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Swedish star seals 4-3 victory in first ever Los Angeles derby Galaxy stun cross-city rivals LAFC after coming back from 3-0 down As it happened: Read Graham Parker’s minute-by-minute report Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a man who needs no encouragement to make headlines, took all of 19 minutes to establish his MLS legend. The Swede came on as a substitute in the 71st minute for his LA Galaxy debut with his team 3-1 down. He promptly scored a brilliant goal: a dipping volley over the keeper from 40 yards out. That, of course, wasn’t enough for the man who announced his arrival in MLS by telling the press that “the lion is hungry”. He went on to score the winner in added time as Galaxy beat LA FC in the first ever Los Angeles derby. AMAZING. #zLAtan #LAvLAFC https://t.co/xyk78K6xSr Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2EadTDN

• Manager blames loss of experienced players over past year • Italian again refuses to commit his future to Stamford Bridge Antonio Conte says it is no surprise that Chelsea lag behind Tottenham in the Premier League table because many members of his young squad have not yet developed a winning personality. The manager suggested that last season’s title triumph in his first season at Stamford Bridge was slightly freakish and said the club is still rebuilding following the loss in recent years of serial champions, with John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Petr Cech among those to depart. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Eagldz

Argentinian says he enjoys derby games most because of their intensity and there should be no lack of that at Stamford Bridge after the fiery draw between the two sides in May 2016 The Superclásico between the Buenos Aires rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors is a writhing, seething mass of colour and emotion, and it has come to represent the industry standard for the harum-scarum derby. Érik Lamela played in it for River and the Tottenham winger can tell the story of how his team’s bus arrived at Boca’s La Bombonera in May 2011 without any glass in the windows. The stones hurled by the home supporters provided the ventilation. “In Argentina the derby is different,” Lamela says. “Outside the pitch it’s different. You have to see it to realise it. It’s much more than just one game. You have to win. If not, you are the worst. It’s too much. It’s not balanced.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GYA6Yx

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The HBC needs to work on his hands. 

José Mourinho came out battling after his side's 2-0 win over Swansea saying his side will do everything to finish second in the Premier League this season. Mourinho insisted his side deserved to finish second, saying they are 'better than the third and fourth' placed sides, and that despite facing criticism for his team's style of play throughout the season. During the press conference Mourinho invited Carlos Carvalhal to join him, even labelling the Swansea manager 'the manager of the season' Manchester United see off Swansea to move back into second place Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E9oG15

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praises his side's 'fight' after a narrow 2-1 at Crystal Palace. Sadio Mané equalised and Mo Salah got his 37th goal of the season overall as Klopp's side prepared for their titanic Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City. There was some bad news for Klopp, though, when Adam Lallana came off injured, the German describing it as a'big blow' •  Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2uG58SE

What a relief it was for the West Ham hierarchy that the only boos at the London Stadium floated out of the away end. There were no pitch invasions, no missiles thrown at the directors’ box. David Gold and David Sullivan were able to keep Sir Trevor Brooking company until the final whistle this time and if there was a hint of mutiny, it came from the Southampton fans who watched their bedraggled team sink closer towards the Championship on an afternoon when the hosts found a way to keep their bitter civil war hidden from their guests. Of course, it should be pointed out that Southampton did not even begin to flirt with the idea of testing the strength of West Ham’s truce. Mark Hughes’s side wilted in the face of some vintage East End defiance, collapsing in wretched fashion in the opening 45 minutes and wasting a fine opportunity to move out of the bottom three at the expense of their opponents. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E9ge1R

With a delicate swipe of his right foot, Ayoze Pérez placed Newcastle in touching distance of Premier League survival and intensified Huddersfield’s relegation fears. Do not be deceived by the narrowness of the scoreline; Rafael Benítez’s side thoroughly deserved a win which showcased Jonjo Shelvey’s claims to an England playmaking place, on a day when David Wagner’s players seemed to have run out of ideas and adrenaline. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GY0v8M

