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Last edited by BangaloreaN; 05-15-2024 at 12:49 PM.
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Arsenal Beat Man City On Penalties To Win Community Shield
It is English football's annual match contested at Wembley Stadium between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup.
Arsenals Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard holds up the trophy as Arsenal players celebrate winning the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023.
Arsenal lifted the Community Shield to end Manchester Citys silverware streak with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory after a 1-1 draw against the treble winners on Sunday.
Mikel Artetas side forced the shoot-out thanks to Leandro Trossards heavily deflected equaliser 11 minutes into stoppage time at Wembley.
Cole Palmers superb curler had given City the lead late in the second half, but Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their penalties before Fabio Vieira converted the decisive kick in the annual curtain-raiser to the Premier League season.
Arsenals Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (C) and teammates celebrates after Arsenal win the penalty shoot-out after the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023.
De Bruyne hit the bar with Citys first spot-kick and Rodris effort was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, while Arsenal converted all four of their kicks.
Arsenals celebrations were far more frenzied than would normally be seen in what in the glamour friendly, but their jubilation underlined the months of anguish endured since they blew a golden opportunity to win their first title since 2004.
City made history by becoming only the second English club to lift the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in a single season last term.
Arsenals English midfielder Declan Rice lifts the trophy after Arsenal win the shoot-out after the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023.
Their fifth Premier League title in six seasons came at Arsenals expense as the Gunners wasted the eight-point lead they held at the start of April to finish five points behind the champions.
Showcasing 160 million worth of new signings in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, it was clear Arsenal had a point to prove to City as they snapped into tackles with the kind of urgency that usually accompanies a title decider.
While Arteta and his players cavorted around the pitch and soaked up the raucous celebrations from their fans, they might wish to note that the Community Shield winners have gone on to secure the Premier League title just once since 2011.
Arsenals English midfielder Declan Rice (2L) holds the trophy as Arsenal players celebrate winning the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023.
Inevitably, it was City who bucked that trend in 2018 and it is far too early to bet on Arsenal following in their footsteps.
Arsenal led the table for 248 days last season and still fell short, prompting Arteta to admit they will need an unheard of points total to stop the champions this term.
Pep Guardiolas men, aiming for an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown, start their title defence at promoted Burnley on Friday, while Arsenal host Nottingham Forest the following day.
Arteta will have been encouraged by a composed display from England midfielder Rice following his 105 million move from West Ham.
Timber, another new recruit, was also solid at left-back but Havertz was typically profligate as he wasted Arsenals two best chances to take the lead.
Havertz will be expected to lead the Arsenal attack while Gabriel Jesus recovers from knee surgery and this was hardly the ideal introduction to his new club for the inconsistent German.
Mateo Kovacic was energetic on his City debut after the midfielders move from Chelsea, but fellow Croatian Josko Gvardiol was unavailable following the defenders arrival from Leipzig on Saturday.
Palmer was the anonymous Erling Haalands second half replacement and the promising youngster netted in the 77th minute.
City broke at pace and when Kieran Tierney lost the ball carelessly, De Bruynes header found Palmer and he curled a sublime finish into the far corner from the edge of the area.
Arsenal celebrate their Community Shield win on August 6, 2023. Twitter/@Arsenal
But in a sign of things to come under the new time-wasting rules, there was a huge amount of stoppage time and Arsenal snatched the equaliser 11 minutes into the additional period.
It was a hugely fortunate goal as Trossard cut in from the right and hit his shot straight at Manuel Akanji, only for the ball to deflect off the City defender past the wrong-footed Stefan Ortega.
Still feeling the pain of last seasons title collapse, Arteta celebrated as though Arsenal had won the league.
The Spaniard let his emotions hang out again when Vieira converted the winning penalty to light the fuse on the looming title race.
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Premier League players, fans and referees revolt over 100-minute matches
Premier League officials will add World Cup-style amounts of injury-time to matches as part of directives for new season
Premier League players are in revolt over 100-minute matches, fearing physical and mental damage from the new referee directives on adding time for stoppages.
