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Liverpool thrash Norwich to open new EPL season
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August 9, 2019
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Liverpool scored four first-half goals as they started the new Premier League season with a blistering performance to demolish newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield.
Norwich captain Grant Hanley scored the opening goal of the top-flight season when he sliced Divock Origi’s cross into his own net before Mohamed Salah opened his account after a pass by Roberto Firmino.
German midfielder Marco Stipermann forced a fine save by Reds keeper Alisson before an unmarked Virgil van Dijk headed the third from Salah’s corner, Origi nodding the fourth after a stunning pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Teemu Pukki’s composed finish reduced the deficit after Liverpool lost Alisson to injury, the Brazil keeper replaced by new signing Adrian after slipping while taking a first-half goal-kick.
There was a carnival atmosphere at Anfield for Liverpool’s first home game since beating Tottenham in the Champions League final on 1 June and Jurgen Klopp’s side responded with a superb display.
They might have won by a more handsome margin as Tim Krul palmed Origi’s attempt onto the bar after making a brilliant save to keep out Firmino’s ferocious volley. Krul also did well to keep out Alexander-Arnold’s late free-kick.
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Big mistake to close English window early – Pochettino
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August 9, 2019
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Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says the Premier League has made a “big mistake” in continuing to close the transfer window before their European counterparts.
England’s top flight clubs can no longer sign new players after the deadline passed on Thursday but those in Italy, Spain, Germany and France can still strengthen their squads.
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen and defender Toby Alderweireld both have only one year left on their contracts and Eriksen in particular is on the radar of Real Madrid.
Should a sizeable offer come in before the La Liga window closes the influential Dane could depart, leaving Pochettino with a hole in his squad that cannot be filled until January.
“I’m more than happy with my squad after we close the window in England,” Pochettino, whose sixth season in charge begins on Saturday at home to Aston Villa, told reporters on Friday.
“But, of course we are at a disadvantage to the European clubs because they have 20 days more to operate and that’s a big mistake by the Premier League to allow that.
“At one time it was good because you are going to start the season (knowing your squad), but we have opened the door to clubs in Europe to try to create confusion in your squad.
“I think after two seasons operating in this way I think the Premier League should think if Europe doesn’t change we must go back to operate in the same way that they operate.”
Pochettino said it is especially relevant for the English clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League.
“The Premier League cannot give this advantage to the European clubs,” the Argentine said. “It’s different if you are not competing with them in Europe.
“But if you’re competing with the European clubs I think they have made a big mistake.”
The transfer windows in Spain, Germany and France close on Sept. 2 with Italy closing theirs on Aug. 18.
After making no signings last season, Tottenham returned to the market ahead of the new campaign with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele signing from Lyon for 55 million pounds ($66.42 million) in July.
Ryan Sessegnon joined on Thursday from Fulham for 25 million and Giovani Lo Celso arrived on loan from Real etis the same day.
With Tottenham also starting the campaign in their new 62,000-seat stadium, there is optimism that the club, who finished fourth last year, can push and try to close the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool.
“In every single season our opponents were adding quality and of course for us, in the last three seasons when we didn’t invest too much, so to add new faces always motivates and adds spark to our team,” Pochettino said.
“It creates excitement in the club, in the fans. We will start the season in the new stadium so there are a lot of positives. But we have to be ready for another exciting season
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Lampard has faith in Chelsea youngsters
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August 9, 2019
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Frank Lampard
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Frank Lampard says he will have no fear giving his Chelsea youngsters their chance to make an impact at Stamford Bridge this season.
Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer begins his managerial reign at the club on Sunday away to Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL).
It would be no surprise if his team includes youngsters like Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount.
While Chelsea’s transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid means Lampard’s task is a sizeable one, the former midfielder has belief.
He believes it is an opportunity for the club to push through youth.
Midfielder Mount, 20, striker Abraham, 21, and defender Tomori, also 21, were all on loan at Championship club Derby County last season when Lampard cut his teeth in management.
He almost got the Rams promoted.
Had Chelsea been able to make new signings, the chances are they may have been farmed out again.
Instead, the ones available are now integral to Lampard’s plans.
