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☆ Tragedy chanting: ‘Vile’ soccer songs about deaths fueled by ‘need to hurt’ opposing fans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Described as “vile” and “unacceptable” and fueled by “the need to hurt,” ‘tragedy chanting’ is becoming an increasing concern to soccer authorities. Then, in 1989, overcrowding in the stands ahead of the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. Nottingham Forest fans hold up a banner in memory of the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The working group has also been in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discuss whether convictions can be pursued for fans that engage in tragedy chanting. Heysel Stadium Disaster, May 1985.

☆ Haaland breaks Premier League record as Man City reclaim top spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

West Ham remain in trouble in 15th place, four points above the relegation zone. West Ham, hampered by the absence of midfielders Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, defended valiantly with the colossal Angelo Ogbonna heading away cross after cross. West Ham still looked capable of adding a twist to the title script until Grealish released Haaland for his milestone moment. Foden then put the icing on his side's ninth successive league win with the 1,000th goal in Guardiola's City reign. As well as five league games left, City are in the semi-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup final.

☆ Moyes thankful for West Ham stability, says clubs too quick to axe managers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, May 2 (Reuters) - West Ham United manager David Moyes says he is thankful for having a chairman who 'did not buckle' and show him the door when results were going against the London club this season. West Ham and Nottingham Forest are the only clubs in the bottom half of the standings who have kept faith with the man who started the season at the helm. Several clubs in the basement battle have 'interim managers', namely Dean Smith at Leicester City and Ruben Selles at bottom club Southampton. "I don't think I can ever remember the Premier League having as many interim managers in different roles and different changes," said Moyes, who is in his second spell at West Ham. Some West Ham fans were calling for Moyes to be sacked in January after six defeats in seven league games saw them drop into the relegation zone.

☆ Man City now in driving seat but Guardiola still cautious
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

April 28 (Reuters) - According to some of the headlines after Manchester City's crushing defeat of title rivals Arsenal this week the sky blue ribbons can already be fastened to the Premier League trophy. But City boss Pep Guardiola is too long in the tooth to assume a fifth league title in six seasons is now a formality. It was their seventh successive league win and left them two points behind Arsenal with two games in hand, having trailed by eight not long ago. The two clubs immediately above Saints, Everton and Leicester City, meet on Monday in a true 'six-pointer'. Liverpool are seeking a fourth successive win and, belatedly, have joined the Premier League party.

☆ Guardiola says destiny finally in Manchester City's hands
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANCHESTER, England, April 26 (Reuters) - Manchester City wrestled control of the Premier League title race from Arsenal with a 4-1 thumping in their top-of-table clash on Wednesday, to the thrill of manager Pep Guardiola, who said destiny was finally in his team's hands. "The threat, Kevin-Erling, Erling-Kevin is so, so important," Guardiola said. Manchester City are also chasing the treble having booked their berths in both the FA Cup final and Champions League semi-finals. Asked whether he considers City one of the best teams in any league, Guardiola said: "If we play like today we are an incredible, competitive team. The biggest compliment, Guardiola added, is that Manchester City, who are chasing their third consecutive Premier League title, are always in the thick of it at the end of the season.

☆ Factbox: Soccer-Arsenal and Manchester City's Premier League run-in
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 26 (Reuters) - Following are the Premier League fixtures left for the two sides after Manchester City beat Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday to seize control of the title race. Manchester City:Sunday, April 30v Fulham at Craven CottageWednesday, May 3v West Ham United at the Etihad StadiumSaturday, May 6v Leeds United at the Etihad StadiumSunday, May 14v Everton at Goodison ParkSunday, May 21v Chelsea at the Etihad StadiumWednesday, May 24v Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex StadiumSunday, May 28v Brentford at the Community StadiumArsenal:Tuesday, May 2v Chelsea at the Emirates StadiumSunday, May 7v Newcastle United at St James' ParkSunday, May 14v Brighton at the Emirates StadiumSaturday, May 20v Nottingham Forest at the City GroundSunday, May 28v Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates StadiumCompiled by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Liverpool add to Forest's misery, Leicester earn vital win
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LIVERPOOL, England, April 22 (Reuters) - Liverpool maintained their slender hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest whose relegation fears deepened on Saturday. Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were on target for Liverpool in a riveting clash at Anfield as Liverpool climbed to seventh. Liverpool sealed the win three minutes after Forest's second when Trent Alexander-Arnold picked out Salah with a low free kick and the Egyptian striker side-footed past Keylor Navas. Forest substitute Brennan Johnson hit the crossbar with a delicate chip as Liverpool clung on to take all three points. Liverpool have 50 points from 31 games, six points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United who face fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

