Football Rss
Giants hire Hal Hunter as offensive line coach
The Giants have found the coach tasked with fixing their offensive line.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Barcelona president Bartomeu tells Pique: I've told your agent this isn't last contract
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Barcelona president Bartomeu tells Pique: I've told your agent this isn't last contract
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Gerard Pique his new contract won't be his last.
Pique has penned terms to 2022 and was presented to the local media yesterday.
Read more on Tribal FootballMonday, January 29, 2018
Visa issues delay Ceres departure
Football – Inquirer Sports
Visa issues delay Ceres departure
Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros’ unexpected victory over Brisbane Roar in the AFC Champions League has left the club with a difficult challenge of securing a visa.
The post Visa issues delay Ceres departure appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Matt Patricia’s multifaceted defense a challenge for Eagles
Football Rss
Matt Patricia’s multifaceted defense a challenge for Eagles
Matt Patricia's defense is all rooted in Belichick’s defensive philosophy.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Nick Bidwell’s Notes from Germany: Goretzka’s summer switch to Bayern confirmed
News – World Soccer
Nick Bidwell’s Notes from Germany: Goretzka’s summer switch to Bayern confirmed
Schalke's midfield golden boy will join the champions on a free transfer
Leon Goretzka of Schalke celebrates after the Bundesliga match with Borussia Dortmund.
(Photo: Lukas Schulze/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images)Schalke's midfield golden boy will join the champions on a free transferFriday, January 26, 2018
Manchester United's transfer business done for January - Jose Mourinho
ESPN FC News
Manchester United's transfer business done for January - Jose Mourinho
MANCHESTER -- Jose Mourinho says Manchester United's January transfer business is finished after the arrival of Alexis Sanchez and has toldThursday, January 25, 2018
Brian Glanville: Jimmy Armfield, a cut above his contemporaries
News – World Soccer
Brian Glanville: Jimmy Armfield, a cut above his contemporaries
Brian Glanville remembers the former England captain as thoughtful, intelligent and humorous
Brian Glanville remembers the former England captain as thoughtful, intelligent and humorousWednesday, January 24, 2018
Mascherano moving to China after eight years at Barca
BBC Sport - Football
Mascherano moving to China after eight years at Barca
Argentina defender Javier Mascherano leaves Barcelona after eight years to join Chinese side Hebei China Fortune.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Liverpool flop David N’Gog signs for Scottish side Ross County
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Liverpool flop David N’Gog signs for Scottish side Ross County
LIVERPOOL flop David N’Gog has signed for Ross County.
The striker, 28, has been without a club since leaving Greek side Panionios in the summer.
Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog has signed for Scottish side Ross CountyPA:Press Association
N’Gog had been training with the Highlanders as he looks to kickstart his career.
The Dingwall club have now announced a deal until the end of the season that makes him their third signing of the window.
It means Staggies boss Owen Coyle is reunited with the hitman after taking him to Bolton in a £4million deal from the Reds in 2011.
Coyle said: “I’m delighted to bring a player of David’s calibre to Ross County.
Ross County boss Owen Coyle is reacquainted with a N’GogAndy Barr - The Sun Glasgow
CLAIM YOUR FREE £30 BET Check out this new sign up offer from Sun Bets
French striker N’Gog spent three seasons in Liverpool’s first teamBradley Ormesher - The Times
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
N’Gog netted just nine Premier League goals for the RedsBradley Ormesher - The Times
“Having worked with him before at Bolton, I am all too familiar with his qualities and I think he will be an excellent addition to our attacking options.”
N’Gog came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain before making a move to Anfield in 2008.
DEAL ME IN Get the latest transfer news as Arsenal look to rebuild with Aubameyang swoopHe netted 19 times in 94 league and cup games for Reds before making a move to Bolton, then signing for Swansea in his third season for Wanderers.
He returned to France to sign for Stade de Reims in 2014 and moved to Greece two years later.
N’Gog in action for Bolton after joining for a £4m feeAction Images - Reuters
Monday, January 22, 2018
New England Patriots book 10th Super Bowl date
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
New England Patriots book 10th Super Bowl date
The New England Patriots will play in their 10th Super Bowl appearance after a brilliant 24-20 comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship game at the Gillette Stadium.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Marco Silva: Watford blame Everton as they sack manager
BBC Sport - Football
Marco Silva: Watford blame Everton as they sack manager
Watford sack manager Marco Silva, blaming Everton's approach for the Portuguese earlier this season as the "catalyst for this decision".
