Football-soccer

Carol Ann Duffy, the UK’s former Poet Laureate, has just published a poem honouring the Lionesses and some of the early pioneers of women’s football in England. The poem references Mary Philip, who was the first black woman to captain an England international team, and Pat Dunn, who was one of the first women to qualify to be a referee.


We See You – by Carol Ann Duffy
That rain-heavy, leather ball your left foot smashed a century ago
has reached us here, and so we see you, Lily Parr,
in hindsight’s extra time; linked to our female, family chain
of passing forwards … to Mary Phillip, first black Captain
of the Pride, Katie Chapman, Carly Telford, Millie Bright.
We see you too, Pat Dunn – you blew your whistle
and the game kicked off for women referees. Red card for misogyny,
Free kick for progress. We’re all onside. Team-sheets are the dreams
of managers – shout out the golden days of Emma Hayes – which make us visible
to thirty, forty, fifty thousand fans … so good, so good, so good …
from grassroots team to League to Euros to the World. Now.
Women’s voices – Eni Aluko, Karen Carney – tell the poetry of play
We’ll find you – 10 years old, girl with ball, incredible to be you.
So here’s our Team Talk: We’re right behind you. And we see you.

theguardian.com/books/2023/nov…lers-lionesses-we-see-you

Saturday Premier League Preview

Arsenal take on Wolves, where the home since are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory over Wolves, Wiles have never kept a clean sheet in 18 games v Arsenal, last season Arsenal scores seven goals in two games v wolves without conceding. Arsenal are also looking to win three league games in a row for the first time this season, Wolves have lost their last two away games Fulham and Sheffield United.

Brentford play Luton, this is the first top flight meeting between the two, but it’s the 71st meeting overall, Brentford have won five and drawn one of the last six v Luton, the last time Luton beat Brentford was a 2-1 win in the second tier back in September 1992.

At the battle at the bottom it’s Burnley v Sheffield United, Burnley have won the last four league meetings against Sheffield, Burnley have lost their last six top flight league matches their worst since 1895, if they lose they will become the first team to lose their opening eight home games in a season. Sheffield United have taken four points from the last three league games after losing nine of the opening ten.

Nottingham Forest are at home to Everton, Everton haven’t lost at the city ground since 1995 when Forest win 3-2. Last week defeat to Brighton was Forests frieze at home since April. Everton a looking to win three consecutive away games since a club record of four since December 2920 to February 2021.

Newcastle take on Manchester United, the Magpies are unbeaten in the past three league games against United, winning 1 and Drawing 2. If Newcastle win it wu,l be the first time since 1972 they have won consecutive league games against United. Newcastle are aiming for a six consecutive home win in the league and United are looking to win four consecutive league games without conceding sine 2017.

Arsenal v Wolves 15:00
Brentford v Luton 15:00
Burnley v Sheff Utd 15:00
Nottm Forest v Everton 17:30
Newcastle v Man Utd 20:00

Premier League Preview Sunday games

Bournemouth play Aston Villa where the home side have won four of the last six Premier League meetings against their opponents, Villa won 3-0 in March. Bournemouth have won three of their last four games having been winless in ten. Villa have scored 31 goals this season second to Manchester City who have 33, Aston Villa have a rate of 2.4 goals a game their highest since 1931/32.

Chelsea take on Brighton where the away side did the double offer Chelsea last season which ended a 14 game winless run in this fixture. Chelsea have lost five of their opening 13 games this season for only the second time in 28 seasons the last time was 2015/16. Brighton’s 3-2 win last week ended a six game winless run their worst under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Fulham travel to Liverpool Fulham”s only two wins in 36 visits have both been by the same scoreline 1-0 May 2012 and March 2021. Fulham have only score four goals in 16 away games against Liverpool. Liverpool have won all their home games this season by an aggregate score of 17-2.

A London derby sees West Ham take on Crystal Palace, Palace won both games 2-1 last season and are looking to beat West Ham four the third consecutive time for the first time. The Eagles hame conceded the opening goal in each of the past four victories over the Hammers.

Man City play Tottenham the home side have only lost two of the past 13 home games against Spurs, but Tottenham have won five of the seven most recent matches. Since Pep Guardiola joined in 2016 Spurs have defeated Man City six times the most of any team. Man City could go three consecutive games without a win four the first time since March to April 2017 which was a run of four without a win. Tottenham have lost their last three games after been unbeaten in their last 11.

