Tag: Premier League

Premier League Table: Gameweek 26 Results and Update

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Gameweek 26: In an exhilarating start to Gameweek 26 of the Premier League, Liverpool surged four points clear at the top of the table, showcasing resilience and tactical brilliance in a comeback victory over Luton.

Wednesday 21st February

Liverpool‘s Remarkable Comeback

The Reds, under Jürgen Klopp, have once again demonstrated why they are one of the most feared teams in the Premier League. Despite trailing in the first half to a well-organised Luton side, Liverpool mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 4-1 victory.

This win was a testament to their depth and quality, even in the absence of key players such as Mohamed Salah and Alisson.

Liverpool‘s ability to recover from losing positions has been a hallmark of their season. With 22 points gained from such situations, they lead the league in resilience and determination.

The victory over Luton was significant, coming right after Manchester City had closed the gap to just one point. Liverpool‘s response was emphatic, showcasing their championship mettle.

Saturday 24th February

Crystal Palace vs Burnley Result

In a pivotal match on Saturday, 24th February, Crystal Palace delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Burnley, marking a triumphant start for their new manager, Oliver Glasner. This match, held at Selhurst Park, was not just a test for Glasner’s tactical prowess but also a crucial step for Palace in distancing themselves from the relegation zone.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Burnley showing initial resilience until a critical moment tilted the balance in Palace’s favour. Josh Brownhill’s red card for a foul on Jefferson Lerma 10 minutes before the break was the turning point, leaving Burnley with 10 men and a mountain to climb.

Despite the absence of key creative forces Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Palace demonstrated their superiority and depth. Chris Richards broke the deadlock with a header, followed by Jordan Ayew’s fourth goal of the season, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Jean-Philippe Mateta added the final touch with a penalty, sealing a 3-0 win that was both necessary and indicative of the potential under Glasner’s guidance.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Result

In a thrilling encounter at Villa Park on Saturday, 24th February, Aston Villa emerged victorious in a six-goal spectacle against Nottingham Forest, with a final score of 4-2.

Douglas Luiz was the standout performer, netting twice to help secure the win for Villa. The match was a showcase of tactical acumen from Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, who exploited Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities to full effect.

Despite Forest’s attempts to rally back into the game, with notable contributions from Niakhaté and Morgan Gibbs-White, Villa maintained control. Leon Bailey also played a pivotal role, contributing with his pace and skill to unsettle the Forest defence and adding a goal to Villa’s tally.

This victory was a significant boost for Aston Villa, demonstrating their attacking prowess and resilience, while Nottingham Forest was left to rue their defensive errors and missed opportunities in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Manchester United vs Fulham Result

In a dramatic turn of events at Old Trafford, Fulham clinched a memorable victory against Manchester United with a late goal by Alex Iwobi in the 97th minute, marking their first win at this venue since 2003.

The match, filled with suspense and unexpected moments, ended with a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the visitors. Fulham‘s triumph was set in motion by Calvin Bassey’s opener, which was later equalised by Harry Maguire, seemingly steering the game towards a draw.

However, Iwobi’s last-minute strike, following a swift break and an assist from substitute Adama Traoré, sealed a significant win for Fulham. This result left Manchester United eight points adrift of the fourth Champions League spot, intensifying the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite United’s efforts to salvage the game, Fulham‘s resilience and strategic counterattacks underscored their deserving victory, as they capitalised on United’s vulnerabilities to secure a historic win at Old Trafford.

Brighton vs Everton Result

In a dramatic Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium, Brighton and Everton shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with the match culminating in a thrilling finale.

Despite being reduced to 10 men following Billy Gilmour’s dismissal for a studs-up challenge on Amadou Onana, Brighton managed to salvage a point thanks to a last-gasp header from Lewis Dunk in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

This goal marked the first header Everton conceded all season, highlighting the intense pressure Brighton applied even with a numerical disadvantage. Earlier, Everton had taken the lead through a fine strike from Jarrad Branthwaite, capitalising on a set-piece situation in what seemed a classic example of Sean Dyche’s tactical approach.

The match was a testament to both teams’ resilience, with Everton aiming to secure a rare away win and Brighton fighting back to maintain their impressive home record. The draw left both sides contemplating what might have been in a tightly contested affair.

Bournemouth vs Man City Result

Manchester City edged closer to the Premier League summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, cutting Liverpool‘s lead to just a point.

In a match that saw Pep Guardiola’s side pushed to their limits, Phil Foden’s goal proved decisive, securing three crucial points for the visitors. Despite dominating possession, City faced a resilient Bournemouth side that created several opportunities to level the score, notably through Marcus Tavernier, who missed two significant chances.

The game was a testament to City’s ability to grind out results, even when their usual fluid attacking play was stifled by a determined opposition. Bournemouth, fighting for survival, showcased their potential to challenge the league’s elite, but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net.

The victory keeps City firmly in the title race, while Bournemouth‘s spirited performance, despite the loss, should offer some encouragement in their battle against relegation.

Arsenal vs Newcastle Result

Arsenal delivered an emphatic performance to secure a victory against Newcastle, with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka playing pivotal roles in the win.

The match, characterised by Arsenal‘s dominance, showcased the team’s intent to remain a formidable contender in the title race. Havertz’s goal, following a precise team play, and Saka’s finish, exploiting a defensive error, underscored Arsenal‘s attacking prowess.

The Gunners’ relentless pressure and quick tempo overwhelmed Newcastle, who struggled to match Arsenal‘s intensity throughout the game. Despite Newcastle‘s attempts to gain a foothold in the second half, Arsenal‘s clinical edge and defensive solidity ensured they maintained control, further highlighted by Jakub Kiwior’s deflected header adding to the tally.

This victory, marking Arsenal‘s sixth consecutive league win, reflects their efficient goal-scoring form and defensive coherence, propelling them closer to their title aspirations while leaving Newcastle to reflect on their vulnerabilities.

Sunday 25th February

Wolves vs Sheffield United Result

Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, marking their 11th win of the season, a feat that historically ensures Premier League survival.

The match at Molineux was highlighted by Pablo Sarabia’s goal, which proved to be the difference between the two sides. Sheffield United’s struggles continued, as they faced their 19th defeat of the season, further cementing their relegation fears.

The game also witnessed a moment of internal conflict among Sheffield United players, with Jack Robinson and Vinícius Souza involved in a heated exchange that led to a VAR review for potential red cards.

Despite the altercation, no action was taken. Wolves dominated the first half, creating several opportunities, while Sheffield United failed to capitalize on their counterattacks.

The victory propelled Wolves to eighth in the league, just a point shy of European competition, while Sheffield United’s lack of finishing touch and internal discord highlighted their ongoing challenges in the Premier League.

Here is the Premier League table as it stands today:



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Football Managers Sacked This Season: European Leagues

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In the high-stakes world of football, the role of a manager is both coveted and perilous.

The 2023-24 season has seen its fair share of managerial departures across Europe’s top leagues, with the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 all witnessing significant changes at the helm.

The Premier League, often hailed as the most competitive football league in the world, has witnessed a number of managerial changes in the 2023-24 season.

Each sacking, while unique in its circumstances, underscores the relentless pursuit of success and the thin line managers walk between triumph and turmoil.

Wolves Part Ways with Julen Lopetegui

The departure of Julen Lopetegui from Wolverhampton Wanderers set an early precedent for the season. Before the first match had even kicked off, Lopetegui and Wolves agreed to part ways by mutual consent.

This decision was emblematic of the chaotic pre-season Wolves had endured, with the club seeking stability and a fresh direction under new management.

Gary O’Neil, a former Bournemouth manager, was brought in with the hope of revitalising the team, and he has certainly done that in the 23/24 campaign, to the point that he could be in consideration for the best manager plaudits.

Sheffield United Dismiss Paul Heckingbottom

Paul Heckingbottom’s sacking came after a particularly dire start to the season for Sheffield United.

Anchored at the bottom of the league table, a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Burnley was the final straw. The club’s management decided that a change was necessary to salvage their season, leading to Heckingbottom’s dismissal.

Chris Wilder, returning for a second spell at the club, was tasked with steering the Blades away from relegation.

Nottingham Forest and Steve Cooper Part Ways

Steve Cooper’s departure from Nottingham Forest was another casualty of poor results.

A six-game winless streak, leaving the team perilously close to the relegation zone, prompted the club to act.