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Chelsea pursue Roma teammates Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri
ESPN FC News
Chelsea pursue Roma teammates Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri
ESPN FC's Steve Nicol assesses rumours around Peter Crouch, Cristiano Ronaldo, Emre Can, Olivier Giroud and many more in Transfer Rater.
Craig Burley breaks down what he sees as a lack of direction at Arsenal that could see the club make a move just for the sake of appeasing the fans.
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley explains what the club's interest in Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch means for Antonio Conte.
The transfer window is heating up! Transfer Talk brings you live updates on all the latest rumours and done deals. Check out all the confirmed January moves so far on our transfers page.
Chelsea chase Roma pair
Despite reports that Roma are reluctant to discuss a deal for Edin Dzeko, Chelsea remain keen on the striker as well as his teammate Emerson Palmieri, the Telegraph reports.
Blues boss Antonio Conte is eager to recruit a target man this month to provide a Plan B in attack, with Peter Crouch...Friday, January 19, 2018
Nick Bidwell’s Notes from Germany: Bayern pick up where they left off
News – World Soccer
Nick Bidwell’s Notes from Germany: Bayern pick up where they left off
Champions are cruising to a sixth successful title
Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen fails to stop James Rodriguez of Bayern Munich as he scores their third goal from a free kick during the Bundesliga match between at BayArena on January 12, 2018 in Leverkusen.
(Photo: Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)Champions are cruising to a sixth successful titleThursday, January 18, 2018
Man Utd boss Mourinho in talks with free agent Diarra
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Man Utd boss Mourinho in talks with free agent Diarra
Manchester United are being linked with a surprise move for French veteran Lassana Diarra.
Le Parisien says United have made a surprise move to land Diarra, the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder.
Read more on Tribal FootballWednesday, January 17, 2018
Meet Gelson Martins, the Liverpool target who adored Robinho
ESPN FC News
Meet Gelson Martins, the Liverpool target who adored Robinho
Shaka Hislop and Ross Dyer sift through the latest transfer rumours from around world football, including Man City's chances of landing West Brom's Jonny Evans.
There are two teams called Benfica in Lisbon. One is SL Benfica, the Portuguese champions famous around the globe. The other is CF Benfica, a tiny club established about three decades later in 1933, known locally as Fofo and totally unrelated to the Eagles.
If fact, CF could claim to be the true bearers of the name, because they are actually situated in the Benfica district. It is a relatively poor area, heavily populated by immigrants, and thus CF Benfica offer an opportunity to the kids who polish...Tuesday, January 16, 2018
NCAA football: St. Benilde forces decider for title
Football – Inquirer Sports
NCAA football: St. Benilde forces decider for title
St. Benilde refused to go down without a fight and edged Arellano in penalty shootout, 4-3 (1-1), to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the NCAA Season 93 senior football Finals Monday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Blazer Moiselle Angelo Alforque sent the ball to the back of the net as he broke the 3-all deadlock […]
The post NCAA football: St. Benilde forces decider for title appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Anthony Martial a doubt, Michael Carrick in line to return for Man United
ESPN FC News
Anthony Martial a doubt, Michael Carrick in line to return for Man United
The FC crew discuss Manchester United's interest in Man City target Alexis Sanchez and what it means for Arsenal.
ESPN FC's Steve Nicol goes player-by-player to determine who should remain and who should depart Manchester United's back line.
Anthony Martial is a doubt for Manchester United's clash with Stoke City on Monday while Michael Carrick is expected to return to the pitch for the first time in nearly four months.
Martial trained with the squad in Dubai last week but has returned with an injury and could miss the game at Old Trafford.