Burnley were the latest team to visit the Hawthorns and come away with a Premier League win after goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood sealed the three points. Salomón Rondón gave West Brom fleeting hope after scoring with seven minutes of normal time remaining but it proved to be a false horizon for Alan Pardew’s team. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2H0rOiK

Paul Pogba returned to the starting line up, Romelu Lukaku scored his 100th Premier League goal and Alexis Sánchez rediscovered his finishing prowess, though this comfortable victory over a pedestrian Swansea side was not just about Manchester United’s expensive acquisitions. Following on from his excellent performance for England in midweek, Jesse Lingard was not just the star of another show, at times in the game he was running the show. Watching the 25-year-old lay on both goals it was hard to believe he was considered peripheral a few months ago, or that his first-team appearances seemed likely to be rationed after the arrival of Sánchez. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2H1k3JJ

For 78 minutes Leicester were dreadful and the main question was whether Brighton would be able to summon enough quality to claim three points rather than settle for one against strangely lethargic visitors. They won a perfect opportunity to do so when a foul on José Izquierdo gave Glenn Murray a penalty. But Kasper Schmeichel produced a tremendous save – and six minutes later Vicente Iborra compounded the home team’s anguish by heading a Ben Chilwell cross into the bottom corner. Wilfred Ndidi was sent off moments later for a second bookable offence – although the midfielder protested that Shane Duffy tumbled without contact – but Leicester crowned their victory in stoppage time, when Jamie Vardy netted from a cross by Demarai Gray. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GY0uSg

Jermain Defoe came off the bench to rescue a stoppage-time point for Bournemouth at Watford. Roberto Pereyra’s strike early in the second half looked as though it would be enough to secure victory for the Hornets but Defoe struck late as Eddie Howe’s side left Hertfordshire with a 2-2 draw. Kiko Femenia had put Javi Gracia’s side ahead at Vicarage Road but the visitors equalised before half-time through Joshua King’s penalty. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E9ka2K

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The Swede brushed aside questions about his age and fitness with his trademark self-confidence on his first day with the MLS club As with all new recruits at LA Galaxy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was greeted to the ‘Tunnel of Death’ indoctrination when he first stepped onto the StubHub Center training field on Friday morning. Ibrahimovic’s team-mates formed a passageway and took turns slapping his back, as the 36-year-old ran the gauntlet. Perhaps some will have needed the bravery of the ‘lion’ to strike the 6ft 5in frontman, yet he was all smiles afterwards. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pRTGi2

Jamie Murphy rescued Rangers on his Fir Park return as the Ibrox men hit back for a 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Rangers were looking to bounce back after successive defeats to Celtic and Kilmarnock but strikes from Curtis Main and Allan Campbell put Stephen Robinson’s well-drilled outfit on the verge of handing the Light Blues a third straight league defeat. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J7YCan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been officially unveiled at LA Galaxy, saying it was always his 'destiny' to join the club. The Swede joined after parting ways with Manchester United earlier this month •  Ibrahimovic tells LA Galaxy: ‘The lion is hungry’ Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Jb6tnK

It was a frantic and contentious contest and ultimately one of huge satisfaction for Liverpool as they recovered from going 1-0 down to secure a victory that shores up their place in the Premier League top four and provides ideal preparation ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League contest with Manchester City. To nobody’s great surprise, it was Mohamed Salah who struck Liverpool’s later winner, a calm and precise finish from Andy Robertson’s cross on 84 minutes that took the Egyptian’s tally to 39 goals in what continues to be a remarkable debut season. In the broader sense for the visitors, this triumph displayed their capacity to carve out a win even when they are not playing well, which was the case here, and will only deepen Crystal Palace’s sense of regret after they had taken the lead through Luka Milivojevic’s 13 minute penalty. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2uCSjZ6

A toxic atmosphere at the London Stadium has led to heightened security for Saturday’s relegation match against Southampton In different circumstances it would be possible simply to look forward to a day of huge significance at the bottom of the Premier League. If life at the London Stadium was that straightforward, however, they would not be fortifying security in front of the directors’ box and there would be no clamour for the trio running West Ham United to stay away from home games for the rest of the season. The future has arrived in less than glorious circumstances, humbling West Ham as they prepare to host Southampton on Saturday afternoon. The promised dream has turned into a nightmare in a soulless bowl. It has been three weeks since West Ham’s last game descended into chaos and it is hardly ideal they have spent that time working with the authorities to prevent a repeat of the ugly scenes that marred their 3-0 defeat against Burnley. Continue reading... from Football | ...

