Author: hepcnomads.com.ng

In the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash between Chelsea and Newcastle United, the Blues secured a spot in the competition’s final four through a penalty shootout victory after the match ended in a draw. The turning point in the game occurred when Christopher Nkunku, who had been with Chelsea for over six months, made his debut as a substitute. This strategic move by manager Pochettino injected fresh energy into the team, providing Chelsea fans with a much-needed boost. Despite Chelsea’s persistence, the breakthrough moment came deep into stoppage time. Kieran Trippier’s mistake opened the door for Mudryk to capitalize, sneaking in…

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In Tuesday’s EFL Cup quarterfinal, Chelsea’s record signing, Gordon, received a yellow card, sparking controversy as many believed it should have been a red card. Despite fan concerns over a potentially dangerous tackle, Gordon continued to play until injury forced him off the pitch, with Matt Ritchie replacing him. Fans expressed dissatisfaction with the tackle, with comments such as “Dirty challenge” and “That’s bad” circulating on social media. Observers noted that Gordon was fortunate to remain on the pitch after a tackle that involved Caicedo’s studs on the back of his legs. Many believed it warranted a red card, with…

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Manchester City faced Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup, and fans eagerly anticipated Kevin De Bruyne’s return. Despite the optimism surrounding his comeback, De Bruyne was not even on the bench for the match. Journalist Joe Bray from the Manchester Evening News clarified that there was no setback; rather, it was a strategic decision to keep De Bruyne out of the game and focus on his participation in training. As Manchester City arrived in Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne had finally returned to training, prompting joy among fans. Expectations of his immediate eligibility for selection were dashed when…

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In the Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle United on Wednesday night, concerns arose as Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernandez was substituted off after only 30 minutes, raising the possibility of another injury setback for the Blues during the holiday period. Initially positioned in the center alongside Moises Caicedo for the quarterfinal clash, Fernandez’s early exit prompted Mauricio Pochettino to bring on Armando Broja. The abrupt substitution fueled worries about potential injury troubles for Chelsea, a team already grappling with various fitness concerns. Reports from Sky Sports indicated that Fernandez was not feeling well, and after being taken off, he…

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Newcastle United faces a potential setback ahead of their League Cup quarterfinal clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, with key players Fabian Schar and Joelinton nursing injuries sustained in the recent victory over Fulham. Manager Eddie Howe is working to assemble the strongest possible team for the crucial encounter. In a press conference on Monday, Howe provided updates on Schar and Joelinton, noting that while scans didn’t reveal anything “too bad,” their availability remained uncertain. Expressing the significance of potentially missing Schar, Howe stated, “To miss Fabby would be a big blow.” Additionally, striker Alexander Isak sat out the Fulham game…

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Today, Manchester City’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta gained momentum as the Brazilian delivered a stellar performance against Wolves, showcasing his brilliance in a 3-0 victory. Linked with a potential move to City, Paqueta’s impact was evident as he played a pivotal role in all three goals. Despite City dropping points in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace yesterday, Paqueta’s standout performance for West Ham captured the attention of City fans. The disappointing result for City has raised concerns among supporters, prompting speculation about potential moves in the January transfer market. Paqueta’s display against Wolves was described…

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Real Madrid and Chelsea continue to express interest in acquiring the services of Kylian Mbappe. Despite persistent rumors surrounding Mbappe’s future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and his reluctance to sign a contract extension last summer, both Real Madrid and Chelsea remain keen on securing the French sensation.  While Liverpool has reportedly reconsidered pursuing Mbappe, Real Madrid appears to be the frontrunner for his potential destination, although Chelsea’s financial strength could give them a competitive edge. Even as Mbappe has committed to staying in Paris for the current season, the allure of top European clubs persists. Real Madrid, a long-envisioned destination…

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised the possibility of midfielder Kalvin Phillips leaving the club in January to secure regular first-team football. The 28-year-old England international, who joined City from Leeds for £42 million 18 months ago, has struggled to secure a consistent spot in Guardiola’s lineup. Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the January transfer market, emphasizing that his focus remains on the current squad. However, he hinted at potential changes if the midfield options become limited, especially in the absence of Rodri due to injury or suspension. While Guardiola expressed uncertainty about Phillips’ future at City, last week,…

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Pep Guardiola’s frustration is palpable as Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, according to pundit Neil Lennon. Lennon, who provided commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live during the Etihad Stadium clash, pinpointed Guardiola’s likely discontent with his team’s inability to secure a clean sheet. The match witnessed City take a 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis. However, the defensive resilience expected from a team of City’s caliber crumbled when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net for Palace. The frustration peaked as Michael Olise’s late penalty secured a draw for…

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Manchester City’s failure to secure a victory and the subsequent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace is primarily attributed to their own mistakes, with Rico Lewis asserting that the team has no one else to blame. Despite Jack Grealish and Lewis providing a two-goal lead, Crystal Palace managed to make a comeback through Jean-Phillippe Mateta’s penalty on the 76th minute and Michael Olise’s 95th-minute spot kick. The defensive vulnerabilities of Manchester City are evident as they have conceded 12 goals in their last six games, raising concerns about their ability to maintain solidity at the back. The draw against Crystal Palace…

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