Sunday Fixtures

Bournemouth v Aston Villa 14:00
Chelsea v Brighton 14:00
Liverpool v Fulham 14:00
West Ham v Crystal Palace 14:00
Man City v Tottenham 16:30

Euro 2024 draw

The draw for the Euro 2024 has been made which takes place in Germany

Group A, Germany(hosts) Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

Group B, Spain, Croatia, Italy(defending champions), Albania

Group C, Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

Group D, playoff winner A, Netherlands, Austria, France

Group E, Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, playoff winner B

Group F, Turkey, playoff winner C, Portugal, Czech Republic

Playoff winners A, Poland, Wales, Finland, Estonia

Playoff winner B, Isreal, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ukraine, Iceland

Playoff winner C, Georgia Greece, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg

Premier League Review

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard helped Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Wolves, the win moved Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table. Wolves did manage to pull a goal back from Matheus Cunha in the 86th minute but they were unable to get the equaliser.

Brentford beat Luton 3-1 all the goals coming in the second half, Neal Maupay with the opening goal for Brentford. Ben Mee scored Brentford’s second, Jacob Brown pulled one back for Luton to give them hope but Shandon Baptiste restored Brentford’s two goal cushion and made sure all three points went to the home side.

Sheffield United miserable season continued as they lost 5-0 away to fellow strugglers Burnley putting pressure one United manager Paul Heckingbottom. Burnley got off the perfect start when Jay Rodríguez scored the fastest goal of the season after 15 seconds, Jacob Bruun Larsen doubled the clarets lead just before the half hour mark. United day got worse when Ollie McBurnie was sent off just before halftime. Two goals in two minutes made it 4-0, Luca Koleosho and Zeki Amdouni with the goals, Josh Brownhill added the fifth.

Everton got a much needed win after their ten point deduction winning 1-0 away against Nottingham Forest Dwight McNeil with the goal. The win was Everton’s first since their 10 point deduction leaving them in 18th two points from Luton who have 9 points.

Anthony Gordon scored as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0 in a dominant display. Harry Maguire though he had pulled one back but it was ruled out for offside.

Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute to rescue a point for Aston Villa as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth. Antoine Semenyo gave Bournemouth the lead after 10 minutes, 10 minutes later Leon Bailey got Villa back level. Dominic Solanke put Bournemouth back in the lead in the second half before Watkins headed in the equaliser for Villa.

Chelsea best Brighton 3-2 two goals from Enzo Fernández, Fernández scored his first goal of the season after 17 minutes Levi Colwill doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 21st minute, Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for the visitors, Chelsea had Conor Gallagher sent off just before half time. Fernández got his second from the spot to make it 3-1, João Pedro scored Brighton’s second in the 92nd minute.

There was a seven goal thrills at Anfiled as Trent Alexander-Arnold scored in the 88th minute to help Liverpool win 4-3 over Fulham. Liverpool opened the scoring thanks to an own goal from Fulham keeper Bernd Leno, Harry Wilson equalised four minutes later for Fulham. Alexis Mac-Allister restored Liverpool’s lead before Kenny Tete made it 2-2 at half time with a goal in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. Bobby De Cordova-Reid headed Fulham in the lead in the 80th minute, Liverpool got the equaliser in the 87th minute through Wataru Endo then a minute later Alexander-Arnold got the winner.

West Ham and Crystal Palace drew 1-1 Mohammed Kudos opened the scoring after 13 minutes for the Hammers. Palace pulled one back in the second half from Odsonne Édouard.

A Dejan Kulusevski 90th minute equaliser denied Manchester City all three points as Man City and Tottenham drew 3-3, Heung-min Son opened the scoring for Tottenham after six minutes but then scored an own goal three minutes later to make it 1-1. Phil Foden put City 2-1 up in the 31st minute, Giovani Lo Celso made it 2-2 before Jack Grealish put City back in front in the 81st minute that made it 3-2, Tottenham weren’t to be beaten though and would go on to get the equaliser and earn the point.

Every week I Trent more and more

Premier League mid week mini review

There was full midweek fixture list, Wolves beat Burnley 1-0, Hwang Hee-chan with the goal. Arsenal needed a late goal to beat Luton 4-3 Declan Rice with a 97th minute winner.

