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RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 10-31-2020
HAZARD HAPPY TO SCORE 'BEAUTIFUL GOAL' AFTER YEAR-LONG REAL MADRID DROUGHT
Hazard happy to score 'beautiful goal' after year-long Real Madrid drought
![[Image: hazard-score-beautiful-goal-after-year-l...3ndypc.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/hazard-score-beautiful-goal-after-year-long-real-madrid-drought-7-1ls0bire8wf8f11ofsq23ndypc.jpg)
31 October 2020,
Eden Hazard was delighted to score a "beautiful goal" for Real Madrid after a year-long drought as Emilio Butragueno hailed the forward as "magnificent".
Hazard blasted home with his weaker foot from nearly 30 yards out to give the Spanish champions the lead over Huesca on Saturday.
Zinedine Zidane's men eased to a 4-1 victory that moved them back to the top of the table, with Karim Benzema scoring twice and Federico Valverde also on the scoresheet.
It was Hazard's strike that will be best remembered, though, as it ended a wait of 392 days for just his second goal for Madrid since joining from Chelsea for an initial €100million in 2019.
Hazard was beaming as he recorded a short video message for fans that was posted on Twitter by Madrid after the match.
"Hi, guys! I'm just happy to be back on a pitch, [and] score a beautiful goal," he said.
"That's for you. I hope to see you soon."
Hazard did not create a chance for team-mates or produce a cross in his hour on the pitch against Huesca, but his link-up play with Benzema was encouraging throughout and one such move led to Valverde's emphatic third goal.
Real's director of institutional relations, Butragueno, was thrilled with the performance of the Belgium star.
"What Hazard did was magnificent. We saw that in the first goal," he told Movistar. "It gives you an idea of the category of player we're talking about.
"From then on, the team felt more comfortable. Being effective up top helps the game to go how you want it to.
"He has had back luck since he came due to injuries. He's a winner and what he wants is to be out on the pitch and helping the team. Hopefully, we can have him like this because he makes the difference."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 10-31-2020
Premier League table doesn't mean much yet – Mourinho
![[Image: premier-league-table-doesnt-mean-much-ye...io9bnv.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/premier-league-table-doesnt-mean-much-yet-jose-mourinho-7-19qmqyx48j1j31dcjfzlio9bnv.jpg)
31 October 2020,
Jose Mourinho believes the Premier League table means little so early in the season despite Tottenham's fine start to the campaign.
Tottenham are sixth in the table – two points behind leaders Everton – ahead of hosting Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Spurs have lost just one of their opening six league games and have netted more goals (16) than anyone else, leading to suggestions they could challenge for the title.
But Tottenham head coach Mourinho said it was too early to make judgments based on the standings.
"I believe the table now doesn't mean much. I believe that by February, March, you look to the table and understand the reality of the competition," he said.
"A part of that special season with a special Leicester [in 2015-16], a part of that you get into February or March and the reality of the teams are expressed on the table, in this moment not yet.
"We had magnificent results away in the Premier League but at home we lost too many points and with these points we would be there but it is not a target.
"The target is to win against Brighton knowing that anything can happen in the Premier League."
Spurs dropped points in additional time in home draws against Newcastle United and West Ham, the latter coming from 3-0 down late.
Winless in three home league games this season, Tottenham last had a run of four matches without a home league win in December 2013, but Mourinho said he had no concerns.
"I am not so worried about the home record," said Mourinho, whose side are coming off a shock 1-0 Europa League loss to Royal Antwerp.
"I am worried about playing well and getting points and against Everton the frustration was we probably deserved, I think, a point but we didn't play well and in other games the feeling was different.
"We played very well against Newcastle, we played very well against West Ham so let's try and play very well against Brighton and when you play very well you normally win, so let's try."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 10-31-2020
Zidane insists Hazard has 'no problems' despite not celebrating Real Madrid goal
![[Image: zinedine-zidane-eden-hazard-no-problems-...7ushe4.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/zinedine-zidane-eden-hazard-no-problems-not-celebrating-real-madrid-goal-7-13v2a2gzl2zqm1mk6i047ushe4.jpg)
31 October 2020,
Zinedine Zidane insisted Eden Hazard has no problems despite the player keeping celebrations to a minimum when he ended his long wait for a Real Madrid goal.
Hazard's thunderous strike in the first half against Huesca, his first goal for the club for 392 days, set Madrid on their way to a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Belgium star described it as a "beautiful goal" in a social media post but surprisingly did not celebrate with much aplomb when the ball hit the net.
Head coach Zidane did not feel there was much to glean from Hazard's reaction, though.
"I'm happy for his game," Zidane said. "He played 20 minutes the other day, and now more.
"We know the quality he has; he scored a good goal. We needed it in the first half because then the game was different after the goal.
"You can see associations between players. Hazard plays on the left and Vini's [Vinicius Junior] preferred position is on the left. We'll see how we do things.
"He's okay, he has no problems, [he is] happy. He's happy for his goal and his team-mates are happy for him.
"It's a win, four goals, and you have to be happy."
Hazard's thumping effort broke Huesca's impressive first-half resistance before Madrid assumed control through a Karim Benzema double and a Federico Valverde goal.
