JOSE MOURINHO did what he does best when he took his Manchester United to Liverpool on Saturday... parking the bus. The Old Trafford chief, 54, has become famous around the globe for piling men behind the ball on the road to a "top six" opponent. Whether it be Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham or Chelsea, Mourinho seemingly never has the confidence to go all-out for the win. It was something of a surprising move from Mourinho this weekend, though, as his rampant United squad looked to keep up their good form against a Reds side lacking in confidence and struggling for consistency. In the game at Anfield, Liverpool earned a staggering 62 per cent of possession, while unleashing 19 shots to United's paltry total of six, in a drab 0-0 draw. In fact, Mourinho's men hit the target just ONCE and even earned just three corners in the 90 minutes, clearly demonstrating their defensive mindset. Mourinho was evidently happy with the result too, saying after the game: "A point, in … [Read more...] about Jose Mourinho’s teams have scored just ONCE in their last nine games away to ‘top six’ opposition during his time at Manchester United and Chelsea
Premier League
Danny Murphy takes dig at Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho for Liverpool tactics
GETTY Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised by Danny Murphy Former Reds ace Danny Murphy believes the Special One disappointed in the way he set out his team.And the pundit was surprised by Mourinho’s approach with the amount of money Manchester United spent in the summer and the start they have made this season.“Everyone wanted it to be a good game because that’s what you want to see with the big clubs,” Murphy said on talkSPORT.“But thinking back to when we used to play United, we used to shut up shop and go there and nick an odd goal, an odds result. Which we got a few of actually.“There’s nothing wrong with that. Manchester United's likely line-up to face Benfica away MANCHESTER UNITED take on Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, but who … [Read more...] about Danny Murphy takes dig at Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho for Liverpool tactics
Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester City made bids for Jonny Evans, says Tony Pulis
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis says Jonny Evans will remain at The Hawthorns for the foreseeable future after confirming the Baggies rejected bids from Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester City for the much-admired centre-back in the summer.Evans, has become a mainstay of the Baggies' backline since joining from Manchester United nearly three years ago, and his form for the Midlands outfit has earned the interest of a number of clubs.Arsenal are believed to have held a interest in the £30m-rated Northern Ireland international for some time, while Manchester City threw their hat into the ring during the summer but ultimately failed to prise the former United star away from West Brom's grasp. Leicester were also in the market for a new centre-back and had targeted Evans, but in the end Craig Shakespeare's men signed Harry Maguire and Aleksandar Dragovic.Speaking ahead of West Brom's clash with Leicester, Pulis touched upon the bids made by Arsenal, City and Leicester for his … [Read more...] about Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester City made bids for Jonny Evans, says Tony Pulis
Llorente explains why he chose Tottenham over Chelsea after falling ‘in love’ with Pochettino
Fernando Llorente has claimed that he decided to join Tottenham Hotspur over Chelsea on deadline day after falling "in love" with Mauricio Pochettino through a telephone conversation held on 30 August. The former Swansea striker was expected to join Chelsea as Antonio Conte already tried to lure him to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window. The Italian boss already coached Llorente at Juventus and wanted the Spaniard to serve as a back-up for Alvaro Morata at the Premier League champions. However, Tottenham eventually won the race on deadline day in a deal worth around £12.1m. Llorente admits that he thought that he was "going to Chelsea" but the 2010 World Cup winner suggested that Spurs eventually pushed harder than the Blues to strike a deal with Swansea. "Yes, it was a difficult decision that I had to take at the last moment. Conte, whom I admired since I was with him at Juventus, showed a great interest in me since last January. But Chelsea did not … [Read more...] about Llorente explains why he chose Tottenham over Chelsea after falling ‘in love’ with Pochettino
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea injury crisis worsens with Victor Moses out for a month
