Matteo Darmian isa superstar in the making at Manchester United
The young Italian right-back had an impressive debut in front of the Old Trafford crowd on Saturday lunchtime as his Manchester United team beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0. The 25-year-old Italian international looks an absolute bargain at €18 million and the calmness and composure he displayed under intense spotlight earned him a fully deserved man of the match award.
PSG are still the team to beat in France
The defending Ligue 1 champions got off to a great start in Lille last Friday to send out a warning shot to their would be contenders that they are still the benchmark in French football. Despite playing an hour of the contest with only ten men after the sending off of midfielder Adrien Rabiot, they continued to take the match to the home side and ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a second-half goal from Lucas Moura.
Bielsa resignation throws Marseille into chaos
A 0-1 home defeat to Caen on Saturday was the catalyst for an incredible set of events that took place after the match at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome. In the post-match press conference, Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa announced his resignation from the club with immediate effect to leave a stunned pressroom mystified as to why he had done this after the opening fixture of the new campaign. Bielsa, who has been in Marseille since July 2014 explained that; “I have just resigned from my job as OM coach … I have completed my work here. I put everything into this job.” Rumours started earlier last week linking him to the vacant managerial position at the Mexican national team. When he was asked if this was the reason for his decision he replied; “I haven’t spoken with anyone at the Mexican Federation,” he said. “It is only a hypothesis, and I never discuss a hypothesis.”
Arsenal display their inconsistency again
After their victory in the Community Shield, it looked as though Arsenal would be serious contenders for the English Premier League title this season. Having witnessed defending champions Chelsea drop home points to Swansea 24 hours earlier, the Gunners looked to have a straight forward home game against West Ham United who had a wretched record at The Emirates Stadium. After an incredible 90 minutes, Arsenal fans were left shell-shocked as the visitors grabbed all three points in a memorable 2-0 victory. It may only be the first game of the season but their old Achilles heel came to the fore once more as a squad containing supremely talented footballers, let themselves down once again.
Yaya Touré is still the heartbeat of Manchester City
Reports of the demise of Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré were firmly put to bed on Monday night as he inspired his team to a 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. After a disappointing 2014-15 by his high standards, the 32-year-old Ivory Coast international is under pressure to deliver this season and if Monday evening’s display is anything to go by, then Blues fans needn’t worry. Two goals from the powerful midfielder had his team 2-0 ahead before the half hour mark as last season’s runners-up cruised to victory in a match that looked to be a tricky opening day encounter.
By Steve Mitchell (@barafundler)]]>
