Tap For Menu  
Single word yields best result

Football News: Review Of The Day 16th April 2018

Review Of The Day 16th April 2018
Image from: dononselling.com

Review of the Day

 

Egypt Keeper Ruled Out Of World Cup

Egypt have confirmed that Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy has been ruled out of the forthcoming World Cup in Russia after injuring his knee in an Egyptian league match. Egypt's team doctor Mohamed Abu El Ela said: "El Shenawy had a medical examination which showed he will not be able to play in the next World Cup as he has an anterior cruciate ligament injury." It now looks like veteran Essam Al Hadary will be between the sticks and will create a new record by being the oldest man to play at a World Cup, being 45 years old.

 

Sessegnon Picks Up Trio Of Awards

Fulham's young starlet Ryan Sessegnon has been awarded the Championship Player of the Season, Championship Young Player of the Season and Championship Apprentice of the Year as the case for his inclusion in Gareth Southgate's England squad in the summer grows. The 17 year old winger is also the first player to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award from outside the Premier League. Blackburn Rovers midfielder Bradley Dack was League One Player of the Season and Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee picked up the League Two award.

 

Wenger Criticises Premier League's Lack Of VAR

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at the Premier League's decision to wait before implementing video assistant referees. Wenger said: "We are behind the rest of the world. The Premier League has again decided not to go for VAR and I believe that is a very, very bad decision. Every big game this season has been decided by mistakes that could have been avoided with VAR. The Premier League has been created by people who had a progressive mind and wanted to be in front of the rest in Europe. It worked. The young generation is used to [VAR] and worldwide, they might move away from us because they see that in other countries they do it."

 

Wenger Admits Arsenal Lack Balance

As well as criticising the lack of VAR, Wenger has also criticised his own team for lacking balance. Wenger said: "I think it's very difficult to combine the Europa League on Thursday night and then playing Sunday morning. You play in Moscow, you come home, you play again away from home. This game is a bit special. On top of that, I must say the attitude of our team was spot on from the start. But it didn't work and I have to be realistic enough to say that maybe our balance offensively and defensively doesn't work." The French manager also admitted he does worry about the Gunners' results away from home, with just two wins all season on the road and no points in 2018 on their travels. "Of course it's a concern because traditionally we have a very strong record away from home," Wenger said. "It has a subconscious weight in our minds. Once you're in a negative spiral like that, it's very difficult to get out." Arsenal will now face a battle to hold on to 6th spot ahead of Burnley.

 

Tavernier Apologises For Embarrassing Celtic Defeat

Rangers skipper James Tavernier has apologised to fans after his team were humiliated by Celtic, who brushed them aside 4-0 in a Scottish Cup semi-final match up. Tavernier said: "It was embarrassing. The bare minimum we ask for is fight, passion and energy and we just didn't show that. It was embarrassing to come off that pitch after a performance like that. I can only apologise. It's unacceptable for the fans. They turn out in their numbers and people who watched will be disgusted with the performance we put in and so they should. It was very, very poor. Were there strong words said between the boys? 100 per cent but you've got to put them into action. We know we were way off it. It wasn't good enough for this club or our fans. I can't tell you why there was a lack of effort. It comes down to individuals. Ultimately, you come to Rangers to play in these big games and to stand out, show what you're made of, and it wasn't there today."

 

Dembele Intent On Lengthy Barca Stay

Despite struggling for form and to hold down a place in the first team, Barcelona's summer signing Ousmane Dembele has told reporters he would like to stay with the Catalan club for a long time. Dembele only arrived from Borussia Dortmund in August but is already being linked with a move away, however he insists that he will be going nowhere in the summer. Demebele told Telefoot: "I'm not going to leave after just one season I signed a five-year contract with Barcelona. I'll be here for a long time."

 

Monaco Offer Fans Refund After PSG Humbling

Travelling AS Monaco fans saw their team annihilated by a rampant PSG side 7-1, as reigning champions Monaco also handed over their Ligue 1 crown to the Parisiens. Paris Saint-Germain were 4-0 up within the first half hour and strolled to the victory, which was so comprehensive that Monaco's official Twitter account read afterwards: "AS Monaco has made the decision to refund the red and white supporters present in the visitors' gallery tonight. The arrangements will be communicated at the beginning of the week." Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev also apologised to supporters after the game saying: "For us it was a catastrophic scenario. The only ones who have lived up to it are our supporters and I thank them. They pushed the team, but there was nothing we could do. We will do everything to make them proud in the next match."

 

PSG After Champions League..... And A New Coach

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in the wake of their Ligue 1 title win, has made it clear that the Champions League is the prize that they truly seek, as well as all but confirming a new coach is set to replace Unai Emery. Straight after the Parisiens won the Ligue 1 title by thrashing Monaco 7-1, Al-Khelaifi told Canal+: "When we have signed a contract with somebody, we will make an announcement. For the moment, nothing has been done - nothing has been signed. Currently, we have a coach. We won 7-1 with him and he has a contract until the end of the season. We have done a lot of positive things this season. We are champion for the seventh time, the fifth for me. It's really something beautiful, thank you to everyone. Of course, everyone knows, our big goal is the Champions League. But today we are very proud and happy with this title."

Written by Tris Burke April 16 2018 06:43:40