After three goals in his previous two games – decisive contributions in wins at Aberdeen and Falkirk – prior to suffering his hamstring injury against Motherwell, Shankland’s absence comes at a particularly bad time for him and for Rangers. With fellow striker Youssef Chermiti expected to be out for a lengthy period after suffering anterior … Read more
Cabango missed the ball in the 77th minute challenge and caught O’Hare, who was making his debut after a £6.5m deadline day move from Sheffield United. Swansea boss Vitor Matos did not want to get involved in the debate after the game, saying: “I never comment on ref decisions, in one way or the other. … Read more
To sum up, the season started pretty badly for Fernandes, who was one of many players well below par in a shock 2-0 defeat at Hull City. Matters improved significantly on Tuesday, as Fernandes collected the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for his phenomenal contribution to United returning to the Champions League after … Read more
‘The best thing is’ – Watch Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson gives honest reviews on Liverpool’s ‘disappointing’ Premier League opener and urges his squad to ‘improve quickly’ The ‘greatest thing,’ according to Jordan Henderson, about Liverpool’s performance against Fulham on the opening day was that his team didn’t lose. Yesterday, the Reds struggled to establish a … Read more
Ruud Gullit won one major trophy as a manager – and Dennis Wise was the captain who lifted it. After a legendary career in which he claimed two European Cups and the Ballon d’Or, Gullit joined Chelsea as a player in 1995, then was appointed as manager a year later following the departure of Glenn … Read more
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made clear in the immediate aftermath of the Gunners’ Premier League title win that they would need to be ambitious to build on their success – and the club have backed him with the move to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal won the league for the first time in 22 … Read more
Régis Le Bris has declared Chelsea’s pursuit of Granit Xhaka “closed” and insisted there is no prospect of Sunderland selling their influential captain this summer. Xhaka played a major role in Sunderland qualifying for the Europa League on their return to the Premier League last season, prompting Chelsea to make an £8m bid for the … Read more
And that’s why England have to build around Jude Bellingham. That is why Thomas Tuchel has to trust more in his No 10. England were again struggling to protect a World Cup lead, a crazy game teetering at 5-4 when Bellingham did what he does best. This force of nature, this powerhouse of a footballer, … Read more
Paul Lambert believes former club Celtic are “nowhere near good enough” without further recruitment – but has guarded against “panic”. Striker Camilo Duran is the sole summer arrival so far for the Scottish champions, while midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new contract after a short-term deal last term. Both started Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw … Read more
Time for your weekly edition of the Defector Funbag. Got something on your mind? Email the Funbag. You can also read Drew over at SFGATE, and buy Drew’s books while you’re at it. Today, we’re talking belts, the Thunder, remembering some book characters, and more. Your letters: Dave: There are obviously many things that led … Read more