☆ Liverpool edge struggling Forest 3-2 in Anfield thriller
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LIVERPOOL, England, April 22 (Reuters) - Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were on target as Liverpool edged Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest 3-2 in a riveting clash at Anfield on Saturday to climb to seventh in the table. Jota restored Liverpool's lead with a sharp finish on the turn in the 55th minute but Liverpool were pegged back again when Virgil Van Dijk's clearing header fell to an unmarked Gibbs-White. Both Forest goals came from long throw-ins and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp was pleased with the result but frustrated by his side's shaky defensive performance against a team who have the second-worst attacking record in the league. Liverpool sealed the win three minutes after Forest's second when Trent Alexander-Arnold picked out Salah with a low free kick and the Egyptian striker held off Remo Freuler before side-footing past Keylor Navas. Steve Cooper set up Forest with a flat back five, looking to contain Liverpool, and the strategy worked in the first half, though the visitors rode their luck at times.

☆ Title-chasing Arsenal seek home comforts against Southampton
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

With an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United on Saturday, Manchester City's next league game is Wednesday's potential title-decider at home to Arsenal. Arteta said his players must put all thoughts of the looming trip to the Etihad out of their minds until after the Southampton game. Newcastle have 56 points from 30 games with Spurs three points worse off having played a game more. Leicester, who appointed Dean Smith as interim manager last week, have 25 points from 31 games, with Southampton on 23 points and in danger of being marooned. Third-bottom Nottingham Forest (27 points), who are without a win in 10 league games, visit Liverpool on Saturday.

☆ Bullet point previews of Premier League matches
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

* League leaders Arsenal drew their last two league games, while relegation-threatened Southampton lost their last two. * Leeds have conceded 16 goals in four league games in April, conceding at least four goals in three of those matches. Crystal Palace v Everton (1400)* Palace have won just one of their last 16 Premier League games against Everton (D7 L8). * West Ham have won their last two league games against Bournemouth and are looking to complete their first league double over them. Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur (1300)* Alexander Isak has scored five goals in his last six league games for Newcastle.

☆ Arteta preparing Arsenal players for Anfield 'jungle'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 8 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing his players to take their Premier League title charge to the Anfield "jungle" as they look to end a marathon winless run at the home of Liverpool. Arsenal have not won at Anfield in the Premier League since their 2-0 victory in the 2012-13 season - a game in which Arteta himself played for the north London club. "You cannot train the players in the zoo and then go to the jungle on Sunday," Arteta told reporters on Friday. You have to prepare the players. Arteta said his side are enthusiastic ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool as Arsenal look to maintain their eight-point lead over Manchester City in the title race.

☆ Soccer-Leaders Arsenal respond in style after Man City thrash Liverpool
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Arsenal's seventh successive league win moved them to 72 points from 29 games with City, who still have to play the London club at home, on 64 having played one game less. Jean-Philippe Mateta's late goal sparked jubilation amongst the home fans as Palace moved into 12th place with 30 points, five points ahead of third-from-bottom Leicester. Pressure is intensifying on Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers as his side lost for the fifth time in six league games. Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers drew 1-1 at the City Ground as both clubs stayed far too close to the relegation zone for comfort. The result took both teams above Liverpool with Brighton in sixth place and Brentford in seventh.