ANTONIO CONTE’S woes have worsened with Victor Moses facing at least a month out with injury. Chelsea’s hamstring jinx has struck again with the winger limping off during Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. He is the third Chelsea star to be crocked by a hamstring pull in the last fortnight. Boss Conte declared the problem an ’emergency’ as he tries to fill the gaps in his team in a busy October for the defending Premier League champions. Chelsea suffered their second loss in a row at the weekend and Moses joins leading striker Alavaro Morata and key midfielder N’Golo Kante with hamstring problems. In Moses’ case the player could be out for up to six weeks during a hectic run of fixtures with Champions League and Carabao Cup games sandwiched in between the defence of the title. Moses joins the sick list at Stanford Bridge just as Morata has resumed full training. The Spaniard sat out the defeat at Palace but should be OK to play in … [Read more...] about Antonio Conte’s Chelsea injury crisis worsens with Victor Moses out for a month
Cristiano Ronaldo wants Man Utd star Rashford at Real Madrid if Kane move fails – report
GETTY Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford is wanted by Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid The Red Devils forward has impressed for Jose Mourinho’s men this season and the Portuguese superstar has noticed.Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Ronaldo has approved a move for Rashford if Florentino Perez fails to secure the signing of top target Kane.The La Liga champions know it will be difficult to get a deal over the line for the Spurs ace.Kane has been in sensational form again this season, netting 11 goals in 10 matches in all competitions.Rashford has also impressed for United, scoring five times and providing four assists in his 12 appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi compared since 2009/10 HOW do Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's club goal and appearance records compare since the Portuguese … [Read more...] about Cristiano Ronaldo wants Man Utd star Rashford at Real Madrid if Kane move fails – report
Mourinho must change Man Utd tactics, De Bruyne is a passing genius
IT was yet another action packed weekend of football in the best league in the world. But now it's time for us at SunSport to look back give our verdict on the biggest talking points from the nine games. Do you remember when Sam Allardyce took West Ham to Stamford Bridge in 2014, stuck everyone behind the ball and escaped with a goalless draw and a point? “This is football from the 19th Century,” moaned then Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. Fast forward three years and despite facing a notoriously nervy Liverpool defence, Jose’s United managed just one shot on target in a game when Mourinho’s men did little or nothing to try and win the game, playing the kind of unsightly, anti-football that’s completely at odds with the way they tend to do things at Old Trafford. In days gone by such a performance would have been sold as a ‘Mourinho masterclass’ but they simply won’t buy that at United. It’s just not what they do. He has been … [Read more...] about Mourinho must change Man Utd tactics, De Bruyne is a passing genius
Man Utd News: Phil Jones thinks Jose Mourinho got tactics right in Liverpool draw
Manchester United dropped points for just the second time this season against fierce rivals Liverpool at the weekend.The Red Devils’ swashbuckling style of football had to give way to a far more cautious display.Manchester United threatened just once - a shot by Romelu Lukaku - with Mourinho deploying his famous ‘park the bus’ tactics to ensure his side remain unbeaten.And Jones, who starred at the back alongside Chris Smalling, has hit back at those criticising Mourinho’s decision to focus on securing a point. Manchester United player ratings against Liverpool Sat, October 14, 2017 “Let them (criticise) – we’ll see where we are at the end of the season,” he … [Read more...] about Man Utd News: Phil Jones thinks Jose Mourinho got tactics right in Liverpool draw
Jamie Redknapp’s Premier League team of the week: Who joins De Bruyne and Zaha?
Jamie Redknapp's Premier League team of the week: 14-15 October JAMIE REDKNAPP has named his team of the week after the latest Premier League matches. 1 / 12 GETTY GK: David De Gea (Manchester United) “Two Crystal Palace players make it into the side after their stunning 2-1 victory over champions Chelsea” The Sky Sports pundit made his selection in his latest Daily Mail column, and he has gone for a … [Read more...] about Jamie Redknapp’s Premier League team of the week: Who joins De Bruyne and Zaha?