• Midfielder may reject £80,000-a-week, ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer • Club sanguine about chances of player leaving in summer Arsenal fear Jack Wilshere will reject their offer of a new contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer. Arsène Wenger has previously suggested the club have made him a take-it-or-leave-it offer and, at the moment, it looks as though the midfielder will do the latter. Everton, West Ham and Juventus have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old. Arsenal have proposed a heavily incentivised deal because they are mindful of Wilshere’s terrible fitness record. He pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad during the recent international break with a knee problem but the player has trained and is in contention to face Stoke at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GlYx51

• Manager upbeat before key Champions League ties and derby • Victory at Crystal Palace would strengthen grip on top-four place Jürgen Klopp has said Liverpool are well-equipped and well-prepared for the series of “finals” that will define their season. The Liverpool manager takes charge of his 100th Premier League game on Saturday at Crystal Palace where victory, coupled with a Tottenham win over Chelsea on Sunday, would establish a 10-point lead over the champions in the race for a Champions League place. Liverpool then face Manchester City in a Champions League quarter-final, either side of a Merseyside derby, and Klopp has called on his team to approach every game with an all-or-nothing mentality. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GDxGB3

• Manchester United manager says midfielder recovered well • Mourinho expects criticised Luke Shaw to stay at Old Trafford José Mourinho denied Paul Pogba’s drop in form is a hangover from the serious hamstring injury he suffered in September, with Manchester United’s manager saying the £89m midfielder should be asked the reason why he is struggling. Mourinho also said he expects Luke Shaw to still be at United next season, despite substituting the defender at half-time in the win over Brighton before the international break and again criticising the left-back’s display. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E7GVUs

• Italian believes Spurs ‘are ahead of us in terms of development’ • Thibaut Courtois is a fitness doubt for Sunday’s London derby Antonio Conte believes Tottenham Hotspur are ahead of Chelsea in their development even though the Stamford Bridge club denied their London rivals in the race for last season’s title. Related: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pU4gUR

• ‘I can’t be kind with every national manager,’ says Pochettino • Fit-again Spurs defender unlikely to return at Chelsea on Sunday Mauricio Pochettino will not change his defensive system to accommodate the fit-again Toby Alderweireld and has made it plain the centre-half is behind Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sánchez in the Tottenham pecking order. Related: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E6Tj7m

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Ruben Neves and Matt Doherty were sent off as Wolverhampton Wanderers lost their tempers on Teesside but even this ill-disciplined reduction to nine men failed to prevent Nuno Espirito Santo’s side from extending that apparently unassailable lead at the top. While Wolves require a maximum of three wins to rubber stamp promotion, Tony Pulis’s Middlesbrough cling on to sixth place on goal difference. If they are to reach, let alone win, the play-offs a team increasingly built around the very real attacking talents of Adama Traoré will need to be rather more ruthless than this. Although Patrick Bamford registered his ninth goal in seven games courtesy of a brilliant 94th-minute volley it proved too little too late. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GpDvOU

• Welsh side beat Burton 3-1, with Fulham also winning at Norwich • Wigan go top of League One but Shrews stutter in promotion race Cardiff City took time to find their feet but eventually blew Burton Albion away to keep the pressure on Wolves at the top of the table with a 3-1 win. Kenneth Zohore opened the scoring for City but Burton struck back through Darren Bent, an equaliser that was in no way against the run of play. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GlEnbl

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has demanded his players focus and pick up where they left off before the international break as they home in on the Premier League title. Guardiola's side face Everton knowing victory in their next two games could clinch the Spaniard's first league title in England •  Guardiola keen for City to hold on to Sterling Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pQQDX9