The win sent the champions back to the top of the table, two points ahead of Real Sociedad, and served as a useful response to a disappointing Champions League performance at Borussia Monchengladbach in which they snatched a 2-2 draw after falling 2-0 down.
"It was like a final. We had to get three important points and we did," Zidane said.
"The game wasn't perfect, but there are four goals. It's always said that we don't score, that we don't play well... and since the situation is a bit strange, we need a lot of energy from among ourselves because what comes from outside doesn't help.
"We more or less controlled their strong points. From there, we had... not the best game, but after two games last week, where we put in a lot energy, we have to be happy.
"We know we can do better and that's what we're going to try to do."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
My period as Barcelona manager is over'' - Pep Guardiola rules out possibility of linking up with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou
![[Image: 5f9dbe2139288.jpeg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5f9dbe2139288.jpeg)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has finally addressed rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona to link up with former protege, Lionel Messi.
After watching his side beat Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday October 31, Guardiola ruled out the possibility of returning to Camp Nou, insisting his "period as Barcelona manager is over."
![[Image: 5f9dbe51b9fd4.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5f9dbe51b9fd4.jpg)
Guardiola is in the last six months of his current contract with Manchester City, and this week Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu announced he will be stepping down as president following the club's failures on and off the pitch last season.
Barca presidential candidate Victor Font also announced he wanted to bring Guardiola back so as to arrange a reunion between the 49-year-old and Lionel Messi.
"It is our intention to build a very strong and competitive project and we are very lucky at Barca that we inherited a style of play that Johan Cruyff instilled throughout the organisation, and most of the best professionals who know about this style are also fans and love the club - like Pep Guardiola, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Carlos] Puyol," Font told Sky Sports earlier this week.
"They are all legends that love Barcelona but do not work for Barca today - we need to bring them back to ensure we will have a very competitive project."
But Guardiola, who began his coaching career at Camp Nou, winning 14 major trophies between 2008 and 2012, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, says he won't be going back to Barca but instead wants to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, by overseeing a successful 2020-21 campaign.
"My period as Barcelona manager is over. I think once in a lifetime you have to do things," Guardiola said at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
"There are incredible people who can be in charge there, now for example Ronald Koeman. It's over, I will come back to my city to see my club, to watch the game, it's done."
![[Image: icon_share.png]](https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/images/icon_share.png){kind=icon}
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
PULISIC SET FOR SCAN ON HAMSTRING INJURY, LAMPARD CONFIRMS
Pulisic set for scan on hamstring injury, Lampard confirms
![[Image: christian-pulisic-injury-set-scan-frank-...wse0pq.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/christian-pulisic-injury-set-scan-frank-lampard-confirms-7-1fgo663n8f7z61k9mreewse0pq.jpg)
31 October 2020, 19:12
Christian Pulisic will have to undergo a scan to assess an injury sustained during the warm-up ahead of Chelsea's 3-0 win over Burnley, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
Timo Werner was drafted into the starting line-up after Pulisic, who scored a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season, tweaked his hamstring prior to kick-off on Saturday.
Chelsea were unfazed by the United States international's absence, with Hakim Ziyech netting the opener to become their first player since Diego Costa in 2014 to score in each of his first two starts in all competitions.
Kurt Zouma powered in his third Premier League goal of the season – already a career-best tally – before Ziyech teed up Werner to round off the scoring with 20 minutes remaining.
.
The injury to Pulisic, who came on as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 win over Krasnodar on Wednesday, was the only sour note for Chelsea, but though he was confident it would not mean a long spell on the sidelines, Lampard could not give any guarantees.
"Christian had a small sensation in his hamstring. So, we had to pull him," Lampard told a news conference.
"He couldn't play the game and he felt that in part of the warm-up. We will have to scan it.
"He is frustrated as he got fit and we rested him in the week where he comes on and scores. He is so keen to do well for us but we have to scan him and see how it is, so I can’t give you a time on that."
Chelsea have now kept clean sheets in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since October 2018 and Lampard is pleased to see his team developing positively.
"It was a very complete performance. It's a tough place to come here and play, they make it very difficult," Lampard added.
"You know you have to defend your box well, you have to be very strong with the first and second balls. I wanted that to be one focus and the other to be to keep developing the way we play on the ball.
"That is what really pleased me today. Some of the passing and the movement in the team was very good. It feels like a nice step forward.
"I keep talking about the work we need to do, we are nowhere near the end of the road with that, so the performance was a really solid win. Certainly we have had good momentum from this week.
"I'm not going to jump and up and down after a win like this, but it was a really positive day."
Burnley failed to register a single shot on target against the Blues but Sean Dyche was frustrated his team were not awarded a penalty when Edouard Mendy and Ashley Barnes collided in the fifth minute.
"I think we started well. We should have had a penalty, but we know our record with penalties – I don't know what penalties are or aren't any more. I'm not remotely saying that would win us the game, but it would have given us a chance," said Dyche.
The Clarets have been awarded five penalties in the Premier League since the start of the 2017-18 season, the fewest of any ever-present team in that time.
He continued: "We're getting punished for everything. That's how it is, things go against you or feel like they're going against you.
"It's a challenge. The feeling that winning brings, the confidence it brings, it adds to what you're trying to achieve. There has to be a bit of realism – playing against these sides, top six sides, they can punish you, and they punished us today.
