European Super Football

 We love festive football The festive period is one of the most cherished times in the football calendar for fans across the United Kingdom.  Author - Liam C A throwback to a classic Boxing Day encounter at Old Trafford While many sports wind down for a winter break or a period of rest, football thrives, with packed schedules offering an array of fixtures. It’s a tradition steeped in history, filled with drama, and laden with nostalgia that connects generations of supporters. We'll explore how festive football became such an integral part of the beautiful game in Britain.  The origins of Christmas football The roots of festive football date back to the late 19th century, shortly after the formation of the Football League in 1888. During this era, Christmas and Boxing Day matches became a fixture in the footballing calendar. With industrialisation transforming the country, football offered working-class communities an escape from their gruelling daily lives, and the ho...

 It’s a question every top-flight manager, and some beyond, must be wrestling with.  And if the answer seems elusive, a bigger question arises that is, how do you stop them? Author - Sean M As they pursue a fourth consecutive league title, Brendan Rodgers' side have already thumped three past Rangers, triumphed at second-placed Aberdeen, and hammered the same opponents 6-0 in the League Cup semi-final. Their domestic dominance isn’t just impressive – it’s overwhelming. Out of a possible 42 Premiership points, Celtic have amassed 40. They boast a seven-point lead at the top of the table, which could stretch to ten with a win in their game in hand. They remain unbeaten away from home in the league, and across all competitions, they’ve netted a staggering 65 goals in 22 games.  Celtic fans have been loving this season so far. The video below shows fans response to that extraordinary win over Aberdeen in the League Cup. Rodgers has done this before. In his first sea...

Ticket prices are too high  Enough is enough Author - Olivia T It has been another fantastic Premier League season so far.  However, the excitement of what’s shaping up to be an enthralling campaign has been overshadowed by constant news of price increases for fans. The recent announcement that Manchester United will charge a flat price of £66 to all Members for tickets to the remaining matches this season has enraged everyone at European Super Football. This anger has been further fuelled by the revelation that this exorbitant price will apply equally to adults, children, and seniors, regardless of where you sit in the ground. A dreadful decision by the decision-makers at Old Trafford. But United aren’t alone. We've seen significant price increases across much of the Premier League. At Anfield, the Spirit of Shankly group and other Liverpool fans have protested against their own club’s recent ticket price hikes.  One Liverpool supporter told us: “That news came in t...

Are you looking to make some changes in fantasy football this weekend? This article will explore the players you may want to bring in. Author - Mark Lee Jurrien Timber - Arsenal The Dutchman is poised to secure a run of starts in Arsenal’s back four due to an injury to fellow defender Ben White.  Timber's potential for assists is underscored by his impressive statistics. Despite starting only eight of the first 11 matches of the season, he has recorded 10 key passes, placing him fourth among Arsenal players. The 23-year-old also took six shots, which is second only to Gabriel among his side's defenders. After facing a difficult set of opponents, Mikel Arteta's team is now entering a more favorable schedule, making their defenders worth considering for your picks. Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa The Aston Villa forward has been struggling with his performance, scoring just one goal in his last five matches. However, with three favourable home games in the next few weeks, W...

It will be all change for Manchester United this weekend Their match against Ipswich will see a new face in the dugout as Rúben Amorim takes charge for the first time. Flickr user  freeela sawkaka | Flickr  explores the new manager's tactics The deal to bring Amorim from Sporting Lisbon was finalised on 1 November, but the Portuguese club requested he remain until the international break before moving. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been serving as interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, has also departed. The former United striker was not included in Amorim’s plans for his backroom staff. Amorim's first challenge will be this trip to Ipswich Town. He's expected to introduce his favoured 3-4-3 formation, marking a significant shift from the four-man defence United played under Ten Hag. However, preparations for the match has been disrupted. Many United players have been away on international duty and might only return two days before the game. United fans will...

How's life been for Ipswich Town since their return to the Premier League? After earning promotion under manager Kieran McKenna, expectations were cautiously optimistic; the Tractor Boys aimed to retain their top-flight status and solidify their position among England's elite. Author - Marcus Closer look at their match v Spurs. They put in a brilliant display to claim their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-1 victory. Goals from Sam Szmodics and Liam Delap in the first half set Town on course, and they held their ground admirably in the second half to secure three valuable points, showing strength in both attack and defence. Axel Tuanzebe’s return from a thumb injury provided a welcome boost, as he took his place on the right of a backline that included Dara O’Shea, Cameron Burgess, and Leif Davis, with Aro Muric between the posts. Captain Sam Morsy anchored the midfield alongside Jens Cajuste, with Ben Johnson operating on the right. Omari Hutchinson and Szm...

It's time for another big discussion. What's the point of the UEFA Nations League? Launched in 2018, this was UEFA’s bold attempt to revitalise international football in Europe.  Author - Sean M Picture of the Nations League logo uploaded by  Nazionale Calcio | Flickr With an aim to replace often tedious friendlies with competitive matches, the competition promised more meaningful games, chances for national glory, and an innovative league structure.  Opinions remain divided on whether the competition has truly improved international football. This big discussion article will examine strengths and weaknesses.  Strengths of the competition  Competitive games not friendlies One of the primary reasons for launching the Nations League was to eliminate the ‘friendly fatigue’ plaguing international football. Traditional friendlies often failed to engage fans, lacking the intensity and consequence that competitive fixtures provide. In contrast, the Nations League giv...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

 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 scint...

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 moder...

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 ca...

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...