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Tag: Chelsea

  • Lose title to Chelsea again, get fired – City Warns Manager, Pep Guardiola

    Manchester City management has said they would not tolerate another trophy-drought season with Pep Guardiola as wouldn’t afford to lose the league title again to Chelsea.

    Guardiola took over as the coach of the team last summer but failed to win a trophy -the first time in his coaching career.

    However, the team’s Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher, said winning the Premier League trophy; any other title, is “absolutely necessary” for the former Bayern coach to keep his job at the Etihad.

    “It is absolutely necessary to win the title next season, we cannot leave it to Chelsea again. If we don’t win anything then he won’t be able to stay,” Gallagher told French football magazine So Foot. “We have gone beyond that stage. We have to win the title and we must do well in the Champions League.”

    Gallagher also faulted the Catalan’s decision on the goalkeeper, Joe Hart, saying he should have kept him in the team.

    “Pep,” Gallagher said, “made a mistake in getting rid of Joe Hart so soon. He shot himself in the foot.”

    City have thus far signed Portugal international midfielder, Bernardo Silva and Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson as they prepare for the next football season.

     

  • BREAKING: Arsenal defeats Chelsea to win 13th FA Cup title

    Arsenal won the FA Cup for a record 13th time in a thrilling final by beating 10-man Chelsea, who were denied a league and cup double.

    The result means Arsene Wenger is the most successful manager in the competition’s history with seven victories.

    The Gunners had controversially taken the lead in the fifth minute through Alexis Sanchez, but the linesman had his flag up for Aaron Ramsey, who was stood in an offside position. Ramsey did not touch the ball, allowing Sanchez to run through and slot in.

    Arsenal dominated the first half and could have doubled their advantage but Danny Welbeck struck the woodwork with a header and Ramsey chested the ball against the same post on the follow-up.

    Victor Moses forced David Ospina into a fine save in the second period, before the Chelsea wing-back was given a second yellow card on 68 minutes for diving in the penalty area.

    With 14 minutes remaining, the Blues got back into the game through Diego Costa’s shot that bobbled in, but Ramsey headed in the winner just two minutes later. The Welshman had also scored the winning goal in the 2014 cup final against Hull.

    Arsenal could have had another late on, but Mesut Ozil struck the post from inside the area.

    Wenger had major selection issues with Laurent Koscielny suspended and both Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel injured, so centre-back Per Mertesacker was given his first start of the season. The German defender put in a dominant display to keep Costa quiet.

    Chelsea failed to gain revenge for the 2002 final, which Arsenal won 2-0, and the result ends their run of four consecutive final victories.

  • I’m now enjoying my football under manager Conte, Moses says

    Chelsea’s Nigeria forward Victor Moses on Thursday praised club manager Antonio Conte for resurrecting his career and giving him the “confidence to enjoy his football’’.

    The 26-year-old Moses joined the Blues from Wigan for nine million pounds in 2012 but was loaned out to Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham by former club manager Jose Mourinho.

    But he played 34 times this term in the role of wing-back as Chelsea claimed the English Premier League title with a record 30 wins.

    “I am more focused now than ever. I am enjoying my football again,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria international played 43 games in his first season with the Blues, scoring 10 goals on the way.

    He was part of the 2013 Europa League-winning squad under interim manager Rafael Benitez.

    But the forward failed to play under Mourinho in the Portuguese manager’s second spell at Stamford Bridge, being given temporary moves to three top-flight clubs.

    This season, he was handed a new defensive role as he rejuvenated his Chelsea career, playing an integral role in Italian boss Conte’s first season in charge.

    “We have got a new manager here who is willing to give everyone an opportunity,’’ said Moses.

    “He gave me that opportunity and I didn’t look back after that.

    “I am very pleased with that and I just want to keep improving in every game I play. It is a new role for me and I am still getting used to it,’’ Moses said.

    NAN reports that he could add an FA Cup winners’ medal on Saturday when Chelsea take on London rivals Arsenal in the final match at Wembley.

    “That would be a great achievement for me. We don’t feel any pressure, we are just taking this game as it comes.

