₦airaland Forum

SPORT
Liverpool give Philippe Coutinho no assurances he can leave for Barcelona next summer

The Brazilian has been given no guarantee over a potential Anfield exit, with FSG maintaining they want to keep their best players


Philippe Coutinho has been given no assurances that he will be allowed to leave Liverpool next summer.

The Brazilian is said to be distraught at not being able to join Barcelona this summer, Liverpool turning down three bids, the last one amounting to around £140million.


But unlike Luis Suarez, who was also being courted by a number of clubs, including Barcelona and Arsenal, in 2013, there has been no compromise.

Suarez was told he could go if a suitable offer came in the following summer and ended up joining Barca for £65million, 12 months later.


Liverpool laugh off claims they would have sold Coutinho to Barcelona for £183m
This time, Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, have made no similar promise, determined to keep their best players at Anfield. That has upset Coutinho who has recovered from a mystery back injury to join up with Brazil for two World Cup qualifiers.

Samba teammate Neymar has revealed that the 25-year-old forward is full of angst.

He said: “Instead of being a happy time for him and for his family, it’s a moment of anguish, disappointment and sadness.”



Coutinho scored in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Ecuador after coming off the bench and is set to pay against Colombia on Tuesday night before returning to Merseyside.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp then has the challenge of motivating him for Liverpool’s challenge for the Premier League title.

First up are big rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.

SPORT

Andreas Pereira signs new Manchester United contract after joining Valencia on season-long loan

Pereira has been unable to break into the United squad despite impressing in pre-season and has secured a loan to La Liga


Pereira has completed a move to Valencia

Andreas Pereira has committed his future to Manchester United by signing a new two-year contract.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who will spend this season on loan with LaLiga side Valencia, is now tied to the Premier League club until 2019, with the deal including an option for an additional 12 months.

Manager Jose Mourinho told United's official website: "Andreas is already a very good footballer. He is a young player with great natural ability and a good attitude towards continuing his development. I have no doubt that he has the potential to be one of the future great players of this club."

Belgium-born Pereira has been at Old Trafford since the age of 16 and made 13 appearances for the first team.



He was also loaned out last year, scoring five times in 35 league games for Spanish club Granada.

"I am delighted that I have extended my contract with this great club," Pereira said.

Paris Saint-Germain “surprised” by UEFA’s FFP investigation


Paris Saint-Germain have issued a statement in response to an UEFA investigation surrounding their summer transfer activity.

It was confirmed this afternoon that the footballing governing body had opened up a Financial Fair Play investigation into the Ligue 1 giants “in light of recent transfer activity” after they signed Neymar for a world record fee of £198m (€222m) from Barcelona as well as securing a loan deal for Kylian Mbappe.
.............................................................................................................................................

Under the terms of the agreement with Monaco, PSG must pay a reported €180 million (£165.9m) fee next summer in order to turn the deal into a permanent one and it’s widely viewed that this has triggered concerns as to if they’ve met UEFA’s FFP obligations.
Introduced in 2010 with the aim of preventing clubs involved in their European competitions from spending more than they earn, PSG have responded to the investigation by insisting their accounts as of 30 June 2018 for the 2017/2018 season are in line with the criteria.
A statement via the club’s official website read:
....................................................................................................................................................

“Paris Saint-Germain acknowledges the decision of the UEFA Financial Fair Play panel to immediately ensure that the Paris club’s accounts are in line with the Fair Play criteria as of 30 June 2018 for the 2017/2018 season.
.............................................................................................................................................

“The Club is surprised by the fact that it has constantly kept the UEFA Financial Fair Play teams informed of the impact of all player operations carried out this summer, were obliged to do so.
“The Club is very confident in its ability to demonstrate that it will fully comply with Fair Play financial rules for fiscal year 2017/2018.
“He recalled that he had always operated in total transparency with the European football bodies, with whom he had developed relations of trust for six years, showing his greatest respect for the institution.
.............................................................................................................................................

“For example, Deputy Managing Director Jean-Claude Blanc presented UEFA experts at UEFA’s headquarters for more than three hours on 23 August, including Andrea Traverso, responsible for UEFA’s financial fair play. that the operations carried out with FC Barcelona and the current one with AS Monaco were in compliance with the rules of the Financial Fair Play for the financial year 2017/2018.
.............................................................................................................................................

“On 31 August, the Club’s management again exchanged views with the UEFA Financial Fair Play management in order to clarify in a transparent way how the operation with AS Monaco would be integrated as of this season into the Club accounts, both in terms of depreciation and payroll, in compliance with French accounting standards and IFRS.
.............................................................................................................................................

“The Club has already achieved in the summer of 2017 a “player operations” amount in output enabling it to improve its result by more than 104 million euros for the 2017/2018 season.
“The Club recalls, if necessary, that it also has a highly significant player assets.

ogole1:
let them allow the young man leave

arsenal need replacement before sell

SPORT

Arsenal reject £50million straight-cash offer from Manchester City for Alexis Sanchez

The Gunners don't want to part with their star striker but City are set to return with another tempting offer



Manchester City's £50million straight-cash offer for Alexis Sanchez has been rejected by Arsenal.

But the Gunners could still let the Chilean winger leave before Thursday's transfer deadline, with City ready to return with another tempting bid.


City will now put England international Raheem Sterling into a player-plus-£30m deal.

While Arsenal remain keen to keep Sanchez, their stance has weakened slightly from Arsene Wenger’s previous defiant message that they would not sell him this summer at any price.


Sanchez has anticipated being needed for a City medical on Wednesday by asking for permission to leave the Chile training camp — a request that has infuriated his country’s coaching staff as they play a vital World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday night.



Ten funniest Arsenal fan reactions to news City have offered Sterling in Sanchez deal
City have an official on stand-by in South America.

Sterling might be tempted to switch if he feels he is not in City’s plans, and that he'd get the opportunity for regular football at the Emirates.

The Blues insist it was Arsenal who initiated the discussion about Sterling. But with Wenger keen to retain Sanchez, despite him being in the final year of his contract, the Gunners claim they are not chasing a deal.



Seven things that will definitely happen if Sanchez and Sterling really do swap clubs
While a straight cash offer of £70m would also make Arsenal think about selling Sanchez, they are concerned cashing in would leave them short with just a few hours left in the transfer window.

However the chance to take Sterling, who cost £44m when he made a controversial move from Liverpool two years ago, as an instant, top-quality replacement has its attraction.