Argentina may look in a sorry state but their No 10 could offer something redemptive, a happy ending of sorts, a way of making Russia’s World Cup beautiful I see a bad moon rising: I see trouble up ahead. Or if not quite trouble, then some interesting times this summer for the poor old beleaguered World Cup; and indeed for Lionel Messi in what is surely a last realistic shot at the ultimate prize for the most exhilarating footballer of the modern age. Argentina’s travelling fans are still among the most vivid memories of the last tournament in Brazil, a sweaty, gleeful, Messi-worshipping horde from across the border that in the last few days before the final seemed to be coming up through the Rio drains and falling down from the trees, emerging in ever greater numbers from the Copacabana surf. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Gpa1AS

Les Miles has a substantial role in an upcoming movie called “Angry Men.”

• Goalkeeper impressed on England duty against the Netherlands • ‘He’s given Gareth a lot to think about,’ says Everton manager Sam Allardyce believes Jordan Pickford has strengthened his claims to be England’s World Cup goalkeeper not only with an impressive display in the Netherlands but his performances throughout Everton’s difficult season. Pickford has been one of Everton’s few transfer successes of last summer and enhanced his prospects of starting for Gareth Southgate’s team in Russia during England’s recent win in Amsterdam. The 24-year-old has conceded 50 Premier League goals in his debut season at Goodison Park but that statistic, Allardyce argues, reflects the team’s struggles and not the keeper’s form. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pTB14l

The lesser spotted Islam Slimani is set to make his Newcastle debut at some point during this relegation battle featuring two of last season’s promoted sides. Algeria’s Slimani arrived on Tyneside for a £2m loan deal by private jet from Leicester in January but has been sidelined by a thigh injury. Expect Rafael Benítez to start him on the bench. Newcastle have enjoyed a break in Alicante and, by way of return, their manager has asked for an “early goal” and a “high-tempo start”. Louise Taylor Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J3r8Ke

Everton are the only current Premier League team Pep Guardiola has not beaten as the Manchester City manager and there cannot be greater incentive to complete the set than the prize on the horizon that would follow a victory at Goodison Park. Three points will offer City the priceless opportunity of winning the Premier League title at home to Manchester United next weekend. It is an opportunity not to be wasted, although Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final at Liverpool may influence Guardiola’s selection. Sam Allardyce’s side are unbeaten at home since New Year’s Day. Andy Hunter Saturday 5.30pm BT Sport 1 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E7gajg

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Both sides can, to all intents and purposes, just go out and play although Leicester could conceivably wonder whether a kind-looking run of games can heave them into faint contention for sixth place. Chris Hughton does not quite see Brighton’s position that way and hopes their next two games against Huddersfield and Crystal Palace banish any lingering relegation concerns. The omens look good: they have won their past four home matches in all competitions and pack a far greater punch in attack than earlier in the season. Nick Ames Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pPzWvi

• City to open negotiations on an improved deal at end of season • ‘Maybe other clubs are now interested because he is playing so well’ Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of Manchester City keeping hold of Raheem Sterling after the 23-year-old impressed again for England in midweek . It is barely a year since the winger’s future at the Etihad appeared to be in doubt, but Guardiola is aware Sterling’s transformation this season into both a goalscorer and effective attacking threat will not have gone unnoticed. The former Liverpool player is already under contract until 2020, but it is understood City will open negotiations on an improved extension at the end of the season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2uxT1Xz

Burnley are one of only three sides to lose to West Brom in the league this season, a 1-0 win in August giving the visitors an improbable six points from six at that stage. Much has changed since and Burnley have a club-record 43 Premier League points while West Brom are 10 adrift of safety and all but relegated. “I kind of feel I owe this club,” said Alan Pardew, who has only one league win to his name since arriving at the Hawthorns in late November. “The results since I’ve been here should have been better and I’d like to come back next season with a squad that better reflects the way I play, with a bit more attacking prowess.” Burnley have won their last two games – Everton and West Ham – and with only 14 away goals conceded will be disappointed if they do not make it three in a row. Mark Tallentire Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GZq4WY

