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Showing posts with the label The Big Discussion

The Big Discussion: What do you think of the international break?

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The relationship between English football fans and international football can be mixed.  Some see it as a refreshing change, offering a chance to follow their national team and watch players from different clubs come together to represent their country.  Author - Liam C Others view it as an unwelcome interruption to what they care about most, causing frustration and even outright disdain. In many ways, it’s a love-hate relationship that has become a regular feature of the footballing calendar. More disruption Some fans of the big Premier League clubs might be annoyed that this current break is the 2nd one in an already-packed schedule. Some teams such as Nottingham Forest have started to build momentum. A break for these fans could feel like a real mood-killer. That same level of passion doesn’t always translate to the international stage, especially outside major tournaments.  Another major point of contention has been the risk of injuries. A couple of injuries at this stage of th

The Big Discussion: Kai Havertz shining for Arsenal

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Kai Havertz benefits from Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side The German forward us leading the line for the Gunners and is now working well with Bukayo Saka. Let's explore the impact that he's having at the moment. As long as Bukayo Saka maintains his remarkable consistency, he’ll remain the standout star at Arsenal. The academy-grown winger notched his sixth and seventh assists of the season during the Gunners’ comeback victory against relegation-threatened Southampton on Saturday afternoon, also netting his second league goal of the campaign. Saka ranks among the Premier League’s top 10 players for shots, key passes and dribbles this season, showcasing the full extent of his attacking prowess. As Arsenal chase their first league title in over two decades, Saka is undoubtedly the main man. However, it would be wrong to say Arsenal are a one-man team. At 23, Saka is clearly Mikel Arteta’s crown jewel, but he is surrounded by other equally brilliant talents. Premier League

The Big Discussion: Wayne Rooney's best Manchester United goals

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After his stunning free-kick for Manchester United Legends against Celtic Legends, we thought we'd examine Wayne Rooney's most iconic goals for Manchester United. His time at Old Trafford was marked by spectacular goals that not only highlighted his skill but also often proved crucial in the team's success. Here, we will explore some of his best goals for the club, showcasing the diverse nature of his striking prowess. Post match Rooney back in 2008. Photo credit -  Gordon Flood | Flickr Stoke City (2017) A record-breaking goal. Goal number 250 arrived in front of the watching Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson who had brought him to Old Trafford 12-and-a-half years ago. It also gave United a point in a match that they probably deserved to lose.  Manchester City (2011)  He loved a goal against Manchester City. One of his most memorable strikes came in the 2011 Manchester derby. In this almost high-stakes match at Old Trafford, Rooney produced a stunning bicycle k

The Big Discussion: Can Ipswich Town survive?

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Despite a second defeat of the season, there is still plenty of optimism among Ipswich Town fans.  Ipswich took an early lead at the home of the reigning champions, with Sam Szmodics finding the net.  However, their advantage was quickly erased, and the match ultimately ended in a 4-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. Reflecting on last week’s match against Liverpool, where the Reds scored twice in five minutes, the Ipswich manager emphasised the importance of learning to respond better when conceding a goal. He highlighted the need for similar lessons after today’s game, where City managed to score three goals in quick succession. Premier League: 2024/2025 season (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) They have strengthened their squad After the match, Ipswich announced the signing of Jack Clarke from Sunderland, marking their 10th acquisition in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old winger, who started his career at Leeds United, has joined on a five-year contract. Clarke made a si

The Big Discussion: Can Brighton go to the next level?

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Another great day for Brighton fans. Are they about to go the next level this season? Euphoria was certainly the word to describe the noise that greeted the final whistle, even though beating United has become almost routine for Brighton, with five victories in their last six meetings. Perhaps the excitement was due to starting the season with back-to-back wins, although Brighton achieved that last year as well. More likely, it’s because they’ve once again found a manager who can keep the club moving forward, reaching heights their fans could never have imagined two decades ago. There was an element of luck in Brighton's win, particularly when Joshua Zirkzee, on a wet pitch, couldn’t stop himself from sliding towards goal after failing to convert Bruno Fernandes' 72nd-minute cross. Unluckily, he didn’t cross the line before Alejandro Garnacho’s shot struck him, resulting in the goal being ruled out for offside. However, the seamless transition from Roberto de Zerbi to Hurze

The Big Discussion: How can Manchester United improve?