He is six years younger than Sanchez, an England international and would join on a long contract — however player-plus-cash deals are notoriously difficult to get over the line.



City will not entertain the Argentina international leaving, either.

Wenger had been chasing Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar but has had two bids turned down.

The Gunners know the French champions do not want to sell the player and so they will not part with Sanchez now unless the deal on offer is simply too good to turn down

thoollz:
Nah, that Madrid's team is complete, from gk to fw. PSG dey acquire strikers

let wait and see how they perform in champions league before we criticize them, at least they should get to the final with the huge squad if they can't win it. Otherwise they will sack that coach, trophies in France is certain, they need to stand firm in Europe also.

Kylian Mbappe 'passes medical' ahead of loan move to Paris Saint-Germain


Kylian Mbappe has reportedly passed his Paris Saint-Germain medical ahead of his loan move to the Ligue 1 giants.

In a bid to get round Financial Fair Play rules, PSG will loan Mbappe this season before signing him next summer for £166million.


According to French broadcaster TF1, Mbappe had his medical at Clairefontaine, where he is currently training with the national team.

PSG have now bought the two most expensive players in history by following the £199m purchase of Neymar with the £166m deal to sign the French teenager from Monaco.


But the fee for Mbappe will not be payable until next summer to avoid UEFA rules designed to stop over-spending. It brings into question the use of FFP – and the competitiveness of Ligue 1 this season after PSG have obtained the best player off last season's champions.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona were all interested in signing Mbappe. But he was born in the Parisian suburb of Bondy and wanted to return to the French capital. He is set to have a medical today before joining up with the France squad.

Monaco did not want to sell – especially to another Ligue 1 club – made it clear PSG would have to match Real Madrid's offer of €180m.


The deal was thrashed out on Saturday with Monaco declining attempts by PSG to include the transfers of Lucas, Javier Pastore or Julian Draxler.


So the deal will see PSG loan Mbappe this season with a non-obligatory option to buy for £166m next summer. The Paris club did the same by loaning Serge Aurier 2014 from Toulouse in 2014 before finalising the deal in 2015.

PSG, like Manchester City, had to agree a deal with UEFA in 2014 after breaking the rules . The Qatar-backed club's finances have always been controversial as they are sponsored by Dubai-based Emirates and the Qatar Tourism Authority.

When Neymar was unveiled by PSG, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: "I don't think it is expensive as I am sure we are going to make more money than we paid. Anyone thinking about FFP I tell them: 'Go have a coffee and don't worry about us.

Transfers are amortised over the lengths of their contracts – so Neymar's transfer fee and wages are spread over five years.

But even so, PSG still need to offload players now to balance the books with Tottenham having agreed to sign Aurier subject to the Ivory Coast defender obtaining a work permit. Increases in sponsorship, broadcast rights and tickets sale will struggle to cover the

The Mbappe deal will not go on PSG's books till the financial year 2018/19 now – and UEFA's monitoring of finances a year behind.

Mbappe appeared in high spirits ahead of the transfer


FFP was introduced to stop clubs spending more than they earn – with clubs only allowed to make a small loss of £4.6m. The rules have been diluted to allow owners to spend an extra £28m of their own money over three years.

UEFA official Andrea Traverso, who is in charge of FFP regulations, told L'Equipe: “If a club breaks or is found to have failed to apply the rules several times in a row, of course, the previous offences will be taken into account.”

Penalties include fines, reducing the number of players eligible for the Champions League – or ulimately exclusion from UEFA competitions.

Philippe Coutinho warned off leaving Liverpool for Barcelona by former Barca star Neymar Jr.

Liverpool have turned down three bids from Barcelona for Coutinho, the most recent worth up to £118m with bonuses



Neymar has told Philippe Coutinho not to join Barcelona, according to a report in Brazil.

The new PSG signing had a bitter divorce from the Catalan club and is now being sued for breach of contract for pushing threw his transfer.


Liverpool have turned down three bids from Barcelona for Coutinho, the most recent worth up to £118m with bonuses.

And the Camp Nou technical director Robert Fernandez last night promised another big signing before the end of the window as Ousmane Dembele was unveiled.


Brazil's team players Neymar (L) and Philippe Coutinho (R) take part in a training session


But Brazilian newspaer Estadão has claimed: "Neymar told Coutinho in a conversation between the two that he would not regret Liverpool's decision to keep him away from Barcelona.”

Both players are back in Brazil for the World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in Porto Alegre early Friday morning UK time.

Coutinho is on international duty despite not playing for Liverpool this campaign after suffering a back injury.

Brazilian doctor and lifelong pal of Coutinho, Michael Simoni, said his back problem was because of "stress".


Philippe Coutinho revels in return to Brazil duty with Neymar and co. despite being unfit for Liverpool
Simoni said: “Coutinho back problem? He is okay now. The back problem was a matter of stress, it was something emotional.

“The uncertainty about his future led him to feeling stressed. Everything is solved now.

“Coutinho and I are friends since years, I always treat his medical cases. All he needed was someone to give him a pep talk.”

Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar added: “From a medical point of view, Philippe is in the perfect condition to play.”

Neymar left the Nou Camp this month for a world-record £200.6million, joining PSG in a move that more than doubled the previous highest fee.

There has been a bitter war of words since, with the Catalan club pursuing damages from Neymar for what they allege to be a "breach of contract".

Neymar in turn has promised to battle his old club for part of his 2016 contract renewal premium which he claims has not be paid.


Source: Mirror football

SPORT
What is Floyd Mayweather's net worth after knocking out Conor McGregor in £500m super fight?

'Money' took home a cool $100m guaranteed but will have upside from pay-per-view

Floyd Mayweather celebrates another victory



Floyd Mayweather stopped Conor McGregor with an emphatic 10th round TKO but the hard work was already done long before.

'Money' moved to 50-0 but that meant little compared to the incredible £500m the fight was reportedly worth when considering revenue from pay-per-view and gate revenue.


For a man obsessed with money, it was the perfect storm: a fight where the outcome or risk, both in terms of his official record and the potential damage physically in the ring, was minimal.

Mayweather looked like he had come in from a run in the post-fight interview with Showtime, accept a slight cut to his eyebrow.

MAYWEATHER SHOWS OFF BELT ON INSTAGRAM AFTER WIN OVER MCGREGOR



What is Floyd Mayweather’s net worth?

