the passing route, the 31-year-old opted to test his fortunes from distance. The ball landed into the bottom left corner and helped Mumbai City head into the half-time break with a comfortable two-goal lead.

In the second half, Valpuia committed a foul on Sadiku inside the 18-yard box in the 54th minute. He was shown a yellow card for the same and Sadiku made sure that he didn’t fluff this time, hammering the ball into the top right corner a minute later to give FC Goa a sneak back into the proceedings.

Mumbai City held their nerves impressively thereafter though, as FC Goa could not turn the tides despite coach Manolo Marquez making some inspired substitutions with Dejan Drazic and Nim Dorjee coming on late into the game.

FC Goa will play their next match against Chennaiyin FC on October 24, whereas Mumbai City return to action against Odisha FC on October 27.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

MMA

Francis Ngannou is heavyweight’s best

Published

on

Francis Ngannou is heavyweight’s best

The rankings take into account a fighter’s wins/losses, quality of competition, finishing rate/dominance and frequency of fights.

Fighters are no longer eligible to be ranked after they’ve been inactive for 24 months, either due to injuries, drug/conduct suspensions, contract disputes or self-imposed hiatuses.

Fighters serving drug/conduct suspensions are eligible to be ranked, so long as they’re not inactive for more than 24 months.

To the best of our ability, fighters will be ranked in their primary weight class. Catchweight fights and bouts outside the fighter’s primary weight class can have a positive or negative impact on the ranking. However, non-titleholders can be ranked in only one weight class at a given time, and in most cases, they won’t be ranked in a new weight class until they’ve had their first fight at that weight.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sport

Arsenal fans furious as Kai Havertz snubbed from taking penalty before ‘horrible’ spot kick

Published

on

Arsenal fans furious as Kai Havertz snubbed from taking penalty before 'horrible' spot kick

ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.

Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.

Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…

DAVID RAYA – 7

Advertisement

Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stages

Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.

BEN WHITE – 6

Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. 

Advertisement

Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 7

In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.

One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.

Advertisement

GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5

Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.

Marked improvement in the second half.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6

Advertisement

Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.

Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.

THOMAS PARTEY – 6

Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.

Advertisement

Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.

Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. 

Advertisement

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4

Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.

Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.

GABRIEL JESUS – 8

Advertisement

Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.

Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.

Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

Advertisement

Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.

Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. 

KAI HAVERTZ – 7

Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.

Advertisement

Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.

Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.

SUBS

Mikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6

Advertisement

Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.

Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6

Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6

Advertisement

Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.

Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sport

Northern Ireland Open: World number one Judd Trump wins in Belfast

Published

on

Northern Ireland Open: World number one Judd Trump wins in Belfast

Four-time winner Judd Trump advanced to the last 16 of the Northern Ireland Open with a 4-2 victory over Matthew Selt at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

The reigning champion, who whitewashed Ishpreet Singh Chadha in the opening round, took the first frame against Selt before slipping 2-1 behind.

Selt had an opening in the fourth frame to pile on the pressure, but world number one Trump produced a run of 74 to level the match.

The 35-year-old then took the next two frames to book a date with John Higgins or Barry Hawkins in the third round, with a 141 to seal the win giving him a second century break of the tournament.

Advertisement

In Tuesday’s other second-round matches, China’s Tian Pengfei beat Robert Milkins 4-1, with Louis Heathcote advancing past Jimmy Robertson by the same margin and former world champion Stuart Bingham a 4-0 winner against Mark Davis.

In the concluding first-round matches on Tuesday, world champion Kyren Wilson endured a scare against David Grace to book his place in the last-32.

WIlson had an 80 break on his way to a 3-0 lead but was pegged back to level terms before dominating the decider for a 4-3 win.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 WordupNews.com