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Another defeat for Manchester United where they had plenty of opportunities to win but couldn't get over the line. Their players must improve their game management in the season ahead. The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in our first away match of the Premier League campaign after Seagulls striker Joao Pedro headed a 95th-minute winner. It was the sixth time since the 2022/23 season that Ten Hag's side have lost a league game from a goal scored in second-half stoppage time. They will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment on the south coast when Arne Slot’s Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday 1 September, What are they currently doing well at and how can they build on it? One of the most noticeable improvements in this team during the first two weeks of the Premier League season is their pressing game, both in its organisation and the intensity with which they apply it. Having Fernandes play as a false nine has been a key fa

How one Champions League campaign helped create a legend

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This is the latest in our ' big discussion ' series of articles. Here, we will examine Porto's Champions League success in 2004 and ask whether a similar type of success can happen again. Mourinho celebrates in 2004. Photo from  mohamedkaka | Flickr Over the last twenty years, the Champions League has been dominated by a relatively small pool of teams from a limited number of countries. However, it wasn't always like this. Teams like Porto have a proud record in European competition, with their last Champions League victory in 2004. At that time, they were led by a man with a growing reputation. This was José Mourinho. How big an achievement was this in 2004? Porto has struggled to compete with the best in Europe in recent seasons. It is often anticipated that they may struggle to get out of the group stage on occasion. During the upcoming campaign, if you were betting on the Champions League, you would have seen that they were considered huge outsiders. Since Porto

The Big Discussion: Manchester United's potential midfield signings

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Man United target a new midfielder Let's explore some of the options that they could sign to improve their squad before the transfer window closes.  Adrien Rabiot - Free agent Rabiot, 29, is a free agent after leaving Juventus. The France international is reportedly interested in a move to the Premier League. He almost joined the Red Devils last season before signing a new one-year deal. Liam, a Manchester United fan, told us: "This would be a great signing for us. On a free transfer, it would make complete sense. He has great experience and would be a fantastic partner for Mainoo in our midfield." Manchester United are currently aiming to reduce their wage bill, so you could argue that It makes no sense to revive their interest in Rabiot. However, on a free transfer, you could make the case for the transfer to give the club more experience in the midfield. Will United sign him this summer? United's hopes of securing Rabiot's signature for a second consecuti

The Big Discussion: Players to watch in the EFL

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 As we prepare for another summer of teams across England and beyond spending even more money, clubs will be looking to explore the occasional bargain. Will any of these players come from the EFL? This article will explore some of the players that clubs from across Europe might be looking at.  Sam Bell – Bristol City While Bristol City’s season was a bit up and down, Bell’s performances were highly impressive throughout. Numerous spells in non-league football helped Bell develop his game, and Bristol City’s patience in nurturing the young forward appears to be paying off. His versatility makes him an attractive option for clubs after an adaptable forward player, with Bell also occupying the left side of the pitch. Bristol City fans would be sad to see him leave to the Premier League but they will probably admit that he deserves a chance to play at that higher level.  Jaden Philogene – Hull City  Jaden Philogene hogged the limelight at Hull City and was in scintillating form for t

The Big Discussion: What do you think of VAR

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VAR: What is it good for? Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been a controversial addition to football matches since its introduction in the UK.  Those in favour of the technology believe that VAR has helped ensure fair play by reviewing crucial decisions like goals, penalties, and red card incidents. It was essentially brought in to reduce human error and increase the accuracy of refereeing decisions. However, critics often point out the disruptions caused by VAR reviews. They say this slows down the pace of the game and diminishes the spontaneity and emotional intensity of football. Many fans and players have expressed frustration with VAR's impact on the flow of matches and the subjective nature of some decisions. What is the debate focused on?  The debate has now been going on for four years. Back in 2020, then SkySports pundit Danny Murphy argued against it. The footage below is from the SkySports YouTube account. It has become an integral part of modern foo