Kevin De Bruyne says Manchester City and Arsenal players were against the changes introduced by the International FA Board (IFAB) ahead of the Community Shield at the weekend, with even the match officials themselves questioning the latest guidelines.
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has also angrily condemned the directives to add exact time lost to celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties and red cards, with fears of injury and a harm to mental health as a result.
It led to matches lasting beyond 100 minutes at the World Cup and Arsenal scoring a 101st-minute equaliser at Wembley on Sunday. The Professional Footballers Association union has voiced its concerns over the matter, while fan groups are monitoring the disruption it will cause to travel after matches.
The new directive from footballs law-makers threatens to overshadow the start of the Premier League season this weekend when City face Burnley at Turf Moor, with De Bruyne insisting the extended matches illustrate a lack of care over player welfare.
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has questioned the new rulings Credit: Getty Images/Alex CaparrosAssuming were going to play about 15 minutes extra every game now, that says it all, said De Bruyne. We spoke to the Arsenal players and even the referees. They dont even want to do it, but its the new rule.
You can only guess whats going to happen if you play a lower team who keeps time-wasting all the time. At Wembley we played 12 to 13 minutes. I can see games going for 20-25 minutes [extra]. I think this will change in 1-2 months but this is the first game.
If we play Seville in Olympiakos on Wednesday (in the UEFA Super Cup) and have 15-20 extra minutes and then play on Saturday again, its like two lots of extra-time. Well see how it goes but it doesnt make any sense.
The new directive was first seen at the World Cup in Qatar last season when matches regularly went past the 100-minute mark. It adds to the PFAs big concerns over a congested fixture schedule that is already pushing footballers to the limit.
In December 2021, the PFA sent a letter co-signed by senior Premier League and Womens Super League captains to FIFA, highlighting serious issues with increased fixtures risking physical fatigue, mental burnout and increased risk of injury.
Varane highlighted how the new rules encourage less celebrating in the big moments during matches, while demanding more physically from players.
We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules, wrote Varane on his social-media platforms.
From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and its at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.
The Football Supporters Association are monitoring the situation and will speak to its members about their matchday experiences, with the new directives giving the potential for transport issues arising with match delays. Meanwhile, the issue adds to the PFA concerns over the amount and frequency of football being scheduled.
Maheta (Molango, PFA CEO) has personally met and been speaking with a significant number of senior players and managers in the past few weeks, including Raphael (Varane), and there are concerns about how the new additional time rules will play out over a long season of league and cup games, as opposed to short tournaments, said a PFA spokesperson.
Across what is now essentially a year-long football season, players are already thinking of these additional minutes in terms of extra games being played. It also comes at a time when players are pushing back against what is, increasingly, a completely unsustainable football calendar.
A has introduced a series of new rules for the upcoming 2023/24 Premier League season, aiming to improve the game's flow and conduct. These changes were influenced by the experiences at the Qatar World Cup, where fans witnessed longer periods of stoppage time to account for lost time during a half.
One significant change is in timekeeping. Officials will now add World Cup-style amounts of injury-time to matches, with added minutes expected to frequently run into double digits.
Another major rule change pertains to player behaviour and crowding the referee. The threshold for a player to be shown a yellow card for dissent will be reduced this season. Whenever more than one player approaches the referee, at least one of those players will be shown an automatic yellow card.
In addition, the FA is cracking down on poor behaviour in the technical area. The behaviour of managers and their backroom staff will come under greater scrutiny, with an automatic yellow card if there is ever more than one coach in the technical area. Harsher penalties will be imposed for managers that leave their technical area, and any club official sent off will no longer be allowed to watch the game from the stands.
Finally, the FA has clarified the rules around denying a scoring opportunity. If a defending team player commits an offence which interferes with a promising attack, they will receive a caution or yellow card.
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Six pre-season Premier League trophy lifts more tinpot than the Community Shield this summer
The Community Shield matters more than some of these cups hoisted aloft with varying levels of enthusiasm in pre-season. Harry Kane wasnt interested in Tottenhams.