West Ham will be praying there is no repeat of the scenes that marred their 3-0 defeat against Burnley at the London Stadium three weeks ago. They have not played since then and extra security measures will be in place for the visit of Southampton , who will push 17th-placed West Ham into the bottom three if they win. Mark Hughes has said he wants to use the crowd against the home team. Jacob Steinberg Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GX3YVa

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Manchester United’s race – for second place and respectability – resumes with the visit of Swansea City managed by, Carlos Carvalhal, who has helped his side build a three-point gap above the relegation zone. Next up for United is Manchester City’s visit for the derby when Pep Guardiola’s side could claim the title at Old Trafford. To have any chance of avoiding that prospect Swansea must be beaten so expect Mourinho to use this as motivation. Jamie Jackson Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J5iY41

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Watford have hopefully just about recovered from being ripped apart by Mohamed Salah before the international break. Javi Gracia will demand a response against Bournemouth, after conceding eight and failing to score in their past two matches on the road, but equally should have confidence in his side’s ability to bounce back based on their strong home record this season. Richarlison’s lack of form is a concern though. The Brazilian scored his first goal for Watford against Eddie Howe’s side in August but has failed to find the net since November. Graham Searles Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J3P1kQ

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Kyle Walker, Nicolás Otamendi, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sané and Sergio Agüero selected by Brighton defender The rattle of cutlery and cups has not been the only noise in the canteens at Premier League clubs over the last few days as players have been debating who to vote for in the PFA player of the year, young player of the year and team of the year awards. Being recognised by your peers is the ultimate accolade, mostly because it’s from those whom you’ve competed against week in, week out and that is why we take it so seriously. In keeping with this, I have decided to share my selections with you (and them!), though I am sure you will have your own opinion on who should be in there. Goalkeeper : David de Gea ( Manchester United ) Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GnLCzu

Today’s rumours are having a good Friday Following his eye-catching hat-trick in Spain’s 6-1 demolition of Argentina , Isco celebrated by voicing his general discontent with his current lot at Real Madrid. “When a footballer doesn’t feel like he has a leading role and consistent playing time with his club, the national team gives him life,” he said, going on to add that Zinedine Zidane isn’t giving him the consistent playing time he needs. In the interests of harmony the Spanish playmaker tactfully added that “the problem is mine and I have to be able to earn it”, but managed to imply that the three goals he’d just fired past Willy Caballero are all the evidence anyone in their right mind should need to know he’s well worth a regular place in Zizou’s starting XI. It’s difficult to imagine any club bar the one that currently employs him not being delighted to have a player of Isco’s undeniable talents, so it’s little surprise that reports in the back pages suggest his comments have p...

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• Chelsea’s Champions League hopes could rest on derby victory • Spurs have not won at Stamford Bridge for 28 years Antonio Conte has conceded Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League may hinge on beating Tottenham on Sunday. Chelsea, who are fifth, five points adrift of Spurs with eight games to play, hope to extend the visitors’ wretched record at Stamford Bridge. Tottenham have not won there for 28 years. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2IaUntl

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• Striker ahead of schedule in recovery from ankle injury • Pochettino unsure but player may yet be back for Stoke game Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that Harry Kane has an outside chance of making the Tottenham Hotspur squad for Sunday’s Premier League derby at Chelsea. The striker damaged lateral ligaments in his right ankle at Bournemouth on 11 March and the original expectation was that he would be out until mid-April. But Kane is ahead of schedule in his recovery and, although it is more likely that he will feature on Saturday week at Stoke City, Pochettino did not rule him out of the visit to Stamford Bridge – where Tottenham will attempt to win for the first time since 1990. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pPx0hr

• List of 36 officials contains none from home countries • First World Cup since 1938 without British referee There will be no British referees at the World Cup this summer for the first time in 80 years, Fifa has confirmed. Football’s governing body has announced 99 officials including referees and assistants for the tournament in Russia, with none from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pP0FrZ