"I don't panic in general, to be honest. I don't think panicking will change anything. I think structure, organisation and hard work, that may change things."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Udinese 1-2 Milan: Ibrahimovic's scoring streak continues as Pioli's men stretch unbeaten run to 24
![[Image: zlatan-ibrahimovic-scoring-streak-contin...5t9rfc.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/zlatan-ibrahimovic-scoring-streak-continues-milan-stretch-unbeaten-run-7-a3hz2ylb5zg21fxgds55t9rfc.jpg)
1 November 2020, 1
Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his remarkable scoring streak with an acrobatic late strike to secure Milan a 2-1 win over Udinese, stretching the Rossoneri's unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 games.
Stefano Pioli's men appeared to be heading for an underwhelming draw with a side that had lost all but one of their first five Serie A games this term, but Ibrahimovic was decisive in the latter stages as he became the first Milan player to score in six successive league appearances since he accomplished the feat in 2012.
The 39-year-old Swede – who scored braces in each of his previous three league outings – had already made a telling contribution in setting up Franck Kessie's empathic opener.
Hosts Udinese levelled through a Rodrigo de Paul penalty just two minutes into the second half, but Milan pressed for a late winner and it duly arrived via Ibrahimovic, whose close-range bicycle kick opened up a four-point cushion at the Serie A summit for at least a couple of hours.
3 - Only three times a #ACMilan’s player has scored in six Serie A matches in a row in the three points for a win era, since 1994/95:
- Andriy Shevchenko (in 2001)
- Zlatan #Ibrahimovic (current streak and also in 2012).
Supremacy.#UdineseMilan #SerieA pic.twitter.com/SPr3eaFqTp
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Ronaldo on the bench for Juventus return
![[Image: cristiano-ronaldo-returns-juventus-spezi...ug9g4j.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/cristiano-ronaldo-returns-juventus-spezia-7-z5nxvn2ffztk1etp51wug9g4j.jpg)
1 November 2020,
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named on the Juventus bench against Spezia after testing negative for coronavirus.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo contracted COVID-19 in October while away on international duty.
He missed action for both Juve and Portugal before his club finally announced the forward was clear of the virus on Friday.
Coach Andrea Pirlo had suggested a start in Sunday's Serie A game was unlikely, though, and the 35-year-old was instead among the substitutes.
Juve have certainly missed Ronaldo, who has three goals in two games this season.
Pirlo's side did not win either of the Serie A matches their number seven missed, drawing 1-1 with both Crotone and Hellas Verona.
That continues a trend from Ronaldo's time in Turin, with results unsurprisingly dropping off when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is absent.
While Juve have won 72.7 per cent of the 66 league games Ronaldo has played in, they have tasted victory in just seven - 50 per cent - of the 14 he has missed since his signing.
They pick up 2.3 points per game with Ronaldo and just 1.7 without, while they score more when the forward is in the side, too, netting 2.0 per game versus 1.5 in his absence.
The Bianconeri actually also concede fewer goals when opponents have to keep an eye on Ronaldo, that figure rising from 0.9 goals against per game to 1.1 when he is on the sidelines.
During his lay-off, Juve had a further two games in the Champions League, beating Dynamo Kiev 2-0 but then losing to Lionel Messi's Barcelona by the same scoreline.
The Italian giants did not manage a single shot on target against Barca, although Alvaro Morata had three goals disallowed for offside.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Messi 'difficult to manage', says former Barca boss Setien
![[Image: messi-barcelona-setien-laliga-7-14idhijr...2epqp3.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/messi-barcelona-setien-laliga-7-14idhijre6aim1lx75to2epqp3.jpg)
1 November 2020,
Lionel Messi is "difficult to manage" at Camp Nou, according to former Barcelona head coach Quique Setien.
Setien was sacked by Barca following a tumultuous 2019-20 season which saw the club dethroned by bitter rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga and humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Former Real Betis boss Setien was replaced by Ronald Koeman at the end of the campaign, having only filled the void left by Ernesto Valverde in January.
Setien hailed Messi but reflected on a difficult period with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner in Barcelona.
"I think Messi is the best of all time," Setien told El Pais. "There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.
"Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him! If they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him.
"There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult. It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary ['The Last Dance']. You see things you don't expect.
"He's very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn't talk much."
Setien, who has announced legal action over the handling of his Barca dismissal, added: "After leaving what I am clear on is that at certain times should have made other decisions, but there's something above you: the club.
"And it is above the president, the player, the coach. It's the club and the fans. They are the ones to whom you owe the greatest respect, and you have to do what is most convenient for the club as a whole."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Barca equal worst LaLiga start as Messi goal drought goes on
![[Image: barcelona-make-joint-worst-start-laliga-...kxw9vh.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/barcelona-make-joint-worst-start-laliga-messi-open-play-goal-drought-7-f2wlcyvpg9rk1fv45z9kxw9vh.jpg)
1 November 2020,
Barcelona have equalled their worst tally of LaLiga points after six games since the competition reverted to three points for a win.
Ronald Koeman's side drew 1-1 with Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, meaning they have just eight points so far in the early stages of the 2020-21 season.
That is the same total as Barca managed at the start of the 2002-03 campaign when another Dutchman, Louis van Gaal, was in charge.
