Sport

Sean Dyche Discusses Everton Future as Dan Friedkin Nears £500m Takeover

Published

5 months ago

September 27, 2024

Sean Dyche, the current Everton manager, is openly discussing his desire to stay with the club amid uncertainty regarding his future as Dan Friedkin approaches a £500 million takeover. Dyche, whose contract expires in July, has led the club through challenging periods, including points deductions and relegation battles, and he hopes to be part of Everton’s new chapter under Friedkin’s ownership.

Despite the lack of ongoing contract talks, Dyche remains hopeful but pragmatic about the situation. “Of course, I would want to stay after putting in so much effort over these past 20 months. But there’s no guaranteed right to continue,” Dyche explained. He compared the current scenario to his time at Watford, where he was removed after new owners took control, despite his accomplishments. The situation at Everton could unfold similarly, as Friedkin may want to implement a new direction for the club.

The Everton boss acknowledges that he has yet to speak with Friedkin or his team. However, Dyche is focused on the present, believing his work speaks for itself: “My future’s not the most important thing. I came here to do a job, and I believe I’ve made significant progress.”

Dyche hopes that Friedkin’s takeover will bring much-needed stability to Everton, a club that has been navigating through turbulent waters for an extended period. He expressed optimism that new ownership could clear up the uncertainties surrounding the club and create a more stable environment: “The club has been on unsettled ground for too long. I think this takeover could change that and reduce the noise surrounding Everton.”

For Dyche, the most critical aspect moving forward is to continue working hard and improving results on the pitch. While his future is uncertain, his commitment to the task at hand is clear, and he remains focused on steering Everton through what could be a transformative period.

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Manchester United

Ruben Amorim Responds to VAR Controversy After Penalty Incident in Everton Draw

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park ended with a controversial VAR decision that could have seen the Red Devils concede a late penalty. Although the result left United with a point, the aftermath of the match raised plenty of questions, particularly for manager Ruben Amorim.

United found themselves 2-0 down at the break, but a second-half revival saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte score to level the game. However, in the dying moments, Everton were awarded a penalty when Ashley Young was brought down by Harry Maguire. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

The draw left Manchester United sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, just ahead of West Ham. With a midweek home fixture against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, they have an opportunity to build on the positive aspects of the comeback.

Amorim’s Take on the VAR Decision

Ruben Amorim, speaking after the match, agreed with the VAR decision, stating that he believed the penalty call was too soft. “No, I don’t think it was a penalty. From what I saw, it was a soft touch. If we ignore the first half, it was a good point for us, but we needed the three points,” Amorim explained.

Rio Ferdinand’s Surprise at the Call

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, however, expressed surprise at the overturn. “I saw the referee go over to the monitor, and I thought, ‘this could go either way.’ Honestly, I was expecting it to be given,” Ferdinand admitted. He pointed out that Maguire’s arms were around Young’s waist, which could have influenced the referee’s initial decision.

Alan Shearer Critiques VAR’s Angle

Alan Shearer weighed in on the controversy, agreeing with golfer Lee Westwood, who questioned why the best angle of the incident wasn’t shown to the referee. “Why wasn’t the best angle of the shirt pull shown to the referee?” Westwood had posted on social media, and Shearer echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the VAR review might not have provided the clearest view.

Ally McCoist’s Mixed Opinion

Ally McCoist, who was commentating for TNT Sports, was also taken aback by the final decision. “I can see why it wasn’t given, but I would have given it. There was definitely enough of a tug on him,” McCoist remarked, acknowledging the uncertainty around the decision.

Keith Hackett Critiques VAR’s Intervention

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett also weighed in on the VAR controversy, arguing that the on-field referee, Andy Madley, had made the correct decision to award the penalty. “Madley made the right call. Why should VAR intervene and convince him to change his decision? It’s a farce when good decisions are overturned by VAR,” Hackett told Football Insider. He further criticized the decision, stating, “Andy, you were right, and VAR should have stayed out of it.”

The debate continues to stir discussion among pundits and fans alike, with no clear consensus on whether the penalty should have been awarded or not. For United, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixture, hoping to build on their hard-earned point.

