European Super Football

Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson on a season-long loan. Henderson was keen for first-team football after losing out to David de Gea in the battle to be the first choice at Old Trafford. He is Forest's second major summer signing after Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi was signed from Union Berlin. Henderson has kept 17 clean sheets in 49 Premier League games but has not played a top-flight match since May 2021.  Absolutely delighted to join @NFFC on loan for the season. Can’t wait to experience the City ground! 🔜🔛🔝 pic.twitter.com/xd2fn4rnYb — Dean Henderson (@deanhenderson) July 2, 2022 Reports seem to indicate that there is no option to buy within the loan agreement and that Forest are covering his full wages for the entire season. His last loan spell was at Sheffield United during their fairly successful first season back in the Premier League. Will he have a similar impact at Forest? Henderson, who won his solitary Eng...

Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for the next set of England matches The highlight includes a return for the former Brentford striker Ivan Toney Author | Jamie P Picture of England v Latvia Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has also been selected, despite the midfielder's upcoming shoulder surgery. He is set to have an operation following the Club World Cup to resolve an issue that has troubled him since 2023. The Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is a notable absentee, while there are no representatives from Manchester United. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has received his first senior call-up which is deserved afterwards a decent season in the Premier League. The squad in full Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Burnley) Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal...

Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Manchester City  Crystal Palace claimed the first major trophy in their 119-year history with a stunning 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Author - James L Stadium - Wembley Stadium Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal after just 16 minutes, finishing off a rapid counter-attack with a composed strike from Daniel Muñoz’s low cross. It was a moment of brilliance that ultimately proved enough to see off the defending champions. For City, it was a day of deep frustration. Pep Guardiola’s side end the season without silverware for the first time since his debut campaign in 2016–17.  Their mood soured further after a controversial incident in the first half, when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite handling outside his area under pressure from Erling Haaland. VAR ruled that Haaland was moving away from goal and had not been denied a clear scoring opportunity. Henderson’s influence only grew from there. He saved a pena...

England drop Alexander-Arnold whilst Spence and Anderson are called up for upcoming qualifiers Tuchel’s side face Andorra and Serbia in matches that could move them closer to the upcoming World Cup in the United States. Author | Lauren W England's last qualifier away at Andorra Trent Alexander-Arnold has been omitted from Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, which includes call-ups for uncapped players Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence. The right-back, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid over the summer, had been named in Tuchel's previous squad but will not feature for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Alexander-Arnold, 26, was also absent from the starting line-up in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory at Real Oviedo on Sunday. Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson and Tottenham full-back Spence receive their first senior call-ups, while Everton winger Jack Grealish misses out despite impressing under the observation of Tuchel's assistant Anthony...

Arsenal 3 - 2 Crystal Palace Gabriel Jesus scored three second-half goals against Crystal Palace as the Gunners came from behind to reach the semi-finals. Author - DJ They were his first goals at Emirates Stadium in a year and also only the second game he has scored in this season, following a strike against Preston - also in the EFL Cup - at the end of October. Jesus has not scored in the Premier League since 30 January and Arteta hopes his treble will spur him to start finding the back of net in the league again to aid Arsenal's title challenge. Arteta's subs help his side move a step closer to a trophy Crystal Palace seemed poised to pull off an upset on Wednesday, taking the lead with their very first shot of the match. Jean-Philippe Mateta outmuscled Jakub Kiwior to slot home the opener. Mikel Arteta made sweeping changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Everton at the weekend, handing Kieran Tierney his first Arsenal appearance since the 2023 Community Shield . However,...

Chelsea 1 - 1  Crystal Palace Eberechi Eze scored a brilliant equaliser as Crystal Palace held Chelsea to a draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, who hammered Wolves 6-2 last week , dominated the first half. Cole Palmer came close with a shot that went just wide, and Dean Henderson made a superb save to deny Noni Madueke, before Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring. Jackson finished off a swift Chelsea counter-attack by tapping in Palmer's cross at the near post. Palace were lucky not to be down to 10 men when Will Hughes, already on a yellow card, avoided further punishment for a foul on Palmer. Shortly after, the Eagles fans were celebrating as Eze curled a lovely shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez then made a fantastic save to deny Daichi Kamada's powerful effort and prevent Palace from taking the lead. In stoppage time, Jackson had a chance to win it for Chelsea, but Henderson saved his effort after he went through on goal. The draw marks Crystal Palace...

Fredrikstad 0 - 0 Crystal Palace (Palace won 1-0 on aggregate) Crystal Palace secured their place in the league phase of the Conference League despite a laboured performance in the second leg of their play-off tie against Fredrikstad. Author | James Lees Stadium | Nye Fredrikstad Stadion Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike in the first leg at Selhurst Park ultimately settled the contest on aggregate, though Palace offered little in Norway. The French forward had the clearest chance to add to his tally in stoppage time, breaking clear only to be denied by the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Martin Borsheim. A closer look at what happened Fredrikstad once again defended diligently, but unlike in south London they looked to carry more threat. Their attacking intent, however, rarely troubled Dean Henderson. Stiane Molde spurned the home side’s best opportunity when he failed to turn into an almost empty net after Henderson misjudged a ball in the six-yard box, while substitute Henrik Skogvol...