The Blaugrana are currently languishing in 12th place – already eight points behind LaLiga leaders and reigning champions Real Madrid.
It has also been a difficult start to the campaign for Lionel Messi too, as he has now gone 877 minutes without scoring in open play.
The Argentina international's last open-play effort came against Napoli in the Champions League back in August, although he has scored three penalties and one free-kick since then.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Conte laments Inter finishing: If you don't score goals, you don't win
![[Image: antonio-conte-laments-inter-finishing-in...t3bvra.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/antonio-conte-laments-inter-finishing-in-serie-a-draw-with-parma-7-144gih3bhbdkx1u2o11yt3bvra.jpg)
31 October 2020, 21:41
Antonio Conte lamented Inter's poor finishing after they missed a hatful of chances en route to a 2-2 draw with Parma on Saturday.
Despite taking 25 shots to their opponents' five across the 90 minutes at San Siro, the Nerazzurri needed a 92nd-minute equaliser from Ivan Perisic to claim a share of the spoils.
The Croatian joined compatriot Marcelo Brozovic on the scoresheet at the death, cancelling out Gervinho's second goal to clinch a point for Inter, who were without Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
And, while Conte had no complaints over his players' effort, he was unhappy with the lack of cutting edge shown.
"It’s not the first game we dominated and yet almost lost. If you don't score goals in football, you don't win," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"Yet again, we missed a lot of chances, we made a lot of mistakes, and that’s not good. We need determination and precision. That’s what Parma did, as they scored twice with two opportunities.
"Seeing as it’s not the first time this has happened, we need to look at ourselves and increase that determination to make the most of our chances, otherwise we pay the price and today we are dealing with the consequences of those errors.
"We created the opportunities, but the finishing was the issue. It’s not just about the strikers, but also the wing-backs, the midfielders, the defenders.
"Attacking involves a lot of men, but for the umpteenth time, we weren’t precise or determined enough when we got into those scoring positions.
“It’s disappointing, as I couldn’t ask for more in terms of effort, but we need to do much better.
Parma were perfect in their finishing - they had two chances and converted 100 per cent of them."
Inter have now won just one of their four home games so far this term in all competitions, and Conte acknowledged that the absence of fans is being felt.
“It makes no difference this season, when there are no fans, so home and away is irrelevant," he added.
"Parma changed their tactical system to limit us today, just as Shakhtar Donetsk did. It means opponents really respect us and therefore play very defensive against Inter, which makes it difficult."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Mbappe taken off as a precautionary measure, Tuchel confirms
![[Image: kylian-mbappe-injury-not-serious-says-pa...wm4d7v.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/kylian-mbappe-injury-not-serious-says-paris-saint-germain-boss-thomas-tuchel-7-1v7c2bguew9n91011fcywm4d7v.jpg)
1 November
Kylian Mbappe was replaced in the second half of Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Nantes as a precautionary measure, head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed.
The France international was seen holding his thigh when replaced by Bandiougou Fadiga 16 minutes from time in Saturday's Ligue 1 clash at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
He had earlier set up Ander Herrera for the opening goal of the match and scored the second from a penalty that he had himself won, before Pablo Sarabia added a late third.
Moise Kean was also taken off at half-time but Tuchel, who lost Neymar to an adductor injury earlier this week, does not expect the pair to spend any time on the sidelines.
"With Mbappe I think it's not a injury, but more fatigue," he told Canal+. "The same goes for Kean. He took a lot of hits, which was painful. He wanted to continue but I said 'no'.
"Now is not the time to take too many risks. I really hope we don't have any new injured players."
Providing an update on PSG's other walking wounded at his post-match news conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to RB Leipzig, Tuchel said: "I hope that Leandro Paredes will resume training on Monday, but I'm not sure about Mauro Icardi."
PSG failed to register a single shot on target in the first half but were much improved in the second period as they made it seven league wins in a row to consolidate top spot.
The reigning champions have now won 70 per cent of their Ligue 1 away games under Tuchel – the best percentage for a PSG coach in their history – and the German was pleased with the mental resolve showed by his side.
"I am very happy," he said. "You've got to remember there are no spectators, so games lack that energy and atmosphere.
"It's difficult for my team. We played a very serious game today. I saw good energy, more qualities in the second half and a bit of luck in the game. 3-0 is a great victory.
"The team was mentally tired and there were a lot of changes. I knew it wouldn't be an easy game. With fatigue, it's like that. We found shorter distances in the second half, more connections. It was better."
PSG's win was not as routine as the scoreline may suggest, with Moses Simon missing a sitter from three yards in the first half and Kader Bamba having a penalty saved by Keylor Navas at 2-0.
Navas now has five clean sheets in six Ligue 1 appearances this term – only Bordeaux's Benoit Costil, with six from eight matches, has more – while no keeper to have played at least two games has a better save percentage than his 92.86.
"I think the team played a good game today," Navas, who captained the side, said after the match.
"We have a lot of injuries. There have been team-mates who have the opportunity to play and they have done it well.