Arsenal Emirates Cup
The Gunners collected their seventh Emirates Cup by beating Monaco on penalties at the Emirates, Obvs. On Declan Rices first game in front of home fans, Eddie Nketiah equalised after Youssouf Fofana headed Monaco in front. To penalties they went and Gabriel slotted in the winner after Takumi Minaminos miss proved decisive. Sort of. It was Arsenals seventh triumph in their own tournament, if you can call it that. It was originally a four-team, two-day event but the last three have featured only Arsenal and one other visitor. Five teams have taken the Emirates Cup away from the Emirates. Who are they?
*Lyon, Valencia, Galatasaray, Hamburg, New York Red Bulls.
Chelsea Premier League Summer Series
Arguably the least tin-point of the pre-season pots, Chelsea came out on top of a group of six Premier League clubs in the USA. Mo Pos Blues beat Brighton and Fulham while drawing with Newcastle to top the table. Aston Villa finished second on goal difference, just ahead of Newcastle, with Brighton and Fulham ahead of bottom-placed Brentford, who were the only club not to win a game. Chelsea won the trophy by two points from second-placed Villa.
Chelsea Florida cup
In the opening match of their 2023 pre-season at the Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chelsea secured an impressive 5-0 victory against Wrexham in the Florida Cup. Under the guidance of new manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues started their campaign on a high note, triumphing over Phil Parkinsons team in the United States.
Tottenham Tiger Cup
Spurs came from behind in Singapore to beat Lion City Sailors 5-1, with Richarlison bagging a hat-trick. Only the Brazilian and Emerson Royal bothered to handle the trophy. Despite scoring, Harry Kane had no time for any of it
Newcastle Sela Cup
One sponsor isnt enough for Newcastles answer to the Emirates Cup, with the Sela Cup, presented by VisitMalta, taking place over two days at St James Park. On day one, Newcastle beat Fiorentina 2-0 with goals either side of half-time from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak. Villarreal drew with Nice before facing the Magpies the following day, with the hosts running out 4-0 winners. Harvey Barnes bagged a brace before Jacob Murphy went full Jordan Henderson
Liverpool Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy
After beating Crystal Palace a year ago, the Reds retained their trophy by smashing four past Leicester, three of the goals coming in eight first-half minutes from Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark and Diogo Jota. Ben Doak added a fourth after the break, allowing Virgil van Dijk to collect his second gong as Reds skipper following on from the massive-but-seemingly-unnamed pot they picked up by beating Bundesliga.2 side Karlsruher 4-2.
Aston Villa Trofeo Naranja
Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia bagged in each half to give Villa a 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla to win their first Orange Trophy. They have to win 28 more to match the Spaniards tally, but only one more to draw level with Real Madrid. No other English side has claimed this particular honour, which was first presented in 1959.
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Barcelona 4-2 Spurs: Ansu Fati, Abde guide Blaugrana to Joan Gamper Trophy
Barcelona vs Spurs: Joan Gamper Trophy- BAR vs TOT Barcelona pulled up an incredible comeback to defeat Tottenham. The Spanish team trailed Spurs until the final 10 minutes, but scored three goals to secure a 4-2 victory. They also win the Joan Gamper Trophy as a result of this
Barcelona won the Joan Gamper Trophy final 4-2 after a fantastic last 10 minutes performance against Tottenham. Late goals from Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Ez Abde capped an otherwise disappointing Barcelona performance, leaving Spurs stunned.
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Premier League rule changes 2023/24
The start of the 2023/24 Premier League season brings with it huge excitement as the cycle of English top-flight domestic football gets back underway from August 11.
The summer months have been packed with action, including the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, busy preseason schedules, and buzz of the transfer rumour mill ahead of the new campaign.
However, alongside some of the more thrilling aspects of a new season, there are also key updates over rule changes and updates from the Premier League.
A look at the rule tweaks from the Premier League including some potentially controversial changes to guidelines on timewasting, red cards, VAR and offside.
The Premier League has adapted certain rules going into the 2023/24 season, following consultations with clubs, referees and data experts, with some eye-catching new additions.
