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https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Arsenal’s class of 2003/04 can finally breathe easy.

https://ift.tt/38cvaLw Newcastle took part in the pre-match handshake with Burnley ahead of their Premier League clash – despite banning handshakes at their training ground to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Sport has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak – with Italian domestic football and Six Nations fixtures postponed – and Premier League clubs have started taking precautions. As of 9am on Saturday, more than 10,000 people in the UK had been tested for the virus – with 23 confirmed as positive. Getty Images - Getty Newcastle are not shaking hands in training Magpies boss Steve Bruce told the media in his press conference on Friday: “There’s a ritual here that everybody shakes hands with everybody as soon as we see each other every morning – we’ve stopped that on the advice of the doctor. “Were like everybody else. Thankfully, we’ve got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do. “We’re like everybody else, we’re glued to the TV for whe...

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Liverpool face second-bottom Watford on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) on the cusp of their 19th league win, which would set a new record in English football.

https://ift.tt/2PzY9T3 Some West Ham United fans would accept relegation from the Premier League, as long as it meant the owners left the club. That’s the view of former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino, who believes a section of supporters feel starting again in the Championship could be the best thing for the Hammers. Getty Images - Getty West Ham United must start to pick up points or else face relegation to the Championship After Norwich City’s victory over Leicester City on Friday night , West Ham find themselves three points above the bottom-placed side in the division and firmly entrenched in a relegation battle. Results have proved difficult to pick up this season, despite the costly acquisitions of Pablo Fornals, Sebastien Haller and Jarrod Bowen. Further protests are planned for this weekend against the ownership of the club as the #GSBOUT (Gold, Sullivan and Brady) movement continues to grow . With a tricky home fixture against a revitalised Southampton side on Sat...

https://ift.tt/2wT9uXT Jordan Ayew secured all three points and all off the bragging rights as his goal secured a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace against Brighton on Saturday. Although the origins of the rivalry might be somewhat ambiguous, the joy etched on the faces of the travelling Eagles supporters when Ayew stroked the ball past Mat Ryan in the Brighton goal was clear to see. AFP or licensors Jordan Ayew strokes the ball past Brighton keeper Ryan to secure a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace It was a scrappy game in truth, with both sides guilty of squandering several clear-cut chances. The most note-worthy incident of the first half actually took place off the pitch as Brighton substitute Ezequiel Schelotto was shown a yellow card – despite not being on the pitch – after kicking the ball at Wilfried Zaha in the 27th minute . The Seagulls perhaps should have broken the deadlock in the 55th minute but Neal Maupay fired straight at goalkeeper Vicente Guaita when through on goal. Bu...

https://ift.tt/2wcSr2X There were ugly scenes before Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory at Brighton as some away fans clashed with police ahead of kick-off. The fiery derby in the Premier League took place at the Amex Stadium on the south coast on Saturday but it was not without incident. Getty Images - Getty Crystal Palace fans were escorted to the Amex Stadium There were reports of an incident outside a pub in the town centre near Brighton train station with one man appearing to sustain a head injury. Despite being nearly 50 miles apart, there is a fierce rivalry between the two clubs that stretches back to the 1970s. There was a visible heavy police presence as officers tried to keep the tensions between the two sets of fans down to a minimum. A journalist for the Brighton Argus tweeted a video showing some away supporters wearing balaclavas as they were escorted to the Amex. The bizarre rivalry, dubbed the M23 derby, was born over the course of the 1976-77 season when the ...

https://ift.tt/32Eki80 Chelsea make the trip to Bournemouth this weekend in an important clash at both ends of the Premier League table. Chelsea, who were smashed by Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek, beat Tottenham last weekend to stay fourth in the table. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have lost two on the bounce to be dragged back into the relegation fight. Getty Bournemouth take on Chelsea this weekend The Cherries are just two points above the drop zone and need to start picking up points. Eddie Howe’s men will have fond memories of facing Chelsea having beaten them 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in December. talkSPORT will on the south coast this weekend to bring you all the action from this intriguing clash. Bournemouth vs Chelsea: How to listen The Premier League clash will get underway at 3pm on Saturday, February 29. Full commentary from the Vitality Stadium will be exclusively live on talkSPORT 2, with our coverage starting at 2pm. Russ Williams will bring y...