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• PAOK Salonika’s Ivan Savvidis stormed on to argue with referee • Club out of title race after being stripped of three points The PAOK Salonika president, Ivan Savvidis, have been banned from football stadiums for three years for storming on to the pitch with a gun in his waistband during a domestic game. The Greek league also stripped the club of three points, effectively ending their title chances. Savvides, a Georgia-born businessman and former Russian state duma deputy, invaded the pitch when a goal for PAOK was disallowed against title contenders AEK Athens on 11 March. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pNAqlr

With vital second-tier fixtures looming across the Easter period, we look at some of the most important issues, also including Fulham’s push for promotion Assumptions are dangerous. Just ask Steve Bruce. “There’s going to be a lot of twists and turns before it all finally ends,” says Aston Villa’s manager, who regards the Championship promotion race as a highly unpredictable game of snakes and ladders. The same can be said of the battle to avoid relegation but, although nothing will be decided over the next few days, the Easter weekend should offer some clues as to who will be where when the music stops. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J0OqjM

Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé shone against Russia but France should forget about winning the World Cup with this defence By Eric Devin for Get French Football News Paul Pogba’s ferocious performance against an admittedly poor Russia team on Tuesday was something to behold. He was dropped for the 3-2 defeat to Colombia last Friday and has been out of favour at Manchester United lately, but the midfielder was a force of nature in the 3-1 win against the World Cup hosts . After setting up Kylian Mbappé for the opener with an eye-of-the-needle pass, he made what had been a somewhat uneven match his own early in the second half, winning a free-kick and scoring from it. Even if Andrey Lunyov and Roman Neustadter were more than obliging in both instances, Pogba offered a firm rebuttal to his critics, showing just how decisive he can be. Mbappé, too, was superb, as he had been against Colombia. However, as sparkling as the pair were, France’s two friendlies raised more questions than answ...

Scotland flew to the 1978 finals on a wave of hype before reality hit but the win over Holland will be remembered for generations “My name is Ally MacLeod, and I am a born winner!” And we all know how this story pans out. Let’s cut the man some slack, though, for he wasn’t quite the congenital loser he’s usually painted as. True, the high-water mark of his playing career as a willowy, crowd-pleasing left winger – a man-of-the-match performance for Blackburn Rovers in the 1960 FA Cup final described as “magnificent” by this paper – earned him nothing more than personal plaudits and a runners-up medal after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers. But there were notable achievements when he hung up his boots and clambered into the dugout. First, a couple of promotions with Ayr United, a club he very nearly took into Europe in the early 1970s. Then tangible success at last: a Scottish League Cup with Aberdeen in 1976, the club’s first triumph in the competition for two dec...

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With replays unwanted during the second world war a Play to the Finish rule came in. But, 72 years ago this week, exhausted Stockport and Doncaster players were halted only by darkness During the second world war competitive football continued in an irregular, somewhat confused manner, organisation being considerably more difficult when every able-bodied man of fighting – and therefore playing – age was in the armed forces or, at the very least, full-time employment. All unnecessary complications were avoided; tournaments were played regionally and quickly. In 1940 West Ham won the Football League War Cup, a tournament of some 137 games played in the space of only nine weeks. But replays, officials decided, had complicated matters unnecessarily. The following year drawn ties were awarded to the team with the superior league record, but this too caused unhappiness. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J2Oob6

• ‘I’ve never known someone who’s as hungry and determined’ • Jack Wilshere fit for home game against Stoke City on Sunday Arsène Wenger’s hunger to lead Arsenal is stronger than ever before, according to his assistant manager, Steve Bould. Wenger’s future remains the hottest topic of discussion at the club, with a section of the fan-base adamant he should stand down after another season of Premier League failure. Wenger, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to see out the final season on his contract in 2018-19. The 68-year-old was unable to attend his media briefing before Sunday’s home fixture against Stoke City because of a sore throat and he sent Bould in his stead. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pToaQL