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp must be asked questions, not Man Utd’s Jose Mourinho – Redknapp
GETTY Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp got it wrong against Man Utd, according to Jamie Redknapp That’s the opinion of Jamie Redknapp who thinks Jose Mourinho is getting wrongly blamed for the boring spectacle at Anfield.United only had one shot on target in the 90 minutes but Liverpool failed to break their opponents down and stay seven points behind them in the table.Redknapp believes the onus should have been on the Reds to go for victory and close the gap on their arch rivals.He told the Daily Mail: “Did anyone seriously expect Jose Mourinho to go to Anfield and open up? Mourinho is one of the Premier League's greatest managers but rarely do you see him involved in thrilling, high-scoring encounters.“I cannot recall his teams winning too many games 3-2. He hates those matches. This game was built up as if it was El Clasico but, if Jose was … [Read more...] about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp must be asked questions, not Man Utd’s Jose Mourinho – Redknapp
Dele Alli can win the Ballon d’or, says Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino
DELE ALLI can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or, says the man helping him develop into a world class player. The Tottenham midfielder has started the season in fine style, and his manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old. Interviewed by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague for AS, Pochettino was adamant that Alli has 'potential' to win the coveted prize. The Spurs boss said: "Why not? It is true that he is now in another moment of his career completely different, but Dele has potential. "He has that capacity and that energy, that aura that does not leave you indifferent. "Hopefully, let's hope. He is still young and still has to improve and learn many things. "We are trying to provide him with the best tools." Alli has scored three goal in all competitions so far, and has become one of the first names on Pochettino's team-sheet. He already has 22 England caps, and it is expected he will form part of the spine of the national side for years to … [Read more...] about Dele Alli can win the Ballon d’or, says Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino
Arsenal news: Tony Cascarino blasts ‘soft from top to bottom’ Gunners
Per Mertesacker put the Gunners in front in the first half but they were pegged back by a controversial Troy Deeney’s penalty then Tom Cleverley scored an injury-time winner.It means Arsenal have just one point from their first four away games and sit sixth in the Premier League table, nine points off leaders Manchester City.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has come under renewed criticism over the problems at the Emirates.And Cascarino believes there are major issues at the club. Granit Xhaka caught out during Watford winner vs Arsenal Sun, October 15, 2017 That club is soft from top to bottom Tony Cascarino … [Read more...] about Arsenal news: Tony Cascarino blasts ‘soft from top to bottom’ Gunners
Lionel Messi wants Antoine Griezmann at Barcelona: Luis Suarez could be offloaded – report
GETTY Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could leave Barcelona Diario Gol say Messi is keen to bring the Frenchman to the Nou Camp.However, his arrival in Catalonia could signal the death knell for Suarez’s Barca career.Diario Gol claim that Ernesto Valverde isn’t a fan of the former Liverpool star.It’s suggested he could be sent packing despite being close pals with Messi.Barca could face stiff competition for Griezmann’s signature, though.He was heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United during the transfer window.However, the 26-year-old decided to stay at Atletico Madrid having quashed any transfer talk. Liverpool's XI if they held on to all of their star possessions LIVERPOOL'S line-up would have looked incredibly dominant if they held on to their star … [Read more...] about Lionel Messi wants Antoine Griezmann at Barcelona: Luis Suarez could be offloaded – report
Pep Guardiola will be laughing at Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho after Liverpool draw – Crooks
GETTY Pep Guardiola will be delighted with Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho failing at Liverpool That’s the opinion of pundit Garth Crooks who believes Jose Mourinho used cowardly tactics at Anfield.And the former Tottenham man believes Sir Alex Ferguson would have never approached the game in the way the Special One did.United registered just one shot on target and had David De Gea to thank for leaving Anfield with a point after his wonderful save from Joel Matip.Crooks told BBC Sport: “Sir Alex Ferguson would never have subjected United fans, or one of his teams, to such a cowardly display, especially at Liverpool.“United going to Anfield looking for a draw? Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola must be laughing himself to sleep.” Manchester United player ratings v Liverpool … [Read more...] about Pep Guardiola will be laughing at Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho after Liverpool draw – Crooks
Hero Cleverley reveals Hornets stung Arsenal late on after smelling blood
TOM CLEVERLEY has revealed Watford “smelled blood” against Arsenal. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Vicarage Road meant Arsene Wenger’s side have picked up just one point from four away games in the Premier League this season. Hornets striker Troy Deeney slammed Arsenal for not having any “cojones”. And match-winner Cleverley said: “You smell a little bit of blood. I felt we were on the front foot and I gambled a little bit for the goal. “If you were a bit more wary of a team maybe I wouldn’t have done.” Deeney launched an astonishing TV attack on Arsenal after the game. Boss Wenger was furious Watford were given a penalty when Richarlison went down — and Deeney scored from the spot. But Deeney said: “There is a reason why Arsenal lost and it was not because of the penalty. It was about having … [Read more...] about Hero Cleverley reveals Hornets stung Arsenal late on after smelling blood