"It was a united team display. We are happy and we hope to be able to recover some of the injured players in the next matches to be stronger."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-01-2020
Spezia 1-4 Juventus: Super-sub Ronaldo back with a brace
![[Image: cristiano-ronaldo-back-with-brace-juvent...a2dc44.jpg]](https://news.livescore.com/newsapi/04/soccer/image/cristiano-ronaldo-back-with-brace-juventus-spezia-serie-a-7-h7f1oxqifshm1ivi4c4a2dc44.jpg)
1 November 2020,
Cristiano Ronaldo returned from coronavirus to rescue Juventus from a third straight Serie A stalemate with a brace in their 4-1 win at Spezia on Sunday.
Andrea Pirlo's men had been held by both Crotone and Hellas Verona in the absence of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner before he finally tested negative on Friday and was cleared to make his comeback.
Ronaldo was still only fit enough to make the bench, however, and watched on as Alvaro Morata's opener was cancelled out by Tommaso Pobega in fortuitous fashion and the Bianconeri subsequently toiled.
Inevitably, Pirlo turned to his talisman and the 35-year-old netted just 126 seconds after his arrival, later converting a Panenka penalty for his second after fellow substitute Adrien Rabiot had all but secured a welcome victory.
Morata – denied three times by the offside flag against Barcelona in midweek – was grateful for a VAR review as he tapped in the opener from an onside position following Weston McKennie's unselfish square pass.
A second Morata goal was ruled out, however, and another decision went against Juve as Spezia levelled.
Pobega fired beyond Gianluigi Buffon with the aid of a deflection as the Bianconeri appealed in vain that M'Bala Nzola had made the telling touch while offside.
A sublime last-ditch Julian Chabot challenge denied Juan Cuadrado in front of the goal line late in the first half, but Pirlo did not wait long after the restart to introduce Ronaldo
The impact was immediate as the Portuguese rounded Ivan Provedel from Morata's pass to slot into the net.
While Juve survived another scare as Kevin Agudelo saw a leveller chalked off when Buffon spilled Chabot's header, Rabiot put the result beyond doubt, dancing through the Spezia defence and finishing via the post.
And when Federico Chiesa was clumsily tripped Paolo Bartolomei, Ronaldo clipped a cute spot-kick down the centre of the goal for number four.
What does it mean? Juve so reliant on Ronaldo
Any team would miss a player of Ronaldo's quality, but Juventus have won just four of their eight matches without the Portuguese since he signed in 2018 - hardly title-winning form.
Without a legal shot on target against Barca in the Champions League, the Bianconeri were struggling again until Ronaldo intervened to ensure they remain within four points of early leaders Milan.
He played just 34 minutes but no team-mate had more shots than his two – and both hit the net.
Morata making his mark
So frustrated by the officials last time out, Morata's perseverance paid off as he got his goal here – and an assist for Ronaldo to boot.
The Spanish striker was on the move throughout and, while that meant he was again caught offside on one occasion, going on to score, he caused Spezia real problems.
With Ronaldo back, there is the formation of an exciting partnership. Morata created two chances in total.
Buffon's blunders
While one veteran got Juve over the line, another threatened to derail them.
A deflection understandably deceived Buffon for Spezia's goal, but he was fortunate to escape with the offside second equaliser, making a mess of one of only two saves.
What's next?
Juve return to Champions League action at Ferencvaros on Wednesday, while Spezia do not play again until Saturday's trip to Benevento.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Tottenham vs Brighton: Mourinho calls on referee to explain decisions at press conference
on
November 2, 2020
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Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, has said referee Graham Scott should explain his controversial decision to award a goal to Brighton, following their 2-1 win over Brighton on Sunday.
Bale’s header proved to be the winner, after Tariq Lamptey cancelled out Harry Kane’s penalty.
However, the match was marred by refereeing and VAR controversy.
Lamptey scored the equaliser in the second half, despite Solly March fouling Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the build-up.
VAR operator, Jonathan Moss, alerted Scott to the possible foul and asked the referee to come to the pitch-side monitor to review March’s tackle.
However, Scott ruled that Lamptey’s goal should stand, after viewing the incident for 70 seconds.
When asked about the decision after the match, Mourinho told Sky Sports: “I prefer to stay away [from VAR].
[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/11/01/man-utd-vs-arsenal-solskjaer-reveals-why-red-devils-lost-1-0/][/url]
“Probably the referee should go to the press conference and explain. He had time to go to the screen so only he can explain why it is a goal. He is a good ref and a good guy, only he can explain that decision. My view doesn’t matter.”
Lamptey’s goal wasn’t the only controversial moment involving VAR, with Brighton’s Leandro Trossard having a penalty appealed dismissed by Moss after a review.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Quote:Paul Pogba has admitted he made a "stupid mistake" to give Arsenal their victory at Manchester United.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt Sunday's Old Trafford contest had "0-0 all over it" until Pogba needlessly lunged in on Hector Bellerin midway through the second half.
Bellerin appeared to be in a position of no danger when Pogba moved in and succeeded only in kicking the Spaniard, drawing the penalty which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted to settle the game.
"Maybe I was a bit out of breath and it made me do this stupid mistake," the France international told BBC Sport.
"I felt like I touched him a bit and I knew I was in the box. I shouldn't have given a penalty away like that.
"I'm not the best defensively in the box but I can learn and work on that."
It was the third time Pogba, 27, had conceded a penalty during Solskjaer's time as United manager. No-one else has conceded more than one.