Mayweather has changed the face of the game in terms of prize fighting.

When you can fight Andre Berto, a fringe world level fighter throughout his career, for $32m, why risk fighting Manny Pacquiao in his prime or taking on a young lion like Errol Spence Jr or Terence Crawford right now?


His fight with Manny Pacquiao broke all records, despite missing its window for a competitive duel by a few years, landing 4.6 million PPV buys, a total gate worth $73m and sponsorships totalling $13m.





The Las Vegas resident became cosy atop of Forbes rich list for highest paid athletes in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and ranked number 34 in a list of America's richest entrepreneurs under 40 last year, but has now turned 40 years of age.

While Mayweather earned $100m basic from the Pacquiao fight, he brought home a total of $220-240m once the PPV revenue was divided up, meaning a 40 percent cut.

So Mayweather earned 120 percent more than his basic fee for fighting when it was all said and done, so we can expect at least that this time around and probably more given expectations of new records for PPV buys.


.....................................................................................................................................................
Based on Forbes' initial $340m worth before the fight, Mayweather will now be worth at least



$580m (£450m)

Manchester United 2-0 Leicester player ratings: Anthony Martial impresses as the Red Devils make it three wins in row

Jose Mourinho's side maintained their superb start to the season as goals from substitutes Rashford and Fellaini secured the three points.


Manchester United made it three league wins in a row as goals from Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini helped Jose Mourinho's side record a 2-0 win over Leicester

All credit to Mourinho for making his substitutions when he did as both players got on the scoresheet and helped United maintain their position at the top of the table.


Romelu Lukaku failed to get on the scoresheet after seeing his second half penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel but there were plenty of positives for Mourinho to take out of the game.

So who impressed at Old Trafford and who had a game to forget?



Marcus Rashford fired United into the lead


Manchester United

De Gea 6
Great injury-time save to deny King and preserve United’s clean sheet.

Valencia 6

Got forward well and was a good outlet on the right.


Bailly 6

Was alert to Leicester’s threat on the counter-attack.


Phil Jones produced another impressive display
Jones 7

Was solid and made a great tackle on Mahrez in the box.

Blind 6

Overlapped well down the left to stretch Leicester.

Matic 6

Anchored the United midfield in his understated way.

Pogba 7

Peppered Schmeichel’s goal and deserved at least one.

Mata 7

Tight call over his offside goal and was denied by Schmeichel.

Mkhitaryan 7

Booked. Made Rashford's goal to contribute his fifth assist of the season.


Anthony Martial was one of the star performers
Martial 8

MOTM. Was a real threat on his first start and won United's spot-kick.

Lukaku 6

Had a penalty saved by Schmeichel, but ran hard.

Subs: Rashford (Mata 66mins) 7, Fellaini (Mkhitaryan 74mins) 7, Lingard (Martial 75mins) 7.

Subs not used: Romero, Smalling, Herrera, Darmian.


.........,.........................................................................................

Leicester City


Kasper Schmeichel made a fine save to deny Lukaku from the penalty spot
Schmeichel 7

Booked. Saved Lukaku’s penalty, but could have done better for Rashford’s goal.

|

Simpson 6

Ball struck his arm for the penalty and battled Martial hard.

Morgan 6

Was resolute in defence, doing the ugly stuff well.



Maguire 7

Called up by England and kept a very close eye on Lukaku.

Albrighton 6

Put in a real shift on the left side of Leicester’s defence.

Mahrez 7

Was a real danger every time Leicester broke.


James 6

Booked. Fired an early shot wide and got stuck in well.

Ndidi 6

Was a dog of war in midfield, but lost Rashford for his goal.

Fuchs 6

Tucked in well as Leicester tackled anything that moved.


Okazaki 6

Tackled well and shot just wide from an opportunity.


Vardy 6

Starved of service, but still ran the channels.

Subs: Gray (Albrighton 60mins) 6, King (Okazaki 60mins) 6, Slimani (Vardy 76mins) 6.

Subs not used: Hamer, Chilwell, Iheanacho, Amartey.



Referee: Michael Oliver

Europa League draw in full: Who are Arsenal and Everton set to face in Europe this season

The Gunners are taking their place in the tournament for the first since they lost to Galatasaray in the final 18 seasons ago


Arsenal will face BATE Borisov, Koln and Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League this season, while Everton have been drawn to take on Lyon, Atalanta and Apollon.

The Gunners were placed in Group H along with the Belarussian, German and Serbian outfits.


The north London side are taking their place in the tournament for the first since they lost to Galatasaray in the final 18 seasons ago.

Arsene Wenger will be aiming to emulate Jose Mourinho's Manchester United and lift the trophy at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in May.

The Toffees are back in Europe after three years following their wins over Ruzomberok and Hajduk Split in qualifying.

They were put into Group E and will travel to France, Italy and Cyprus.

DRAW IN FULL


Group A:
Villarreal, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Astana, Slavia Prague

Group B:
Dynamo Kiev, Young Boys, Partizan Belgrade, Skenderbeu


Group C:
Braga, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Istanbul Basaksehir

Group D:
AC Milan, Austria Vienna, NK Rijeka, AEK Athens

Group E:
Lyon, Everton,Atalanta, Apollon Limassol

Group F:
FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff Tiraspol, FC Zlin

Group G:
Viktoria Plzen, Steaua Bucharest, Hapoel Beer-Sheva, FC Lugano

Group H:
Arsenal,BATE Borisov, Cologne, Red Star Belgrade

Group I:
Salzburg, Marseille, Vitoria Guimaraes, Konyaspor

Group J:
Athletic Bilbao, Hertha Berlin, Zorya Luhansk, Ostersunds

Group K:
Lazio, Nice, Zulte Waregem, Vitesse Arnhem.

Group L:

Zenit,
Real Sociedad,
Rosenborg,
Vardar Skopje

SmellingAnus:
yea I have confirmed it but you still would have added a source to your information so that it could possibly hit front page

ok

SmellingAnus:
The news may be genuine but the source of your info

it official, he will wear the number 10 Jersey for Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs new one-year deal with Manchester United

The Swedish superstar joined United in 2016, scoring 28 goals last season as he led the side to League Cup and Europa League glory

Manchester United have re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a one-year deal.

The Swedish superstar joined United in 2016, scoring 28 goals last season as he led the side to League Cup and Europa League glory, and claims he is 'back to finish what he started'.


