Anger is in the air at Old Trafford as José Mourinho and his players reflect on another frustrating season and hope the goals return to power a title challengeMichael Carrick pronounced himself “completely disappointed” with Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Anderlecht, neatly summing up what many supporters have been feeling for several seasons. The midfielder’s point was that the game and perhaps even the result over two legs were there for the taking, yet United could not rouse themselves to do what big teams do and make a statement of intent against accommodating opponents. “It was almost too easy at times,” Carrick said. “We weren’t ruthless enough and now we are left with one of those scorelines where it is...
The Chelsea forward scored his 14th league goal of the season at Bournemouth but improvements to his tactical and physical game also caught the eyeIt has not always been this easy for Eden Hazard. His effortless feint then finish against Bournemouth on Saturday was just the latest entry in a showreel teeming with long-lasting contributions to Chelsea’s relentless charge towards the Premier League title. With seven games to go, Hazard might yet decide the outcome of this two-horse race single-handed. Related: Antonio Conte says Spurs’ pressure is bringing the best out of Chelsea Related: Chelsea’s Eden Hazard shows Bournemouth what makes leaders tick Continue reading...
There is needle to the relationship between Antonio Conte and José Mourinho; goalkeepers may tempt Real Madrid; and N’Golo Kanté is a bargainJosé Mourinho tends to single out those he considers threats and Antonio Conte, the permanent successor to his crown, is his target of choice. Having spent the buildup suggesting Chelsea play a more defensive style of football than under his stewardship, and that the Premier League leaders have benefited from a lack of European football, all that frustration that has simmered since the 4-0 humiliation here in October came pouring out. The pair do not know each other well but there is needle already to their relationship. The fourth official, Mike Jones, found himself sandwiched as they screamed...
Chelsea’s manager, whose team host Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Monday, has got under his predecessor’s skin by winning games rather than by goadingIn Italy, they know it isn’t actually true that Antonio Conte – contrary to the impression he might have given during his first season at Chelsea – is immune to the kind of sniping that leaves the distinct impression he has already burrowed his way under José Mourinho’s skin.Those who remember Conte’s work at Juventus might certainly be surprised by his newly acquired restraint given he previously had a habit of taking great offence, with hair‑trigger sensibilities, when managers or pundits talked about his team, even sometimes if what they said might have seemed...
Antonio Conte has been praised for his bold use of Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso but history suggests it is part of a wider trend dating back to the 1960sBarring an extraordinary collapse, this season’s Premier League title will have been decided at half-time at the Emirates Stadium on 24 September when Antonio Conte moved from a back four to a back three. The game was already lost but Chelsea, adapting remarkably swiftly to the new shape, then embarked on their record 13-match winning run.It was a change that, rightly, has earned Conte great praise for his decisiveness and his capacity, albeit unhindered by the demands of European football, to instil a new formation. But its radicalness has passed largely...