 Arsenal 5 - 0 Crystal Palace Arsenal revived their pursuit of the Premier League title with an emphatic victory over struggling Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners' aspirations for the top spot had waned towards the close of the previous year, suffering three defeats in their last five Premier League fixtures. However, a rejuvenated Arsenal returned with newfound vigour under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.  Three points were sealed through a Gabriel header, an own goal from Dean Henderson , a composed finish by Leandro Trossard, and two late strikes from Gabriel Martinelli. The first two goals originated from corner kicks, with Gabriel nodding in the opener in the 11th minute. Another set-piece led to the defender's header striking Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson, deflecting into the net. The visitors struggled to mount a response, and Arsenal extended their lead in the second half when Trossard calmly finished in a one-on-one situation with the goalke...

Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United missed several big chances in their goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the Premier League. Fresh from their 7-0 EFL Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday , Ten Hag's side cut Palace open at will in a dominant first half. Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Marcus Rashford in the starting XI, had an early shot saved by the goalkeeper before Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez were denied by the home goalkeeper Dean Henderson's feet. The visitors continued to pile on the pressure with Garnacho sweeping against the bar after being played in down the left. The rebound fell to Bruno Fernandes, who was often the orchestrator for the Reds. His effort bounced off the pitch before it clipped the top of the bar. The home side eventually grew into the half and came closest when Eberechi Eze slotted into the hands of Andre Onana when unmarked on the penalty spot. The second half was definitely more even. Fernandes curled wide before a ...

England 1 - 3 Senegal We try to pull together some measured reaction and reporting after England lose in Nottingham. It's only a post season friendly that nobody will remember in three months.  Author | Kieran M Stadium | The City Ground England fell to their first defeat under Thomas Tuchel as Senegal claimed a thoroughly deserved win in a low-key friendly at the City Ground. It wasn't a good performance from Tuchel’s team, who were outplayed by confident and composed opponents. Senegal became the first African nation to beat England’s men, and did so with an assured display.  For Tuchel though, it did give him an opportunity to see a different group of players together. He would have learned a lot from this. A closer look at what happened The evening had started brightly for the hosts, who took the lead in the seventh minute when Harry Kane reacted quickest after Edouard Mendy spilled Anthony Gordon’s low effort. It was Kane’s 73rd goal for England. This would be the...

Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Liverpool (Crystal Palace won 3-2 on penalties) Crystal Palace began the season in familiar style, lifting silverware as underdogs at Wembley. Author | William G Stadium | Wembley Stadium The FA Cup holders edged the Premier League champions on penalties after a draw in a pulsating Community Shield. Dean Henderson was the hero, saving from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott before Mohamed Salah blazed over. That left substitute Justin Devenny , introduced in stoppage time, to drive home the decisive kick past Alisson. Palace, without a major trophy before this year, have now claimed two in three months at Wembley, having beaten Manchester City in May. They are also the first club to win the Shield on debut for 50 years, matching Derby County ’s feat in 1975 . A new hero emerges for Palace  Amid the frenetic scenes at Wembley, Crystal Palace found an unlikely hero in 21-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder Justin Devenny. Brought on in second-half st...

Will football come home this summer? A couple of weeks ago, England and Gareth Southgate named their provisional squad for Euro 2024. The final 26-man squad list for England must be submitted to Uefa by June 7. Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley). Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (...

As the January transfer window gets closer, let's have a look at some of the news and rumours. The constant changing in managers at all levels is starting to have an impact. Several reports have indicated that Tottenham and Manchester City are interested in signing 21-year-old Fiorentina and Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic in January. However, they would need to pay around 70 million pounds.  Donny van de Beek has decided to leave Manchester United in January. The Dutch midfielder has found minutes hard to come by since his move from Ajax in September 2020. Could a new manager at Old Trafford change his mind? Reports in Birmimgham Live indicate that Wolves are interested in signing him. It has been reported in (90min) that Manchester United put off a move for now-Tottenham manager Antonio Conte because of his £250m transfer budget demands. An article in The Mirror says: "Manchester United believe that Zinedine Zidane's close relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Rap...

The January transfer window is approaching.  As expected, the number of rumours about the latest transfers have exploded. Let's have a look at the best of them. Bundesliga Borussia Dortmund will look to put together a deal to try to persuade Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland to stay with them. The 21-year-old's future at the club set to be decided by the end of February.  Bayern Munich are interested in signing Leeds United's Raphinha. Despite rumours suggesting otherwise, it has been reported that no agreement has yet been made and he could easily end up signing for Liverpool. Premier League Newcastle United hope to complete a deal to bring in Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier next week and, after an injury to Callum Wilson, they will also try to sign a forward over the next few weeks.  Chelsea have asked about the availability of France left-back Theo Hernandez, who AC Milan will not consider selling for less than 60m euros. Wolfsburg's Max...