Ibrahimovic’s deal had an option of a one-year extension, but after he suffered a serious knee injury against Anderlecht in April both sides opted to separate as he focused on his recovery.

The 35-year-old had been expected to miss the remainder of 2017.

But now Ibrahimovic has agreed a new deal to return to Old Trafford until the end of the season, after a remarkable recovery means he could be back in action before the end of October.

Ibrahimovic, who takes the No.10 shirt vacated by Wayne Rooney, said: "I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club's intention for me to stay.

"I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready.

"I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.”


United boss Jose Mourinho is delighted to have reunited once more with the ex-Milan and Barcelona superstar - but has warned against wanting too much too soon.

"We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us.

"After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season."

EbukaHades10:
Suarez still stayed d following year that Arsenal wanted to buy him. Steven G even said he told Suarez to give d club one more year b4 leaving which turned out to be d right advice. Countinho should also give d club one more year.

yeah but I still tip, he will leave before the transfer closes

EbukaHades10:
Shocking? How was or is it shocking? It was obviously visible to d blind and audible to d deaf that Liverpool were never going to sell him now. #YNWA

lol, you spoke as if u are countinho agent, how do you know they are not willing to sell if the right price comes Suarez saga was more than this, was he not sold?

Manchester United handed injury boost as Marcos Rojo returns to training following knee ligament injury

The Red Devils have been in devastating form so far this term, thrashing both West Ham and Swansea 4-0

Marcos Rojo trained with Manchester United on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from knee ligament damage, while two other first-team players also gave manager Jose Mourinho a boost.

Argentina defender Rojo suffered the injury in April but travelled with United on their pre-season tour of America and also went with the squad to Skopje for the Super Cup with Real Madrid.

Mourinho said last month that Rojo "has no chance before December" and that may remain the case, but United made a point of showcasing his presence at training.

The Premier League leaders shared a Twitter gallery of pictures with the caption "back at it on the training pitch" and then followed it up with "who do we have here?" along with images of Rojo.

In what is further good news for Mourinho, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young also trained with the first-team squad on Tuesday.

The pair have had long-term injuries, Shaw with his foot and Young with a groin, and Mourinho had not expected them back until September and October.

But they played in an under-23 draw with Swansea on Monday night and United confirmed their return to the first-team squad in a tweet this morning.


Meanwhile, United legend Ryan Giggs believes United will be "very difficult to stop" if they keep up this excellent start to the season.

"He’s done in the past and, while it’s important dealing with the expectations with the media making a lot of it, managing that is something he is great at," Giggs told Sky Sports.

"There’s also a lot of experience within the squad and they’ll all play their parts. Michael Carrick and Ashley Young haven’t been involved yet but have that experience to slot back in and be trusted, while Chris Smalling and David de Gea also have that experience of winning the league.



"Before the first two games I thought that the title was between Manchester City, who have the firepower, and Manchester United, who have the balance to their squad.

"They look powerful with Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku, but what is pleasing to see is the creative players doing well as well. Henrikh Mkhitaryan already has four assists and that will do him the world of good, so hopefully he can get back to his Dortmund form."

Raheem Sterling's volley saved a point for Manchester City on a difficult night against Everton .

Wayne Rooney had the perfect return to Manchester, scoring the goal - his 200th in the Premier League - to put Everton ahead against his old rivals.

But Sterling's thunderous volley from the edge of the box at the end of the game was enough to ensure the points were shared.

It was a home debut to forget for Kyle Walker, who was sent off for two yellows inside the first 45 minutes.

Morgan Schneiderlin was also sent off for his second caution late on.

But who impressed and who flopped under the lights at the Etihad? Andy Dunn was watching on...

MANCHESTER CITY

Ederson 5

Go into a serious tangle for the Rooney goal. Unconvincing

Kompany 5

Was a little static at times, not at the top of his game

Stones 6

Not overly-taxed but ttill yet to truly convince in a City shirt


Otamendi 6

Brought most to the party when he tried twice from range



Walker 5

Sent off. Second yellow was a little harsh but lost his discipline




Fernandinho 7

Usual combative self and did a lot of unselfish graft

Sane 5

Very little came off and at fault in build-up to Rooney’s goal

De Bruyne 6

Looked one of the likelier characters to cause Everton trouble

Silva 7

Always the most creative and unlucky with a strike against the post




Aguero 6

Effervescent but unusually hesitant with a couple of opportunities

Jesus 5

One of the poorest performances of his brief City career

SUBS

Sterling (Jesus 46 mins) 7

Danilo (Stones 65 mins) 6

B Silva (Sane 69 mins) 7




EVERTON

Pickford 7

No better distributor of possession in his position. Top keeper

Keane 8

Brings a cool head to affairs and looks a great addition


Williams 7

No messing about, just good, solid, no-nonsense defending

Jagielka 7

Amazingly, looks to have regained a yard or two of pace

Holgate 6

Had his hands full but generally coped pretty well

Schneiderlin 6

Sent off. Had to tread carefully after cynical early foul on Aguero - and didn't last the game

Gueye 7

Tireless tackling performance, so often breaking up play

Baines 7

Several brilliantly-timed challenges, used all his experience

Davies 6

Booked. Cautioned early for diving but didn’t curb his tenacity

Calvert-Lewin 6

Played his part in Rooney’d goal and Walker’s dismissal

Rooney 7

Laboured early on but his game intelligence shone for his goal

SUBS

Klaasen (Williams 61 mins) 6

Sigurdsson (Davies 61 mins) 6

Besic (Rooney 90 mins)

Barcelona finally admit defeat in transfer pursuit of Liverpool forward Philippe
The Reds have been determined to keep hold of Coutinho and they have now won
Barcelona have given up on signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.

The Catalan club have finally accepted that Liverpool's stern stance on Coutinho is not going to change before the end of the transfer window.


Barca's three bids in the space of a month and a ton of pressure exerted on the Brazilian which led to him putting in a transfer request and pleading to be granted a move failed to break the Reds' resolve.

They will have to spend the proceeds of the £200million sale of Neymar elsewhere, report the Liverpool Echo.

Sunday's laughable 7pm deadline that Barcelona set Liverpool to agree to an offer they had instantly rejected 48 hours earlier went unanswered by sporting director Michael Edwards.