"Paul has held his hand up," said Solskjaer, who was overseeing his 100th game as United boss.
"He knows he could and should have done better in that instance. He knows if he stays on his feet it will be OK because the boy isn't going anywhere."
What does Pogba's future hold?
Pogba's mistake will again attract negative headlines around a player who draws extreme reactions, both positive and negative.
No-one can ever know what Pogba's future would have been had the coronavirus pandemic not ripped through the financial structure of Europe's major clubs.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has never made any secret of his desire to bring his compatriot to the Bernabeu stadium.
However, even before the last seven months, Real's finances had not stretched to the kind of fee United wanted for a player they bought from Juventus for £90m in 2016.
The chances of it happening during the most recent close season were non-existent and it did not appear to be an accident that Pogba's high-profile and confrontational agent Mino Raiola has been talking recently about a contract extension.
A one-year option has been triggered, taking Pogba's present deal to 2022. However, his effectiveness on the pitch remains the subject of enormous debate.
Even taking out the penalty against Arsenal, he combined mixed statistics of good passing accuracy - 87.5%, the best of United's attacking players - with the fact he lost possession on 15 occasions, with no team-mate giving the ball away more frequently.
Scott McTominay was the only team-mate to cover more ground than Pogba's 10.26km, but there were no shots, a poor return for someone essentially viewed as an attacking threat.
Evidently, a point is being reached where a major decision needs to be made. If United offer a new deal, it will be enormous. If they do not, they risk losing him for nothing. On current evidence both options could be viewed as a gamble.
Solskjaer's immediate imperative is to get more from a player who tends to reserve his most effective performances for the international arena.
"We have to do better, the team and myself, but it starts with me," Pogba said.
"I cost us the goal today with the penalty but it was a poor team performance. We need to do a lot better."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54774068
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Premier League data dive: Arsenal end 14-year wait for Old Trafford win, Bale off the mark
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2 November 2020,
Arsenal have endured a frustrating run at Old Trafford in recent times, but they ended a 13-game winless streak in Premier League visits to the stadium on Sunday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a penalty to secure a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Gareth Bale got off the mark in his second spell at Tottenham to earn the points against Brighton and Hove Albion, and there were also wins for Southampton and Newcastle United.
Using Opta data, we take a look at the key facts from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal: Aubameyang ends Gunners' Old Trafford hoodoo
Aubameyang's second-half penalty was enough to clinch the points for Arsenal against United, as the Gunners clinched their first Premier League victory at Old Trafford since September 2006.
It was also the first time Arsenal have won away at a 'big six' Premier League side since January 2015, when they beat Manchester City 2-0 – a run of 29 games.
Only Chelsea (18) have won more Premier League games against United than Arsenal, with Sunday's win being their 16th victory in meetings with their old rivals.
Though United thrashed RB Leipzig 5-0 at Old Trafford in midweek, there has not been much in the way of home comfort for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the Premier League as of late, and they have failed to win any of their opening four top-flight games at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since 1972-73.
They finished 18th in a 22-team First Division in that campaign, while their haul of seven points from six Premier League games so far this term is their lowest tally at this stage since 2013-14, when David Moyes was in charge.
Arsenal's spot-kick – conceded by Paul Pogba – was the fifth United have given away in their last seven home league matches; the previous five penalties they had conceded at Old Trafford in the competition came over a period of 101 games.
Pogba has now conceded three penalties in the Premier League under Solskjaer – no other United player has committed more than one foul leading to a spot-kick.
Tottenham 2-1 Brighton and Hove Albion: Bale is back
Seven years and 166 days after scoring on his farewell appearance for Tottenham against Sunderland, Bale struck his first Spurs goal since embarking on his second spell at the club.
The 31-year-old scored with his second touch, just 200 seconds after coming on against Brighton, to secure a 2-1 win which sent Jose Mourinho's side into second place.
Bale's winner came after a contentious equaliser from Tariq Lamptey, whose goal was allowed to stand after a long VAR check for a possible foul from Solly March.
Pascal Gross played a neat pass into young full-back Lamptey, and the German has now assisted 16 Premier League goals for Brighton, double that of any other player at the club.
Spurs, who have now won four of their six Premier League games since their opening-day defeat to Everton – their joint-longest unbeaten run under Mourinho – hit the front through Harry Kane's early penalty.
Their second-place finish to the day is the highest spot they have achieved since February 2019, under Mauricio Pochettino.
At the other end of the table, only the current bottom three sides have lost more games in the Premier League this season than Brighton, while only league leaders Liverpool (15) have conceded more goals than Graham Potter's side.
Aston Villa 3-4 Southampton: Ward-Prowse into Saints' record books
Southampton were 4-0 up heading into the final half-hour at Villa Park, though Dean Smith's side rallied to give the visitors a late scare.
Jannik Vestergaard put Southampton in front after 20 minutes, heading his second goal in as many league away games as he connected with James Ward-Prowse's cross.
Ward-Prowse had Southampton three goals to the good by half-time, scoring two superb free-kicks. The midfielder, who also netted in the win over Everton last time out, is the ninth player in Premier League history to score directly from two free-kicks in a game, and the first since Christian Eriksen for Tottenham in 2015.