United's medical staff are hopeful the 22-year-old, who has scored nine goals this season, will be able to play, but with three away games against Burnley, Yeovil Town and Tottenham Hotspur before...Sunday, January 14, 2018
Twitter reacts to Kane becoming Tottenham’s leading Premier League goalscorer at just 24 years old
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Twitter reacts to Kane becoming Tottenham’s leading Premier League goalscorer at just 24 years old
Another record broken by the Spurs and England striker.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Friday, January 12, 2018
World Soccer Subscription Deal – January Sale
News – World Soccer
World Soccer Subscription Deal – January Sale
This World Soccer subscription offer is only available until midnight on Sunday 4th February, so grab it while you canThursday, January 11, 2018
Benilde ousts San Beda, advances to NCAA football finals
Football – Inquirer Sports
Benilde ousts San Beda, advances to NCAA football finals
Wilmer Paolo Lopez inspired College of St. Benilde to a 1-0 victory over defending champion San Beda in the semifinals of the NCAA Season 93 men’s football tournament Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Lopez, who came in as a 30th minute substitute for Peter John Quilo, found the back of the net in the 85th […]
The post Benilde ousts San Beda, advances to NCAA football finals appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Hidden Secrets to a Winning Soccer Betting System
By using sheer extent of groups and fan, football betting is with the aid of a long way the maximum popular game for game enthusiasts to guess on.
Affiliation soccer as it’s far at first recognized become exported from England lower back within the 1863 and people had been betting on the sport ever due to the fact.
Get to know the groups earlier than you reflect on consideration on soccer making a bet.
As a footballer (soccer fan) you may have a fave crew that you are intensely captivated with, you’ll need to be acquainted with all of the teams you plan to wager on. you’ll need to understand who the pinnacle ranking teams are for the season and who’re the underdogs.
Here’s a exchange mystery; the game of football follows the 80/20 rule. that is to say, eighty% of the teams are really taking up area even as 20% of them are pushing tough within the combat for a championship. You want to become aware of the teams in each category because you may wager on a win, or a draw. here’s the way it works:
Select a team
Start by getting to know the groups you’re inquisitive about making a bet on. Are they on a triumphing streak? Have there been any participant rivalries within the group? Are they gambling up to par or have they been down in the dumps? have a look at their records at home and away.
Determine How a great deal to wager
Soccer having a bet is without a doubt money management. determine how lots you have to lose first. Then set up your winning amount. you can play the percentages and win plenty or pass for the favorite and win a bit.
Decide What kind of guess to Make
Match odds – choose who’s going to win.
Over/under – your group makes over or underneath a positive range of desires.
Overall dreams – choose over/beneath for both teams
Actual sport score – high risk guess on specific rating at the give up of the sport.
Region Your guess
Football betting homes will cope with your transactions. read the info on the price of betting and get the best tips on topsoccerpicks, they will normally show you the point spreads as nicely.
Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus keeps fitness up despite MCL injury on with one-legged rowing machine
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus keeps fitness up despite MCL injury on with one-legged rowing machine
GABRIEL JESUS has been keeping up his fitness despite his MCL injury — on a one-legged rowing machine.
The Brazilian has been out of action since December and was ruled out until at least February with a medial collateral ligament injury.
Gabriel Jesus shared a video of himself on a rowing machineInstagram @dejesusoficial
Gabriel Jesus is still out with a MCL injury suffered last monthInstagram @dejesusoficial
But Jesus posted a video on Instagram showing him training hard on the rowing machine as he tries to race back to fitness for City.
Jesus captioned up the video: “When something bad happens you have three choices: let it set you back, let it destroy you or make it make you stronger.”
The former Palmeiras striker did keep his left leg straight during the entire video with his knee still in a brace.
But the workout will keep his fitness levels up as his left leg continues to recover after picking up the knock against Crystal Palace.
Gabriel Jesus kept his injured leg straight while on the machineInstagram @dejesusoficial
Latest Manchester City news
Gabriel Jesus is expected to be back in action by February for Manchester CityInstagram
Jesus was working out before watching City come from behind to beat Bristol City in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.
John Stones took down Bobby Reid who converted the penalty to to put the Championship club ahead at half-time.
DREAM TEAM Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City masterKevin De Bruyne then equalised in the second half after finishing off a brilliant counter attack by the Premier League leaders.