☆ No Haaland, no problem as Man City thrash Liverpool 4-1 to keep up title chase
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MANCHESTER, England, April 1 (Reuters) - Manchester City showed they can win without goal machine Erling Haaland as they put four past Liverpool at the Etihad on Saturday to keep their chase of Premier League leaders Arsenal very much alive. Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish were all on target for Pep Guardiola's side in a goal-packed return to Premier League action after the international break. "We had a chat between ourselves and with the manager (at halftime) and he said we have to stay in the game," Grealish said. "The first minute to 93 ... really really good, the way we played." Looking ahead though, the England winger insisted that the fate of the Premier League this season is still in Arsenal's hands.

☆ Jesus at the double as Arsenal steam on towards title
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jesus, starting a league game for the first time since returning from a knee injury last month, converted a 35th-minute penalty after being clipped in the box by Luke Ayling. Ben White doubled Arsenal's advantage from Gabriel Martinelli's pass before Brazilian Jesus, signed from Manchester City last summer, struck again from close range in the 55th minute from Leandro Trossard's assist. Leeds had troubled Arsenal in the opening period but once Jesus put the hosts ahead it was relatively plain sailing as they restored their eight-point lead over champions Man City. The most important thing is that everyone that has come in has played good," Jesus said. His persistence and trickery earned Arsenal a nerve-settling penalty on Saturday as he jinked into the box and Ayling, rather unluckily, conceded the spot kick as Jesus tumbled.

☆ Leeds reopen stadium after police make arrest over security threat
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 26 (Reuters) - Leeds United were allowed to reopen their Elland Road stadium on Sunday after they were advised by West Yorkshire Police to close the premises due to a security threat. The police said they had arrested a 20-year-old man on Friday "in connection with the incident and enquiries remain ongoing". "West Yorkshire Police have advised Leeds United that Elland Road can reopen, effective immediately. We apologise for any inconvenience and we thank the public for their support," the Premier League club said in a statement. Leeds, who are 14th in the Premier League, return to action after the international break when they travel to leaders Arsenal on April 1.

☆ The Premier League’s Fiercest Battle Is at the Bottom of the Standings
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

In a single dizzying winter of soccer, U.S. men’s national team star Weston McKennie went from Italy to Qatar to figuring out life in a part of England known as West Yorkshire. McKennie had joined Leeds United on loan until the end of the season. And despite linking up with two other American players at the club, Brenden Aaronson and U.S. captain Tyler Adams, very little about the Premier League felt familiar.

☆ Tottenham squander points in top-four race, Leeds out of bottom three
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Fourth-placed Tottenham have 49 points from 28 games with Newcastle United, who benefitted from a stoppage-time penalty to beat Nottingham Forest on Friday, have 47 points having played two games less. Bournemouth on 24 from 27 along with West Ham United who dropped into the relegation zone courtesy of Leeds United's impressive win at Wolves. Leicester have 25 points with Nottingham Forest, Everton and Leeds all on 26 and Wolves and Crystal Palace on 27. Tottenham substitute Pape Sarr was then adjudged in the 90th minute to have fouled Ainsley Maitland-Niles as he attempted to hack clear a bouncing ball and Ward-Prowse made no mistake to earn his side a point. Leeds will head into the international break above the relegation zone thanks to a superb display at Wolves.

☆ Arsenal seal thrilling comeback win, Man City maintain chase
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

City's 2-0 win sliced Arsenal's advantage to two points and when leaders Arsenal trailed 2-0 with an hour gone in north London it appeared their hold on top spot was weakening. Fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur's top-four ambitions suffered a dent as they went down 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers who are gradually pulling clear of the relegation zone. Arsenal had not won a Premier League game in which they had trailed by at least two goals since 2012 so the omens looked bad for the Gunners as they were stunned by Bournemouth. 'TRICKY GAME'There was no such drama at Manchester City with Phil Foden scoring an early beauty before substitute Bernardo Silva wrapped up the points in the second half. "We won the game, we didn't suffer much at the end -- an incredible result for us because it was a tricky game," City manager Pep Guardiola said.