“Last year was a great experience working with them, because they are hungry. They want to learn, they ask questions on the training pitch and I love that,” Lampard said.
“I understand the position we are in with the ban. It brings up different possibilities, albeit it’s tough in a way.
“It’s also an opportunity for the young lads, to prove that they are good enough to get into the first team.
“I want to be competitive and want us to win. So, it won’t be all about how many young players I can get in the team.
“But, if they show themselves in training, I will have no fear in putting them in.”
While expectation levels at Chelsea are lower this year, Lampard says the target is still to challenge for the title.
Finishing in the top four again would be seen as success for his first season in charge.
“It’s a hard one,” he said. “Chelsea are normally in the title race to some degree.
“It’s getting harder, particularly with the standards set by (Manchester) City and Liverpool last year. We understand there is a gap to the rest of us.
“But I can’t start a season at Chelsea saying `I don’t want to win the league’. We have to have that mindset.
“We have to have that mentality and we’ll do our best to be right up there.”
The sale of centre-back David Luiz to Arsenal on Thursday also opens up possibilities for other players, Lampard said.
“He was a great servant for the club,” added the 41-year-old, who was a team mate of Luiz when they won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
“But I have got confidence in the players we have. We are well stocked in that area.
“We have internationals like (Antonio) Rudiger, (Kurt) Zouma, (Andreas) Christensen. We wish David all the best, even though he went to Arsenal.
“We’ll concentrate on ourselves and let’s see some of those players who haven’t had as much game time as they want but who are now relatively experienced players show what they can do.”
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Gundogan extends contract with Man City until 2023
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August 9, 2019
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Ilkay Gundogan has signed a new contract extension with City, committing him to the Club until 2023.
The German midfielder has proved to be a key member of Pep Guardiola’s squad over the past three seasons and was an instrumental figure in our historic Fourmidables campaign of last year.
A 2016 arrival from Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing after taking over as City manager and he has since made 114 appearances, scoring 17 goals.
A hugely talented, creative midfielder who marries intelligence and industry to great effect, the 28-year-old also demonstrated his versatility last term by impressively operating in the holding midfield role on numerous occasions.
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Arsenal will offload players before European football transfer window shuts
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August 9, 2019
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Arsenal
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Arsenal will allow more players to leave the club before the transfer window shuts for the rest of Europe’s major football leagues on Sept. 2, manager Unai Emery said on Friday.
Arsenal made six major signings in the close season.
These included defenders David Luiz and Kieran Tierney on deadline day and record signing Nicolas Pepe who reportedly cost the London club 72 million pounds (87 million dollars).
But a number of regulars including captain Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Iwobi left.
Emery is however prepared to lose more in the coming weeks, saying he would only pick a new captain after the squad was finalised.
“We are changing players at the last moment. We had Koscielny, the old captain, and he left with five days to go,” Emery told reporters ahead of Sunday’s match at Newcastle United.
“At the moment, the market is open in other countries. In the next 20 to 25 days, some players will leave.
“For this reason, I want the squad to be finalised clearly. At the moment we have (Mesut) Ozil, (Nacho) Monreal and (Granit) Xhaka (as probable captains).”
Emery said striker Alexandre Lacazette, who was voted the club’s best player last season, is a doubt for the season opener as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
He is also yet to take a call on whether Pepe will make his club debut.
“We will start with the players that I am convinced are 100 per cent,” Emery added. “For some players, it is impossible to achieve that performance because they arrived late or are now training
after being injured.
“Lacazette trained yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday), but I don’t know now if he can play on Sunday. We will check tomorrow (Saturday). Pepe has been training and working with us a for a week.”
Arsenal finished fifth last season and narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification for the third successive year and Emery said his main priority was a top-four finish.
“Our first target is to be in the top four. We reduced the distance last season,” Emery said. “Manchester City and Liverpool are stronger than the others at the beginning.
“We want to compete with them and reduce the points gap. Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea have the same objectives. Last year the difference was really small and the challenge now is for us to achieve a top-four finish.”
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Serena Williams Defeats Naomi Osaka
All-time Grand Slam Winner, Serena Williams has finally defeated Naomi Osaka after meeting for the third time.