Antonio Conte sees ‘difficult season’ for Chelsea as gap to the top grows after shock defeat to Palace
Antonio Conte reacted to defeat by conceding this would be a “difficult season” while Gary Cahill admitted Chelsea may well have to match last season’s record-breaking winning run if they are to close the gap on Manchester City at the top of the table. Already the theme of Chelsea’s title defence is one of managing expectations. At this stage last year, Conte’s side, reshaped after a painful defeat at Arsenal, had just beaten defending champions Leicester City 3-0, the second of 13 successive victories that laid the foundation of their success, to lie fifth, three points behind leaders Manchester City. Twelve months on, both sides occupy the same positions, but the direction of travel has changed and defeat by a Crystal Palace side without a point or league goal before Saturday, coming on the back of a home loss to Pep Guardiola’s pacesetters, means there is now a much more daunting nine-point deficit between the teams. Conte’s side now … [Read more...] about Antonio Conte sees ‘difficult season’ for Chelsea as gap to the top grows after shock defeat to Palace
Pep Guardiola warns Man City not to ease up against Napoli after putting seven past Stoke
Just in case Manchester City’s players are thinking about getting carried away with themselves, Pep Guardiola has delivered them a warning. In the aftermath of one of the best attacking performances produced by a team in the Premier League era, City’s manager declared that it would be “stupid” to start getting over-confident. Guardiola’s caution is wise. A man of extremely high standards, the Spaniard is only too aware that his players must follow up Saturday’s demolition of Stoke by facing Napoli, a team as dangerous as any in Europe right now. Tuesday’s Champions League meeting at the Etihad Stadium may well turn out to be the game of the season so far. City have scored 29 league goals in their opening eight games, the first English top-flight side to do that since Everton in 1894. Napoli, meanwhile, have won all eight of their Serie A matches, scoring 26 times in the process. The prospect of the outstanding Kevin De Bruyne taking on … [Read more...] about Pep Guardiola warns Man City not to ease up against Napoli after putting seven past Stoke
‘Tammy Abraham can use Swansea as stepping stone for bigger things back at Chelsea – and England too’
No doubt these are, as they say, early days in the career of Tammy Abraham but as England consider how strenuously they should try to convince the striker to reject Nigeria’s advances, Paul Clement has a simple question. “How many other 19-year-olds are playing in the Premier League and scoring goals?” The obvious answer is Marcus Rashford and nobody is putting Abraham alongside him quite yet. But the Chelsea loanee, who actually turned 20 two weeks ago, underlined his outstanding promise with a two-goal contribution which carried Swansea out of the relegation zone. No doubt they are watching at Stamford Bridge; perhaps even more avidly with Alvaro Morata’s recent absence. Ian Wright certainly believes Chelsea would be better off with Abraham than Michy Batshuayi. “With his movement, I'm taking Tammy over him all day long,” Wright told the BBC. And credit to Clement, because he is humble enough to admit South Wales could … [Read more...] about ‘Tammy Abraham can use Swansea as stepping stone for bigger things back at Chelsea – and England too’
Mauricio Pochettino reveals England dream on eve of crucial Tottenham test against Real Madrid
Mauricio Pochettino has paraded his credentials for an eventual tilt at the England manager’s job on the eve of a crucial test of character on one of Europe’s grandest stages. The Argentine travels to Spain for Tottenham’s Champions League appointment with holders Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Tuesday. It brings a magnificent opportunity to gilt-edge his rapidly growing reputation as one of Europe’s most impressive young coaches. Pochettino is not thinking of switching to the international arena just yet but in an extract from his new book, published by a national newspaper at the weekend, the Tottenham manager makes his long-term ambitions clear. “If I were to be an international manager one day, I’d relish the opportunity to coach the England national team. I’ve heard that I’ve been considered for the job before but I don’t know if there was any truth in it,” he wrote. Pochettino, 45, who was in charge of Southampton before … [Read more...] about Mauricio Pochettino reveals England dream on eve of crucial Tottenham test against Real Madrid
Jurgen Klopp defiant after Man Utd draw: Liverpool will be contenders this season
Getty Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool will challenge this season The Liverpool boss saw his team take a point away from Anfield against fellow Premier League heavyweights Manchester United on Saturday.The game failed to live up to the pre-match hype due to the defensive tactics of opposition manager Jose Mourinho.The point means Liverpool sit eighth in the table, nine points off leaders Manchester City.However, Klopp insists his men will be up there challenging come the business end of the season.“We have to do whatever is necessary and we will be challengers. We will be challengers for the next few years, no problem," said the German after yesterday's clash. Premier League big six head-to-head records: Since Jurgen Klopp joined Liverpool HOW have the Premier League big six got on in matches … [Read more...] about Jurgen Klopp defiant after Man Utd draw: Liverpool will be contenders this season