Birthday boy Ward-Prowse, who turned 26 on Sunday, has also now overtaken Matt Le Tissier as the player with the most free-kick goals for Southampton in the Premier League, with eight.
Danny Ings made it 4-0 in the 58th minute, and the former Liverpool striker has now netted 27 Premier League goals since the start of 2019-20, with only Jamie Vardy (29) having scored more, while no player has netted more from outside the box in the same period.
Tyrone Mings pulled one back from Jack Grealish's cross, with Ollie Watkins netting his fourth Premier League goal with a penalty before Grealish, Villa's captain, made it 4-3 in the final minute.
Southampton have picked up 13 points from their opening seven Premier League games – that is the Saints' most at this stage of a campaign since 2014-15 - while Villa have lost consecutive Premier League games for the first time since July.
Newcastle United 2-1 Everton: Wilson double inflicts Ancelotti's second straight defeat
Without key men James Rodriguez, Richarlison and Lucas Digne, Carlo Ancelotti named a makeshift team against Newcastle, and his Everton side were not up to the task.
Having gone eight games unbeaten in all competitions at the start of the season, the Toffees have now lost their last two after Callum Wilson's double secured the points for the hosts at St James' Park.
Wilson scored from the penalty spot before tucking in his second from close range – the ex-Bournemouth forward has now scored six goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Newcastle, with only Les Ferdinand having reached that tally in fewer games (six) for the Magpies in the competition.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back for Everton late on and, though it could not inspire a comeback, the 23-year-old has scored more top-flight goals against Newcastle (five) than he has against any other opponent.
Newcastle have won two of their last three league matches at home, as many as Steve Bruce's side had managed in their previous 11 such matches (D4, L5).
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has lost successive league games for the first time since September 2014, when his Real Madrid side went down 4-2 and 2-1 to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Jordan Pickford was also dropped to Everton's bench for the first time in the Premier League, after the England goalkeeper had started 120 successive games.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Tottenham aren't getting carried away by Premier League title talk, insists Bale
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1 November
Gareth Bale insists Tottenham are not thinking about a Premier League title challenge after his late goal handed them a 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Wales international headed home his first goal since re-joining the club on loan from Real Madrid in September, seven years after swapping north London for the Spanish capital.
Spurs had earlier gone ahead thanks to Harry Kane's 13th-minute penalty before Tariq Lamptey equalised for the Seagulls.
The result moved Jose Mourinho's side up to second, two points behind leaders Liverpool, but Bale says no-one at the club is getting carried away.
"It's very competitive, we know not to get too carried away," he told Sky Sports. "There are some great teams and we are just going to keep working as hard as we can."
Bale's goal was his first for Tottenham since May 2013 and came in his fourth appearance since his return.
While primarily brought back to help form a potent attack alongside Kane and Son Heung-min, Bale insists he would be just as happy doing the dirty work if that was demanded by Mourinho.
"You just want to come on and do a job for the team," he added. "I worked for the team and was lucky enough to get the goal.
"Everyone always talks about individuals but I've always said I'm a team player. I'd be happy coming on doing a job even if it's defending. The most important thing is the collective.
"We are growing every game. Even if we make mistakes we are learning from them and we can only use that as a positive.
"I haven't played a lot of football. I had a little problem with my knee so it's taking a bit of time. I am working hard in training and when I get chances
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Zidane backs Benzema, Hazard and Asensio to 'define an era' for Real Madrid
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2 November
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is backing Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio to "define an era" for Los Blancos.
In the eyes of many, Madrid have regressed as an attacking force in the years since their much-revered 'BBC' triumvirate of Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo was disbanded.
While Benzema has arguably found another level to his game with 45 LaLiga goals since the start of 2018-19, Bale fell out of favour before leaving and Hazard has struggled for form and fitness since essentially being brought in as Ronaldo's replacement last year.
But Hazard made his first appearance of the season in Saturday's 4-1 win over Huesca, scoring for the first time in 392 days, while Asensio is expected to have a big future at the club after recovering from a serious knee injury last term.
While Zidane stopped short of comparing the two trios, he is optimistic the three still at the club can achieve great success in the coming years.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Inter, Zidane said: "The players who are here always want to make history.
"Those three you just said are important and I'm sure they can define an era in Madrid. Those three are important and are going to do important things.
"I know there is talk about us needing to change things in the squad, but what I see inside is that everyone wants to win and compete, and that is very good for the coach, who is me at the moment.
"I enjoy all of my players and we are going to try with everyone to achieve the objectives."
Nevertheless, the Madrid squad has shown evidence of tension of late, with Benzema caught on camera slating team-mate Vinicius Junior to Ferland Mendy in the tunnel during half-time of their previous Champions League outing against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Zidane recently said the pair have spoken and the situation is fine, and Raphael Varane is calling for the team to remain united in the face of uncomfortable reports surrounding the club.
"The Real Madrid dressing room is very close," he said. "We know that there is a lot of pressure here and many things are said outside the club, especially when we lose.
"We have to help each other. We have to be calm with things [coming from] outside the club."
Madrid have failed to win either of their two opening group games for the second season in a row, having previously not done so for 23 years.
Similarly, they are winless in four games in the competition ahead of Inter's visit, their worst run since September 2006.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-02-2020
Guardiola: Champions League even harder to win this season
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2 November
Pep Guardiola claimed this season's Champions League will be more difficult than ever for Manchester City to win.