This was the first win for Williams as they met at the Rogers Cup quarterfinals. It was also the first matchup since the Open Final in 2018.
Osaka has been ranked No. 1 in the WTA world, but that couldn’t mirror the greatest, Williams. She defeated Osaka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
“I just wanted to come out and try to win a set this time, because she’s beaten me twice,” Serena Williams said in an interview.
Referring to Williams as her “tennis mom,” Williams responded to her:
“I’d say more or less tennis grandma. That was very kind of her to say mom. It was a better match for me today.”
Williams has 23 Grand Slams. She is set to take part in the US Open match.
https://www.creebhills.com/2019/08/serena-williams-finally-defeats-naomi-osaka.html
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Transfer: PSG demand two players, €50million from Barcelona for Neymar
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August 10, 2019
![[Image: Neymar.jpeg]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Neymar.jpeg)
Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, have informed Barcelona what it would take to secure the signing of Neymar Jr this summer, according to Goal.
After originally insisting on €222million (£200m), the Ligue 1 champions would now consider an offer that includes Philippe Coutinho, Nelson Semedo and a cash payment of around €50m (£47m).
Coutinho has been deemed surplus to requirements by Barca since their acquisition of Antoine Griezmann, while Semedo shares the team’s right-back role with Sergi Roberto.
Neymar is keen on a return to Camp Nou and is yet to play for the Parisians in pre-season.
The Brazilian also did not feature in the 2-1 Trophee des Champions victory over Rennes on August 3 because of suspension.
PSG begin their league campaign on Sunday with a home match against Nimes. However, it is unknown if Neymar will participate in the match.
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EPL: Lampard makes vow on Chelsea catching up with Man City, Liverpool
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August 9, 2019
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Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has said his side will be looking to catch up with Manchester City and Liverpool this season.
The Blues finished 26 and 25 points, off top two, City and the Reds, respectively last season.
But Lampard is aiming high ahead of his first campaign as a Premier League boss.
“Manchester City and Liverpool showed there was a gap, everyone has to make it up.
“We will aim to win and of course we want to be in the Champions League every year. We are realistic and we just have to work our hardest.
“The gap [is bridgeable] because this is football. One of the beauties is that you start again fresh,” he told a press conference on Friday.
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LaLiga: Mariano finally surrenders jersey No 7 to Hazard
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August 9, 2019
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Former Chelsea winger, Eden Hazard has finally been handed the shirt number 7 at Real Madrid, according Mail Online.
Hazard’s transfer to Madrid has emerged as the biggest of this summer transfer window.
Supporters of the club are expecting the Belgian international to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo at Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2017 for Italian giants, Juventus.
But Mariano took on the shirt upon joining the club in 2018 and did not want to release the shirt to Hazard.
However, on Friday afternoon, it was confirmed that 28-year-old Hazard will wear the famous No 7 shirt this season.
The shirt has previously been worn by club legends Ronaldo De Lima and Raul.
Hazard and other Real Madrid stars will be looking to hit the ground running when the new La Liga season starts away at Celta Vigo on August 17.
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EPL: What Man Utd board told Solskjaer about sacking him this season
August 10, 2019
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Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been given assurances by the board that he will not be fired this season, according to the Evening Standard.
Solskjaer has only added Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James this summer, with Romelu Lukaku leaving for Inter Milan without being replaced.
United also failed to land players like Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Christian Eriksen.
The Old Trafford board knows the squad still need work and they will not judge Solskjaer too harshly on performances this season.
The Norwegian has been promised more transfer windows to revamp his team, working on the model of bringing in young British players wherever possible.
The Red Devils get their season underway on Sunday at home to Chelsea before playing Wolves, Crystal Palace and Southampton over the remainder of August.
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JUVENTUS aren’t giving up hope that they will be able to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba before the current window closes.
The Italian transfer window doesn’t close until September 2 and the Italian giants are desperately scrambling around to raise the funds.
They are trying to offload Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic who rejected a switch to United and Bayern Munich.
Selling Paulo Dybala who rejected both United and Tottenham Hotspur last week to Paris Saint-Germain is also possible if Real Madrid make a move for Neymar.