The Anfield hierarchy had been bewildered by the structure of the proposed deal. The headline figure was £118m, which would have made Coutinho the second most expensive player in history, but an email detailed that just £82m was guaranteed and even that was payable in four installments.

The other £36m was in add-ons triggered by Champions League glory and Ballon d'Or triumphs which Liverpool deemed unrealistic.

However, in truth, even if the £118m had been delivered in full in crisp tenners by Ernesto Valverde to Melwood the answer would have been exactly the same.

Fenway Sports Group's statement a week earlier that "no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes" was unequivocal.


No sum of money would have prompted a change of heart.

Jurgen Klopp, Edwards and the owners were in full agreement that it was far too late in the window to recruit an adequate replacement.

Now the challenge facing Klopp is to reintegrate a player who has seriously blotted his copybook with the Kop and created an infuriating sideshow for the manager.

That won't happen before the international break. With Coutinho yet to return to full training at Melwood, there's little prospect of him being involved against either Hoffenheim on Wednesday night or Arsenal on Sunday.

Getting his head right is likely to prove more difficult for the Reds than finding a cure for the back pain which has kept him out since the Audi Cup win over Bayern Munich three weeks ago.

His absence happens to coincide with FSG president Mike Gordon telling him face to face during the pre-season training camp in Germany that he definitely wouldn't be sold.

Having initially indicated that he wouldn't try to force a move, Coutinho's stance changed dramatically as Liverpool stood firm and Barca insisted it was either now or never in terms of his dream switch to the Camp Nou.

Along with the transfer request, he informed the Reds that he didn't want to play for the club again.

Considering that Liverpool were never going to budge, Coutinho was poorly advised by agent Kia Joorabchian.

All he succeeded in doing was angering fans and creating an unwanted distraction for Klopp on the eve of the new season.

Coutinho will now prepare for a return to first-team action

The attempts by his camp to engineer his exit reached a new low with unnamed 'family members' telling Sky Sports News that he needed to get away because his relationship with Klopp had broken down.

Apparently, he was upset about being played in different positions and about the number of times he was substituted last season. It was all utter rubbish.

The reality is that Coutinho has played the best football of his career under Klopp.

Having previously scored 17 goals in 112 appearances for the Reds, his record since Klopp took over is 25 goals in 69 games.

Coutinho has the German coach to thank for becoming a regular in the Brazil side. Klopp has eased the responsibility on his shoulders and given him a role which has enabled him to flourish.

Coutinho's future has been one of hot topics of the summer

"The main thing I love about this manager is that he doesn’t do things for the sake of it. He explains everything, give us an understanding of what and why. It creates an enjoyment. He will be a success here, 100%," Coutinho said in January after penning a new five-year contract worth £150,000 per week which, crucially, contains no release clause.

As for being subbed repeatedly, Coutinho was brought off 19 times in 29 Premier League starts last term - 64% of the time - as Klopp sought to give him a breather largely when games were already won.

In comparison, Juan Mata (95%), Willian (87%), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (73%) and Eden Hazard (69%) all found themselves withdrawn in top-flight matches to a greater extent.

For all the talk of Coutinho potentially going on strike, that hasn't happened. He has still been turning up at Melwood for treatment sessions.

Liverpool believe that he will accept his fate, knuckle down and commit himself fully to the cause.

With the World Cup finals next summer, he has to be performing at the top level in order to lead the charge for his nation.

Coutinho has plenty of making up to do. Four years ago Luis Suarez found himself in a similar position after being denied the move he demanded.

The Uruguayan striker repaid those he had let down with a season of blistering quality. Klopp can only hope Coutinho responds in similar fashion.

Kylian Mbappe 'dropped by Monaco following training ground bust-up' with teammate Andrea Raggi

The French teenager wasn't in the squad to face Metz as speculation over his future continues


Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe was reportedly dropped for the weekend win over Metz following a training ground bust-up with teammate Andrea Raggi.

The French teenager's future remains the source of much speculation with Paris Saint-Germain leading the race for his signature.

Reports last week suggested PSG had an agreement in place to sign Mbappe, who enjoyed a stunning season in Ligue 1 last term.

He was an unused substitute in last weekend's win over Dijon but wasn't in the 18 against Metz.

And according to L'Equipe , it came after the clash in training last week.

It is suggested Mbappe was involved in an angry clash with defender Raggi.

The pair reportedly had to be separated by teammates with Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim sending both players back inside.

However, Mbappe is said to have refused to leave the pitch - forcing his teammates to carry on their session on another pitch.

Raggi, who was an unused substitute in the opening two games, was also left out of the matchday squad.

Last week, Jardim insisted Mbappe was simply being protected due to the ongoing transfer saga but the latest incident sparks more speculation over his future.

“I will always protect players who need it. My philosophy is to play with players who are 100 per cent available to the squad," he said.

“Kylian is not at 100 per cent. He’s not in shape right now."

SPORT
Stoke 1-0 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Jese the star of the show as Mesut Ozil flops for arsenal
Debutant Jese was Stoke's hero as he fired a second-half winner against Arsenal.

The Spaniard only arrived in the country earlier this week before sealing his loan move but was a constant threat for Mark Hughes' men.


He raced onto a Saido Berahino pass to slot past Petr Cech and it proved to be the key moment as Stoke held on to claim a big win.

Here are his complete player ratings.

...................................................................................................................................
Stoke

Butland 8 - His great block from Ramsey was one of several good saves.
...................................................................................................................................

Cameron 6 - Grafted hard on the right of Stoke’s three central defenders.
...................................................................................................................................
Shawcross 6 - Grew into the game after missing a glorious early headed chance.
...................................................................................................................................
Zouma 8 - Defended stoutly and got the crowd chanting his name.
...................................................................................................................................
Diouf 6 - Made one mazy run and might have given away a penalty.
...................................................................................................................................
Fletcher 7 - Produced great service and delivery with his right foot.
...................................................................................................................................
Allen 7 - Won his midfield battle with Xhaka and was industrious.

...................................................................................................................................
Pieters 6 - Some loose passes, but created a fine headed chance for Berahino.
...................................................................................................................................
Shaqiri 6 - Had little chance to shine before going off injured.
...................................................................................................................................
Choupo-Moting 7 - Missed a decent chance and improved when he dropped back into midfield.
...................................................................................................................................
Jesé 8 MOTM - Really stood-out on his debut and took his goal well.