Cooper, who had previously guided Forest to promising positions, found himself unable to turn the tide, leading to his replacement by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Roy Hodgson Steps Down from Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson’s exit from Crystal Palace was a mix of personal and professional reasons.

Health complications, combined with a series of disappointing results, led Hodgson to step down.

His departure marked the end of a challenging period for Palace, with ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner stepping in to rejuvenate the squad.

Premier League Sackings List

Julen Lopetegui – Sacked by Wolves on August 8th 2023

Paul Heckingbottom – Sacked by Sheffield United on December 5th 2023

Steve Cooper – Sacked by Nottingham Forest on December 19th 2023

Roy Hodgson – Sacked by Crystal Palace on February 19th 2023

Sacked La Liga Coaches This Year

La Liga’s 2023-24 season has been as tumultuous as ever, with several clubs opting to change their managers in hopes of altering their fortunes.

The reasons behind these decisions range from poor performances and loss of the dressing room to strategic misalignments between the managers and the club’s visions.

Villarreal and Quique Setien’s Departure

Quique Setien’s tenure at Villarreal came to an abrupt end after just four games into the season.

With one win and three losses, the club’s hierarchy decided that a change was necessary to reverse their fortunes.

Setien’s tactical approach and the team’s performances did not align with the club’s expectations, leading to his sacking.

Pacheta, his replacement, however, found no better luck and was also shown the door, highlighting the club’s desperate search for stability.

Almeria Parts Ways with Vicente Moreno

Vicente Moreno’s dismissal from Almeria followed a disappointing start to the season, with the team languishing at the bottom of the table.

The decision was driven by the club’s fear of relegation and the belief that a new managerial approach was needed to galvanize the squad.

Gaizka Garritano was brought in with the task of ensuring Almeria’s survival in Spain’s top flight.

Sevilla Sacks Jose Luis Mendilibar

Sevilla‘s decision to sack Jose Luis Mendilibar came after a series of underwhelming performances that left the club in 14th place.

Mendilibar’s approach and tactics were questioned, with the club’s management deciding that a new direction was necessary to salvage their season.

Diego Alonso replaced him but was unable to turn the tide, leading to yet another managerial change at the club.

Barcelona Announces Xavi’s Resignation

One of the most high-profile departures was Xavi from Barcelona. His resignation was announced following a particularly humiliating defeat, marking a low point in the club’s recent history.

Despite his legendary status at the club, the decision underscored the immense pressure at Barcelona to perform at the highest level.

Xavi’s departure was a mutual decision, reflecting both the club’s and his own acknowledgement that a new approach was needed.

Granada and Paco Lopez

Paco Lopez’s sacking from Granada was a consequence of the club’s dire position in the league table.

Sitting 19th, the decision to part ways was driven by the urgent need to avoid relegation.

The club sought a new managerial perspective to inspire a turnaround in their fortunes, with Alexander Medina stepping in as Lopez’s replacement.

La Liga Sackings List

Quique Setien – Sacked by Villarreal on September 5th 2023

Vicente Moreno – Sacked by Almeria on September 29th 2023

Jose Luis Mendilibar – Sacked by Sevilla on October 8th 2023

Pacheta – Sacked by Villarreal on November 10th 2023

Paco Lopez – Sacked by Granada on November 26th 2023

Diego Alonso – Sacked by Sevilla on December 16th 2023

Sergio Gonzalez – Sacked by Cadiz on January 20th 2024

Francisco Rodriguez – Sacked by Rayo Vallecano on February 13th 2024

Sacked Serie A Managers This Season

The 2023-24 Serie A season has been a rollercoaster, with several clubs opting to make significant changes at the managerial helm.

These decisions, often driven by a mix of poor results, tactical mismatches, and a desire for a fresh approach, underscore the relentless pressure and high expectations in Italian football.

Empoli and Paolo Zanetti’s Exit

Paolo Zanetti’s early departure from Empoli was a direct consequence of a disastrous start to the season.

After suffering four consecutive defeats, including a humiliating 7-0 loss to Roma, the club’s management decided that a change was necessary to arrest the slide.

Zanetti’s tactics and team management were under scrutiny, leading to his sacking.

Aurelio Andreazzoli was brought back for his fourth spell at the club, tasked with stabilizing the ship and steering Empoli away from the relegation zone.

Salernitana Sacks Paulo Sousa

Paulo Sousa’s tenure at Salernitana came to an end after a series of disappointing results left the team second from bottom.

The 3-0 defeat to Monza was the final straw, with the club deciding that a new direction was needed to salvage their season.

Sousa’s approach was criticized for not getting the best out of the squad, leading to his replacement by Italy legend Filippo Inzaghi, who also struggled to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Udinese and Andrea Sottil Part Ways

Andrea Sottil’s sacking from Udinese was the result of a winless start to the season, leaving the club languishing in the relegation zone.

The decision to part ways was driven by the club’s management’s belief that a change in leadership was required to rejuvenate the team and secure Serie A survival.

Gabriele Cioffi, who had previously coached the team, was brought in as Sottil’s replacement.

Napoli Says Goodbye to Rudi Garcia

Rudi Garcia’s exit from Napoli came after a series of underwhelming performances that saw the reigning champions fall out of the title race early in the season.

Garcia’s tactics and team selections were questioned, with the club deciding that a new managerial approach was necessary to reignite their campaign.

Former Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri, who had enjoyed success with the club in the past, was chosen to replace Garcia.

Roma and Jose Mourinho’s Departure

Jose Mourinho’s departure from Roma was among the season’s most high-profile managerial changes.

Despite leading Roma to back-to-back European finals and winning the Conference League, Mourinho was sacked due to poor Serie A form.

The decision reflected the club’s high expectations and Mourinho’s inability to consistently deliver in the league.

Legendary former Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi was appointed as his temporary replacement, signalling a new chapter for the club.

Serie A Sackings List

Paolo Zanetti – Sacked by Empoli on September 19th 2023

Paulo Sousa – Sacked by Salernitana on October 10th 2023

Andrea Sottil – Sacked by Udinese on October 24th 2023

Rudi Garcia – Sacked by Napoli on November 14th 2023

Aurelio Andreazzoli – Sacked by Empoli on January 15th 2024

Jose Mourinho – Sacked by Roma on January 16th 2024

Pippo Inzaghi – Sacked by Salernitana on February 11th 2024

Sacked Bundesliga Managers This Season

The 2023-24 Bundesliga season has seen a notable number of managerial changes, reflecting the league’s competitive intensity and the high stakes involved in German football.

Clubs across the board have made decisive moves, aiming to correct course mid-season for a variety of reasons ranging from poor performances to strategic misalignments.

Augsburg and the Departure of Enrico Maaßen

Enrico Maaßen’s tenure at Augsburg came to an early end after a series of disappointing results left the team struggling near the bottom of the table.

With just five points from the first seven games, the club’s management decided that a new direction was necessary to avoid a relegation battle.

Maaßen’s tactics and approach were under scrutiny, leading to his replacement by Jess Thorup, who was tasked with turning the team’s fortunes around.

Mainz Moves on from Bo Svensson

Bo Svensson’s departure from Mainz was prompted by the team’s poor start to the season, finding themselves in a precarious position with just one win from nine games.

The decision to part ways was driven by the club’s desire to halt their slide towards the relegation zone and inject new energy into the squad.

Svensson’s inability to inspire a turnaround led to his sacking, with the club looking to Bo Henrisken for a fresh start.

Union Berlin and Urs Fischer’s End of an Era

Union Berlin‘s decision to sack Urs Fischer marked the end of a significant chapter for the club.

Having led Union to unprecedented heights, including Bundesliga promotion and European competition, Fischer’s dismissal came after a disastrous run of form that saw the team plummet down the table.

The club’s management felt a change was necessary to revive their fortunes, turning to Croatian coach Nenad Bjelica to steer the ship.

Koln and Steffen Baumgart’s Mutual Departure

Steffen Baumgart’s exit from Koln was somewhat unique, as it came by mutual consent.

With the team languishing in 17th place just before the Christmas break, both Baumgart and the club agreed that a new approach was needed to secure Bundesliga survival.

The decision underscored the club’s precarious position and the mutual recognition that a fresh perspective was required, leading to the appointment of Timo Schulz.