Brighton beat Brentford 2-1, Bournemouth won 2-0 away to Crystal Palace. Steve Coopers job is under pressure as his Nottingham Forest side lost 5-0 away to Fulham. New Sheffield United boss got off to a losing start as they let 2-0 at home to Liverpool. Manchester City went four games with out a win as they lost to Aston Villa who have won 15 consecutive game at home. Scott McTominay scored two goals as Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-0.

Everton move out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Newcastle, while Tottenham once again threw away a lead as they lost 2-1 to West Ham United.

Premier League Review Saturday games

After the midweek games it back to action again this weekend. Crystal Palace and Liverpool get the weekend underway. Palace haven’t beaten in 12 meetings since a 2-1 victory at Anfield in April 2017, and their last home win was in 2014. Both games last season ended in draws, 1-1 at Anfield and 0-0 at Selhurst Park.

Brighton take on Burnley with the home side failing to win the past seven against Burnley drawing 3 and losing 4. Brighton are also winless in six home league games against Burnley drawing 4 and losing 2.

Manchester United take on Bournemouth, Bournemouth have lost nine of the last ten against Manchester United the only time they avoided defeat was a 1-1 draw in March 2017. Bournemouth’a only two wins have come at home 2-1 in December 2017 and 1-0 November 2019.

Sheffield United take in Brentford, the last meeting between the two was the 2018/19 season, Sheffield United win both games 3-2 away and 2-0 at home. Brentford have only won on if the past seven league meetings between the two.

Wolves take on Nottingham Forest, the home side have only lost one of the last 11 meetings winning six and drawing four. Nottingham Forest have won three of their last six league away games versus Wolves drawing one and losing two. The last time Forest's win in the top flight against Wolves was a 5-0 home win in 1983 under Brian Clough.

The final game on Saturday sees Aston Villa face Arsenal, Arsenal have won four consecutive league meetings, after Mikel Arteta lost each of his first three top-flight matches in charge against Aston Villa. Villa's two victories in their past 21 home league matches versus Arsenal were both by 1-0, in July 2020 and February 2021 Drawing 7 and losing 12.

Saturday fixtures

Crystal Palace v Liverpool 12:30
Brighton v Burnley 15:00
Man United v Bournemouth 15:00
Sheffield United v Brentford 15:00
Wolves v Nottm Forest 15:00
Aston Villa v Arsensl 17:30

Premier League Review

Harvey Elliot scored a stoppage time goal as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 2-1. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace from the spot in the second half, Palace had Jordan Ayew sent off and Liverpool were level a minute later through Mo Salah. It looked to be ending in a draw before Elliot scored moving Liverpool to the top of the table.

Brighton and Burnley shared the points as the game ended 1-1, Wilson Odebert opened the scoring for Burnley just before half time to send the visitors 1-0 up at the break. With 13 minutes remaining Brighton were level through Simon Adingra. The result leaves Burnley in the bottom 3 on 8 points.

Bournemouth won their first ever game at Old Trafford as the beat Man Utd 3-0, Dominick Solanke opened the scoring after just 5 minutes, Philip Billing added a second after 68 minutes before Marcos Senesi added a 3rd after 73 minutes to give Bournemouth a famous win.

Sheffield United won their first game under new boss Chris Wilder as they beat Brentford 1-0 at home, James McAtee with the goal in first half stoppage time. The win was Sheffield United 2nd of the season and leaves them bottom on 8 points.

Wolves and Nottingham Forest shared the points in a 1-1 draw that could be Steve Coopers last game as Forest Manager. Harry Toffolo scored his first goal for Forest to put the visitors 1-0 up in the first half but Matheus Cunha leveled just after the half hour mark. There would be no more goals as the points were shared at 1-1.

Aston Villa extended their unbeaten run at home for a club record 15th straight home win John McGinn with the goal in the opening 7 minutes. Arsenal had a late Kai Havertz ruled out for handball. The defeat means Arsenal move down to second and remain 3rd.

Everton won their second game in a week as they won 2-0 at home against Chelsea, Abdoulsye Doucoure with the goal after 54 minutes and Lewis Dobbin with a 92nd minute goal, the win moves Everton four points clear of Luton in 17th on 13 points.

