After Chelsea and Manchester United played out a break-taking clash at Stamford Bridge, Daily Star Sport considers what Erik ten Hag did right and wrong
Manchester United though they’d beat Chelsea – until a remarkable comeback
Manchester United conceded two goals in injury time as Chelsea, miraculously, won 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated United in the opening stages and roared into a deserved two goal lead. Conor Gallagher’s third minute strike put the Blues on their way, before Cole Palmer lashed home an emphatic penalty after Marc Cucurella was brought down by Antony.
However, as they have done so many times this season, the West Londoners self-destructed. Moises Caicedo’s loose pass was seized by Alejandro Garnacho, who drove forward and slotted home to halve the deficit.
Nerves immediately set into the Blues and within five minutes, United were back level. A wonderful cross from Diogo Dalot found Bruno Fernandes, who headed back across Djordje Petrovic and into the bottom corner.
Chelsea and United both had their chances in the second-half, but it was the Red Devils who took the lead. A stupendous, outside of the boot cross from Antony perfectly found Garnacho, who beat the hesistant Petrovic to the ball with his head.
However, Dalot fell into Noni Madueke in the penalty area and conceded a late spot kick. After Palmer slotted home his second goal from the spot, United were left to rue their clumsiness in the penalty area.
As they looked back on two points dropped, they suddenly found themselves with none at all, as Palmer received a short corner and watched his 20 yard effort hit Scott McTominay’s chest and bounce past Onana – Daily Star Sport considers Ten Hag’s decisions at Stamford Bridge.
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Dropping Rashford
He has been Manchester United’s go-to man for close to nine years, but Ten Hag made the decision to drop the England international. Before the game, the Dutchman said Rashford was being rested for this weekend’s clash against Liverpool, saying: “I decided for Marcus Rashford on the bench for rotation to keep him and the team fresh through a busy period with another big game on Sunday.”
It looked be the right decision, as Garnacho also looked more dangerous cutting onto his right foot from the left-hand side. Unfortunately
Keeping the wingers high
What were your thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s decisions against Chelsea? Let us know in the comment section below
Ten Hag’s defensive approach was questionnable
Considering the openness of the game, Ten Hag looked at Pochettino’s approach and said ‘I’ll raise you’. Antony and Garnacho were given the freedom to stay as high up the pitch as possible.
In the first-half, both wingers hugged the by-lines to ensure they had as much space as possible to dribble into. Unfortunately for United’s defence, Dalot and Wan-Bissaka were left to single handily deal with Palmer and Mudryk – something no full-back would want.
First half recovery
Ten Hag did not hide his celebrations in the first-half
Nobody could have guessed what United’s tactics were in the first 25 minutes. They counterattacked, but still had more possession. Sat back, but left their wingers high up the pitch.
There were many large gaps in the middle of the pitch for Gallagher, Palmer and Fernandez to drift into, allowing Chelsea far too many opportunities to play around with the ball in front of the United box. It looked like the defence and the frontline were told two different strategies, while the midfield were given the freedom to choose which team they preferred.
When Chelsea scored the second, United clicked into gear, aggressively pressing the Blues. It was this shift in intensity which saw Garnacho force the error out of Caicedo to drag United back into the match. If we are to criticise Ten Hag for the initial disorganisation, it’s right to praise the quick recovery before half-time.
Targeting Caicedo
United hassled Caicedo all evening
Caicedo has not looked anything like the midfielder who was so dominant for Brighton and Hove Albion last season. United looked to press the Ecuadorian every time he received a ball into feet.
While Caicedo’s pass in the build-up to United’s first was careless, the goal would not have happened had Garnacho not chased down his pass. Ten Hag has often been criticised for not being able to spot opposition weaknesses.
His strategy in the closing stages of the opening 45 minutes was measured to perfection – if only they remembered it in injury time.
Manchester City’sJoão Cancelo is on the brink of completing a transfer to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in a deal worth €25 million....Read More
According to reports from L’Equipe, the Portuguese full-back is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, where he will earn an impressive €15 million per year. Cancelo, who was a key player for City, signed a five-year extension with the Premier League champions in 2022.
However, he found himself struggling to get into Pep Guardiola’s squad, which led to two loan spells, first at Bayern Munich in the latter half of the 2022-2023 season, and then at FC Barcelona the following year.
Joao Cancelo set to join Saudi club Al-Hilal – Getty image
At Al-Hilal, Cancelo will join an already star-studded lineup that includes his fellow countryman Ruben Neves, as well as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Neymar.
The move represents another high-profile signing for Al-Hilal as they continue to strengthen their squad under coach Jorge Jesus.
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen wants to join Arsenal this summer and not Chelsea....Read More
Osimhen has already reached an agreement with Napoli to leave the club this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Super Eagles star has an £86 million asking price to his name, a huge drop from Napoli’s £109 million valuation last summer.
Corriere dello Sport reports that the Emirates is Osimhen’s most favored destination via The Boot Room, and not Stamford Bridge.
Osimhen was said to be moving to PSG with Kylian Mbappe having exited Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side are looking for an out-and-out number nine
The Gunners could also turn to their Brazilian frontman, Gabriel Jesus, who lost his starting spot to his German teammate towards the backend of the previous season.
Amid these circumstances, the north Londoners would love to have a big, imposing striker, such as Osimhen.
They will be expected to challenge for the Premier League this year as well after finishing second behind Manchester City two seasons in a row.