Bayern Munich Announces Thomas Tuchel’s Departure

Perhaps the most high-profile Bundesliga sacking was that of Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.

Despite a storied career and high expectations, Tuchel’s tenure was marred by inconsistency and a series of punishing losses.

The club’s decision to part ways with Tuchel at the end of the season was a clear indication of their lofty ambitions and the need for a reset to maintain their domestic and European dominance.

Bundesliga Sackings List

Enrico Maaßen – Sacked by Augsburg on October 10th 2023

Bo Svensson – Sacked by Augsburg on November 2nd 2023

Urs Fischer – Sacked by Union Berlin on November 15th 2023

Steffen Baumgart – Sacked by Koln on December 21st 2023

Jan Siewert – Sacked by Mainz on February 12th 2024

Thomas Tuchel – Sacked by Bayern on June 20th 2024 (Already confirmed but he will stay till the end of the season)

The 2023-24 Ligue 1 season has been marked by a series of high-profile managerial changes, reflecting the league’s competitive landscape and the varying ambitions of its clubs.

From crisis management to strategic realignments, the reasons behind these sackings offer a glimpse into the pressures and challenges facing top-flight French football teams.

Lyon Parts Ways with Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc’s departure from Lyon was a significant moment in the season, signalling the club’s dissatisfaction with their standing and performances.

After weeks of speculation and a series of underwhelming results, Blanc was sacked, with the club languishing in a position far below their expectations.

His replacement, World Cup winner Fabio Grosso, was tasked with revitalising the squad, though his tenure proved short-lived, highlighting the intense pressure and high stakes at Lyon.

Marseille and Marcelino’s Short Stint

Marcelino’s time at Marseille came to an abrupt end following a difficult start to the season, compounded by an early exit from the Champions League playoffs.

The decision to sack Marcelino was driven by the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.

Gennaro Gattuso, another former player with a high profile, was brought in as a replacement, signalling Marseille‘s intent to quickly turn their fortunes around.

Rennes Moves on from Bruno Genesio

Bruno Genesio’s resignation from Rennes came amid a challenging period for the club, struggling to find consistency and hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Genesio’s departure and the subsequent appointment of Julien Stephan were aimed at stabilising the club and moving away from the threat of relegation, showcasing the fine line between success and struggle in Ligue 1.

Nantes and the Sacking of Pierre Aristouy

Pierre Aristouy’s sacking by Nantes followed a series of disappointing performances, with the club making a change in an attempt to reverse their fortunes.

The decision was indicative of Nantes‘ desire for a mid-season revival, with Jocelyn Gourvennec stepping in to lead the charge.

This move underscored the club’s commitment to securing a comfortable position in the league and avoiding the pitfalls of a relegation battle.

Gattuso’s Departure from Marseille

Gattuso’s tenure at Marseille, despite starting with promise, ended in dismissal due to the team’s inability to meet the high expectations set by the club and its supporters.

His sacking was a testament to the volatile nature of football management, where past achievements offer little security, and results are the ultimate benchmark.

Ligue 1 Sackings List

Laurent Blanc – Sacked by Lyon on September 11th 2023

Marcelino – Sacked by Marseille on September 20th 2023

Bruno Genesio – Sacked by Rennes on November 19th 2023

Pierre Aristouy – Sacked by Nantes on November 29th 2023

Fabio Grosso – Sacked by Lyon on November 30th 2023

Gennaro Gattuso – Sacked by Marseille on February 20th 2024

FAQs

Who was the first Premier League manager to be sacked in the 2023-24 season? Julen Lopetegui was the first to leave, with Wolves parting ways before the season started.

Which La Liga manager’s departure marked the first of the season? Quique Setien’s exit from Villarreal was the first managerial change in La Liga.

Who replaced Jose Mourinho at Roma? Legendary former Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi took over until the end of the season.

Has any manager been sacked in the Bundesliga this season? Yes, several managers have been sacked, including Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel, who will leave at the season’s end.

What trend is noticeable in the sacking of managers? A clear trend is the decreasing patience clubs have with managers, with poor performances quickly leading to dismissals.



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What is the Premier League table this season?

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Gameweek 25: The biggest headlines from this week’s Premier League results saw Arsenal smash five past Burnley to keep up their title charge whilst Man City were held by Chelsea in the Saturday evening kickoff. Liverpool also managed to stay at the top of the table with an impressive 4-1 win over Brentford.

The Monday night game between Everton and Crystal Palace was certainly not a spectacle for the neutral, but the 1-1 draw certainly suited the Eagles more than it did the Toffees.

Here is information on the Premier League table as it stands today, including relegation battlers, title hopefuls and teams looking to secure European football next season.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle, West Ham, Brighton and Chelsea all make up the top 10 spots in the Premier League as of writing.

Which Premier League places get European football?

Champions League

Traditionally, the top four Premier League teams secured their places in the Champions League group stages.

However, the evolving format introduces a potential twist: the fifth-place team might also join the elite contingent.

This opportunity hinges on the Premier League‘s performance on the European stage in the preceding season.

If England ranks as one of the top two performing countries, an additional slot is awarded, potentially elevating the fifth-placed team to Champions League status.

Europa League

Two slots are available for the Europa League: one for the highest-placed team not already qualified for the Champions League and another for the FA Cup winners.

Both entries are direct to the group stage, ensuring a significant presence in the competition.

Europa Conference League

The Carabao Cup champions are rewarded with a place in the play-off stages of the Europa Conference League, adding another layer of competition and opportunity for Premier League clubs.

This tournament offers a platform for teams to make their mark and potentially secure a route to the Europa League through success in the competition.

Can a fifth Premier League team qualify for the Champions League? Yes, if the Premier League is one of the top two performing countries in Europe, the fifth-placed team may qualify for the Champions League.

How do Premier League teams qualify for the Europa League? The highest-placed team not in the Champions League and the FA Cup winners qualify for the Europa League group stage.

What is the Europa Conference League, and how can teams qualify? The Europa Conference League is a European competition for clubs. The Carabao Cup winners qualify for the play-off stages of this tournament.

What happens if a Premier League team wins a European competition? If a Premier League team wins the Champions League or Europa League and is outside the top four (or five), they qualify for the next season’s Champions League, potentially increasing the number of English teams in the competition.

How many teams get relegated from the Premier League?

At the conclusion of each Premier League season, the bottom three teams face relegation to the EFL Championship.

This process is a fundamental aspect of the English football league system, promoting a dynamic and competitive environment across all levels of the sport.

Relegation and promotion are the twin mechanisms that ensure a fluid exchange between the tiers of English football, offering a pathway for success while also imposing a penalty for underperformance.

How many teams are relegated from the Premier League each season?Three teams are relegated from the Premier League at the end of each season.

To which league are the relegated teams demoted?Relegated teams move down to the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.

What determines which teams are relegated? The teams that finish the season in the bottom three positions of the Premier League table are relegated.

Can relegated teams return to the Premier League? Yes, teams can earn promotion back to the Premier League by finishing in the top two of the EFL Championship or by winning the Championship play-offs.

How does relegation affect a club financially? Relegation often results in reduced revenue from TV rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, which can impact a club’s budget and player recruitment.

What Are Tiebreakers in the Premier League?

The drama of the Premier League often sees clubs finishing with identical points tallies. In such cases, the Premier League employs a series of tiebreakers to determine the final standings. The primary decider is goal difference, rewarding teams that not only win but do so by significant margins. Should teams remain level on goal difference, the next criterion is the number of goals scored, favouring the more attacking, goal-hungry sides.

In the rare event that teams are inseparable on both goal difference and goals scored, the results of the head-to-head matches between the tied teams come into play, specifically which team has collected the most points in these specific matches. If still indistinguishable, the number of away goals scored in the head-to-head matches is the final arbiter to decide who finishes above whom.

This meticulous system ensures that every goal in every game can have significant implications, not just for victory on the day but for ultimate Premier League glory or survival. It’s a testament to the league’s competitive balance and the fine margins that often separate success from failure in the world’s most-watched football league. For more insights into the Premier League‘s format and history, visit the official Premier League website.

FAQ: Understanding Tiebreakers in the Premier League

What happens if Premier League teams finish with the same number of points? If teams finish with the same number of points, their positions are determined by several tiebreakers. The first criterion is goal difference, followed by the number of goals scored. If still tied, the points collected in head-to-head matches between the tied teams are considered, and then the number of away goals scored in these matches.