Sergio Aguero then completed the comeback as he headed in in injury-time to give City the advantage in the second leg.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
6 Giants coaching candidates ranked from worst to best fit
Football Rss
6 Giants coaching candidates ranked from worst to best fit
Here's how the six coaches rank, with one being the best possible hire in the Daily News’ view, considering factors such as Giants’ affinity for the candidate, fit for the franchise’s needs, and likelihood he would take the job.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points
Football – Inquirer Sports
Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points
BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored first-half goals in a 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday, restoring Barcelona’s nine-point lead of the Spanish league while it awaits the arrival of Philippe Coutinho. Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga by giving Barcelona the early lead and taking his all-time record in […]
The post Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Paddy Agnew’s Notes from Italy: Serie A breaks with tradition by staging holiday matches
News – World Soccer
Paddy Agnew’s Notes from Italy: Serie A breaks with tradition by staging holiday matches
Napoli and Juventus pull away from the rest during packed Christmas programme
Mario Mandzukic of Juventus scores his goal during the TIM Cup match between Juventus and Torino FC at Allianz Stadium.
(Photo: Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)Napoli and Juventus pull away from the rest during packed Christmas programmeSaturday, January 6, 2018
Zidane: I don't need a goalkeeper now, it can be discussed in June
Although the young Spaniard is out of contract in the summer, Los Blancos are ready to pay 20 million euros to sign him this month with a medical already said to have taken place.
"I don't care [about the winter market], I've only been a coach for two years, but I don't see how signing a player in it can be inconvenient," Zidane stated to the assembled press.
"As a coach, I don't need a goalkeeper at the moment. If that changes by June or if we sit down and talk about it, we may sign players in certain positions.
"In two years, no player has arrived in that position and [in June] we can discuss it.
"For now I'll only talk about the players that I have, out of respect for them."
Zidane also insisted that no player is set to leave the team, attributing any speculation to Real's poor position in LaLiga.
"What I said is that I don't want any player to leave the squad. We know that some can arrive until the 31st, but for the moment I say that I don't want anyone. I'm happy with my squad," he noted.
"Last year there were no questions because Madrid had been playing well.
"When the team has a bad moment every now and then, it is reported that we are going to sign players. I'm not that type of coach."
Rumours of Cristiano Ronaldo heading out the exit door in the near future are certainly wide of the mark, according to Zidane.
"I cannot imagine a Real Madrid without Ronaldo, not at all, nor can I imagine him playing for a different club," continued the Blancos boss.
Facing Celta Vigo on Sunday night without the injured Karim Benzema or Sergio Ramos, the coach was left to defend his training and fitness policies.
"These things happen in football," he said. "In every team there are injured players, it happens in all of life.
"It isn't a question of training alone, each man has his life, his high and low moments. The injuries are a part of that.
"There are players who can have injuries when they have problems in their lives.
"This isn't going to change, it happens to all teams. It is true that we have had important injuries, to important players, and it is reported on here more than it is at other clubs."
Dani Carvajal is also absent for the clash in Galicia through suspension.
Van Dijk makes historic impression in his Liverpool debut
Sportsnet.ca
Van Dijk makes historic impression in his Liverpool debut
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Football's money-can't-buy moments finally have a price it seems.
Late winners on Liverpool debuts are a rarity; in front of the Kop increasingly less so and against Everton, virtually impossible. For just £75 million, Virgil van Dijk mastered all three as his side ran out 2-1 winners in Friday's FA Cup third round.
Countless heroes on either side of Stanley Park have been forced to wait far longer than the four days in which the game's costliest defender was able to etch his name into derby folklore. And while Van Dijk may struggle to find comparisons between his price tag and the cut-price fee that brought Sami Hyypia to Anfield, his new side have finally found a commanding centre-back to assume the Finn's mantle; one that puts the rest of their backline at ease while also capable of grabbing vital goals.
In a maiden outing, Van Dijk offered an overdue tribute to Hyypia's legacy as an imposing presence at both ends at the field. He also became the first Reds player in over a century to both make his bow and open his account against their local rivals, with Bill White in 1901 previously the first – and last – to achieve the feat. The first instalment of the Dutch defender’s eight-figure fee has already been repaid in kind.
https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949347748943482880
“It was a fairy-tale,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said post-match.
“There aren’t a lot of fairy tales anymore so something like that is quite special. It was a difficult decision to make to include him. The first plan was not to start him.