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• McCarthy has been in charge of Ipswich for almost six years • ‘We both agreed that this was the best way forward,’ says owner Mick McCarthy will leave his job as Ipswich Town manager at the end of the season. The club’s owner, Marcus Evans, has confirmed the former Republic of Ireland manager will depart at the end of his contract after almost six years in charge. Evans said on Ipswich’s website : “Mick and I had a discussion and we both agreed that this was the best way forward for him and for Ipswich Town. It never got to the point where we actually talked about a new contract. It just felt right that it was time for us both to look at different options.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2E1O0G9

This week’s roundup also features a cricketer failing to learn the aim of golf and Wayne Bridge being charitable with his fists 1) The Australians are not the first team to tamper with the ball; there is a long, rich history of it in cricket. There was Michael Atherton’s dirt-rubbing episode at Lord’s in 1994 during a Test against South Africa. Then in 2001, Sachin Tendulkar was at the centre of a furore around his dealing with the seam, which resulted in an international incident. Shahid Afridi was banned for two matches are he was caught biting the ball, although this was not due to the glorious taste of worn leather. In other cricket news: Haseeb Hameed not a golfer . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pPKQ44

But Paul Harper calculates that swapping duplicates with friends will reduce cost to about £250 A maths professor from Cardiff has calculated that filling this year’s World Cup sticker book will cost collectors £773.60. Prof Paul Harper has devised a formula that suggests, given the probabilities of getting duplicate stickers, on average an individual would need to buy 967 packets or 4,832 stickers to get the set. As well as pictures of the 32 squads of players competing in Russia this summer, there are special stickers for national badges, team group shots and host city posters, making a total of 682 stickers needed to fill the book. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pQe2av

Four Manchester City players and two Burnley defenders feature in our controversial selection Hard to believe but the Premier League season is almost over. Where has the time gone? Feels like only yesterday José Mourinho was happy. Anyway, with the home stretch in sight, I’ve picked a Premier League XI of the season so far. My choices are sure to cause shock, horror and outrage but before the frothing commences let me make something clear: the team below are not made up of the 11 best players in their respective positions. Some are but others are players who have performed notably above expectation – individually or within a partnership/unit – and therefore are worthy of recognition. This also means there is a whacking great omission, one bordering on a national scandal, but I don’t care – I stand by my choices. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2IaoaT6

Today’s fluff is visualizing the realism of life and actuality The process. Jose Mourinho has been holding forth on it for quite a while now. Yet it has not always been obvious precisely what it is. But details are now emerging. The next step in the meticulous restoration of Manchester United’s football heritage is, according to certain news organs at least, to shovel the entire contents of a fair-size bank into the pockets of Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently United have offered to give the 33-year-old an annual salary of nearly £27m if he returns to Old Trafford in the summer. Oh, and United will also pick up Gareth Bale. Well, when you’ve only got Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, you need to splash out to give yourself some attacking options. The good news is that if Bale does join, he should be in top fitness thanks to the advice he’s been getting from a former United wing wizard. During the international break, Wales’ manager has apparen...

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2GSr92P

By KAREN CROUSE from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2pMHD4A

Tommy Stevens looked around and ultimately decided to remain Trace McSorley's backup for one more year: 'This is the best place for me.'

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2GiSdvm

The 6-1 defeat against Spain, without Messi, showed Argentina’s chances of a third World Cup rest entirely on his shoulders What was meant to be a chance for Argentina to consolidate their idea of the game, to try different relationships on the field, to develop connectivity and strengthen the identity they have been seeking, ended in a historic defeat, described in turns as a suicide and a nightmare, compared to boxing for the metaphorical punches involved and tennis for the scoreline. A 6-1 hammering by Spain left the 27 Argentinians who had been called up to test their ability to blend with Lionel Messi sad – desolate even – and their lyrical manager, Jorge Sampaoli, and the rest of the world none the wiser, given Messi did not play in Madrid or in the win against Italy four days earlier. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Gg55SN

By JAMES WAGNER from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2GEMqiS

Looking for next winter's coaching carousel darlings? The guys in charge of the Group of Five's best teams are a good place to start.