☆ Arsenal go five points clear, Leeds and West Ham boost survival hopes
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Gabriel Martinelli's goal just after halftime sealed the points for Arsenal to crank up the pressure on second-placed Manchester City, who were playing struggling Bournemouth later on Saturday. "We deserved the result and we are so happy with the three points," Martinelli told Sky Sports. Arsenal, bidding for a first title since 2004, have 57 points from 24 games played while champions City are on 52 ahead of their 25th game at Bournemouth (1730GMT). RELEGATION BATTLEThe relegation battle is shaping up to be especially tense this season with clubs changing positions on a weekly basis. West Ham climbed to 16th place with 23 points from 24 games, two above Everton who are third from bottom.

☆ WRAPUP Soccer-Title race swings again as Arsenal win, Man City slip up
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Peter Hall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Arsenal reinvigorated their push for a first Premier League title in two decades with two stoppage-time goals giving them a thrilling win at Villa Park. It was Arsenal's first win in four Premier League games and followed a dispiriting Wednesday night loss at home to City, who had closed an eight-point gap from a month ago. "If you want to be at the top, you are going to have to win games in many different ways," coach Mikel Arteta said. It was a big effort to play less than 72 hours ago after the (City) game that we had, and after the result that we had which obviously morally was touching." Chelsea had 17 attempts at goal, five on target, their highest shot tally without scoring at home in the Premier League since May 2021.

☆ Momentum with Man City as Arsenal seek to regain winning touch
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Had Arsenal beaten City in the top-of-the-table clash they could have been heading into Saturday's lunchtime kickoff at Aston Villa with the chance to move nine points clear. Arsenal's lunchtime kickoff at Villa gives them the opportunity to lay down a marker and move three points clear again. Villa have suffered back-to-back defeats under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery for the first time since he took charge, but the Spaniard would take satisfaction from getting one over Arteta, the man who replaced him at Arsenal. With so much of the focus on Arsenal and City, Manchester United have quietly moved themselves to within touching distance of the top two. Bournemouth, in 19th place, travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers while third-from-bottom Everton host Leeds United who are just one point above them in 17th.

☆ Rashford, Garnacho earn Man United hard-fought win at Leeds
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( Peter Hall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v Manchester United - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their first goal with Bruno Fernandes Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithLEEDS, England, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho earned Manchester United a hard-fought 2-0 Premier League victory at Leeds United on Sunday. Chances were few and far between in a feisty first half between the Roses rivals, with Crysencio Summerville twice going close for Leeds and Bruno Fernandes wasting the visitors' best opportunity. Gaps started to appear with the deadlock broken and substitute Garnacho took advantage to put the game to bed five minutes from time, racing clear before firing home. With champions Manchester City in action later on Sunday, United leap-frogged their rivals into second place having played two games more. Reporting by Peter Hall, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Navas steals limelight on mixed weekend for January signings
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

January signings can be hit and miss and it was a mixed weekend for new recruits. "But I loved his composure and game management and decision making, I really enjoyed that part of his performance. He came close to a debut goal too, but ultimately it was a frustrating debut as Chelsea's attack misfired yet again. Leicester's Souttar, signed from Stoke City, enjoyed a winning debut as his side overcame Aston Villa 4-2, although scoring an own goal was hardly ideal. But Souttar, along with fellow new signing Victor Kristiansen, impressed, although not as much as another new recruit Tete, who marked his debut with a goal.

☆ Struggling Leeds United sack manager Marsch
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Leeds United have sacked their American manager Jesse Marsch with the team languishing 17th in the table, one place above the relegation zone, the Premier League club said on Monday. Marsch joined Leeds in February 2022, replacing Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa and secured the club's top-flight survival on the final day of last season. Leeds have won only four of their 20 league matches this season with 10 losses and six draws. Marsch has previously coached RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg. Leeds will play third-placed Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league on Wednesday before facing their rivals again in the reverse fixture on Sunday.

☆ Everton halt Arsenal march, Liverpool slide continues
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"When you start like this you don't deserve anything in a Premier League game," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. Manchester United consolidated their top-four position with a 2-1 victory at home to Crystal Palace, although it came at a cost with midfielder Casemiro shown a straight red card. Everton are in 18th place with 18 points behind West Ham United on goal difference before the late kickoff. For Arsenal it was a wake-up call and they will be hoping for a favour from Tottenham, who play second-placed Manchester City on Sunday. Arsenal host Manchester City on Feb. 15.

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