“Dejan [Lovren] and Ragnar [Klavan] played a lot of games in recent weeks so I changed my mind this morning.
"Obviously, it was a good idea in the end because he showed a lot of the good things we want him to show in the future."
Over 46,000 home supporters and 8,000 Evertonians packed into Anfield for the 230th Merseyside derby, a match which would epitomise the FA Cup's true spirit. Liverpool's two clubs have now faced off 24 times – more than any other teams in the world's most famous club cup competition. However, this year's mantra that “nothing is certain” could not have been further from the truth. The hosts' record of winning derbies where they have drawn first blood since 1992 remains unchanged, as does the Toffees' wait for an end to a win-less run at their former stomping ground.
The late sucker-punch compounded what had already been a forgettable day for Everton. Before they had even kicked off at Anfield, the bad news had rolled in for Sam Allardyce's side with confirmation of Ross Barkley's defection to Chelsea. It triggered an understandable outpouring of anger from their supporters that had stood by him through thick and thin. Pledges of an unconditional love to his boyhood club and describing Goodison Park as “home” counted for little it seems.
“I don’t think [Barkley staying] was ever on the cards to be perfectly honest. I think we all knew what was going to happen,” Allardyce admitted post-match.
“The good thing for me is that it has happened on day one and we can move on and stop all the speculation. Ross Barkley is a Chelsea player and good luck to him.
“We’ve got to look at what we bring in and what we can improve the side with and try to move on and make as many league points as we possibly can between now and the end of the season.”
https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949368114084499456
From thereon, things deteriorated with Mason Holgate's manhandling of Adam Lallana allowing James Milner to wrong-foot goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from the penalty spot and provide a moment of catharsis for Liverpool fans aggrieved by their neighbours stealing a late point in December's Premier League encounter through a contentious penalty conceded by Dejan Lovren. Red mist descended on Holgate as he shoved Roberto Firmino over on the touchline before heated words were exchanged between the pair.
Allardyce's side also found themselves fall victim of further ill-timing, both on and off the pitch. Cenk Tosun's arrival was announced just moments after both sets of players had trudged off for half time. The Besiktas striker would have been far better served leading the line than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was perennially second-best to Van Dijk and the rest of Liverpool's defensive line.
A rush of blood also continued to get the better of Wayne Rooney; limiting his impact once more after he found himself cautioned with less than seven minutes of play for a sliding challenge on Joe Gomez. He continued to tread a fine line until spared the disciplinary tightrope by Ademola Lookman's introduction shortly after the interval.
https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/949398180822646784
Yannick Bolasie's track record against Liverpool saw him appear on the winning side in three of his previous five outings against them, twice at Anfield, but the winger's lack of match fitness prevented him from finding a way past Van Dijk and Andy Robertson on the left-hand side of the hosts' defence. Allardyce's tactical aesthetics remain as difficult on the eye as his side previously were to beat. Only Gylfi Sigurdsson's sweeping finish from a counter-attack to draw Everton level offered a brief glimpse of a more positive future.
Liverpool have their own problems, too, with Philippe Coutinho's move to Barcelona increasingly appearing at its endgame stage. Injury saw the Brazilian miss consecutive games but cynics will argue the timing of his absence from action since the January transfer window opened is more than coincidental.
Learning to cope without him has been an intermittent process, with the playmaker also failing to feature for Klopp's side during the previous window. With Mohamed Salah returning to the fold from injury and Sadio Mane continuing to lead the line, he is unlikely to be sorely missed.
Richard Buxton is a UK-based writer and special correspondent for Sportsnet. He filed this report from Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium.
[relatedlinks]
Friday, January 5, 2018
Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham
Sportsnet.ca
Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham
LONDON -- When Harry Kane is enduring a rare spell of frustration in front of goal, Tottenham can always turn to Son Heung-min -- as creator or scorer.
Son was taking the plaudits on Thursday -- rather than the team's top-scorer -- after the South Korean unleashed a thunderous long-range strike to rescue a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
Showing no signs of exhaustion after completing a second match inside 48 hours, Son spared Tottenham from embarrassment in the 84th minute by cancelling out a similarly breath-taking strike from Pedro Obiang.