Why is goal difference used as the first tiebreaker? Goal difference is used as the primary tiebreaker because it rewards teams that win by larger margins. It’s a measure of a team’s offensive strength and defensive solidity across the season, providing a fair way to separate teams that have accumulated the same points.

What if teams are tied on both goal difference and goals scored? If teams are tied on both goal difference and goals scored, the Premier League looks at the head-to-head record between the tied teams, specifically which team has gained more points in those matches. If still tied, the number of away goals scored in the head-to-head matches between the teams is used.

Has there ever been a case where the Premier League title was decided by tiebreakers? While the Premier League title has often been won by clear margins, tiebreakers such as goal difference have played crucial roles in determining final standings, particularly for Champions League qualification, relegation battles, and other significant league positions. The title race itself, however, has yet to be decided strictly on tiebreakers, with the closest finishes being determined by dramatic final-day victories.

How do tiebreakers affect teams’ strategies throughout the season? Knowing that goal difference and goals scored can be decisive, teams might adopt more attacking strategies in certain matches, especially against lower-ranked opponents, to improve their standing in these metrics. This strategic consideration adds an extra layer of excitement and tactical nuance to the league.

What happens if teams are still tied after all these tiebreakers? The Premier League‘s current tiebreaker rules are designed to conclusively separate teams. The scenario where teams remain tied after all these criteria is extremely unlikely. However, should such a situation ever occur, the Premier League would likely have to consider additional measures, potentially even a playoff match, although this is not formally outlined in the current rules.



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Socceroos lose to South Korea in extra time of quarterfinal to be eliminated from Asian Cup

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The Socceroos have crashed out of the Asian Cup in heartbreaking fashion, suffering a dramatic 2-1 extra-time loss to South Korea after throwing away a 1-0 lead in Qatar.

Craig Goodwin gave Australia the lead when he volleyed home in the 42nd minute in front of 39,632 fans at the Al Janoub Stadium.

Australia then spurned multiple chances to double their lead before a nightmare stint off the bench from right-back Lewis Miller, and two big moments from Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min turned the game in South Korea’s favour.

With Graham Arnold’s charges up 1-0 deep into stoppage time, Miller needlessly dived in late on South Korea’s superstar captain Son, giving away a penalty.

Hwang Hee-chan coolly slammed the spot-kick into the top corner in the seventh minute of injury time to take the game to extra-time.

In the 104th minute, Miller then brought down Hwang on the edge of the area, only for Spurs’ Son to lift a wonderful free kick into the top corner to put South Korea in front.

Australia’s hopes of a comeback were then made all but impossible minutes after the goal when they were reduced to 10 men.

Aiden O’Neill lunged in to attempt to win the ball and caught Hwang with his studs, with his initial yellow card upgraded to a straight red after a VAR referral.

South Korea comfortably saw out the game from there to send Australia packing and tee up a semi-final against Jordan, who beat Tajikistan 1-0 earlier on Friday local time.

For the Koreans, the result partly avenged their 2-1 extra-time loss to the Socceroos in the 2015 Asian Cup final in Sydney. 

Check out how the match unfolded in our live blog below.

Key events

Final thoughts

Thanks Sam. A disappointing, but not unexpected result. The Socceroos gave all that they had.

Will you be blogging the Tillies v Uzbekistan Olympic qualifier?

– Mark

Football can be a cruel game, and this is one of the cruellest Socceroos games I can remember.

They were literally a minute away from a heroic 1-0 win over South Korea, only for Lewis Miller’s panicked slide tackle in the box handing their opponents a comeback on a platter.

Hwang Hee-Chan’s penalty took the wind out of Australia’s sails, as did the straight red card to Aiden O’Neill after a dangerous tackle on Hee-Chan in the first stanza of extra-time, taking the Socceroos down to ten.

From there, the team faded and faded. Overall, South Korea were good for this win, but Australia will know that this is an enormous opportunity missed, and will linger in the heads and their hearts for a while.

South Korea now progress to the Asian Cup semi-final against Jordan, while the Socceroos will debrief and then go back to their clubs.

There will be plenty of conversation in the coming days about this game and this tournament, but all I’ll say for now is that I am really proud of how the Socceroos played tonight: they did what they do best, showing us the grit and the fight that captured the whole country in 2022.

Like then, it was a joy to bring you their journey here. I’ll be back on the ABC Sport liveblog later this month to cover the Matildas’ Olympic qualifying games against Uzbekistan, which I hope you’ll join me for.

Until then!

Full time: Australia 1 – 2 South Korea

119′ Chance Korea!

Son Heung-min picks up the ball on half-way and just… jogs forward towards Australia’s defence, with no yellow shirts flooding back with urgency.

He has so much time to choose what to do here as three team-mates flood around. He opts left, sending a perfectly-weighted pass angled left into the box, and his team-mate rockets a shot towards the far post… only for Mat Ryan to throw two big hands at it and palm it away.

The ball rolls out to the other Korean winger, who tries to fire it over Ryan who’s still splayed out in the grass, but somehow it spins out for a goal kick.

Incredible keeping.

116′ Long bombs

Both teams are just pinging the ball over the top of each other’s defences now, hoping one of their fresh-legged forwards can speed in behind the slowing centre-backs and nick a goal.

It’s pretty rudimentary stuff, though. A ball floats in, and is headed away by a centreback. It’s hoofed up-field, only for the opposing centre-back to head it away. It’s been like this for a few minutes as both teams try to figure out what on earth else they can do.

114′ Referee error!

A lovely cross-field pass out to the left for the charging Aziz Behich sees the full-back bring it down beautifully before turning and aiming for a through-ball, but the referee whistles the game dead and points for a free kick to… Korea.

What? The referee gestures for a handball on Behich, but the replay shows the ball was nowhere near either of his arms.

That was such a shame: the Socceroos could’ve carved a rare opening with that run down the wing, but the ref has decided otherwise.

111′ Mat Ryan still flyin’

The Socceroos captain is still on his toes, even if most of his team-mates aren’t anymore.

Australia’s players are making more and more mistakes as they fatigue and lose concentration, but lucky for them Ryan is still wide-awake.

He snapped a shot out of the air a minute ago, and just came sprinting out of his box to calmly collect a through-ball with his foot before passing neatly to a team-mate.

Son Heung-min found too much space a moment later, opening up his body as a sliding Behich came across, but he hooked his shot just wide as Ryan was ready for it to come at him.

So at least we’ve got that.

108′ Behich is down

He’s run a marathon in this game, has Aziz.

Somehow he’s found himself up near Korea’s box, throwing himself around, trying anything to get a foot on the ball and send a cross in.

He tries to work with Bruno Fornaroli, but the ball just doesn’t settle. It’s hoofed into his stomach, and he tries his best to loft the deflection over the Korean defenders and towards the six-yard box, but it floats harmlessly into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Behich then leans down into the grass and clutches at his stomach. Winded, maybe? He gets up and jogs gingerly away a moment later after the Koreans had lumped the ball out so he could receive attention.

He looks cooked.

106′ Big Man Up Top

Harry Souttar is a centre-forward now.

If you were wondering what Graham Arnold’s “break glass in case of emergency” plan was.

Second half of extra time kick off!

105′ South Korea substitutions

Park Yong-Woo is replaced by Park Jin-seop.

Hwang Hee-Chan, who’s been epic in this match, comes off for Oh Hyeon-gyu.

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#Socceroos #lose #South #Korea #extra #time #quarterfinal #eliminated #Asian #Cup

How a luckless Aussie Rules team in the tropics kicked a goal for the ages

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None of the Wanderers players expected their season to go quite like this.

By the start of round 13, last weekend, in the highest-level tropical football league in the country, the team had played nearly 1,000 minutes on-field, mostly in extreme heat.

They hadn’t yet scored a goal, while conceding 276 to their opposition.

For months, during the run of goal-lessness, each time the ball was in play at the Wanderers’s attacking end, supporters would stir, sometimes mildly, sometimes maniacally.

There were shots directly in front, shots that cannoned into the post, and ones that went agonisingly to the wrong side of it.

There were times, with the ball in Wanderers hands deep in attack, you would have put your life on a goal being kicked.

A Wanderers player is tackled during a match earlier this season.(Supplied: Alison McGowan/AFLNT Media)

“You think you’ve got it, and just at the end it falls short. Sometimes I try not to get caught up in it but it’s so bloody hard not to,” Wanderers coach Mark Hounslow said in the changerooms after a match in November.