City are in their 10th consecutive season in the competition and have never got further than a semi-final appearance in 2015-16 when Manuel Pellegrini was charge.
Guardiola, who twice won the Champions League as Barcelona head coach, was appointed City manager with a remit to bring European silverware to the club.
Under the Catalan they have consistently reached the knockout phase, but have never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage.
And ahead of their Group C clash with Olympiacos on Tuesday, Guardiola acknowledged the quest to become European champions seems to become more of a challenge with each passing season.
"It’s tough, really tough. There’s many examples to prove what I’m saying," Guardiola told a media conference on Monday.
"There are more games with managers better prepared, more games where they know what they have to do. Teams are better.
"There is more money everywhere not just a few clubs, a lot of clubs have the possibility to spend and buy players, and there are important managers.
"It’s difficult. Last season, Atalanta, look what happened, semi-finals of the Champions League, and the Italian league was incredible.
"Shakhtar Donetsk, look what happened and now in Real Madrid and a draw against Inter. It ridiculous, this didn’t exist before. It doesn’t matter where you go.
"It's hard to qualify [for the knockout stage], every time we qualify I say to players 'congratulations, enjoy that moment' but it’s the first success of the season, to qualify for the next round."
Guardiola won his two previous Champions League matches against Olympiacos, emerging victorious 3-0 away and 4-0 at home as Bayern Munich manager in the 2015-16 season.
His City side are unbeaten in their last 13 games in the group stage of the competition, winning five of the six games at the Etihad Stadium.
Even though City are currently top of Group C after a 3-1 home win over Porto and a 3-0 away victory over Marseille, Guardiola says his players must retain their focus.
He said: "It’s difficult every game. Even with the pandemic, the situation is more uncertain with all the clubs. You can go away and struggle, go away where you have to do a good game to beat them.
"At home as well, it’s a tricky competition, it’s why I’m delighted so far, we cannot miss this chance to get nine points and be in a position, just one more step, 16 best teams in Europe, this is the target,
"Porto is a team has to win every weekend, Olympiacos the same, they have to win, you play with this mentality you have to win too, always it’s difficult."
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-03-2020
Diego Maradona admitted to hospital in Argentina just days after celebrating his 60th birthday
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Diego Maradona has been admitted to hospital in Argentina just days after celebrating his 60th birthday.
The 60-year-old Argentine legend was reportedly taken to the Ipensa clinic in La Plata, about an hour from Buenos Aires to undergo tests as he had been feeling poorly for some time and will be held under observation for "several days, his doctor Leopoldo Luque said.
He had been feeling poorly and will be held under observation for “at least three days”, Luque told reporters.
“He is not well psychologically and that has an impact on his physical wellbeing,” Luque said. “He’s not as well as I would like and as well as I know he can be. He needs help, this is the time to help him.
“Diego is a person who is sometimes excellent and sometimes not so much,” Luque added. “He could be 10,000 times better. And bringing him here helps him. It’s very difficult being Maradona.”
Luque did not give specific details of Maradona's ailment but said it was not related to COVID-19 as he had tested negative in recent days.
Maradona had initially self-isolated after one of his bodyguards displayed symptoms of coronavirus.
The former Napoli, Barcelona, and Boca Juniors player who has suffered frequent periods in hospital over the years will remain in the hospital for at least another 48 hours and he is unlikely to return to take charge of Gimnasia’s game with Velzez Sarsfield this weekend.
RE: Sports Updates - Edoman - 11-03-2020
Man. United legend and Wales coach, Ryan Giggs arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend at his £1.7million mansion'
![[Image: 5fa0b8ebd18fa.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5fa0b8ebd18fa.jpg)
Ryan Giggs has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend Kate Greville at his £1.7million mansion.
The Manchester United legend and Wales manager Giggs was arrested after Police officers were called to his Worsley home shortly after 10pm on Sunday November 1, following reports of 'a disturbance'.
According to Mail Online, Giggs was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and assault.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman told The Sun: 'Police were called at 10.05pm on Sunday to reports of a disturbance. A woman in her 30s sustained minor injuries but did not require any treatment.
'A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault and section 39 common assault.'
He was released on bail and was photographed leaving Pendleton police station on Monday, November.
Giggs and Ms. Greville, who both first met in 2013, have been on-and- since 2017. They were linked after she ended her marriage in 2015, 18 months after she started working for him as head of PR for GG Hospitality, his firm owned with Neville.
Ms Greville's ex-husband, Damian Burke accused Giggs of being 'the third person in our marriage'. They denied they had a sexual relationship at the time.
Kate was showered with gifts by the footballer as his ten-year marriage to wife Stacey, who has two children with the footballer, crumbled, according to the Sun.
Giggs and ex-wife Stacey finalised a £40million divorce after he cheated on her with model Imogen Thomas and his brother's wife, Natasha. They had an eight-year affair.
The Welsh FA spokesperson said: 'The FAW is aware of an alleged incident involving the men's national team manager Ryan Giggs.
'The FAW will be making no further comment at this current time.'
A representative for Mr Giggs told The Mirror: 'Mr Giggs denies all allegations of assault made against him. He is cooperating with the police and will continue to assist them with their ongoing investigations.'