Preston North End FC – CaughtOffside

54/55 pass completion, 5 shots: Arsenal wonderkid’s stats vs Preston are out of this world

CJ — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:35:43 +0000

At this point, it’s not really a secret, but Ethan Nwaneri is one extremely talented footballer.

The 17-year-old has been finding his feet with the Arsenal senior team this season and already has two goals his name, netting a brace in the 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup third round.

After a few appearances from the bench, Nwaneri was named to the starting line-up once again as Mikel Arteta’s men faced Preston North End in the fourth round of the League Cup.

To say that Nwaneri has made the most of his latest opportunity would be understating it.

Ethan Nwaneri dazzles in Arsenal win over Preston

Ethan Nwaneri put in a stunning performance vs Preston. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

The teenage sensation netted a stunning goal in the 33rd minute, receiving the ball from Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus before cutting inside and slamming it home with his left foot.

Ethan Nwaneri, you’re special ?

?: @tekkersfoot pic.twitter.com/fje6wEF5dO

— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) October 30, 2024

“Wow. That is spectacular from Nwaneri. Allowing the ball to roll across his body before bending into the top corner. Very Phil Foden-esque,” Sky Sports reporter Laura Hunter noted.

Nwaneri’s strike gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead after Jesus had opened the scoring, while Kai Havertz added another after the break to seal a comfortable victory and a spot in the next round.

But the goal itself was just the tip of the iceberg in what was an incredible showing from this teenage sensation.

During his 83 minutes on the pitch, Nwaneri completed 54 of his 55 passes to the tune of 98% success. Meanwhile, he also attempted five shots — hitting the woodwork in the 76th minute — completed two of his three dribbles, played seven passes into the final third and had five touches in the opposition box.

Nwaneri even found time to chip in defensively with two tackles and three recoveries, while he was only dispossessed once in the entire match.

With performances like this, it won’t be long until Nwaneri is demanding his spot in Arsenal’s Premier League starting XI. Considering his immense talent, you’d back him to light up the English top flight.

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Carabao Cup R4 draw: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool & Spurs’ next opponents

CJ — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:24:10 +0000

The draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup took place on Wednesday night, with each of the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ still going strong.

Manchester United ran out comfortable 7-0 winners over League One Barnsley last week, while Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 win away at Coventry City.

And this week, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool made their way past Barrow, Watford, Bolton and West Ham, respectively.

There is one more game still to play, with Newcastle’s tie with Wimbledon re-arranged to Tuesday night at St. James’ Park after Plough Lane was flooded due to a sinkhole.

But the draw has been made, with just three rounds to go before the final at Wembley.

Carabao Cup Round Four draw

Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton vs Stoke City

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Manchester United vs Leicester City

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool

Preston North End vs Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Top photo by George Wood/Getty Images

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Preston North End and Fulham make League Cup history after epic encounter

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:01:02 +0000

It’s not often that the early stages of domestic cup competitions provide historic moments, but that’s exactly what happened on Tuesday night when Preston North End and Fulham met in the League Cup.

Normal time and extra-time couldn’t separate the Championship side and their Premier League counterparts.

Ryan Ledson opened the scoring for the hosts on 35 minutes, before Fulham’s Reiss Nelson pegged them back just after the hour.

Preston and Fulham’s historic League Cup shoot-out

With a penalty shoot-out the end result, no one could’ve foreseen what was going to happen next.

After five penalties each, not one player from either side had missed the target.

Indeed, the first eight penalties were perfect, before a miss from Fulham’s Jorge Cuenca handed the advantage to the hosts.

Fulham players are crestfallen after losing an historic League Cup penalty shoot-out to Preston North End (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for Preston, the pressure was too much for Kaine Kesler-Hayden and the shoot-out continued.

Another seven successful spot-kicks from either side included the first five players having to take a second penalty each.

When Timothy Castagne stepped up for Fulham, it was the Cottager’s 15th penalty of the night.

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His miss allowed Ledson to step up and effectively score his third goal of the night to see the Championship side through to the next round.

As the official EFL website noted, it was the longest penalty shoot-out in the competition’s illustrious 64-year history.

Top photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

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Carabao Cup R2 draw: Newcastle, West Ham, Everton and other Premier League clubs learn their fate

CJ — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:45:41 +0000

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made, with the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton learning their fate.

After round one saw Championship, League One and League Two sides kick things off, we’ve reached the stage where the Premier League clubs not competing in European competition enter the tournament.

All-Premier League ties of Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle and West Ham vs Bournemouth are among the most eye-catching, while there are also some local derbies like Millwall vs Leyton Orient, Barnsley vs Sheffield United and Blackburn vs Blackpool.

Read on for the full Carabao Cup round two draw, with all ties to be played the week commencing August 26.