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening match of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in Bordeaux, France, Thursday’s night....Read More
Super Falcons made their long-awaited return to Olympic football after a 16-year absence, but their Paris Games campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 1-0 loss to Brazil in their group C opener game.
Despite dominating the first quarter of the game, the Nigerian side could not convert their chances into goals, falling short against a resolute Brazilian defense.
From the start, Nigeria showcased their attacking intent with Rasheedat Ajibade leading the charge. Her dangerous runs kept the Brazilian defense on edge, and she delivered a precise cross to Uchenna Kanu. However, Kanu’s effort was saved by the Brazilian goalkeeper, who was equally quick to deny Christy Ucheibe’s powerful shot from outside the penalty area shortly after.
In the 35th minute, the game seemed poised to swing in Brazil’s favor when legendary forward Marta scored from close range. However, the goal was disallowed by VAR due to an offside call in the build-up. Just moments later, Brazil capitalized on their chance when Gabi Nunes unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, beating Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and securing a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Nigeria push for an equalizer, with both Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade creating opportunities. Ucheibe’s attempts were thwarted by the Brazilian defense, while Ajibade’s efforts lacked the finishing touch needed to breach the Brazilian goal.
Brazil held on for a hard-fought victory, leaving Nigeria with a challenging path ahead.
The Super Falcons will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next group match against Spain on July 28th, before facing Japan on July 31st.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Mozambican officials to take charge of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles and Mauritania....Read More
Dique Salvador Muxanga will serve as the centre referee, with his compatriots Angelo Almeida Nguenha and Jonas Chochota Chochato as referees 1 and 2, respectively.
Angolan Eliano Domingos Tito Iacala will be the timekeeper, while Adalberto Luis Fonseca Catambi from Sao Tome and Principe will serve as commissioner.
All the match officials arrived in Kaduna on Thursday.
The encounter will hold at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.
The Supersand Eagles won the first leg 5-4 in Nouakchott last weekend.
A draw or victory on Saturday will send the Nigerian boys to the finals in Egypt.
John Mikel Obi, a former Super Eagles captain, has hit out at footballers with African roots who choose to play for European countries....Read More
Mikel Obi, speaking on his podcast, insisted that their fatherland should not be a second option.
According to the ex-Chelsea midfielder, such players should not consider playing for Nigeria or their African nation if things don’t work out.
He said: “They say they wanna play for England or France or whatever it is, and then they wait. They keep waiting and keep waiting.
“When they get to 25 or 26 and they don’t get a call up from England, then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated like second options, we are not second options.
“If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait. If you don’t get a call-up, you don’t get a call-up. But don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30 and then you call the Nigerian FA to tell them you’re ready to play for them. F*ck off mate.”
Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun was delighted to meet evergreen Brazil international, Marta, DAILY POST reports....Read More
Abiodun was up against Marta at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium, Bordeaux on Thursday.
Marta provided the assist for Gabi Nunes’ goal as the Samba Girls defeated Nigeria 1-0 at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The midfielder had a goal ruled out for offside in the game.
Abiodun and the 38-year-old had a short discussion after the game.
She shared her memorable experience on social media.
“Last night, I had the honour of chatting with the one and only @martavieiras10, whose legacy has inspired generations. Sharing wisdom, experiences and smiles with such an icon is truly unforgettable. Here’s to chasing dreams and making history” she wrote on X.
Former Arsenal Defender, William Gallas has endorsed manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna....Read More
Gallas believes the Italian defender would be a good signing for the Premier League North London club.
Calafiori is set to join Arteta’s side imminently after a breakthrough in negotiations was made earlier this week.
The 22-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the Gunners.
“My friend played in Italy for several years and watches Serie A every week – he played for Inter Milan and Lazio, he was a great player, but I’m not going to say who – and he told me that Ricardo Calafiori is really, really good,” Gallas told Gambling Zone.
“He’s young. He has good quality, and he can play as a centre-back or as a left-back. I think he would be a good signing for Arsenal because the club doesn’t really have a left-back at the moment. There are doubts about that position.”
Grand Slam record-breakers Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were placed on an Olympics second-round collision course in the draw for the Paris Games on Thursday....Read More
Nadal, a singles gold medallist at the 2008 Olympics, is playing in his final Games having also won doubles gold in Rio in 2016, while Djokovic was a bronze medallist in singles in 2008.
Serbia’s Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and top seed in Paris following the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner, begins his campaign against Australia’s Matthew Ebden.
“I am excited for this duel in the second round, and I will give it my all,” said Djokovic, who has faced Nadal 59 times over the past 18 years.
“I am aware of the importance of the Olympic Games. I represent my country, which is more responsibility and even more pressure.”
Spain’s Nadal, who has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slams on the clay of Roland Garros, faces Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in his opener
French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, tackles 275th-ranked Hady Habib of Lebanon in the opening round of the tournament, which starts on Saturday.
“Roland Garros is the most special place in the world of tennis for me,” said 38-year-old Nadal, who was defeated in the first round of the French Open by Alexander Zverev last month during an injury-hit season.
“This year I was not able to spend a lot of time at Roland Garros, so I am excited to be back here. It’s another opportunity and a chance to enjoy every single moment.”
Defending Olympic champion Zverev, seeded third, takes on Jaume Munar of Spain.
Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, playing in Paris as a neutral following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, will meet Rinky Hijikata of Australia.
Two-time singles gold medallist Andy Murray, who will end his career at the Olympics after almost two decades on tour, will only play doubles.
The 37-year-old former world number one underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his back before Wimbledon, which also sidelined him from singles at the All England Club.
