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...
Son Heung-min was subjected to racist abuse by Millwall fans on Sunday. His hat-trick was a fine riposte, and gives Tottenham hope after Harry Kane’s injuryAs a riposte, it was about as emphatic as they come. Son Heung-min was actually stumbling, the loose ball ricocheting awkwardly between his legs, when a section of the Millwall fans situated in that nearby corner of the arena began bellowing their latest chorus of “DVD”. He had to edge back rather apologetically towards the touchline to gather but, with Jake Cooper wary of darting from the penalty area, there was still time to readjust, wriggle towards the edge of the penalty area and curl his shot gloriously into the far corner beyond Tom King....
Arsène Wenger overcomes resistance to change, Aitor Karanka wants fighters more than Stewart Downing, and José Mourinho has more pressing concerns than getting revenge at ChelseaOne of the many criticisms routinely directed at Arsène Wenger concerns his tactical conservatism and it is fair to say that he has seldom deviated from his preferred and predictable 4-2-3-1 in recent years. But on the back of a crucial drop in form Wenger has actually started the last two games with a new plan, playing 4-3-3 against Bayern Munich and Lincoln to address the malfunctioning midfield by adding an extra man. He thinks some of his midfielders, namely Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, benefit from being in a three and perhaps it is...
Cowley will now focus on Lincoln’s National League and FA Trophy campaigns, while his Arsenal counterpart admitted there is no escape from criticismAs Lincoln’s players absorbed the experience by accepting the invitation to mingle with their counterparts in the home dressing room at the end of it all, it was important to make sure that City took care of some essential business. A member of Arsenal’s staff duly emerged from a cupboard with a broom, remarking: “They’ve asked for a hoover.” The broom was the best they could magic up at that moment. At Premier League level they are not used to requests from the opposition to clean the visitors’ dressing room. Whatever the circumstances, though, Danny Cowley insists on...
The Catalan has not had the easiest start in England but the manner of his side’s dispatching of Middlesbrough suggests his ideology is starting to take holdPep Guardiola’s eyes sparkled with the evangelical glint of a conviction politician. Manchester City’s manager does not care much for consensus, compromise or pragmatism and his barely contained post-match excitement at Middlesbrough reflected the Catalan’s belief that his philosophy is, once again, being vindicated. Related: Manchester City and David Silva catch Middlesbrough cold to reach semi Continue reading...