    “We have got the league title and they are going to want to win because they missed out on top four. We are going to try and stop them because we want the Double.’’(NAN)

  • JUST IN: Chelsea cancel victory parade after Manchester attack, condoles with victims

    Sequel to the Manchester suicide bombing on Monday evening that claimed over 22 lives and wounded over 60, Premier league champions, Chelsea cancelled its victory parade scheduled for Sunday saying it was “inappropriate.”

    “Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday’s terror attack in Manchester,” said a statement on Wednesday.

    “Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their families and friends.

    “In light of these tragic events we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday.”

     

  • Watch John Terry’s emotional farewell after champions Chelsea humble relegated Sunderland

    Watch John Terry’s emotional farewell after champions Chelsea humble relegated Sunderland

    It was a day that was more a prize-giving and a leaving do than a football match, and that was made all too clear when John Terry went off for his farewell in the 26th minute, but Chelsea at least completed the formality – for that is what it is against Sunderland – of winning the game.

    In that, they actually broke a Premier League record with this 5-1 by becoming the first side to win 30 games in a season, and set themselves up for next Saturday’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.

     

    The winner in Antonio Conte will be pleased at that, the club icon in Terry was meanwhile delighted with his farewell.

    The outgoing Chelsea captain might be considered one of the last of an old-fashioned breed of centre-halves, but his last act at Stamford Bridge as a player felt very ‘modern football’. In the 26th minute of the game, with the moment of course picked to acknowledge his shirt number, Terry was taken off for Gary Cahill so that he could bask in the crowd’s full acclaim.

    The supporters already had a huge banner saying ‘thank you for everything’ before the game, and there was even a makeshift guard of honour, as he got hearty hugs from so many teammates and his manager Conte.

    It was obviously a nicely touching moment for Terry and all at Chelsea, but it was a slightly odd one from a football perspective, as a lot of the Sunderland players just looked on in the middle of what was notionally a competitive match.

  • Chelsea thrashes Sunderland 5-1, lifts Premier League trophy [Video]

    Chelsea thrashes Sunderland 5-1, lifts Premier League trophy [Video]

    Chelsea celebrated their title and captain John Terry’s last game at Stamford Bridge with a 5-1 defeat of relegated Sunderland on Sunday , bringing their season’s Premier League win tally to a record 30 games.

    A third-minute goal on the rebound from Sunderland’s Javier Manquillo did not mar the festivities and five minutes later Willian equalised after sustained Chelsea pressure.

    Most of the Chelsea players, as though warming up for the FA Cup final next Saturday, had a pop at the beleaguered Sunderland goal during the game.

     

  • Latest English Premier League table

    Latest English Premier League table

    English Premier League table after Sunday’s early match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):

    Chelsea 36 28 3 5 76 29 87 — champions

    Tottenham 35 23 8 4 71 23 77

    Man City 36 21 9 6 72 38 72

    Liverpool 36 20 10 6 71 42 70

    ———————————–

    Arsenal 36 21 6 9 72 43 69

    Man Utd 35 17 14 4 51 27 65

    Everton 37 17 10 10 61 41 61

    ———————————–

    West Brom 36 12 9 15 41 46 45

    Southampton 36 12 9 15 41 47 45

    Bournemouth 37 12 9 16 54 66 45

    Leicester 36 12 7 17 46 56 43

    West Ham 36 11 9 16 45 59 42

    Crystal Palace 37 12 5 20 50 61 41

    Stoke 37 10 11 16 40 56 41

    Burnley 37 11 7 19 38 53 40

    Watford 36 11 7 18 37 59 40

    Swansea 37 11 5 21 43 69 38

    ———————————–

    Hull 37 9 7 21 36 73 34 — relegated

    Middlesbrough 37 5 13 19 27 50 28 — relegated

    Sunderland 36 6 6 24 28 62 24 — relegated

    Note: top four qualify for Champions League; teams finishing fifth to seventh qualify for Europa League; bottom three relegated to Championship

    AFP

  • Premier League Win: ‘We were not lucky, we did a great job’ – Conte

    Premier League Win: ‘We were not lucky, we did a great job’ – Conte

    …Says Chelsea will win FA cup to have a fantastic season

    Chelsea FC have been crowned champions for the sixth time in history.

    Antonio Conte’s side won the Premier League with two games to spare after a late goal by Michy Batshuayi secured the title with a 1-0 win over West Brom.