Carabao Cup draw

Northern section

Grimsby vs Sheffield Wednesday

Everton vs Doncaster

Blackburn vs Blackpool

Fleetwood vs Rotherham

Shrewsbury vs Bolton

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle

Barrow vs Derby

Leicester vs Tranmere

Middlesbrough vs Stoke

Barnsley vs Sheffield United

Harrogate vs Preston

Walsall vs Huddersfield

Wolves vs Burnley

Southern section

Coventry vs Oxford United

Swansea vs Wycombe

AFC Wimbledon vs Ipswich

Birmingham vs Fulham

Watford vs Plymouth

West Ham vs Bournemouth

QPR vs Luton

Brighton vs Crawley

Crystal Palace vs Norwich

Cardiff vs Southampton

Millwall vs Leyton Orient

Colchester vs Brentford

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Everton boss Sean Dyche names two big positives from Preston win

CJ — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:21:01 +0000

Sean Dyche was thrilled to see two Everton new boys get on the scoresheet in their 3-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday, alongside a host of key players returning from injury.

Second-half goals from summer signings Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom completed a comfortable friendly victory for the Toffees after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had opened the scoring from the penalty spot before half-time.

6ft 4″ centre-back O’Brien lashed home a powerful volley from the edge of the box after Preston failed to clear a delivery into the box.

61' Goal! Jake O'Brien makes an impact off the bench. A fine finish!

?? 0-2 ? https://t.co/2VsWpyRq02 pic.twitter.com/c3QQqp1YMA

— Everton (@Everton) August 3, 2024

Lindstrom’s effort was arguably even more impressive, curling a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net from distance.

70' Goal! Another debutant on the scoresheet as Lindstrøm curls home a great free-kick!

?? 0-3 ? https://t.co/2VsWpyRq02 pic.twitter.com/A7qpKjRFnM

— Everton (@Everton) August 3, 2024

Both players were making their debuts after joining Everton from Lyon and Napoli, respectively, and Dyche was delighted to see them make a fast start to life in blue — while the likes of Tim Iroegbunam and academy graduate Harrison Armstrong also caught the eye.

“I’m really pleased for the new lads, of course. Jake and Jesper getting two different kinds of goals, but both good goals. Dom (Calvert-Lewin) was looking sharp. [There were] a lot of good habits on show today,” Dyche told evertonfc.com after Saturday’s match at Deepdale.

“You want centre-halves to score, but it’s not always that type of goal. It was a great strike.

“And Jesper, you want him to enjoy that and show signs of little bits of magic. In training, he’s looked like that, whipping them in.

“Tim (Iroegbunam) locked in another 90. He’s new to us, and young Harrison (Armstrong) getting another taste of what we’re about, so I’m pleased for him, as well.”

Preston win a step in the right direction for Everton

Saturday’s victory and the manner of the performance will come as a massive relief to Evertonians, who had watched their side fail to win any of their summer friendlies previously — 2-1 and 3-0 defeats to Salford and Coventry, respectively, following a 3-3 draw with Sligo Rovers.

Dyche himself admitted the ‘mixture’ was better, especially with the likes of James Tarkowski, Vitaly Mykolenko and Idrissa Gana Gueye returning to action.

“After Tuesday, going into this game, we expected to see a difference. We did see a difference, and of course, very important players [returning] who have shown they’re very important players over time. That mixture just felt better and looked better on the eye, as well,” said Dyche.

Everton have one more official friendly to come before they open the 2024/25 Premier League season, taking on Italian giants Roma in the last-ever friendly at Goodison Park on Saturday.

How to buy tickets for Everton games at Goodison Park

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Two Chelsea defenders close to leaving after latest decision from Premier League club

Darren Looney — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:45:31 +0000

Chelsea have announced the squad that will travel on their pre-season tour to the United States and there were some noticeable absences with Trevoh Chalobah and Alfie Gilchrist left off the list by Enzo Maresca.

Both players featured for the Blues last season as Mauricio Pochettino trusted the two defensive stars at points throughout the campaign.

Gilchrist featured in 11 Premier League matches after the 20-year-old was handed his senior debut by the Argentine coach when he came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace back in December. The 2023/24 season was an important one for the young defender and he is now expected to go on loan to gain further experience.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Englishman has received two loan proposals for the upcoming season from Preston and Sheffield United. The youngster will pick his favourite destination over the coming days and it is the reason he has not been taken on Chelsea’s pre-season tour.

Chalobah’s story is a lot different as his Chelsea exit has been written on the walls at Stamford Bridge for some time.

Alfie Gilchrist in action for Chelsea

Trevoh Chalobah’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end

Chalobah has been told that he will be staying in London while the rest of the Chelsea squad travels to the United States as the Premier League club feel that they already have enough defensive options with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo, states Fabrizio Romano.

The West London outfit will also take 18-year-old Josh Acheapong with them to America as Maresca wants to use this time to evaluate the young defender.