Real boss Zinedine Zidane is still keen on Pogba but Real president Florentino Pérez prefers Neymar and has offered him a £700,000 a week contract.
United won’t stand in the way of Pogba leaving Old Trafford even though the Premier League transfer window is closed and they won’t be able to sign a replacement.
And Juventus have three weeks to raise the £150million transfer fee that United have placed on his head to make the deal happen.
Pogba is likely to start for United on Sunday when they start their Premier League campaign against Chelsea at Old Trafford (4.30pm).
The Frenchman was inconsistent for the Red Devils last season and has been linked with Juve and Real Madrid this summer.
But with the transfer window now shut in England, United would not be able to replace Pogba if he left.
With the club already light on options it would seem unlikely that Ed Woodward would sanction a move.
Gary Neville thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer probably would sell Pogba in an ideal world but he can’t because of the damage it would do in the short-term.
“I think there are three or four players at Old Trafford who have higher levels of quality that in a perfect world, Ole would probably like them all out at once,” he said.
“But actually, if they left it would weaken the team that badly it'd mean that they wouldn't challenge for the Champions League etc.
“I think what Ole has to do is to get rid of one at a time. I think it's a clever transition out of what has been a poor transfer strategy for the last four or five years.
“You can't get out of it in one year, it's going to take two or three years of good culture and tone, in terms of what they're doing, to get out of what they've done.
“You can't lose Lukaku, Pogba, [David] de Gea, [Anthony] Martial all in one – you'd be absolutely decimated. The dressing room would be shot to pieces. You could maybe lose them over a period of two to three years if they wanted to leave.”
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football...-Solskjaer
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Man Utd vs Chelsea: What Pogba told Solskjaer as Real Madrid move falls apart
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Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has given the club assurances, that he will not split the dressing room this season, the UK Mirror reports.
Pogba has told manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, that he will be fully committed after a summer of transfer uncertainty.
Solskjaer is now considering naming the Frenchman his captain, whenever Ashley Young is absent.
The United boss was worried that Pogba could become a negative force at Old Trafford, after United refused to sell him to Real Madrid or Juventus.
But the World Cup winner told his manager he respects the club’s refusal to sell him.
He is expected to feature for the Red Devils, as they begin their Premier League campaign, with a home fixture against Chelsea on Sunday.
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What Griezmann said after scoring first Barcelona goal
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Barcelona star, Antoine Griezmann, has expressed ‘joy’ after scoring his first goal for the La Liga champions in their 4-0 friendly win over Napoli on Saturday.
Goals from Luis Suarez (2), Griezmann (1) and Dembele (1) ensured Barcelona defeated the Serie A side at the Michigan Stadium.
Griezmann who joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window for £107million, scored his first Barca goal against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
“What a joy to score first!,” the France World Cup winner posted on Twitter alongside pictures of himself with Barcelona teammates celebrating the goal.
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Man Utd vs Chelsea: Zola predicts where Lampard will finish in EPL this season
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Former Chelsea striker, Gianfranco Zola, expects the Blues to drop two places in the Premier League table, in Frank Lampard’s first season in charge.
The Stamford Bridge side finished in third place last campaign under Maurizio Sarri, who Zola worked with as an assistant.
Lampard impressed in his first season in management, taking Derby County to the Championship play-off final, where the Rams were beaten by Aston Villa.
Zola however believes Lampard, who is working under a transfer ban, will struggle to guide Chelsea to a top-four finish.
He told beIN Sports: “It will be very close.
“I think it will be a real fight for the final Champions League spot.”
Chelsea begin their 2019/2020 campaign on Sunday, with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, who finished sixth last season.
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Man Utd vs Chelsea: Lampard hails one player ahead of EPL clash
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Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has given Christian Pulisic a vote of confidence, as the winger looks set to make his Chelsea debut against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Blues signed Pulisic in January for £58million from Borussia Dortmund and then loaned him back to the German side for the rest of the season.
Lampard believes the 20-year-old American is ready, after working with him in pre-season, but also warned he could take some time to adapt.
“He has good ability, can beat a man, nice touch.