This week our cartoonist looks at Australia’s shameful behaviour in the international friendly against Colombia Take a look back through David’s archive of Australian cartoons Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2urMzl7

Monkey chants allegedly directed at France players in St Petersburg ‘Racism has no place on soccer fields,’ says French sports minister Fifa is investigating alleged racist abuse directed at French players by Russia fans during a pre-World Cup friendly between the countries. A Reuters photographer at pitch level for France’s 3-1 win on Tuesday in St Petersburg claims to have heard monkey chants directed at French players on several occasions, including when N’Golo Kante came to the sideline for a throw-in. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J44uS6

Most World Cup teams played two games over the recent international break and here we assess how all of them fared An exhilarating week’s football from Spain has set down a marker. They could have won what was, for an hour, an excellent match in Germany and then obliterated a shoddy Argentina with a cocktail of intense pressing and clinical finishing. These were full-throttle performances of the kind Spain have not always managed in recent years; Andrés Iniesta was on sublime form but the sheer depth Julen Lopetegui can call upon was ominously evident in both games. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2GBcqfe

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! So enough evidence has been gathered for one thing to have become certain: VAR is going to start a nuclear war this summer. Whether you’re broadly in favour of the system or think it’s a philosophically flawed pursuit of a circle that can never be squared, you’re just kicking the tin can of subjectivity down the road, it causes more problems than it solves, I mean come off it, is it really worth getting a smattering of borderline decisions right at the cost of hours of NFL-style VT rock-and-rolling and days of interminable, semantic, legalistic post-hoc arguments over the exact definition of “clear and obvious error”, and for what, the dream of a perfection that can never realistically be achieved anyway, what price the soul of football, look, you’re not listening to me, listen to me, stop talking over me, stop shouting, did you just take a swing at me, take your hands off me, that’s the only rational conclusion to be drawn. Con...

How do you replace the nation's leading rusher from a year ago? At San Diego State, you trot out another back with his eye on 2,000 yards.

• Bronze, Christiansen, Kirby, Nobbs and Taylor are on shortlist • WSL 1 attendances have dropped by 11% but TV viewing is up Five members of Phil Neville’s England squad are in contention to win the Football Writers’ Assocation’s inaugural Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Lyon’s Lucy Bronze, Manchester City’s Isobel Christiansen, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby, Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs and Seattle Reign’s much-travelled Jodie Taylor comprise the shortlist selected by a 22-person judging panel. The winner will be decided before the Footballer of the Year dinner in London on 10 May. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pO5eSl

By KEVIN DRAPER from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2GdqWdr

By TYLER KEPNER from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2E1pRzD

Belgium have a problem at left wing-back, Tunisia celebrate the successful introduction of several France-born players and Panama regret being ‘stripped naked’ in Lucerne The latest set of international games gave coaches a chance to try new players and tactics. With the World Cup fast approaching we look at how England’s opponents got on. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2J2fhfu

Gareth Southgate calls for improvements in the VAR system after Italy were awarded a late penalty to claim a 1-1 draw with England. Jamie Vardy had given England a first-half lead before Lorenzo Insigne equalised two minutes from time – the first goal that Southgate’s team had conceded in six games. The manager also says he is preparing the team for the World Cup in Russia, despite political concerns, and that he is pleased with the progress his players have made Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2IaBp6h

By KEVIN DRAPER from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2GgyoAI

Argentina are in a mess, England should go for all-out attack and Kylian Mbappé’s heroics are papering over French cracks Before this game, Jorge Sampaoli had said that when it comes to the World Cup, Lionel Messi has a revolver pressed against his head. Far from removing it, on Tuesday night the Argentina manager and the rest of the team loaded it and took the safety off. Messi watched his team get taken to bits without him and it made for painful viewing, the pressure building: he didn’t even make it to the end, getting up and leaving before the final whistle. It may feel reductionist to make it all about Messi but it is unavoidable, not least because his manager does the same. There was something sad, almost needy, about the way Sampaoli insisted afterwards that Messi had shown his commitment by being with the team before the game, after the game and at half-time. It is during the game that they need him. Sid Lowe Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2...