In his last nine games at Tottenham's temporary Wembley home for the season, Son has now been involved in 12 goals -- scoring seven and providing five assists. Not a bad return for a player who Tottenham looked set to sell in 2016 after less than a year in north London.
Little wonder manager Mauricio Pochettino is now recognizing the value of a player he acclaims for being "so humble" especially for "accepting the headlines are always for Harry or others."
Son's 10th goal of the campaign in all competitions allowed fifth-place Tottenham to slightly close the gap on Liverpool in the fourth Champions League qualification place to three points at the climax of a packed festive Premier League program.
This was a London derby completely dominated by Tottenham -- while lacking the ruthlessness required in front of goal while entrenched in West Ham territory.
"This type of game you push, you push, you force, you create, you have chances to score and it's impossible to score," Pochettino said. "Only that sometimes you need some luck to open the game."
That came for West Ham in the 70th minute of a London derby where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had little to do until he was foiled by Obiang blasting from distance into the top corner with his team's only shot on target.
"There was surprise and disbelief when we took the lead because Tottenham had so much of the ball and so many shots," West Ham manager David Moyes said.
"It was a brilliant strike, it really was," Moyes added. "I haven't really seen him do it in training yet, I got to say, (but) he really pulled one out and it put us in a good position."
West Ham moved two points clear of the relegation zone as the Premier League, which has seen 30 games in the last 10 days, takes a pause for FA Cup and League Cup fixtures over the next week.
In the FA Cup third round on Sunday, Tottenham and West Ham both face third-tier teams. Tottenham hosts AFC Wimbledon and West Ham travels to Shrewsbury.
[relatedlinks]
Son was taking the plaudits on Thursday -- rather than the team's top-scorer -- after the South Korean unleashed a thunderous long-range strike to rescue a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
Showing no signs of exhaustion after completing a second match inside 48 hours, Son spared Tottenham from embarrassment in the 84th minute by cancelling out a similarly breath-taking strike from Pedro Obiang.
In his last nine games at Tottenham's temporary Wembley home for the season, Son has now been involved in 12 goals -- scoring seven and providing five assists. Not a bad return for a player who Tottenham looked set to sell in 2016 after less than a year in north London.
Little wonder manager Mauricio Pochettino is now recognizing the value of a player he acclaims for being "so humble" especially for "accepting the headlines are always for Harry or others."
Son's 10th goal of the campaign in all competitions allowed fifth-place Tottenham to slightly close the gap on Liverpool in the fourth Champions League qualification place to three points at the climax of a packed festive Premier League program.
This was a London derby completely dominated by Tottenham -- while lacking the ruthlessness required in front of goal while entrenched in West Ham territory.
"This type of game you push, you push, you force, you create, you have chances to score and it's impossible to score," Pochettino said. "Only that sometimes you need some luck to open the game."
That came for West Ham in the 70th minute of a London derby where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had little to do until he was foiled by Obiang blasting from distance into the top corner with his team's only shot on target.
"There was surprise and disbelief when we took the lead because Tottenham had so much of the ball and so many shots," West Ham manager David Moyes said.
"It was a brilliant strike, it really was," Moyes added. "I haven't really seen him do it in training yet, I got to say, (but) he really pulled one out and it put us in a good position."
West Ham moved two points clear of the relegation zone as the Premier League, which has seen 30 games in the last 10 days, takes a pause for FA Cup and League Cup fixtures over the next week.
In the FA Cup third round on Sunday, Tottenham and West Ham both face third-tier teams. Tottenham hosts AFC Wimbledon and West Ham travels to Shrewsbury.
[relatedlinks]
Thursday, January 4, 2018
West Ham star Reece Oxford has been recalled from his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach… but how did he get on in Germany?
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
West Ham star Reece Oxford has been recalled from his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach… but how did he get on in Germany?
REECE OXFORD hadn’t even received his GCSE results when he made his debut for West Ham in August 2015.
He was a largely unknown 16-year-old when thrown into the Irons side for a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates, but 90 minutes later his name was known worldwide.
West Ham recalled Reece Oxford from his loan spell in Germany earlyGetty
Oxford produced a man-of-the-match display as West Ham clinched a shock opening day win. The plaudits soon followed, as did plenty of interest.
But he committed his future to the Hammers just over a year later, signing a four-and-a-half year deal before joining Reading on loan.