Fulham 0 - 3 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace continued their remarkable resurgence under Oliver Glasner, securing a fifth consecutive win with a clinical 3-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Author - Craig H Stadium - Craven Cottage Fulham dominated the opening half-hour but failed to capitalise on their superiority, with Rodrigo Muniz going closest for the hosts. Palace, struggling to get out of their own half, took the lead against the run of play when Eberechi Eze produced a moment of brilliance in the 34th minute. Cutting in from the left, the England international bent a stunning low strike past Bernd Leno and in off the far post. Eze, fresh from scoring his first England goal during the international break, was instrumental again in Palace’s second. His precise cross found Ismaila Sarr, who nodded in at the near post to double the visitors’ lead. Fulham pushed for a response, with Willian drawing a fine save from Dean Henderson, but they ne...

West Ham v Chelsea Preview Chelsea are strong favourites among the experts to get three points  Author | James P Stadium | London Stadium  West Ham’s Premier League campaign got off to a disastrous start last weekend, with Graham Potter’s side suffering a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Potter faces mounting pressure after failing to inspire the fanbase following his arrival midway through last season, and expectations were higher after a full preseason. Last week’s display suggested little progress, and with West Ham having won only one of their final eight home league games last term, patience is likely to be in short supply unless results improve quickly. Chelsea present a difficult challenge, having won each of the last three encounters and with Potter yet to defeat his former club in seven managerial meetings. Chelsea need to prove they're more than just hype While the Blues won at the London Stadium last season, they have managed only three victories...

Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Leicester City Note - This article and photo were sent to us by our friends at GMCR Football   Jean-Philippe Mateta rescued a late draw for Crystal Palace, netting his second goal of the match with a 92nd-minute penalty that denied Leicester City their first Premier League win since their return. Mateta had ended last season on a high, scoring nine goals in his final six matches under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, and his value to the team was evident again as his double strike saved Palace from what would have been a worrying defeat. A closer look at the match Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for Leicester midway through the first half, picking up a pass from Wilfred Ndidi, rounding Dean Henderson, and slotting the ball into an empty net. Leicester extended their lead just 23 seconds after the restart, with Ndidi pouncing on a poor clearance from Palace debutant Maxence Lacroix, setting up Stephy Mavididi to blast the ball into the roof of the net from cl...

Liverpool 1 - 1 Crystal Palace Liverpool brought the curtain down on a memorable title-winning season with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Author  | William G Stadium | Anfield Salah’s 84th-minute strike not only earned a share of the spoils, it also sealed his Golden Boot triumph and saw him equal the Premier League record for goal involvements in a single season. His final tally of 29 goals and 18 assists underlined his enduring brilliance in front of goal. With the title already secured following their emphatic 5-1 victory over Tottenham on 27 April, Arne Slot’s side were able to enjoy the final weeks of the campaign with the pressure off. Sunday's clash at Anfield, played in a carnival atmosphere, provided the chance for fans to savour the achievement. Palace, fresh from lifting the FA Cup a week earlier, were given a guard of honour by the Liverpool players before kick-off in a gesture that was warmly received by both sets of supporters. In return, the Eagles retur...

 Chelsea 2 - 1 Crystal Palace Noni Madueke secured a crucial victory for Chelsea with an 89th-minute penalty against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. The home team took the lead in the 13th minute after Malo Gusto's impressive play led to Mykhailo Mudryk slotting the ball home from close range. However, Palace equalized just before half-time when Michael Olise converted Jordan Ayew's cross into a bottom corner screamer. Despite numerous chances, Chelsea struggled to convert, raising concerns that their profligate finishing might haunt them for the second consecutive match under manager Mauricio Pochettino. In the 77th minute, Nicolas Jackson thought he had scored, only for VAR to rule him offside after poking in Thiago Silva's deep cross. In a tense finale, Chelsea finally got the breakthrough when VAR spotted a foul by Eberechi Eze on substitute Madueke inside the box. Madueke expertly converted the penalty, sending Palace keeper Dean Henderson...

England have confirmed their 26-man squad for the European Championships Gareth Southgate has revealed his final 26-man squad, and some notable names are missing. Manchester City's Jack Grealish, Manchester United's Harry Maguire, and Tottenham's James Maddison have all been left out. Burnley's goalkeeper James Trafford, Liverpool's defender Jarell Quansah, Everton's defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and Liverpool's midfielder Curtis Jones, who were part of the initial 33-player shortlist, have also not made the cut. Manchester United's Luke Shaw who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid-February, is part of the squad. This has come to the surprise of many but his experience and nature as one of England's best left-backs probably swung that in his favour. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) International Friendly: England start Euros prep with a win (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Goalkeepers Dean Henderson (Cr...