“He scored a couple of good goals in pre-season when he ran in behind defences, which is what I really want from my wingers or attacking players.
“We also have to give it time because of his youth. Changing leagues, this is the Premier League, which is the most competitive league in the world, but there are some good signs. When I say I want to look after him, I don’t want to sound like I am talking down to him.
“He comes into the squad competing to play, for sure. We must be aware that there is a bit of a transitional period. Hopefully not because he hits the ground running. I think he has the quality to do that,” Lampard told reporters at Cobham Training Centre.
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What Liverpool owners told Klopp about winning EPL, Champions League this season
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Liverpool owners, the Fenway Group, has told manager Jurgen Klopp, to downgrade the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
This is because of a hectic schedule, which will include the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup this season.
The Fenway Group are desperate for the Reds to win their first League title in 30 years, as well as retain the Champions League trophy.
Liverpool have won the FA Cup seven times and the League Cup in its different guises a record eight times.
Klopp might not add to that haul, as he will now concentrate on giving fringe members of his squad valuable playing time, while resting his big names.
The Anfield club finished second in the league last season, one point behind Manchester City.
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Transfer: Alena speaks on Neymar snubbing Barcelona for Real Madrid
Barcelona midfielder, Carles Alena, has admitted it would hurt to see Neymar join fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are preparing to make a bid in the region of €100 million for Neymar and could even offer Luka Modric to Paris Saint-Germain as part of a deal.
While no official bid has been made, PSG director Leonardo confirmed talks over a potential transfer of their Brazilian attacker are advancing.
Alena has now said it would be difficult to see Neymar move to Madrid.
“It would hurt if Neymar went to our eternal rival, especially after playing [for Barcelona].
“We hope that he comes back. He’s a spectacular player, one of the best in the world.
“If he comes back it would be an amazing signing, it would be an incredible way to close the transfer window. He would make us all better,” Alena told reporters on Saturday, after Barca defeated Napoli 4-0 in the inaugural LaLiga-Serie A Cup.
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UK police arrest two men for attacking Arsenal footballers Ozil and Kolasinac
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Police in the UK have confirmed that two men will appear in court next month after charging with a public order offence, in connection with an attack on two Arsenal footballers.
Arsenal also confirmed that Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac would not play in Sunday’s opening English Premier League fixture at Newcastle due to “further security incidents”.
Quote:“Two men have been charged under Section 4a of the Public Order Act following an incident in Camden on Thursday. Ferhat Ercan, 27, and Salaman Ekinci, 27, were charged on August 9 following the incident and are due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on September 6” the police said in a statement.
Reports suggested the men were arrested after becoming involved in an altercation with security staff outside Ozil’s house. Section 4a of the Public Order Act refers to offences of intentional harassment, alarm or distress, through threatening, abusive or insulting words, behaviour or displays.
Arsenal said on Friday that Ozil and Kolasinac would not be in the squad travelling to Newcastle “following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police.
Quote:“The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives.
We are liaising with the police and are providing the players and their families with ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”
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by Linda Ikeji at 11/
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Victor Osimhen scores two goals on Lille debut against Nantes (video)
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Victor Osimhen had a delightful debut for Lille as he scored two goals in the match against Nantes in the French Ligue 1.
The Nigerian footballer had only joined Lille a few weeks ago from Sporting Chaleroi of Belgium for €12m and his two goals on his debut gave his new team the much needed win.
Lille started reaping from his move in the 19th minute of his debut. He also coverted a Celik through-ball with 10 minutes left to play. Asides becoming the second Nigerian to score on Ligue 1 debut after Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in 1998 for PSG, the youngster took a fitting first step in replacing Nicolas Pepe who joined Arsenal for £72 million.
Here are videos of his goals below;
by Linda Ikeji at 11/08
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![[Image: mauricio-pochettino-750x375.jpg]](https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mauricio-pochettino.jpg)
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![[Image: ilkay-gundogan-750x375.jpg]](https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ilkay-gundogan.jpg)
![[Image: premier_league_rebrands_designstudio_01.jpg]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/premier_league_rebrands_designstudio_01.jpg)