Timekeeping and injury-time
The subject of timekeeping, or time wasting, has come into sharp focus again this summer, as part of FIFA's officiating at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
For 2023/24, the Premier League will align itself with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules on timekeeping during in-game action.
This means timers in stadiums will be left running until the completion of each half, including additional time in both the first and second half, with match officials then adding up the exact amount of time lost within specific match incidents.
Previously, nominal periods were defined for specific incidents, with the overall time added together to give the amount of additional time added at the end of each half of action.
This is likely to mean more time added to the end of each of the two 45 minute periods of game play, particularly in the second period, with listed match incidents including:
- Goals and subsequent celebrations
- Substitutions
- Injuries and treatment time (if required)
- Penalties (from moment of offence to the whistle for the penalty kick)
- Red cards (from moment of offence to when the player leaves the field)
Denying a clear goal scoring opportunity
This refers specifically to incidents of players committing a foul inside their own penalty area which denies an opposition player a clear goal scoring opportunity which leads to a penalty being awarded.
The interpretation of the law will be altered with the offending player now in line to be shown a yellow card whether or not the foul was as part of an attempt to play the ball or merely 'challenge' for it.
This allows referees greater power to use their discretion to use yellow cards over red with the latter reserved for instances of deliberate pushing, pulling and foul play.
Offside
Offside remains a hugely controversial subject in Premier League football with the addition of VAR proving both beneficial and impractical at times.
Again the Premier League have worked to bring themselves alongside FIFA and the IFAB in terms of the latest offside update, which refers primarily to defenders.
In particular it relates to 'deliberate play' by a defender when an attacking player is called up for offside.
If a defender is viewed by the match officials to be in control of the ball, with the possibility to pass to a teammate, gain possession of the ball, or clear the ball (by heading or kicking), an opposition player in a offside position would not be penalised for offside.
An inaccurate move by a defender does not change this as it is still classified as a 'deliberate' attempt to play the ball.
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RB Leipzig stun Bayern Munich to win Supercup and spoil Harry Kanes debut
Harry Kane made his debut for Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup, but missed out on a first trophy as RB Leipzig won 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. The England captain stepped off the bench as a 63rd-minute replacement for Mathys Tel but had little chance to make an impact, with DFB-Pokal holders Leipzig running out convincing winners thanks to Dani Olmos hat-trick.
Kane, who wore the No 9 shirt after training with his new teammates for the first time on Saturday morning, was given a rapturous reception by the Bayern fans after stepping out of the dugout. His side were already 2-0 down after Olmos double in the first half.
The hosts performance left their coach, Thomas Tuchel, fuming, saying it was as if the team had done no work in their four-week pre-season. It is a big problem because it feels as if we had done nothing in the past four weeks, Tuchel said.
I cannot explain it. It was just not enough in every department. I have just no idea why. There is no relation between our form and attitude going into the game and our performance on the pitch. It is not good. It is the worse thing because there is such a big discrepancy.
Spain international Olmo pounced on Bayerns sloppy defending in the third minute to slot in. He added another with a superb flick and turn that left two defenders standing a minute before the break. Leipzigs Mohamed Simakan had almost gifted Bayern an equaliser a little earlier, hitting the post in his effort to clear the ball.
With Bayern wasteful up front and squandering half a dozen chances, Tuchel brought on Kane, whose transfer cost a reported Bundesliga record 100m, in the 63rd minute to huge cheers from Bayern fans.
Kane hardly got a look-in, however, with only three touches and it was Olmo who scored again, this time with a penalty only four minutes later, to secure the first title of the season for his team.
It was an amazing night. We worked a lot over 90 minutes, also with possession, Olmo said. I think it was a perfect game. We expected to win, we wanted to lift this trophy and there is no better way to start the season. We want to be up there. We have a competitive team.
Bayern, who kick off their Bundesliga season on Friday against Werder Bremen, will be hoping the addition of Kane will dramatically improve their conversion rate in attack this season. It is a problem they have been struggling with since the departure of Robert Lewandowski last year.
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Harry Kane thought he will lift his first major trophy in his first match itself, but the curse continues ..........
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