The Wanderers, a Darwin club with a more than 100-year history, play in the premier division of the Northern Territory Football League — the only league in Australia that plays the sport through the summer months.

Their first point of the season came back in November, in round 7, after more than 1,250 points had been scored against them as the team battled a long injury list and continued to blood many first-year players.

A Wanderers player lays a tackle.

A Wanderers player lays a tackle during the match when the team scored its first point of the year.(Supplied: Alison McGowan/AFLNT Media)

It came in the form of a rushed behind, ran over the line by a Southern Districts Crocs player.

There were screams and yells, with players and supporters on the sidelines all-to-aware of its significance.

“Just to get a score on the board is great,” Hounslow said after the game.

“Even though we’re celebrating a point, and I’ve never had that before in my life, these girls are celebrating the little wins. And they’re a team.”

Tiffany Parriman running with the ball.

A Wanderers defender runs out of the backline at TIO Stadium during round 7.(Supplied: Alison McGowan/AFLNT Media)

That cliché of celebrating the little wins, a mantra perhaps as common in everyday life as it is in sport, came alive for the Wanderers this season.

It formed a glue that stuck the team together, as their players kept showing up through one of the roughest runs of results a team could go through.

With the arrival of the tropical monsoon, that goal drought ended on Saturday, when a young footballer, Anne Marie Collins, who travels four hours each week from a small remote community to play, conjured a moment of brilliance on the boundary line.

Last weekend was the first round of the year that teams played in wet season rains.

She says she can’t remember her kick hurtling through the big sticks, while others on the field have recounted the moment and its lead-up in precise detail.

This is how one of the most eagerly-awaited goals in Northern Territory Football League history was seen by those who were there.

‘I had the perfect angle’

Jasmyn Hewett, AFLW premiership winner with the Adelaide Crows, and captain of PINT, the league’s only undefeated team: “It was wet, slippery, horrible. In the midfield we were stomping around in mud, which felt up to our ankles. It was a pretty scrappy game.”

A PINT player kicks the ball forward as the rain comes down.

A PINT player kicks the ball forward at Tracy Village Oval in Darwin.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media)

Ivana Schober, Wanderers captain: “We obviously went into it knowing that PINT were on top of the ladder, so I think we all had a bit of a fire in our belly. In the first quarter … there was a quick clearance out of the middle. Then a hit out off a pack, a good shepherd and a strong kick down the line into the safe hands of Anne Marie.”

Mark Motlop, Wanderers president: “The young girl got the ball deep in the forward pocket on the boundary line. It was a low ground-level kick that evaded everybody.”

Mark Hounslow, Wanderers coach: “It happened that quick. She controlled the ball beautifully out of a bit of a contested and congested situation, and paddled it in front and picked it up and just a quick snap. Of all shots all year … this one, the hardest of the lot, it rolled around and went straight through.”

Mark Hounslow addresses the Wanderers players.

Mark Hounslow addresses Wanderers players during round 13.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media)

Natasha Hagan, goal umpire: “It was quite quick. All I can remember is the Wanderers player putting it on their boot, like a banana kick, and it came rolling in.”

Wanderers players celebrate their first goal of the season.

Players begin flocking to Anne Marie Collins after her goal.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media)

Ricky Nolan, PINT coach: “In the pocket, it was very windy, not a good day for footy, so it was a real good goal.”

Hewett: “It was a pretty impossible goal, actually. I think I was about midway down the field so I had the perfect angle to see it unfold, and unfortunately couldn’t do anything about it.”

Schober: “Anne Marie, she’s dangerous anywhere you put her.  And we know we can get it to her and she’ll make magic happen. That’s proof right there.”

 

Anne Marie Collins kicks the ball forward.

Anne Marie Collins says she was determined to kick the team’s first goal of the season.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media )

Tiffany Parriman, Wanderers veteran: “Anne Marie is deadly. Her ball skills are amazing. I was standing in the backline and then we were all jumping up and down in the air and trying to run down to the forward line to try and congratulate her. It was a great feeling.”

Hounslow: “The girls were pretty pumped … the monkey’s off the back.” 

Anne Marie Collins: “I can’t remember. I was aiming for the goals. I was just really desperate and wanted to get the goal. It felt excellent. It was the whole team that ran out to me.”

Anne Marie Collins (right) on the sideline with her teammates.

Anne Marie Collins (right) on the sideline with her teammates.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media)

‘It’s small, but it’s huge to us’

Parriman, an experienced campaigner who joined the Wanderers three seasons ago, says the challenging results this season have, without doubt, been worth enduring. 

“It’s been hard … we’ve soldiered on and we’ve kept pushing each other,” she says.

“But it’s actually been a positive year for all of us … we’ve got lots of new players and the girls are wanting to learn and are showing it on the field.”

Tiffany Parriman stands with her arms folded.

“I have seen a lot of improvement,” Tiffany Parriman says.(ABC News: Hamish Harty)

Despite the losses, Collins, who was born in Katherine, grew up in Urapunga community and now lives in Barunga, says she hasn’t thought twice about making the trip to play each week.

“It’s been really nice to play with a team that actually welcomes me and I feel really comfortable with them,” she says.

Hounslow, who took over the coaching role in round five, says he is glad to be a part of this team.

“They’re unbelievable. Every week they turn up, they’re smiling, they all turn up to training, and you rarely ever get anyone miss,” he says.

“It’s just huge respect to them, the way they keep showing up. They’re so resilient.”

Tiffany Parriman scans the field.

Tiffany Parriman scans the field.(Supplied: Celia Whan/AFLNT)

Schober, the captain, says she has at times felt the weight of the results.

“We’ve definitely been through a bit of scrutiny with the amount of losses we have had so far … stuff on social media,” she says.

“I think it was a bit tough mentally on all of us.

“To have a team that was willing to stick it out and ride it out, it’s just actually phenomenal.”

Ivana Schober stands with a football with the TIO stadium grandstand behind her.

Ivana Schober says she is proud of her team for sticking together through a trying season.(ABC News: Hamish Harty)

In the past month, the Wanderers have reduced their losing margins from earlier in the season by half. Across the season, Schober says the team has improved its play immensely.  

“When we kicked the goal we thought, all this hard work we’ve been putting in, it’s paying off now, and the rest of the season is going to be awesome living off that,” she says.

“It’s a 10-second thrill but it really does stick with us and make us want to push further.

“It’s small, but it’s huge to us. We’ve been working at it and working at it. Persistence pays off, I think.”

Wanderers and PINT players fight for the ball during their round 13 match.

Wanderers and PINT players fight for the ball during their round 13 match.(Supplied: Tymunna Clements/AFLNT Media)

For the final five rounds of the season, Hounslow says the team will continue to strip it back, focusing on tackles, clearances and forward half stoppages.

“What are the little things we can do … the little wins, the little targets?” he says.

Collins, although, has a slightly different view on what the focus will be.

“To get more goals,” she says.

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#luckless #Aussie #Rules #team #tropics #kicked #goal #ages

Cruciate ligament injuries: The recovery process

Post By Sports , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Football players are under more strain than ever, and the injuries continue to accumulate.

Some are simple strains due to the intensity of the football calendar, but in others there have been season-ending problems, with Barcelona‘s Ansu Fati and Liverpool‘s Virgil Van Dijk among those to suffer ACL injuries in recent years.

Despite improvements in technology aiding the process cruciate ligament injuries are, unfortunately, still too common an injury in football.

Going back a few decades, such an injury could potentially be career-ending, but advances in medicine and surgery means that many players can make a full recovery and, in the main, return to their former range of movement and ability.

But what exactly is a cruciate ligament injury, how does it happen, and what kind of rehabilitation do players face?

How do Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries happen?

You’ll have seen the footage yourself many times. A player’s foot is planted and he or she tries to change direction. The foot remains in the ground and the knee doesn’t travel with the rest of the body.

It’s the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament, that takes the strain and if the strain is too much, it gives in, in various levels of severity.

Can you walk on a torn ACL?

You’ll often hear commentators also say that ‘it can’t be too bad because he walked off the pitch’. ACL injuries can be walked on by the sufferer – it’s not like a broken bone. The player would be in pain but it is possible to limp off, with the initial swelling subsiding.