https://ift.tt/2Taw0Es Brighton substitute Ezequiel Schelotto managed to get himself booked without even coming on after an amusing altercation with Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. The right-back kicked the ball at the Crystal Palace talisman, who was cupping his ears to the Seagulls faithful in response to the hostile reception he was receiving. BT Sport The pair clashed during the Saturday lunchtime game Schelotto kicked the ball at Zaha after this gesture Zaha confronted Schelotto and the Argentine-Italian was eventually shown a yellow card by the referee, despite not being on the pitch. Schelotto wasn’t finished and threatened to become the first substitute ever to be sent off for two bookable offence. He continued to wind up the Crystal Palace winger from the sidelines, even doing a ‘cry baby’ gesture at Zaha. BT Sport Schelotto delighted Brighton fans with his antics Brighton fans delighted in the episode, and while the situation cooled down event...

https://ift.tt/2VEmafw Tony Cascarino argues Chelsea manager Frank Lampard should’ve followed the example of fellow Premier League managers and remained loyal to Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of dropping the goalkeeper for Willy Caballero. The Blues made Kepa, 25, the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when they signed him for more than £70m in the summer of 2018. However, his Chelsea career is yet to take off, having so far been blighted by the defiance of Maurizio Sarri in the Carabao Cup final and some questionable form between the sticks. AFP or licensors Cascarino has been critical of Lampard’s management style The Blues have let in 45% of the shots on target they’ve faced in the Premier League this season – more than any other club. In fact, it’s the the highest such ratio any side has conceded in a single season since this data is available (2003-04). And Lampard has been ruthless, axing Kepa after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in January and replacing him with 38-yea...

https://ift.tt/32Eki80 Chelsea make the trip to Bournemouth this weekend in an important clash at both ends of the Premier League table. Chelsea, who were smashed by Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek, beat Tottenham last weekend to stay fourth in the table. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have lost two on the bounce to be dragged back into the relegation fight. Getty Bournemouth take on Chelsea this weekend Tune In Brighton vs Crystal Palace live: Team news and full coverage of M23 derby bounce back Change the shape and drop Barkley - How Chelsea should look against Bournemouth journey Salah's rise from Chelsea flop to icon at Liverpool as he returns to scene of debut selections How Liverpool ought to line up against Watford - change in midfield required opened up Agbonhalor on Villa's relegation, Di Matteo's 'bad ego' and 'terrible' Tony Xia Tune In Watford vs Liverpool team news and start time where away win co...

https://ift.tt/3acUJxA The Premier League returns to the Amex this weekend with two sides in poor form look to avoid a relegation battle as Brighton host fierce rivals Crystal Palace. The Eagles picked up three points on their last outing when they hosted Newcastle in a 1-0 win. Meanwhile, Brighton haven’t tasted victory so far in 2020, last picking up three points on December 28 when they beat Bournemouth 2-0. Getty Images - Getty Brighton are without a win so far in 2020 The Seagulls are in the thick of a relegation battle, currently sitting four points and three places above the relegation zone, having drawn four of their last five games. While Palace are a little more comfortable, sitting nine points above the drop zone in 13 th and only a few more victories away from securing their Premier League status for another year. talkSPORT brings you all the action from this clash in the bottom half of the table. bounce back Change the shape and drop Barkley - How ...