Maresca admits he told Leicester hero he will be a sub in next game

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:14:50 +0000

With just a couple of games to go in the Championship season, Leicester City sit proudly back atop the division and looking likely to win the title unless they happen to have another mini-collapse.

At one point this season, the Foxes lead over everyone else was into double figures, but a mixture of poor performances and results allowed their nearest pursuers – Ipswich Town and Leeds United – to reel them back in.

The battle for the two automatic promotion places ever since has been a joy to watch, with all three interchanging at various times, and only being a couple of points away from each other for the most part.

Abdul Fatawu could be benched for Leicester

Just when it was needed, Leicester put on a real show against Southampton, themselves an outsider for the top two spots, and plundered five goals.

Abdul Fatawu scored a hat-trick and set up another in a man-of-the-match performance, however, manager Enzo Maresca seems keen to keep the player level-headed.

“The next game he will be on the bench. I told him straight after the game: ‘Relax, because the next game you’re going to be on the bench,’” he was quoted as saying by Leicestershire Live.

“With Abdul, with young players, after a hat-trick, he is probably thinking that he’s already a top player. But they need to calm down and work hard every day and prepare themselves in the right way.

Enzo Maresca will bench Leicester hero against Preston

“We are very happy with Abdul. The good thing about Abdul is that he’s a bit different to Stephy (Mavididi). Stephy struggles to defend, he likes to attack. But Abdul loves to do both. He helps us a lot this season.”

It isn’t clear at present if Maresca was being a little tongue in cheek or if he does indeed intend to leave the 20-year-old Ghanaian champing at the bit on the sidelines against Preston North End.

Depending on your point of view the decision could be considered a masterstroke and a lesson in game management.

Not that Fatawu would necessarily see things that way on the back of one of the brightest performances of his fledgling career.

His reaction to being benched – should it happen – will tell Maresca all he needs to know about the players attitude.

If, as expected, Leicester do manage to make it back to the promised land at the first time of asking, Fatawu can play a big part if he’s humble enough to accept his manager’s way of working.

If not, his career at the King Power Stadium could be over before it really gets going.

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Video: Southampton match called off after huge fire breaks out at St Mary’s Stadium

Darren Looney — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:08:31 +0000

Southampton’s match with Preston North End on Wednesday night has been postponed after a huge fire broke out near St Mary’s Stadium earlier in the day.

The Saints were looking to close the gap to the Championship’s top three after they all won their matches on Tuesday but the game will now have to be played later in the year.

The fire began around 1pm on Wednesday and the cause of it is unknown, reports Sky News. It looks like it is a massive one from the footage as firefighters continue to try and extinguish it.

Nobody has reportedly been injured in the blaze and hopefully, that remains the case over the coming hours.

Watch: Massive fire breaks out near Southampton’s stadium

? OFFICIAL: Southampton’s game against Preston tonight has been called OFF after a fire broke out at a nearby building.

(? @hogequeen) pic.twitter.com/9zQhu4io6y

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 6, 2024

Leeds make move to sign Liverpool full-back before Preston clash

Jake Staniland — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:20:41 +0000

Leeds United are reportedly contemplating a move to sign Liverpool defender Calvin Ramsay on loan during the January transfer window, as mentioned in the Daily Mail’s print edition on Thursday. The 20-year-old is listed among the right-back options that Leeds is monitoring.

Liverpool signed Ramsay, the Scotland international, in the summer of 2022 for £6.5 million as reported by Sky Sports. They have recently recalled him from his loan spell at Championship side Preston North End.

Leeds United are facing a notable shortage of options at right-back, especially after Djed Spence returned to Tottenham and Luke Ayling joined Middlesbrough, leaving them in need of increased depth at the position.

Ramsay, having played only twice during his loan spell with Preston that was marred by injuries, is likely eager to secure more regular football through a potential loan move, as he seeks to gain valuable playing time and consistency.

Ramsay’s past performances for Aberdeen, earning him the SFWA Young Player of the Year award, indicate that he could be a reliable option for Leeds United.

Given his young age of just 20, the ceiling is extremely high for the Scotsman as long as he is able to secure consistent game time to aid his development

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20-year-old Liverpool star expected to leave in January despite injury to key man in his position

Darren Looney — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:12:19 +0000

Liverpool have recalled defender Calvin Ramsay from his loan spell at Championship outfit Preston North End and the Merseyside club plan to send the youngster back out on loan this month.

The Scottish star made the move last summer hoping to get regular minutes under his belt, but injury has only allowed him to make just two appearances during his stay at Deepdale. Ramsay hadn’t featured for Preston since their defeat to Queens Park Rangers in early December but is now back in Liverpool as the Reds plan his next move.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool are keen for Ramsay to play regular first-team football in the second half of the season to aid his development so it’s expected that the Scotsman will be loaned out again before the end of this month.

Ramsay has been recalled from his Preston loan