It doesn’t in any way provide an indicator of how serious the injury is, however. Players who walk off the pitch usually have ice applied immediately before they can be taken for surgery.

ACL injury surgery options

There are significant differences in the severity of ACL injuries and also different options that are available in order to resolve the issue.

The fantastic Twitter account Injury Mechanisms outlines this and explains the various options available.

1. Autograft v Allograft

The ‘autograft’ method utilises the players’ existing tendon in order to make repairs. It has a low risk rate but generally the surgery time increases the length of the recovery.

The ‘allograft’ users what is known as ‘donor or cadaver’ tissue to fix the problem. Historically it is a less painful procedure for the player but the risk of failure is higher than the autograft method. The cost of the surgery is also higher, though this isn’t not necessarily a concern for top professional clubs.

2. Patella Tendon Graft

This method uses 1/3 of the patella tendon using bone blocks. It has the lowest failure rate of all the procedures and involves bone-to-bone healing. As Injury Mechanisms points out, this is considered the optimum approach for athletes wishing to return to their very best.

3. Hamstring Autograft

The hamstring autograft uses the same method as the original autograft in terms of taking an existing part of the body to assist with the repair. Taking a piece of the hamstring is an easier ‘harvest’ process and requires a smaller incision, but the graft failure rate is historically higher using this method in younger athletes.

It requires longer integration in order to work and takes longer biological healing, and there are also other issues at play such as the graft stretching or the hamstring suffering weakness afterwards.

4. Quadriceps Tendon Autograft

This is the least common method of repairing ACL injuries. It has a predictable graft size and also requires a small incision, but recent studies have shown the failure rate to be higher, hence the reason that it is less commonly used.

Does an ACL injury require surgery?

Not necessarily. Players are increasingly exploring methods by which surgery isn’t required, but it requires an intense consultation and dedication to the methods of repair to work (rest + likely workload post surgery).

For example, athletes who are not pre-disposed to changing direction regularly of pivoting can see more success in this respect. But for footballers, basketball players or specific NFL positions (like wide receivers), surgery is still recommended.

Different severity of ACL injuries

Not all ACL injuries are equally serious and there are various grades to describe the severity of the injury.

Grade 1 means that the ligament has sustained mild damage and and has been overextended but is still mild and the knee joint has remained stable.

Grade 2 means that the ACL has been stretched and has become loose. In this scenario, the ligament has likely suffered a partial tear but it’s rare for this mid-level injury to happen.

Grade 3 is referred to as a complete ligament tear. It means that the ACL has split into two pieces and the knee itself needs to be stabilised. This is the most common serious injury suffered among football players.

What is the expected recovery time?

This is dependent on many factors. Players are usually walking again after two weeks and this leads them into a false sense of security that everything is ok. They need to be very carefully managed through the rehabilitation procedure to ensure that they are not overextending themselves while the ligament continues to heal.

The optimal period of recovery is sixth months but much of the process is in the hands of the player. If they are compliant with the exercises and regimes provided to them then the process can be expedited, but the utmost care has to be taken to ensure that there is no relapse.

There are countless examples of players trying to rush back to finish too soon, and in the most severe cases, it can take a player up to a year to be ready for first-team football once again.



Source link

#Cruciate #ligament #injuries #recovery #process

Cruciate ligament injuries: The recovery process

Post By Sports , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Football players are under more strain than ever, and the injuries continue to accumulate.

Some are simple strains due to the intensity of the football calendar, but in others there have been season-ending problems, with Barcelona‘s Ansu Fati and Liverpool‘s Virgil Van Dijk among those to suffer ACL injuries in recent years.

Despite improvements in technology aiding the process cruciate ligament injuries are, unfortunately, still too common an injury in football.

Going back a few decades, such an injury could potentially be career-ending, but advances in medicine and surgery means that many players can make a full recovery and, in the main, return to their former range of movement and ability.

But what exactly is a cruciate ligament injury, how does it happen, and what kind of rehabilitation do players face?

How do Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries happen?

You’ll have seen the footage yourself many times. A player’s foot is planted and he or she tries to change direction. The foot remains in the ground and the knee doesn’t travel with the rest of the body.

It’s the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament, that takes the strain and if the strain is too much, it gives in, in various levels of severity.

Can you walk on a torn ACL?

You’ll often hear commentators also say that ‘it can’t be too bad because he walked off the pitch’. ACL injuries can be walked on by the sufferer – it’s not like a broken bone. The player would be in pain but it is possible to limp off, with the initial swelling subsiding.

It doesn’t in any way provide an indicator of how serious the injury is, however. Players who walk off the pitch usually have ice applied immediately before they can be taken for surgery.

ACL injury surgery options

There are significant differences in the severity of ACL injuries and also different options that are available in order to resolve the issue.

The fantastic Twitter account Injury Mechanisms outlines this and explains the various options available.

1. Autograft v Allograft

The ‘autograft’ method utilises the players’ existing tendon in order to make repairs. It has a low risk rate but generally the surgery time increases the length of the recovery.

The ‘allograft’ users what is known as ‘donor or cadaver’ tissue to fix the problem. Historically it is a less painful procedure for the player but the risk of failure is higher than the autograft method. The cost of the surgery is also higher, though this isn’t not necessarily a concern for top professional clubs.

2. Patella Tendon Graft

This method uses 1/3 of the patella tendon using bone blocks. It has the lowest failure rate of all the procedures and involves bone-to-bone healing. As Injury Mechanisms points out, this is considered the optimum approach for athletes wishing to return to their very best.

3. Hamstring Autograft

The hamstring autograft uses the same method as the original autograft in terms of taking an existing part of the body to assist with the repair. Taking a piece of the hamstring is an easier ‘harvest’ process and requires a smaller incision, but the graft failure rate is historically higher using this method in younger athletes.

It requires longer integration in order to work and takes longer biological healing, and there are also other issues at play such as the graft stretching or the hamstring suffering weakness afterwards.

4. Quadriceps Tendon Autograft

This is the least common method of repairing ACL injuries. It has a predictable graft size and also requires a small incision, but recent studies have shown the failure rate to be higher, hence the reason that it is less commonly used.

Does an ACL injury require surgery?

Not necessarily. Players are increasingly exploring methods by which surgery isn’t required, but it requires an intense consultation and dedication to the methods of repair to work (rest + likely workload post surgery).

For example, athletes who are not pre-disposed to changing direction regularly of pivoting can see more success in this respect. But for footballers, basketball players or specific NFL positions (like wide receivers), surgery is still recommended.

Different severity of ACL injuries

Not all ACL injuries are equally serious and there are various grades to describe the severity of the injury.

Grade 1 means that the ligament has sustained mild damage and and has been overextended but is still mild and the knee joint has remained stable.

Grade 2 means that the ACL has been stretched and has become loose. In this scenario, the ligament has likely suffered a partial tear but it’s rare for this mid-level injury to happen.

Grade 3 is referred to as a complete ligament tear. It means that the ACL has split into two pieces and the knee itself needs to be stabilised. This is the most common serious injury suffered among football players.

What is the expected recovery time?

This is dependent on many factors. Players are usually walking again after two weeks and this leads them into a false sense of security that everything is ok. They need to be very carefully managed through the rehabilitation procedure to ensure that they are not overextending themselves while the ligament continues to heal.

The optimal period of recovery is sixth months but much of the process is in the hands of the player. If they are compliant with the exercises and regimes provided to them then the process can be expedited, but the utmost care has to be taken to ensure that there is no relapse.

There are countless examples of players trying to rush back to finish too soon, and in the most severe cases, it can take a player up to a year to be ready for first-team football once again.



Source link

#Cruciate #ligament #injuries #recovery #process

The Hindu Morning Digest, December 19, 2023

Post By World , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he appears at the balcony to deliver his Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican.
| Photo Credit: AFP

INDIA partners speak in one voice against the BJP, call fresh suspensions as an ‘attack on democracy’

The mass suspension of Opposition members from both Houses of Parliament prompted the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners to speak in one voice against the BJP. Congress president and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Narendra Modi government of attacking democracy and Parliament.

Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples if the rituals don’t resemble marriage

Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it. The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, released on Monday, elaborates on a letter Pope Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Pope Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

No PM candidate for INDIA bloc; open to Left-Congress-TMC alliance in West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

The Trinamool Congress is open to a “three-way alliance” with both the Congress and the Left in West Bengal, party president and State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday, adding that she was against any projection of a common Opposition Prime Ministerial candidate ahead of the Lok Sabha election. She was speaking to a select group of reporters in Delhi, where she has arrived to participate in the Opposition’s INDIA bloc meeting on Tuesday.

Omnibus Telecom Bill introduced in LS to replace 138-year old law; allows interception, right of way, spectrum harmonisation

The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday proposes the first comprehensive rewrite of telecommunications law in 138 years, consolidating spectrum, right of way, and dispute resolution, among other aspects, into one fresh statute. A law in the making for years, it will replace the Telegraph Act of 1885.

Saraf takes oath as Rajasthan Assembly’s pro-tem Speaker; Cabinet formation likely this week

Eight-time BJP MLA and former Minister Kalicharan Saraf took oath as the pro-tem Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly in Jaipur on December 18 ahead of the Assembly session in which the newly elected legislators will be sworn in. Governor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath of office to Mr. Saraf at a ceremony in Raj Bhavan.

Amid suspense over future role, Shivraj to meet Nadda in Delhi

Amid various speculations about what his future in politics would look like, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to meet Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president J.P. Nadda in New Delhi on December 19. Mr. Chouhan, who helmed the State for more than 16 years, was replaced with the current Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on December 11, after the BJP retained power in Madhya Pradesh with a massive majority of 163 seats.

Case registered against Meitei Leepun chief after CCTV footage shows him opening fire at unidentified people in Imphal

The Manipur Police have registered a case against Meitei Leepun chief Pramot Singh based on CCTV footage showing him allegedly opening fire at unidentified persons over a land dispute in Imphal on December 12. This is the second case registered against the chief of the radical Meitei outfit that seeks revival of the Sanamahi kingdom. The dispute seems to be over encroachment of land near a Sanamahi temple in Imphal.

Israel launches fresh strikes on Gaza as UN nears vote on aid

Israeli forces launched fresh attacks throughout the night across the Gaza Strip, residents said on Monday, as the United Nations Security Council looked set to vote on a demand that Israel and Hamas allow aid access to the Palestinian enclave. One Israeli strike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on Sunday killed 90 Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry spokesperson told Reuters. Another missile attack on a house belonging to the Shehab family killed 24 people, Hamas Aqsa radio said. A medic said dozens of people had been killed or wounded in the Shehab family home and nearby buildings.

Egypt’s El-Sisi sweeps to third term as President with 89.6% of vote

Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has swept to a third, six-year term as Egypt’s president, winning 89.6% of votes in an election in which he faced no serious challengers, the National Election Authority announced on December 18. The election took place as Egypt struggles with a slow-burning economic crisis and tries to manage the risk of spillover from the war in Gaza, which borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

Fears of Houthi attacks are rerouting commercial ships away from the Red Sea

The attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels have scared off some of the world’s top shipping companies and oil giants, effectively rerouting global trade away from a crucial artery for consumer goods and energy supplies that is expected to trigger delays and rising prices. BP said Monday that it has “decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea,” including shipments of oil, liquid natural gas and other energy supplies. Describing it as a “precautionary pause,” the London-based oil and gas corporation said the decision faces ongoing review but crew safety was the priority.

Premier League | Man United frustrates Liverpool as Arsenal moves to top of table

A 0-0 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday won’t win any beauty pageants, but a stubborn and battling performance at Anfield suggests Manchester United’s players are up for the fight. On too many occasions this season, the opposite has looked to be the case. “You have to fight always for the badge,” United manager Erik Ten Hag said. “The way we defended it was almost perfect. When we made a mistake there was always a teammate to sort it out. I think that is the big win from today. We have to keep this and bring this every game.”

SA vs IND, 1st ODI | Arshdeep, Avesh star in emphatic Indian victory over South Africa

Pacers Arshdeep Singh bowled a dream first spell and found an ally in equally menacing Avesh Khan as a second-string Indian team completely annihilated South Africa by eight wickets in the opening ODI in Johannesburg on December 17. India now lead the three-match series 1-0. Having gone into the match without a single wicket in his previous three ODI appearances, Arshdeep more than made up for it with his maiden five-wicket haul as South Africa were all-out for 116 in 27.3 overs. The target was surpassed in only 16.4 overs.

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#Hindu #Morning #Digest #December

Morning Digest: February 6, 2023

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Supreme Court of India
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Five new Supreme Court judges to take oath today

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to read out the oath of allegiance to the Constitution to five new judges of the Supreme Court today. The occasion will see the largest number of top court judges taking oath simultaneously in nearly two years. Nine judges were sworn in in one go in 2021.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar: CBDT chairperson says 48 crore linked so far

About 48 crore individual Permanent Account Numbers (PANs), out of the total 61 crore issued till now, have been linked with Aadhaar till date and those who do not link it by the declared deadline of March 31 will not get benefits while undertaking various business and tax-related activities, CBDT Chairperson Nitin Gupta said. The government has made the linkage of the two databases mandatory and declared that those individual PANs that are not attached to the Aadhaar by the end of this financial year (March 31, 2023) will be rendered inoperative.

Polls expected to elect Delhi Mayor today

The Delhi Municipal House is set to convene today to select a mayor for the city after failing to complete the poll in two previous attempts. The first two sessions — held on January 6 and January 24 — were adjourned by the presiding officer following a ruckus between members of the BJP and the AAP. The councillors of AAP on February 5 wrote to MCD’s presiding officer seeking debarment of aldermen from voting in the election of mayor, deputy mayor and Standing Committee on February 6, saying that if it happens, it will be an insult to the people of Delhi.

Amit Shah to address two election rallies in Tripura on February 6

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address two election rallies in Tripura on February 6, a senior party leader said. On Monday, Mr. Shah will address two election rallies at Khowai in Khowai district and Santirbazar in South Tripura district. The Union Minister will also join a road show in Agartala city on Monday, the senior party leader said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also scheduled to arrive in Tripura on February 7 to hit the party’s election campaign.

Special ASI committee to trace 24 ‘missing’ monuments

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to form a special committee to trace and certify 24 protected monuments which have gone “missing”. The decision comes after repeated red flags by a Parliamentary Committee as well as criticism from the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. The Rajya Sabha Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture had said that it was “perturbed” to find that the Barakhamba Cemetery in the very heart of the capital city was among the untraceable monuments.

Truss blames British and international establishment for her downfall

Former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss launched a broadside against the economic orthodoxy of British and international institutions, mostly blaming “a very powerful economic establishment” and a lack of political support for the collapse of her administration and her resignation from office in under 50 days. Ms. Truss’s government fell shortly after her September 23 ‘mini Budget’, which included tax cuts and unfunded expenditures and rattled markets, resulting in her resignation in October last year.

Tripura polls | Tipra Motha bats for LGBTQ+ rights

The Tipra Motha, Tripura’s newest local party, has vowed to ensure “equal respect and opportunities” for the LGBTQ+ community in the State. Releasing the party’s election manifesto on February 4, Tipra Motha chairperson and royal scion, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma claimed his is the only party that has included the rights of the “most discriminated” community in a declaration. 

Telangana Chief Minister KCR asks farmers of Maharashtra to mobilise into a force, prove mettle to make ‘Kisan Sarkar’

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has taken its first stride outside Telangana by holding a public meeting at Nanded in Maharashtra where several local leaders joined the party. They were welcomed into the party by its president and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He stated that there was no shortage of natural resources in the country but what was lacking was the will power and commitment among the rulers. He sought to know why the farmers suicides did not stop even 75 years after the Independence and why they were being denied support price to their produce.

Singer Vani Jairam cremated with police honours

Veteran playback singer Vani Jairam was cremated with full police honours at Besant Nagar crematorium on February 5. Speaking to reporters after he paid homage, Mr. Stalin said he was shocked to learn the news of her death as much as the people of Tamil Nadu and the cine fraternity. “Only recently, the Padma Bhushan was announced for her. But she has passed away unfortunately before receiving it. I express my deep condolences to her family members and cine fraternity,” Mr. Stalin said.

Sports finally being viewed from athletes’ perspective in country: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government is encouraging youngsters to pursue a career in sports and the ministry’s budget has been increased almost three times since 2014. He said that the Sports Ministry has been allocated a budget of ₹2,500 crore this year compared to ₹800-850 crore before 2014. He said that more than ₹1,000 crore have been allocated to the ‘Khelo India’ campaign alone which will be spent on the development of sports facilities and resources in the country.

