http://gty.im/464038038 Referee Martin Atkinson will not face time off from his Premier League duties, despite criticism of his performance in the weekend tie between Chelsea and Burnley. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been largely critical of Atkinson, claiming that the official got four decisions wrong during the match on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. One of those saw Ashley Barnes commit a horror-challenge on Nemanja Matic, who was then sent off for his reaction. Despite criticism, Barnes has escaped punishment and Atkinson will not face time off from the game. The experienced referee will act as fourth official at Old Trafford…
Author: Staff Writer
http://gty.im/464036544 Real Madrid, Atletico and Valencia were the biggest winners of the weekend in Spain. All three clubs gained important wins, while their challengers, mainly Sevilla and FC Barcelona, faltered badly. Celta picked up another impressive win as they built on last week’s victory over Atletico and won the Galician derby by the same 2-0 scoreline. The champions Atletico managed to pick up a routine three points at home to Almeria, the game was over as a contest inside the first 30 minutes. They were in front with 13 minutes on the clock; Diego Godin was pushed in the box and…
http://gty.im/464248876 Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini insists his side will try to keep the ball off Barcelona in Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash. The Premier League champions were unsuccessful against Barcelona last season in the Champions League over two legs and the Chilean coach hopes his side will change their style to suit the La Liga side on Tuesday night. “At this stage of the competition when you play over 180 minutes it is very important to win the first game. After that, try not to concede goals here at home. If you can’t draw, 0-0 is better than 1-1,”…
http://gty.im/462861170 Borussia Monchengladbach have completed the signing of Thorgan Hazard from Chelsea on a permanent deal. The Belgian attacker, brother of established Blues star Eden, has agreed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga side, where he is currently on loan. “Thorgan has indicated in the past few months what a great talent he is. We are delighted that we have managed to sign him, and that he has decided to play in the next few years for Borussia,” said sporting director Max Eberl. Hazard struggled to force his way into plans at Stamford Bridge but has emerged as a first-teamer…
http://gty.im/464035246 Burnley forward Ashley Barnes will not face any action for his horror tackle on Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic in Saturday league clash. The 25-year-old’s challenge on Matic was described as ‘criminal’ by Blues boss Jose Mourinho and provoked a heated reaction from the Serbian midfielder, which saw him sent off. However, the Football Association have confirmed that no action will be taken. The FA tweeted: “In the vast majority of challenges for the ball, no retrospective action is taken as the incident has been seen by the match officials. “Retrospective action introduced as deterrent for ‘off the ball incidents’ [e.g.…
http://gty.im/464043500 Tim Sherwood has demanded more from his Aston Villa side after their 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the weekend. Sherwood’s first game in charge at Villa Park ended in disappointment as Mark Hughes’ Stoke City proved too strong, securing all three points thanks to goals from Mame Diouf and Victor Moses. Villa now sit second from bottom in the Premier League table and former Spurs boss Sherwood is expecting a drastic improvement at Newcastle United on Saturday. “The fans were as good as gold. It’s up to us now as a group to grind out those results,” he…
http://gty.im/464240636 James Milner is edging closer to a summer exit from Manchester City after contract talks hit a standstill. The 29-year old England international has been with the club since 2010, after signing for £26 million from Aston Villa, is said to be keeping his options open. However, there is interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, with both keen to sign the Yorkshire man. With Liverpool looking for to replace Steven Gerrard who is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, and Arsenal are looking at Milner as a strong and versatile attacking player to add to their squad.…
http://gty.im/463969856 Arsenal are planning a shock £80m bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, according to Daily Express. The 21-year-old is one of the most sought after footballers in the world at the moment with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs tracking his progress, whilst former club Manchester United have maintained their interest. The Italian champions are prepared to sell but only for a big transfer fee, with Pogba’s agent claiming he could trump the likes of Gareth Bale and Neymar in terms of a transfer fee. Despite interest from the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Madrid and Barcelona, United backed…
http://gty.im/463971140 Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is ready to sign a new contract and follow Marco Reus in doing so, according to Bild. The midfielder has been a distant figure in European football in recent seasons after struggling for fitness following a back problem which ruled him out for 14 months. However, his return to action has further prompted a number of European clubs to show interest. The German international is now reported to be closing in on a contract extension, with his current deal due to expire in 2016. Although, following the 3-2 win over Stuttgart at the weekend,…
http://gty.im/464171092 Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign Palermo forward Paulo Dybala, Football Express News understands. The Argentine youngster has been in superb form this season and has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs. Dybala, who has been likened to Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in recent weeks has been tipped to leave the Italian club this summer, with his relationship to president Zamperini having deteriorated. Officials of Arsenal and Palermo met last Friday morning to discuss the terms over a deal and although reports claimed that a deal worth £29.5m will be reached with…