SPORT : Ex - EPL, referee gives verdict on Arsenal penalty decision in 3-1 win over Chelsea

 

Former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, has said Chelsea cannot have any complaints over the penalty decision in their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day.

Michael Oliver awarded the spot-kick in the first half after Recce James brought down Kieran Tierney inside the area.

Subsequent replays showed little contact between the two players.

However, a VAR check didn’t overrule the decision and Alexandre Lacazette made it 1-0.

Granit Xhaka doubled Arsenal’s advantage from a free-kick, before Bukayo Saka’s cross-cum-shot made it 3-0.

Gallagher believes Chelsea should not feel aggrieved over Arsenal’s first-half penalty.

“What I would say is the guy who has got the best view is Michael Oliver, he has the view where he can see the players coming together,” Gallagher told Premier League Productions.

“He gave it instantly. I think what you have to remember then is that when it goes to VAR, VAR is not there to decide whether he’s made the right decision or the wrong decision, he’s got to decide if it is a clear and obvious error, and I would suggest not if the referee gives it, so on that basis he sticks with the on-field decision.”

SPORT : EPL , Lampard blasts ‘lazy’ Chelsea players after 3-1 defeat at Arsenal

 Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has hit out at his ‘lazy’ Chelsea players, after they lost 3-1 to Arsenal on Boxing Day.

The Gunners were 15th before the game, while the Blues could have gone second with a win.

But Lampard’s men were 3-0 down after 56 minutes, thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka.

Lampard, speaking to the media after the game, accused his players of not wanting to run or put the required amount of effort in from the start.

“I’m angry because I want to win games. Today was an opportunity to go to a place where they’re having a tough time but you know how that goes.

“You either make it more difficult for them or you give them a little opening. We did that from minute one and then we continued to do it for 45 minutes and then you get what you deserve.

“Lazy giving away a penalty, and a free-kick, I’m very disappointed with way we approached first half,” Lampard said.

SPORT : Real Madrid ex-player Antonio Gento passes on

 Former Real Madrid player, Antonio Gento, is dead.

The 80-year-old passed away on Saturday.

He played for Real Madrid during the 1961-62 season and won a league title and a Spanish Cup.

“Real Madrid, its president and board of directors, are deeply saddened by the passing of Antonio Gento”, the club said in a statement.

Condolences were extended to the deceased’s family, friends, loved ones, and all the clubs he represented.

Antonio’s brother, Paco Gento, is a six-time European Cup winner and honorary president of Real Madrid.

SPORT : Arsenal vs Chelsea,Why Willian, David Luiz, Gabriel Magalhaes have been left out

 

Willian, David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been left out of the Arsenal squad to face Chelsea today.

The club, through its official Twitter handle, has now given reasons for their absence.

“Updates on the following players:

“Gabriel – COVID close contact, now isolating and will miss the next three matches

“David Luiz and Willian – both are unwell but have both recently tested negative

“We will continue to monitor, support and assess their conditions,” it read.

Pablo Mari comes in for Magalhaes and partners Rob Holding in the centre of defence.

Gabriel Martinelli, Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka all start up front, with Emile Smith-Rowe behind them.

EPL, Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Leicester, reveals how Fernandes annoys him

 

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has said they dropped points against Leicester City, because his players switched off.

The Red Devils missed the chance to go into second place, following a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United, before Harvey Barnes slammed in the equalizer.

Although Bruno Fernandes made it 2-1 late in the second half, there was still time for Jamie Vardy’s effort to come off Axel Tuanzebe into the net.

“We feel disappointed. The boys are flat in the dressing room.

“We created chances to score more goals.

“Apparently, Jamie Vardy got a bit lucky, but you can’t switch off against quality players,” Solskjaer told the media after the match.

Fernandes was partly at fault for Leicester City’s first goal and Solskjaer has admitted that some of the risks he takes, leaves him pulling his hair out.

He said: “He is definitely a player that impacts results. He takes risks. He sees the pass and takes the moments.

“Sometimes I tear my hair out and say there is an easier pass. But you want that X Factor. He has been great.”

EPL, How Chelsea could line up against Arsenal

 

Chelsea will aim to record a back to back win when they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day to play host Arsenal in one of the Premier League games slated in the festive period.

The Blues come into the London derby after their 3-0 triumph over West Ham United on Monday night. Lampard and his men consequently moved into the fifth position in the Premier League standings. Chelsea are 6 points adrift of League Leaders Liverpool after 14 round of matches, and would be hoping to claim an away win before Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool take to the pitch on Sunday.

Here, DAILY POST takes a look at how Chelsea could line-up against Arsenal.

Absent; Hakim Ziyech (hamstring)

Possible; Ben Chilwell (ankle), Reece James (knee)

The Blues will play without the services of Hakim Ziyech due to his hamstring issue but first-choice right-back, Reece James and left-back Ben Chilwell are both probable for this match.

The full back pair may not return in time for this clash. And it could see Captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson Palmieri coming in for them at the full-back positions.

Lampard is expected to keep the midfield three that featured against West Ham United.

The midfield three would comprise of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and corner-kick specialist Mason Mount.

Timo Werner has only scored four times only this season but he could once again start on the wings (left).

While Tammy Abraham’s pair of goals in the Monday fixture against West Ham should give the English star the nod to spearhead Chelsea’s attack.

Hakim Ziyech’s no show for this match should see American star Christian Pulisic get the nod on their right while Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to remain on the Chelsea bench in company of Olivier Giroud and out of form playmaker, Kai Havertz.

Chelsea’s Predicted Line-Up Against Arsenal In A 4-3-3 Set-up.

Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta; Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Emerson Palmieri; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount; Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner.

Sign COVID-19 relief bill now – Biden tells Trump

 United States President-elect, Joe Biden, has urged President Donald Trump to immediately sign the COVID-19 relief bill.

On Saturday, the Democrat accused Trump of delay despite the hard times Americans face.

Stressing the importance of the bill, Biden noted that it would keep small businesses afloat, extend unemployment benefits, and help struggling families.

“It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don’t know if they’ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority.

“This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now.”

Biden hinted plans to take additional actions after assuming office in January.

The former Senator listed funding for distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as increasing testing capacity.