Female cancer patient offloaded from New York-bound flight; DGCA seeks report from airline

A female cancer patient, who recently underwent surgery, was allegedly offloaded from a New York-bound flight of American Airlines at Delhi airport after she sought assistance from a flight attendant to keep her handbag in the overhead cabin. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has taken cognisance of the case and asked American Airlines to submit its report.

Centre likely to hike dearness allowance by 4% to 42%

The Union government is likely to increase the dearness allowance (DA) for its over one crore employees and pensioners by four percentage points to 42% from existing 38% as per the agreed formula for the purpose. The DA hike will be effective from January 1, 2023. Presently over one crore central government employees and pensioners are getting 38% dearness allowance.

Death toll in Chile forest fires rises to 23: official

At least 23 people have died in hundreds of forest fires whipped up amid a blistering heat wave in south-central Chile, a senior government official said Saturday night. The government of President Gabriel Boric extended a state of disaster to include the southern region of Araucania. The regions of Nuble and Biobio were already under a disaster designation.

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European Golden Shoe 2021/22 standings

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The 2021/22 European Golden Shoe race is over after a season in which the continent’s most prolific goalscorers were all vying to win one of football’s most prestigious individual awards.

Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski saw off the challenge of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to finish at the top of the European Golden Shoe rankings last season.

READ MORE: European Golden Shoe 2022/23: Current standings and past winners

Lewandowski scored an astonishing 41 league goals from 29 appearances, giving him 82 Golden Shoe points and the highest winning score since Ronaldo in 2014/15.

Manchester United star Ronaldo and Messi – who has moved from Barcelona to PSG – both entered the new campaign expecting to challenge again in the standings for the most goals in Europe.

READ MORE: Who will be the European Assists King for 2021/22?

Messi’s PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe and a fellow young star in Erling Haaland were also expected to be in the mix to top the Golden Shoe rankings and take the crown from Lewandowski.

Along with Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah started the season as the top Premier League candidates, though surprise winners have also emerged in the past.

This page was updated throughout the 2021/22 season with regular updates on the European Golden Shoe standings, and the final result can now be viewed below.

2021/22 EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE STANDINGS

Robert Lewandowski has clinched back-to-back European Golden Shoe titles after another spectacular season.

The Bayern striker scored in his side’s last game of the Bundesliga campaign against Wolfsburg on May 14, with his future at the club looking uncertain amid transfer speculation.

Lewandowski therefore finished the league season with 35 goals to his name from 34 appearances, a total which saw him score the most goals in Europe for 2021/22.

Given the Bundesliga season is shorter than the other major divisions in Europe, Lewandowski finished before many of his rivals had completed their top-flight campaigns, but a huge lead meant his victory never looked in doubt.

Lewandowski secured European golden boot glory once more even though he fell slightly short of his historic 41-goal total last season.

He led the Golden Shoe race for most of the season, but while he was stable at the top, the chasing pack behind him was rotating regularly, right up until our final standings.

PSG sensation Kylian Mbappe, the Ligue 1 top scorer, ultimately claimed second place with 28 goals and 56 Golden Shoe points.

It was a remarkable year for the World Cup winner, who also had 18 assists in the top flight to tie Thomas Muller for the best creative total in Europe’s top-five leagues.

A hat-trick as PSG thrashed Metz 5-0 on the last day of the Ligue 1 season saw Mbappe leapfrog Karim Benzema and Ciro Immobile to finish as best of the rest behind Lewandowski.

It was the second-best goal total of his career, behind only the 33 he scored in 2018/19, and the attacker looks a likely winner of the Golden Shoe in the future.

Benzema (27 goals) recorded the best league goalscoring campaign that he has had in 13 seasons with Real Madrid, impressively beating the 24 goals he netted in 2015/16.

The France forward posted highest Primera Division total and was one of the most prominent challengers to Lewandowski in these standings for much of what was a sublime campaign.

Benzema may have taken second over Mbappe had he not had his schedule carefully managed by Carlo Ancelotti in the final weeks of the season after the domestic title was secured, with a Champions League final against Liverpool in mind.

Lazio forward Immobile, a former winner of this award, superbly scored 27 times in the league this season to top the charts in Serie A.

He has topped 20 goals in Serie A in five of his six seasons for Lazio and remains a prolific striker who consistently features in the Golden Shoe race.

Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder challenged Mbappe in Ligue 1 for much of the season and he finished with 25 goals to claim an impressive fifth-place finish in the Golden Shoe, boosted by a hat-trick against Brest in the penultimate game of the season.

Ohi Omoijuanfo, who played for Molde and Red Star Belgrade over the course of the campaign, came sixth and was the highest-placed finisher outside Europe’s fop-five leagues.

Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic finished level on 24 goals. Both of those players were fast starters this season which made them a permanent fixture on the leaderboard.

Completing the top 10 were the two payers who ultimately finished level in the Premier League golden boot race with 23 goals. They were Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who was the leader for most of the campaign in England, and his Tottenham rival Son Heung-min.

Strikes on the last day of the EPL season for that duo meant outgoing Dortmund star Erling Haaland, who will be joining them in England with Man City next season, finished 11th after racking up 22 strikes despite an injury-hit season.

So Lewandowski once again finished top of the prestigious Golden Shoe standings and the major league seasons across Europe have now come to a close.

Lewandowski becomes the 10th player to win the Golden Shoe twice – a total only bettered by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were unable to challenge this season.

After not producing a winner since 1972, the Bundesliga has now come out on top for two straight campaigns, and the stage is set for another intriguing battle in 2022/23.

2021/22 European Golden Shoe

Who are the previous European Golden Shoe winners?

Lionel Messi has won the most European Golden Shoe titles.

The PSG forward has triumphed on six occasions, most recently in 2018/19 for Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo is his closest challenger with four career wins, though the Man Utd attacker has not come out on top since 2014/15 when he was at Real Madrid.

Nine players have two awards apiece, including Luis Suarez and Thierry Henry.

Messi holds the record for most goals and points in a season as well. He remarkably scored 50 goals in 2011/12, earning himself 100 points.

Ronaldo has come closest to breaking that, scoring 48 goals for 96 points when he last won the crown more than six years ago.

Argentina forward Messi is the only player in European Golden Shoe history to win the title three years in a row, doing so from 2016/17 until 2018/19.

Ronaldo, though, is one of only four players to have won the title with different clubs. The others are Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and Mario Jardel.

Robert Lewandowski became the first Bundesliga winner since 1972 last season, with his 41 goals being the best tally for six seasons.

That came after Ciro Immobile won the 2019/20 European Golden Shoe, scoring 36 goals for Lazio in a tremendous Serie A season.

It was his first title, with the striker becoming the first Serie A player to have the most goals in Europe since Francesco Totti triumphed for Lazio‘s rivals Roma in 2006/07.

Ligue 1 has not produced a winner since Josip Skoblar in 1971, a statistic the likes of Messi and Mbappe are hoping to change soon.

What are the European Golden Shoe rules and weightings?

Only league goals are eligible for the European Golden Shoe, with each strike earning points in a weighted system depending on the quality of league.

The five elite leagues – Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 – all carry a weighting of 2, meaning that a player will be awarded two points for every goal they score in these competitions.

For the leagues ranked sixth to 21 in Uefa’s coefficients rankings – which includes the top-flights in Portugal, Netherlands and Russia – goals scored are given a weighting of 1.5, and goals scored in a league outwith the top 21 are given a weighting of 1.

That was not always the case in the European Golden Shoe. From 1968 until 1991, the award simply went to the highest goalscorer on the continent, regardless of the strength of league.

Awards were not initially handed out between 1991 until 1996, when the new system came into force. Since then, only two players playing outside what were the five highest-ranked leagues at the time have ever won the Golden Shoe – Henrik Larsson (2000/01) and Mario Jardel (2001/02).

The Golden Shoe has been tied in the past, most recently when Suarez and Ronaldo shared the honour in 2013/14. Going forward, though, the award will be given to the player who has played the fewest minutes if two of them end up on the same number of points.

This page covers the 2021/22 European Golden Shoe race.

Last season’s standings can be found here and if you want to see the final results for the 2019/20 European Golden Shoe, follow this link.





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