...................................................................................................................................
Subs

Berahino (Shaqiri 25mins) 6

Ramadan (Jesé 71mins) 6

Martins Indi (Pieters 89 mins)

Subs not used: Grant, Johnson, Martins Indi, Crouch, Bojan.
...................................................................................................................................

Arsenal fans angrily turn on Petr Cech
Arsenal

Cech 8 - His fingertip save from Berahino’s header was the pick of his stops.

Mustafi 5 - Struggled against Jesé and caught Pieters badly in one challenge.
...................................................................................................................................
Monreal 5 - Did not look comfortable up against Stoke’s mobile attack.
...................................................................................................................................
Kolasinac 5 - Lost this time against Jesé after seriously injuring him previously.

...................................................................................................................................
Oxlade-Chamberlain 7 - Posed a threat every time he got the ball on the right.
...................................................................................................................................
Xhaka 5 - Too lightweight and was bullied in midfield by Allen.

...................................................................................................................................
Ramsey 7 - Had a shot saved at point-blank range by Butland.

...................................................................................................................................
Bellerin 6 - Might have had a penalty attacking in his left wing-back role.


Ozil 4 - Shamefully went missing and he can do way, way better than this.

...................................................................................................................................

Lacazette 6 - Had an effort wrongly disallowed for offside and was frustrated.
...................................................................................................................................

Welbeck 6 - Denied by Butland before heading over from a good chance.
.....................................................................................................................................
Subs:

Giroud (Kolasinac 66mins) 6,

Walcott (Lacazette 78mins) 5,

Iwobi (Xhaka 79mins) 5.

Subs not used: Ospina, Mertesacker, Coquelin, Elneny.

FIFA Men's Coach 2017 award nominees:

Allegri
..................................................................
Ancelotti
................................................................
Conte
................................................................
Enrique
................................................................
Guardiola
................................................................
Jardim

Low
................................................................
Mourinho
................................................................
Simeone
................................................................
Pochettino
................................................................
Tite
................................................................
Zidane

BEST FIFA MEN'S PLAYER NOMINEES



Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)

Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan, Juventus in 2016-17)
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Free agent, Manchester United in 2016-17)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Keylor Navas (Real Madrid)

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona in 2016-17)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)

oluwaferanmi20:
*The Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu recently launched a newly introduced application for the e-Exam exercises.*

Director, Media and Publicity‎, Ibrahim Sheme said in a statement that the new application which would be deployed for the upcoming e-Exam, was developed by the Directorate of Information System of the university.

He said the VC made the remarks during a workshop on the e-Exam apps meant to expose the staff to the modus operandi of new application.

The VC said the workshop would serve as another milestone in the university’s quest for independence from the erstwhile outsourcing services.

He urged the trainees to criticise and make their input on the application as a way of further making it ideal for the subsequent e-Exams.

The innovation, he said, was never used before in the university, and stressed the need to appraise its strengths and weaknesses at workshop.

In his opening remarks, the Director of ICT, Dr Madu Galadima, said the exercise was meant to expose the staff with the new module.

He said by the introduction of the new application, the cost of sending staff for the e-Exam would be curtailed, even as it would eradicate some challenges.

please is the noun admission form for 2017 out, please I need updates, I want to enroll for the school. thanks

SPORT
Manchester United 4-0 West Ham - PLAYER RATINGS: Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku impress.



Romelu Lukaku immediately started to pay off his transfer fee with two goals as Manchester United beat West Ham 4-0 in their Premier League opener.

The £75million summer signing struck in each half as United justified pre-season optimism with a sparkling and confident display at Old Trafford.



The Hammers were completely outplayed and could easily have trailed by more goals before substitute Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba finally put a more realistic slant on the scoreline in the closing minutes.

Here, we rate the players on both sides...

MANCHESTER UNITED

De Gea 6

Pretty much an afternoon off, very little to do

Valencia 6


Booked. Played it pretty safe, naughty tackle on Arnautovic

Bailly 6

Booked. Showed his rash side occasionally but solid performance

Jones 6

Never under any real pressure, won’t have many easier days

Blind 6

Amused himself by venturing forward, although to little effect

Matic 9

Simply confirmed what most know - an accomplished Premier

Pogba 7

Didn’t have to shift through the gears to exert his dominance

Mata 7

Enjoyed the freedom afforded by his midfield enforcers

Mkhitaryan 7

Great delivery for Lukaku’s second. Will get sharper

Rashford 8

A needless trick or two but always likely to make things happen

Lukaku 8

Loves these flat tracks and finished with typical authority

SUBS

Fellaini (Mata 75 mins)

Martial (Rashford 80 mins)

Lingard (Mkhitaryan 88 mins)

...................................................................

WEST HAM

Hart 6

Blameless for goals and made a few decent blocks

Zabaleta 4

Booked. Last thing the 32-year-old needed was Rashford rinsing him


Reid 6

Vulnerable to pace but made a string of crucial interventions

Ogbonna 6

A couple of blocks but Lukaku always looked to have his measure

Masuaku 5

Looked handy going forward but error-prone defensively

Noble 6

Threw himself into tackle after tackles
Obiang 5

Culpable for United’s opening goal, too often wasteful of possession

Fernandes 6

Decent effort on stroke of half-time on a rare foray

Arnautovic 5

The odd threat but a host of dreadful set-piece deliveries

Ayew 6

Never really got a foothold in proceedings... but he was not alone


Hernandez 5

Was never going to get the service he needs. Never a factor

SUBS

Sakho (Fernandes 61mins)

Rice (Noble 61 mins)

Cresswell (Masuaku 81 mins)

