Category: Sport

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said his side showed their character as they continued their perfect start to the Europa League with a 1-0 victory at 10-man Crvena Zvezda in Serbia. Olivier Giroud’s spectacular overhead kick late on made it three wins from three for Arsenal in Group H. They are top of the standings, five points ahead of BATE Borisov. “I think what is remarkable is the spirit that we have shown and fighting together,” said Wenger. “We didn’t give up and wanted absolutely to score.” Share on: WhatsApp

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Former Special Assistant on Media to ex-Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, Olukayode Thomas has described as ‘big scam’ passionate plea by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung to the National Assembly to speedily appropriate funds for Super Eagles’ preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Thomas, who is the immediate past spokesman of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), said such call by Dalung must be ignored because it is a scam, as preparation and participation of qualified countries in the World Cup are funded by…

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An Italian footballer who was banned for five matches for urinating towards rival fans will appeal the decision, his club said on Thursday. Giovanni Liberti, a 21-year-old midfielder who plays for Serie D side FC Turris, has denied the offence during last Sunday’s game against rivals Sarnese. Liberti allegedly urinated in the direction of the away stand and made obscene and vulgar gestures during a stop in play. But in an angry post on Twitter, club president Antonio Colantonio blasted the decision. “Our player has absolutely not done what is…

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Back in charge at Bayern Munich, the 72-year-old became the oldest manager in the history of Europe’s top competition Jupp Heynckes has become the oldest manager to coach a Champions League match, leading Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win against Celtic on Wednesday. At 72 years and 162 days old, Heynckes bested the previous mark set by Raymond Goethals when the 71-year-old coached Marseille to the Champions League title in the 1992-93 campaign. Bayern hired Heynckes earlier this month for a fourth stint in charge following the firing of Carlo…

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said “being good defensively is not a crime” as his side edged past Benfica in the Champions League. The only goal of the game in Lisbon came courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s long-range free-kick which caught out teenage goalkeeper Mile Svilar on his European debut. Belgian Svilar, the competition’s youngest goalkeeper at 18 years and 52 days, had a moment to forget when he carried Rashford’s 35-yard free-kick from out wide over his own goalline. Rashford gave United a cause for concern when he limped off…

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Eden Hazard rescued Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the Champions League group stage after a dominant Roma had fought back from two goals down to lead in a pulsating game at Stamford Bridge. Hazard scored in each half, heading in to level from Pedro’s cross with 15 minutes to go to keep the Blues top of Group C. The Belgium forward had given Chelsea a two-goal lead in the first half after David Luiz scored a wonderful opener. But the Serie A side fought back, with Aleksandar Kolarov scoring before Edin…

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The Spanish striker has returned to the fray after pulling up with a hamstring injury in the Blues’ clash with Man City Antonio Conte has confirmed that Alvaro Morata is in contention to start against AS Roma in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have sorely missed the Spanish striker, highlighted by Conte’s side’s recent 2-1 loss to Premier League whipping boys Crystal Palace. Morata, who made a stellar start to life in London before picking up an injury, is now available for selection, however, meaning the…

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Tottenham Hotspur showed they “can handle” playing at the highest level, striker Harry Kane said after his team took a big stride towards the Champions League knockout phase with a point at Real Madrid. Spurs made the 12-time European champions fight back for a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. The Premier League side led when Kane’s clever run forced Madrid defender Raphael Varane to divert Serge Aurier’s right-wing cross into his own net. The Spanish champions equalised before half-time when Aurier’s rash challenge on Toni Kroos was punished…

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Antonio Conte has warned that Chelsea will find it difficult to defend the title after their shock defeat by Crystal Palace and questioned whether his squad is strong enough to compete on several fronts. In an echo of his frustration in the summer about the club’s failure to acquire a number of key transfer targets in preparation for their involvement in the Champions League Chelsea’s manager bemoaned his team’s lack of depth after an insipid performance away to the Premier League’s bottom side led to the champions slipping nine points…

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Wimbledon champion Roger Federer beat world number one Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final to capture his sixth title of the year. The 36-year-old Swiss, who has lost only four times in 2017, was again in imperious form as he won in 72 minutes. It was his fourth win of the year against Nadal and his fifth in succession over the Spaniard. Federer fired 10 aces, and the 19-time Grand Slam winner’s 94th career title cut his deficit against Nadal to 23-15. It moves him level with…

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