Fulham Hammered West Ham 5-0 Raul Jiménez with the opening goal, Willian made it 2-0 after 31 minutes and Tosin Adarabioyo made it 3-0 to sent the home side in 3-0 at half time. Harry Wilson added the third before Carlos Vinícius made it 5-0 and a day to forget for West Ham.

Man City game from a goal down to win 2-1 away at Luton, Luton opened the scoring in first half stoppage time through Elijah Adebayo. Bernardo Silva levelled the game for City after 62 minutes then three minutes later City were 2-1 up through Jack Greaslish. The three points for city leaves them 4 points of the top on 33 points.

Totttenhm won 4-1 against Newcastle Richarlison with 2 goals. Destiny Udogie opened the scoring for spurs after 26 minutes. Spurs went in 2-0 at the break and Richarlison would get his second on the hour mark, Heung-min Son made it 4-0 from the spot with 5 minutes remaining, Joelinton scored a consolation goal in the 91st minute for Newcastle.

All football in Turkey (Türkiye) has been temporarily suspended after a referee was attacked on the pitch by the President of Super Lig club Ankaragucu




Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca ran onto the pitch and struck match official Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor. After being knocked to the ground, Meler received several blows as he lay on the turf, suffering injuries including a facial fracture.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the incident was "totally unacceptable" and violence had "no place in our sport or society. Without match officials there is no football. Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels."

Koca and two others were arrested after the game for "injuring a public official".

Shocking and disgraceful

Mary Earps England goalkeeper shirts sold out within five minutes in the England online store on Monday

Kit supplier Nike was subject to a backlash after failing to produce any keeper shirts during the World Cup, in which England were beaten finalists. Nike finally released a batch in October which sold out in hours and Monday's release saw the shirts sell out even quicker.

She also been nominated for BBC sports personality of the year

Female official Rebecca Walsh will become the first female to officiate a Premier League Game on 23rd December

bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67705029

Wishing Luton’s Tom Lockyer a speedy after suffering another cardiac arrest on the pitch yesterday

bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67738555

Congratulations Mary Earps On winning SPOTY

bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/67764684

Yay! Sweary Mary won!!

Man City won the FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-0 over Fluminense of Brazil

Premier League Boxing Day Preview

Newcastle play Nottingham Forest, Newcastle are unbeaten in all 10 matches against Forest in the Premier League winning seven and Drawing three and have won the last 5 in a row with an aggregate score of 13-2. Forest have lost in the last seven visits to St James’ Park dating back to October 1988, but they did win the the league cup in August 2017.

Bournemouth play Fulham, Bournemouth’s only defeat in the last 12 against Fulham was a 1-0 home loss in April 2019, they have won 6 and drawn 5. Fulham will be looking to avoid back to back defeats at Bournemouth for the first time since December 1986 and September 1990. Bournemouth have taken 16 points from 18 available and have only lost once since the start of November. Fulham haven’t won away from home since beating Everton on the opening weekend of the season.

There’s a battle in the relegation zone as Sheffield United play Luton, the home side have only lost one if the last seven league meetings against Luton, winning three and drawing three. Luton won the most recent meeting with a 1-0 at Bramall Lane in March.

Burnley host Liverpool, Liverpool have won seven of the last eight at Turf Moor, their highest away win rate in the competition. The two victories Burnley have recorded in 16 meetings have come at home the last been in January 2021.

Manchester United take in high flying Aston Villa, United have won 38 of 56 Premier League games against Villa, drawing 13 and losing 5. Villa have two wins from the previous four meetings, which is as many as they had mustered in their previous 51 against them (D12, L37). Man United could lose three consecutive home games for the first time since October 1962.

fixtures
All games shown on Amazon Prime

Newcastle v Forest 12:30
Bournemouth v Fulham 15:00
Sheffield United v Luton 15:00
Burnley v Arsenal 17:30
Man United v Villa 20:00

On 30th December in a Scottish Championship game between Arbroath and Raith Rovers, Arbroath were so short of players because of injuries they named reserve goalkeeper Ali Adams as one of their outfield substitutes. With 30 minutes to go and losing 2-0, Arbroath manager sent Adams on as as a substitute with instructions to play as an extra forward. This is what happened …



And this is him talking about it afterwards …