https://ift.tt/2VxyT3M Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday looking to bounce back from their 3-0 humiliation to Bayern Munich in midweek. The Blues were outclassed by a team who were simply better in all departments , but Blues boss Frank Lampard knows his side must wipe the result from their system as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Getty Images - Getty Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back against Bournemouth As it stands, Chelsea are currently three points clear of Man United in fifth and they face a Bournemouth side who are on a poor run of form. In comparison to recent seasons, the Cherries have had a campaign to forget and they face the west Londoners off the back of three defeats in their last five matches. But how should Chelsea line up for their clash on the south coast? talkSPORT.com has given its verdict… Tony Cascarino says he is 'not convinced' by Frank Lampard's management following Bayern Munich defeat Lampard wi...

https://ift.tt/2SKJCox Mohamed Salah has been synonymous with Liverpool becoming the best club side in world football over the last few years. In less than three seasons, he has scored an incredible 89 goals in 139 games and won the Premier League golden boot twice. Getty Images - Getty Mohamed Salah has been been a crucial part of Liverpool’s transformation under Jurgen Klopp Salah’s journey at the Merseyside club started in 2017 on his debut at Watford and he returns to Vicarage Road on Saturday – with full commentary of the match LIVE on talkSPORT at 5.30pm – as one of the most revered forwards in the game. Here at talkSPORT.com, we chart the great success the Egypt international has enjoyed on his way to becoming a Liverpool icon. The forward arrived from Roma in June 2017 for a then club-record transfer fee of £36.9million. A few eyebrows were raised, mainly by pundits and rival fans, with many writing him off because of his time with Chelsea. Admittedly he made ...

https://ift.tt/2SUrSZ0 The countdown to Liverpool claiming their first ever Premier League title is well and truly under way with the Reds needing just four more victories to be confirmed as champions. They were made to work hard for their last triumph, though, as West Ham gave them a big fright on Monday night, but they came from behind to scrape to a 3-2 win . Getty Images - Getty Liverpool were fortunate to get the three points against West Ham Jurgen Klopp’s men are 22 points clear at the top of the table, and can go 25 clear this weekend as second-placed Manchester City are playing in the Carabao Cup final. Standing in Liverpool’s way on Saturday is a Watford side who may be fighting relegation but gave the leaders a lot to think about when the two sides met in the reverse fixture at Anfield in December. Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners but Nigel Pearson’s side were guilty of missing many opportunities in the game. So Liverpool will be mindful of the Hornets, especially...

https://ift.tt/2I6oTXk Aston Villa’s relegation from the Premier League in 2016 hurt no one more than Gabby Agbonlahor. Villa are, of course, Agbonlahor’s boyhood club and much like the team’s current captain, Jack Grealish, he knew what it meant to wear the famous claret and blue having come through the academy at Villa Park. Despite never quite fulfilling his early promise, which led to him earning three England caps, Agbonlahor endeared himself to Villa fans not just for his goals against arch-rivals Birmingham, but for his loyalty as well, staying through the difficult times when others were quick to leave. Getty Images - Getty Agbonlahor graduated from Aston Villa’s academy and made 391 first-team appearances across 13 seasons Gabby Agbonlahor on Remi Garde's stint as Aston Villa manager - He ran training like an army camp - he told off Jack Grealish for smiling! Even after leaving Villa when his contract expired in 2018, he didn’t join another club and ended up re...

https://ift.tt/32DC7nV Liverpool’s inevitable maiden Premier League title is just four victories away as the Reds travel to relegation-threatened Watford. Jurgen Klopp’s side are on course to beat a number of records on their way to a first league triumph in 30 years , including the most consecutive Premier League wins if they pick up three points at Vicarage Road this weekend – live on talkSPORT. AFP or licensors Quick fire goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane against West Ham ensured Liverpool matched City’s record of 18 consecutive wins The runaway leaders survived a scare on Monday night when they came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at Anfield to equal Manchester City’s record of 18 consecutive league wins . Watford, who are deep in a relegation battle, stand in their way of making it 19 successive victories. The Hornets initially benefited from the new manager bounce when Nigel Pearson took over, winning four of his first six games in charge. However, they are w...