But West Ham’s struggles over the past two years meant his first-team opportunities have been limited.
It’s why he joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer on a season-long loan.
Football Whispers take a look at how Reece Oxford fared in GermanyGetty
Oxford was, however, recalled early. He returned to East London over the Christmas period at the request of David Moyes, although he may not remain for too long.
According to reports in Germany, Gladbach and RB Leipzig want to sign the youngster permanently.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS Klavan’s strike means players from 97 countries have scored in the PremBoth are willing to pay in excess of £10million for the highly-rated Oxford and it’s believed he is keen to return to Germany.
So how did he fare during his half season stint at Gladbach? We asked our friends at Football Whispers to take a look.
MORE FOOTBALL FEATURES
There a few better divisions in European football for a young player to hone their game than the Bundesliga.
Countless stars have benefitted from playing in the German top flight, from Kevin De Bruyne to Andreas Christensen.
It’s why Oxford was keen to have a spell in Germany. His blossoming career had stalled at West Ham, he needed a change and Gladbach provided that.
“Reece is considered one of the country’s best young defensive talents,” Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl said after sealing the defender’s loan signing.
“This deal gives us the chance to add a very interesting player to our squad.”
Oxford’s first two months with Gladbach were spent on the substitutes’ bench. He was given time to adapt to a new style of football, a new country and a new language.
West Ham are hoping Reece Oxford is ready to light-up the Premier LeagueGetty
The teenager worked hard in training to improve and come October he admitted to being fitter than ever before.
Oxford said: “I feel good and ready, I’m just waiting for my opportunity.
“It’s patience, I’m young, watching the centre-backs ahead of me, and seeing what I can do to make me better.”
He made his debut as a last-minute substitute in a win over Hoffenheim in October before returning to the bench.
While others would’ve been disillusioned with the experience, Oxford remained patient and was rewarded on December 12 with his first start for the club.
He played at right-back in a 1-0 loss to Freiburg and impressed.
Reece Oxford performed admirably while on loan at Borussia MonchengladbachEPA
No Gladbach player made more than his eight clearances while he demonstrated his ability with the ball be completing two dribbles during the 90 minutes, again a team high.
His performance was rewarded with starts in the next two games, both of which were in defensive midfield, the position he excelled in on his West Ham debut.
Oxford impressed against Hamburg in a 3-1 win and was playing well in Gladbach’s DFB Pokal clash with Bayer Leverkusen until he lost possession in midfield and Bayer scored the only goal of the game.
It was a mistake but one he is likely to learn from.
The winter break in Germany halted the first-team momentum Oxford had built up, then came the call from West Ham; he would return to the club ahead of the January.
“Reece played the last three games and, if he hadn’t, you’d be asking what he’s doing out there if he’s not getting any football,” David Moyes said when asked why Oxford had been brought back.
“He wasn’t playing regularly enough. He’s just really got into the team the last couple of games and I don’t think there’s any guarantee he would go back in the team.”
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Oxford may have only racked up 256 minutes of German football but that hasn’t stopped Gladbach and RB Leipzig declaring their interest in signing the versatile defender permanently.
There are conflicting reports as to whether West Ham would be willing to sanction a deal.
A bid more than £10m could tempt the Hammers, especially as Moyes wants to bolster his squad in January and could do with the extra funds.
Reports suggest Oxford is keen to return to Gladbach if a deal can be struck. “The ball is now with West Ham,” head coach Dieter Hecking has said.
“Reece made a clear statement saying he would like to continue playing football in Gladbach and I personally believe that would be the best for his development.”
Moyes may disagree and has said West Ham don’t want to lose their best young players.
Reece Oxford is likely to be given a chance in the first-team under David MoyesPA:Press Association
He will cast his eye over Oxford during the next few weeks and assess whether he’s ready for the rigours of a Premier League relegation battle.
“A lot of people have spoken well about him, so we’ll see how he does over the coming months,” Moyes said.
““I use the word self-development. The coaches are here to help him try to develop his game but then there comes a part of it where you have to do it yourself.”
History suggests Oxford is a quick learner and if Moyes isn’t prepared to enhance the youngster’s footballing education there are clubs and coaches who are.
They just need to be given the opportunity.
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