Euro 2024 preview: Players to watch out for

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The players to watch out for at Euro 2024 In the first of several Euro 2024 preview articles, this story will explore some of the players that will be looking to have an impact in Germany. Johan Bakayoko - Belgium  This player began to make a significant contribution to PSV early in 2023, and very quickly, he had managed to score seven goals and provide five assists. With fantastic speed and outstanding one-on-one skills, he is a constant threat to defenders as a traditional right-winger. He recently made his international debut for Belgium in March and could shine for his country in Germany.  Cole Palmer - England Despite scoring in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, Palmer made a brave decision to leave Manchester City during the summer. This decision has paid off as he is now regularly starting and scoring goals for Chelsea. Palmer is not only important in pressing off the ball but also a creative force on it, whether he is playing centrally or coming off the right flank. You can watch s

EFL: We all love the drama of the playoffs.

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They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them.  Let's explore some of their greatest matches. They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them. Let's explore some of their greatest matches. This is the place for all the latest EFL news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Sheffield Wednesday 5 - 1 Peterborough United  (The match finished 5-5 on aggregate, Sheffield Wednesday won 5-3 on penalties.) Sheffield Wednesday pulled one of the greatest playoff comebacks in English Football League history to beat Peterborough United on penalties. After losing the first game 4-0, very few people believed they would progress to Wembley. That's exactly what happened. They reached the final and eventually gained promoted to the Championship. This match was the highlight on that journey. Just after the match, James, a S

The Big Discussion: Young up-and-coming stars

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This article will explore some of the most exciting talents in the world at the moment.  Will any of them be on the move this summer? Warren Zaïre-Emery - PSG Warren Zaïre-Emery, a 17-year-old football player, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a regular player at one of Europe's biggest clubs. The midfielder has already made more than 50 first-team appearances for the French champions and is also a part of France's senior squad. You wouldn't expect him to leave PSG just yet but many clubs from England and Spain will be paying close attention to his development. Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid Given the amount of games he's played, you would have forgotten that Camavinga is still relatively young. His knack for playing in several positions across the pitch must make him a dream player for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.  Julian Rijkhoff - Ajax Ajax are renowned for producing technically gifted midfielders and wingers, but less well-known for creating genu

The most dramatic races to the Premier League title

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We all love a dramatic end to the season Let's explore some of the best and most iconic title races in the history of English football. Will the 2024 race for the title match any of those listed below? Leicester City, Tottenham and Arsenal in 2016 An odd one to choose perhaps, but this was a fascinating title race. It was a two-horse race for a period, but Spurs finished third. Leicester won the title that season thanks to the form of former Non-League player Jamie Vardy. Many described it as the greatest-ever sporting achievement.  Following this title win, Leicester players struggled to match what they achieved during that season. They were even relegated in 2023. They quickly recovered to win the Championship in 2024, once again being inspired by Vardy. Liverpool and Arsenal 1989 Throwback to 1989 when Arsenal managed to clinch their 9th league title at Anfield in the most dramatic night in club history pic.twitter.com/YSqyids0H9 — Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) August 22,

The Big Discussion: The Fight for the Soul of Manchester United

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The recent news that the Glazer family are selling Manchester United has created a lot of rehashed discussion, enhancing a lot of debates created back when the American family first bought the club.  Twitter user @Heathen1878 explores this and the current state of affairs regarding Manchester United. Warning and disclaimer - The views here are of the writer, not us. He's more than happy to discuss points made on his Twitter.  It was around September 2021 when I arrived back in Manchester for the first time since March 2020. I landed on the morning of Man United's Premier League game against Newcastle. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the club. I stopped going to Old Trafford in 2005 and have only been back once. I stopped going due to the Glazer takeover and general sadness with the way modern football is going.  It was at this point that I really realised how much United's support had changed over recent times and also wondered what this might mean for t