    The £33million striker has endured a frustrating season, spent largely on the bench. But he came to Chelsea’s rescue on 81 minutes – just five minutes after replacing Pedro as a substitute – and produced the all-important title-winning goal.

    Now he wants his players to make it a “double”.

    Conte celebrated at the Hawthorns after having a bucket of water poured over him and being sprayed with champagne after Michy Batshuayi’s late winner clinched the Premier League.

    He has also led his players to the FA Cup final as they face Arsenal later this month as he hopes to win another trophy to his impressive first season.

    Conte said: “We were not lucky, we did a great job. It is a great season, but to be a fantastic season we have to win the FA Cup.

    “This is for my players. I have to say thanks for their commitment, their attitude and passion, and their will to do something great this season.

    “Now, after this win, I think that we must be happy for all the season. This win is for the players. They deserved this for their great commitment through all the season. We won this title together.

    We fought a lot to win this title. My players were fantastic in a club who supported us.

    “This is for my players. I have to say thanks for their commitment, their attitude and passion, and their will to do something great this season.

    “Now, after this win, I think that we must be happy for all the season. This win is for the players. They deserved this for their great commitment through all the season. We won this title together.

    We fought a lot to win this title. My players were fantastic in a club who supported us.

    “In the present, in the past, I stay with my players in positive and negative situations. We won this title together.

    Batshuayi was an unlikely hero as the £33m striker stepped off the bench and scored only his second Premier League goal and Conte admitted it has been a tough time for the Belgium striker.

    Conte said: “I thought that Hazard and Pedro were tired and we needed more energy. Michy paid me a lot with this change! It was great. It wasn’t easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language and inherit players after a bad season.”

    Batshuayi said: “It’s the best moment in my football career. It’s good. Everybody is happy. This is the best day for Chelsea. I want the trophy today. This is the best moment in my footballing life, for sure.”

    Chelsea defender David Luiz added: “I am happy. Very happy. It is my first Premier League title. When I decided to come back here I dreamed to win the Premier League. I am very happy because my dream came true.”

    West Brom boss Tony Pulis paid tribute and said: “You have to give Chelsea, Antonio and all his coaching staff the credit. He’s got them well set up. They’re very well organised.

    “They’re probably at their best on the counter-attacking, very good springing out of defence, and have some wonderful players. They have some fantastic individual players who can change games in the blink of an eye, as they have all season. They’re very strong at the back as well. They deserve the title.”

     

  • FIFA, NFF, Chelsea, others celebrate Mikel Obi as he clocks 30

    FIFA, NFF, Chelsea, others celebrate Mikel Obi as he clocks 30

    World football governing body, FIFA, have led the celebrations for Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi on his 30th birthday.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Mikel, who burst into limelight as a teenager at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, clocked 30 on Saturday (today).

    FIFA also extended birthday wishes to former World player of the year and Brazil international Kaka, Hungarian star Zoltan Gera and Ingrid Vidal via its official twitter handle.

    Mikel’s Nigeria teammate, Ogenyi Onazi, also sent him wishes on Twitter.

    Onazi wrote:”Happy birthday to you skippo. Wish you long life and God’s blessings.”

    A tweet on the official handle of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) celebrating Mikel reads: “Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles magical captain, @mikel_john_obi. Shine on!”

    Mikel’s former club Chelsea, where he spent 10 years before leaving for China in January, also celebrated the midfielder in a tweet on their official handle.

    Chelsea wrote: “We also wish John Mikel Obi a very happy birthday!”

  • Chelsea on course for Double after qualifying for FA Cup quarter-final

    Chelsea on course for Double after qualifying for FA Cup quarter-final

     

    Chelsea defeated a brave Wolverhampton Wanderers side 2-0 in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, to maintain their hopes of achieving a domestic double.

    Pedro Rodriguez and Diego Costa scored for the Blues, as they overcame early pressure from their hosts, to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.

    Chelsea have won the cup four times in the last 10 seasons and are currently eight points clear top of the Premier League.

    In the other games played on Saturday, Burnley were bundled out by non-League side, Lincoln and Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw at Huddersfield.

    10-man Millwall eliminated Premier League champions Leicester City 1-0, while Middlesbrough claimed a narrow 3-2 victory over Oxford United.