Page 2 - Monthly Archives: February 2017
- February 14, 2017
14th February 2017. By Danni Biggs
Cameroon, the underdogs during the African Cup of Nations final against the much-fancied Egyptians gave us a truly breathtaking performance where they came from behind to make it their fifth title.
Sunday 5th February saw Cameroon's 15-year long wait came to an end. The Indomitable Lions one of the heavyweight nations beat the 7-time champions Egypt in Libreville, Gabon, despite being beset with pre-tournament problems. In previous finals in 2008 and 1986 Cameroon suffered defeats from Egypt and now meeting again Cameroon were mean to be the underdogs who did indeed put up a thrilling performance which saw them crowned champions with a late goal at two minutes to go until full-time.Sealing their Fifth African Cup of Nations Title
After being second best to Egypt in previous finals it was Cameroons turn to dominate and sure they did. Match statistics - February 13, 2017
13th February 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
The partnership between Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele in central midfield for Tottenham Hotspur is hitting all the right chords at present, as they've been integral in Spurs' solid recent form.
Having started the last six league games together, a sequence that began with Spurs' sensational win over Chelsea and unfortunately ended with a loss against Liverpool, the fearsome duo have been crucial for Spurs lately. Indeed, this was something Tottenham's brilliant central defender, Toby Alderweireld, touched on just last week.
"They (Wanyama and Mousa) make our life much easier. They are playing fantastic football this season. They have helped us a lot this season and we are happy to have them," he said.
"They are very strong, good on the ball, they know tactically where to run, to stand, when to kick the ball away and keep it in the team, they have a variety - February 10, 2017
10th February 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
In Napoli's colossal 7-1 destruction of Bologna, their dynamic, all-action midfielder, Piotr Zielinski, once again showed why he's such a weapon for Maurizio Sarri's men.
This game served as another glowing reference that his presence really gives the Partonepei another dimension going forward. Although Allan, who's his main rival for a spot in Napoli's midfield alongside the sensational Marek Hamsik and the intelligent Amadou Diawara, is a fine player in his own right, he's more of an industrious, less offensively gifted operator.
From the outset against Bologna, Zielinski's energy, thoughtful movement and strong technical qualities ensured the Rossoblu had a tough evening containing Napoli's right sided central midfielder.
Firstly, his exquisite range of passing deserves special mention, for, aside from seeing him link up tidily with his colleagues, this aspect of his game saw him supply two absolutely outstanding - February 08, 2017
8th February 2017. By Ryan Baldi.
When Chelsea forked out £30 million to re-sign David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day in August last year, many observers wrote the move off as the ultimate panic buy.
But with Chelsea top of the league and the Brazilian defender thriving at the heart of manager Antonio Conte's back three, few still hold that view. The wild-haired defender, once a figure of ridicule, is now being hailed as one of the very best centre-backs in the Premier League.
And Luiz's transformation from a defensive liability into a crucial cog for the runaway title race leaders is all thanks to Conte's tactical mastery.
At the beginning of the campaign the Chelsea boss was intent on setting up his side in a 4-2-4 shape similar to that which he employed at Siena and during his early days in charge of Juventus.
But deteriorating results soon proved that that particular - February 06, 2017
6th February 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
Securing the signature of Fabian Orellana on deadline day from Celta Vigo was definitely a shrewd piece of business by Valencia.
Following a fiery dispute with his manager at Celta, Eduardo Berizzo, that was reportedly due to Orellana trying to force a move away from the club without advising the club or his coach, this left his relationship with the Galician outfit in tatters.
While Berizzo never officially disclosed the reason for his subsequent decision to no longer pick the wantaway Chilean, his actions and words spoke volumes over his dissatisfaction towards his once loyal charge. "I decided to leave out Orellana because of an unacceptable lack of respect towards me," Berizzo fumed.