Sport

Arsenal Receive Injury Boost Ahead of West Ham Clash as Mikel Arteta Talks ‘Obsession’

Published

3 days ago

February 22, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Arsenal are set to face West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with a major boost as defender Ben White has been declared fit by Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are aiming to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, having had a full week of rest following their 2-0 victory over Leicester. With West Ham winning only one of their last six matches under Graham Potter, Arsenal will be confident heading into the 3 PM kickoff.

Liverpool currently hold an 11-point lead over Arsenal, but the North London club can apply pressure with a win, especially since Arne Slot’s side will only play against Manchester City on Sunday. Arteta remains optimistic, recognizing that plenty can change in the remaining 13 league games.

Ben White Returns from Injury

Injury troubles have plagued Arsenal recently, with Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined for the rest of the season following surgery. However, Arteta confirmed that White is fit to play after recovering from a knee issue that kept him out since November 10.

“No major updates. The long-term absentees remain unavailable,” Arteta stated. “But the rest are fit. Ben is ready to play and will be part of the squad.”

White has missed 21 matches due to surgery but now competes with Jurrien Timber for the right-back position.

Champions League Fixtures and Road Ahead

Arsenal have been drawn against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16. Since they finished third in their group, they avoided a play-off and will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home.

The Gunners previously defeated PSV 4-0 in the group stages in September 2023 and later secured a 1-1 draw in the final match, having already confirmed their progression.

If Arsenal advance, they will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. The semi-final could potentially see them face one of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, or Aston Villa.

Arteta’s ‘Obsession’ with Winning the Title

During his press conference, Arteta was questioned about his determination to win the Premier League with Arsenal.

“I’m obsessed with doing everything I can every single day to achieve it,” he admitted.

When asked to elaborate, he explained, “I’m very obsessed with the process. That’s what consumes my entire day. The outcome is something I cannot control.”

With Arsenal currently on a 15-game unbeaten run in the league, Arteta emphasized the importance of momentum.

“That’s what we need, and it’s crucial,” he said. “When your belief grows, results follow, performances improve, and there’s a shift in energy. At that point, anything is possible.”

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim Acknowledges David Moyes’ Superior Performance Ahead of Man United vs. Everton

Published

3 days ago

February 22, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Ruben Amorim has openly admitted that David Moyes is outperforming him this season, as Manchester United prepares to face Everton. The upcoming fixture will see the sixth managerial appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure take on the man who was first given the daunting task of replacing the legendary coach.

Moyes, who initially took over from Ferguson after a successful stint at Everton, was unable to complete a full season at Old Trafford. Over the past 11 years, the managerial role at United has proven to be immensely challenging, with multiple coaches struggling to leave a lasting impact.

This Saturday’s clash marks the first time since April 2014 that United will face Everton while trailing them in the Premier League standings. Coincidentally, that previous instance was also Moyes’ final game in charge of United. His return to Goodison Park in January highlights the stark contrast between the two clubs’ fortunes, as Everton’s decision to change managers has helped them steer clear of a relegation battle.

Since his return, Moyes has made an immediate impact, securing four victories in six league matches and elevating Everton above United in the table. In comparison, Amorim has managed just four league wins in 14 games since taking over at Old Trafford in November, a stark statistic that underlines the difference in managerial success.

When questioned about Moyes’ ability to inspire a turnaround at Everton compared to his own struggles at United, Amorim gave a blunt assessment of the situation.

“The simple fact is that David Moyes is doing a better job than me, it’s as straightforward as that,” Amorim admitted.

“Winning one or two games can build belief. The pressure levels are different. Credit must go to Everton’s players and especially to their coach. We need to follow their example.”

There have been reports suggesting that some Manchester United players are skeptical about Amorim’s methods. However, the Portuguese manager insists he hasn’t sensed any lack of belief during training sessions, even though the team’s difficulties are evident in competitive matches.

“I don’t see it in training. If you watch our games, you might get that impression, but I’m not concerned,” Amorim stated. “If the players have doubts, it’s my responsibility to change their perspective, and I believe I’m good at that.”

He emphasized that winning just one or two matches could shift the entire mood within the squad.

“If we win even one game, especially this next one against Everton, the atmosphere changes,” he continued. “Victory makes it much easier to remove doubts from players’ minds. My approach is to stay confident in our philosophy and focus on winning. If we do that, everything else falls into place.”

With pressure mounting at Old Trafford, Amorim will need a statement performance against Everton to regain momentum and silence the growing doubts around his tenure.