*2017/18 EPL FIXTURES*
*SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017* Arsenal v Leicester City Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester City Chelsea v Burnley Crystal Palace v Huddersfield Town Everton v Stoke City Manchester United v West Ham United Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Southampton v Swansea City Watford v Liverpool West Bromwich Albion v Bournemouth
*SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017* Bournemouth v Watford Burnley v West Bromwich Albion Huddersfield Town v Newcastle United Leicester City v Brighton and Hove Albion Liverpool v Crystal Palace Manchester City v Everton Stoke City v Arsenal Swansea City v Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea West Ham United v Southampton
*SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017* Bournemouth v Manchester City Chelsea v Everton Crystal Palace v Swansea City Huddersfield Town v Southampton Liverpool v Arsenal Manchester United v Leicester City Newcastle United v West Ham United Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley Watford v Brighton and Hove Albion West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
*SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017* Arsenal v Bournemouth Brighton and Hove Albion v West Bromwich Albion Burnley v Crystal Palace Everton v Tottenham Hotspur Leicester City v Chelsea Manchester City v Liverpool Southampton v Watford Stoke City v Manchester United Swansea City v Newcastle United West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
*SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017* Bournemouth v Brighton and Hove Albion Chelsea v Arsenal Crystal Palace v Southampton Huddersfield Town v Leicester City Liverpool v Burnley Manchester United v Everton Newcastle United v Stoke City Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City Watford v Manchester City West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
*SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017* Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United Burnley v Huddersfield Town Everton v Bournemouth Leicester City v Liverpool Manchester City v Crystal Palace Southampton v Manchester United Stoke City v Chelsea Swansea City v Watford West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
*SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017* Bournemouth v Leicester City Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion Chelsea v Manchester City Everton v Burnley Huddersfield Town v Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United v Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Liverpool Stoke City v Southampton West Bromwich Albion v Watford West Ham United v Swansea City
*SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017* Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton Burnley v West Ham United Crystal Palace v Chelsea Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion Liverpool v Manchester United Manchester City v Stoke City Southampton v Newcastle United Swansea City v Huddersfield Town Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth Watford v Arsenal
*SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017* Chelsea v Watford Everton v Arsenal Huddersfield Town v Manchester United Manchester City v Burnley Newcastle United v Crystal Palace Southampton v West Bromwich Albion Stoke City v Bournemouth Swansea City v Leicester City Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool West Ham United v Brighton and Hove Albion
*SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017* Bournemouth v Chelsea Arsenal v Swansea City Brighton and Hove Albion v Southampton Burnley v Newcastle United Crystal Palace v West Ham United Leicester City v Everton Liverpool v Huddersfield Town Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur Watford v Stoke City West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City
*SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017* Chelsea v Manchester United Everton v Watford Huddersfield Town v West Bromwich Albion Manchester City v Arsenal Newcastle United v Bournemouth Southampton v Burnley Stoke City v Leicester City Swansea City v Brighton and Hove Albion Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace West Ham United v Liverpool
*SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017* Bournemouth v Huddersfield Town Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Brighton and Hove Albion v Stoke City Burnley v Swansea City Crystal Palace v Everton Leicester City v Manchester City Liverpool v Southampton Manchester United v Newcastle United Watford v West Ham United West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea
*SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017* Burnley v Arsenal Crystal Palace v Stoke City Huddersfield Town v Manchester City Liverpool v Chelsea Manchester United v Brighton and Hove Albion Newcastle United v Watford Southampton v Everton Swansea City v Bournemouth Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion West Ham United v Leicester City
*TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017* Bournemouth v Burnley Arsenal v Huddersfield Town Brighton and Hove Albion v Crystal Palace Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur Watford v Manchester United West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United
*WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017* Chelsea v Swansea City Everton v West Ham United Manchester City v Southampton Stoke City v Liverpool
*SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017* Bournemouth v Southampton Arsenal v Manchester United Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool Chelsea v Newcastle United Everton v Huddersfield Town Leicester City v Burnley Manchester City v West Ham United Stoke City v Swansea City Watford v Tottenham Hotspur West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
*SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017* Burnley v Watford Crystal Palace v Bournemouth Huddersfield Town v Brighton and Hove Albion Liverpool v Everton Manchester United v Manchester City Newcastle United v Leicester City Southampton v Arsenal Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City West Ham United v Chelsea
*TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017* Burnley v Stoke City Crystal Palace v Watford Huddersfield Town v Chelsea Manchester United v Bournemouth Swansea City v Manchester City West Ham United v Arsenal
*WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017* Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion Newcastle United v Everton Southampton v Leicester City Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton and Hove Albion
*SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017* Bournemouth v Liverpool Arsenal v Newcastle United Brighton and Hove Albion v Burnley Chelsea v Southampton Everton v Swansea City Leicester City v Crystal Palace Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Stoke City v West Ham United Watford v Huddersfield Town West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
*SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2017* Arsenal v Liverpool Brighton and Hove Albion v Watford Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur Everton v Chelsea Leicester City v Manchester United Manchester City v Bournemouth Southampton v Huddersfield Town Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion Swansea City v Crystal Palace West Ham United v Newcastle United
*TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017* Bournemouth v West Ham United Chelsea v Brighton and Hove Albion Crystal Palace v Arsenal Huddersfield Town v Stoke City Liverpool v Swansea City Manchester United v Burnley Newcastle United v Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton Watford v Leicester City West Bromwich Albion v Everton
*SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017* Bournemouth v Everton Chelsea v Stoke City Crystal Palace v Manchester City Huddersfield Town v Burnley Liverpool v Leicester City Manchester United v Southampton Newcastle United v Brighton and Hove Albion Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United Watford v Swansea City West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal
*MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018* Arsenal v Chelsea Brighton and Hove Albion v Bournemouth Burnley v Liverpool Everton v Manchester United Leicester City v Huddersfield Town Manchester City v Watford Southampton v Crystal Palace Stoke City v Newcastle United Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
*SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018* Bournemouth v Arsenal Chelsea v Leicester City Crystal Palace v Burnley Huddersfield Town v West Ham United Liverpool v Manchester City Manchester United v Stoke City Newcastle United v Swansea City Tottenham Hotspur v Everton Watford v Southampton West Bromwich Albion v Brighton and Hove Albion
*SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018* Arsenal v Crystal Palace Brighton and Hove Albion v Chelsea Burnley v Manchester United Everton v West Bromwich Albion Leicester City v Watford Manchester City v Newcastle United Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur Stoke City v Huddersfield Town Swansea City v Liverpool West Ham United v Bournemouth
*TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018* Huddersfield Town v Liverpool Swansea City v Arsenal West Ham United v Crystal Palace
*WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018* Chelsea v Bournemouth Everton v Leicester City Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion Newcastle United v Burnley Southampton v Brighton and Hove Albion Stoke City v Watford Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
*SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018* Bournemouth v Stoke City Arsenal v Everton Brighton and Hove Albion v West Ham United Burnley v Manchester City Crystal Palace v Newcastle United Leicester City v Swansea City Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United v Huddersfield Town Watford v Chelsea West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
*SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018* Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion Everton v Crystal Palace Huddersfield Town v Bournemouth Manchester City v Leicester City Newcastle United v Manchester United Southampton v Liverpool Stoke City v Brighton and Hove Albion Swansea City v Burnley Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal West Ham United v Watford
*SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018* Bournemouth v Newcastle United Arsenal v Manchester City Brighton and Hove Albion v Swansea City Burnley v Southampton Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur Leicester City v Stoke City Liverpool v West Ham United Manchester United v Chelsea Watford v Everton West Bromwich Albion v Huddersfield Town
*SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018* Brighton and Hove Albion v Arsenal Burnley v Everton Crystal Palace v Manchester United Leicester City v Bournemouth Liverpool v Newcastle United Manchester City v Chelsea Southampton v Stoke City Swansea City v West Ham United Tottenham Hotspur v Huddersfield Town Watford v West Bromwich Albion
*SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018* Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal v Watford Chelsea v Crystal Palace Everton v Brighton and Hove Albion Huddersfield Town v Swansea City Manchester United v Liverpool Newcastle United v Southampton Stoke City v Manchester City West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City West Ham United v Burnley
*SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018* Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion Burnley v Chelsea Huddersfield Town v Crystal Palace Leicester City v Arsenal Liverpool v Watford Manchester City v Brighton and Hove Albion Stoke City v Everton Swansea City v Southampton Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United West Ham United v Manchester United
*SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018* Arsenal v Stoke City Brighton and Hove Albion v Leicester City Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur Crystal Palace v Liverpool Everton v Manchester City Manchester United v Swansea City Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town Southampton v West Ham United Watford v Bournemouth West Bromwich Albion v Burnley
*SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018* Bournemouth v Crystal Palace Arsenal v Southampton Brighton and Hove Albion v Huddersfield Town Chelsea v West Ham United Everton v Liverpool Leicester City v Newcastle United Manchester City v Manchester United Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur Watford v Burnley West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City
*SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018* Burnley v Leicester City Crystal Palace v Brighton and Hove Albion Huddersfield Town v Watford Liverpool v Bournemouth Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion Newcastle United v Arsenal Southampton v Chelsea Swansea City v Everton Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City West Ham United v Stoke City
*SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018* Bournemouth v Manchester United Arsenal v West Ham United Brighton and Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea v Huddersfield Town Everton v Newcastle United Leicester City v Southampton Manchester City v Swansea City Stoke City v Burnley Watford v Crystal Palace West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
*SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018* Burnley v Brighton and Hove Albion Crystal Palace v Leicester City Huddersfield Town v Everton Liverpool v Stoke City Manchester United v Arsenal Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion Southampton v Bournemouth Swansea City v Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur v Watford West Ham United v Manchester City

*SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018* Bournemouth v Swansea City Arsenal v Burnley Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United Chelsea v Liverpool Everton v Southampton Leicester City v West Ham United Manchester City v Huddersfield Town Stoke City v Crystal Palace Watford v Newcastle United West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
*SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018* Burnley v Bournemouth Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion Huddersfield Town v Arsenal Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion Manchester United v Watford Newcastle United v Chelsea Southampton v Manchester City Swansea City v Stoke City Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City West Ham United v Everton

Chelsea were plunged into full-blown crisis after Burnley inflicted their first opening-day defeat for 19 years.

Captain Gary Cahill was sent off for Antonio Conte’s defending Champions after just 14 minutes, for a lunge on Steven Defour.


Burnley then smashed the home side with three goals in 19 devastating, first-half minutes to send shock waves around the Premier League.

Conte had included five rookies on the bench including Kenedy, the Brazilian who disgraced the club on their tour of the Far East last month. It was yet another clear message to the Chelsea board that the current squad remains too thin.


Burnley reinforced the point, ruthlessly ripping apart the home side at Stamford Bridge.

Sam Vokes hooked the first into the bottom corner on 24 minutes. Stephen Ward powered in a 39th-minute second and Vokes headed a third, two minutes before half time.

Burnley keeper Tom Heaten produced two fine second-half saves from Marcos Alonso to preserve his side’s advantage.

But he was eventually beaten in the 69th minute when Alvaro Morata, on as a 59th-minute sub, scored ten minutes later.


Just as Chelsea thought they had a chance, the hope deteriorated once again as Cesc Fabregas was sent off for a second bookable defence.

David Luiz to volleyed home with just two minutes left to set up a grandstand finish. But Robbie Brady hit the post before Burnley held on.


....................................................................
CHELSEA
Courtois 5

No chance for any of the goals with his defence AWOL.

Azpilicueta 5

Clueless as Vokes and the Burnley attack made hay.

Rudiger 5

A nightmare Bridge debut - against Burnley.

Luiz 6

Poor defensively but you have to say his late finish was impressive.

Cahill 4

Red card might have been harsh but his challenge was bad.

Kante 6

Authoritative until Cahill was sent off. Overwhelmed as Burnley took control. Better second half.

Alonso 6

Yellow card too minutes into the match for his foul on Lowton. Poor defensively but tested Heaton twice second half.

Fabregas 5

This was the kind of game where steel was needed to replace his silk.

Boga 5

Unfortunate to have his big day cut short because Cahill suffered a rush of blood.

Willian 6

Normally the shining light for Chelsea and helped them rally second half.

Batshuayi 5

Just couldn’t find a way through to give Chelsea a lifeline.

SUBS :

Morata for Batshuayi (59) 7

Christiansen for Boga (18) 6

Musonda for Christiansen (90) 5



...................................................................
BURNLEY
Heaton 7

Could never have thought he’d have a day this easy against the Champions. Two fine saves from Alonso.

Lowton 8

Fine cross for Vokes’ goal to pile the pressure on.

Cork 8

A fine debut display. Intelligent passing and caused problems throughout.

Tarkowski 7

In at centre-half for the departed Michael Keane and will be pleased with his performance.

Mee 7

Disciplined, determined and stood up strong as Chelsea tried to rally.

Vokes 9

Two well-taken finishes to leave Courtois with no chance.

Brady 7

So underrated. Hit the post with his fabulous 89th-minute free-kick.

Hendrick 7

A real handful with whom Chelsea could not get to grips.

Defour 7

Good range of passing to help his side find a way past the Champions’ rearguard.

Premier-League-Chelsea-vs-Burnley.jpg
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Gudmundsson 6

Gave the ball away at times but otherwise decent.

Ward 9

Fine goal to cap a fine all-round performance.

SUBS :

Walters for Defour (74) 6

Arfield for Gudmundsson (74) 6