"My decision is firm and I told the club, who are in agreement. As long as I'm here, he will no longer be a part of this team. One thing is discipline and another issue is disrespect. He has not apologised but it doesn't matter. I have - February 04, 2017
4th February 2017. By Danni Biggs
For the 2016/17 season the winter transfer window opened on the 1st Jan and closed on the 31st January at 11pm. Here we will talk about whom is Southampton's most wanted? Have the Saints taken real-longshots with their new signings, or were they already prepared in completing done deals?
The January Premier League transfer window has come to end, meaning clubs from across the land will have to make do until the summer transfer session. So, who's in and who is out? Who went where? The roundup of deadline day shows that Saints broke their transfer record and also made the biggest move this transfer, welcoming players from OGC Nice and Napoli.Pleased to Announce Signing of Manolo Gabbiadini
Shortly after their 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Tuesday at the Liberty Stadium the Saint's announced the news of their new signing Gabbiadini, a former Napoli - February 03, 2017
3rd February 2017. By Edward Stratmann.
Having started just one game under Real Betis' previous manager, Gus Poyet, Dani Ceballos' fortunes have improved drastically since Victor Sanchez took over the managerial reigns in November.
Thereafter, the former Deportivo La Coruna boss has quickly gone about making the sublimely talented creative midfielder a key component within his side. And the 20-year-old's repaying his manager's faith wholeheartedly, especially of late, by putting in a string of excitement laden, yet hugely effective performances.
His man of the match display vs Barcelona at the weekend was encouragingly his best yet too, as the Spanish youth international put in a sterling shift from his tailored midfield post. Ceballos' undertook his fascinating role brilliantly, for on the attacking end he was granted plentiful freedom to get involved, but on the defensive end he was instructed to press high and man mark Ivan Rakitic, but then immediately drop back - February 02, 2017
2nd February 2017. By Danni Biggs
Iceland, a country of just 329,000 people, produced some spectacular memorable moments during the 2016 European Championships, which were captured worldwide by millions of people.
Being the smallest nation to have qualified for the Euros, not only did Iceland make their mark on the tournament by reaching the quarter-finals but also brought their army of fans. For each of Iceland's game the stadiums were indeed flooded with Icelandic supporters, who performed to the world their spectacular Viking chant.
The inspirational journey of Iceland in 2016 definitely became one of the most popular talking points throughout the European Championships. Beating clubs such as England and Austria and even drawing against the Euro champions Portugal Iceland definitely made their first appearance at the Euros one to remember and left many fans around the world proud to be an Icelandic supporter. Iceland:
- February 01, 2017
1st February 2017. By Ryan Baldi.
After a flying start to their first ever top-flight campaign, the last game before the winter break presented the biggest test in the short history of RB Leipzig.
The Red Bull-owned team travelled to the Allianz Arena to take on Bayern Munich, a win, or even a draw, would have left their fans, and the neutrals swept up in their rise to become apparent Bundesliga contenders, absolutely ecstatic.
But they lost 3-0 in a thoroughly one-sided affair. The Bavarian's exuded an air of superiority throughout, almost swatting away the plucky upstarts with disdain -- how dare they come to our patch and think they can tussle with the big boys.
Leipzig's star playmaker Emil Forsberg, arguably their most impressive player of the season to date although Guinean midfielder Naby Keita would make a serious clam for that distinction was sent off, betraying his nervousness and seemingly over-hyped and underprepared for the occasion.
Their - February 01, 2017
1st February 2017. By Danni Biggs.
Arsenal and England legend, Kelly Smith confirms her retirement from football at the age of 38. With 117 games, 48 goals for her national team Smith said with no regrets "I've travelled the world and, at the age of 38, the body is telling me it needs to stop."
Kelly, 38, was awarded an MBE for her services in football in 2008, also winning numerous accolades and individual honours throughout her career including the FA Women's Players' Player of the year in 2006 and 2007. "Kelly Smith is the best women's player England has ever produced, and one of the foremost players in the history of the women's game," said Johnathan Pearce on BBC Match of the Day.Ending her Career on a High
'The game is in a magnificent place at the moment and it's good to step away at the right time.' Smith said.
At the young age of 17, Kelly made her debut for