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Vincent Kompany welcomes Otamendi competition

Vincent Kompany welcomed the competition for his place from new signing Nicolas Otamendi as he argued Manchester City’s superb start to the season has been motivated by the knowledge that they will lose their spots in the side if they are not right at the top of their game. City captain Kompany feels manager Manuel Pellegrini has so many high-class options in his squad that they know they cannot afford to slip up in training, let alone in matches.
The Belgian has scored twice and helped City keep three clean sheets in their 100 percent beginning to the campaign but faces a fight to stay in the side after the Premier League leaders paid £31.5 million to bring in Valencia centre-back Otamendi. City can also call upon an in-form Eliaquim Mangala, plus the promising youngster Jason Denayer and Martin Demichelis, who was their best centre-back last season. 
And Kompany said: “Competition is one of the reasons we have started so strong. You can’t really afford to do anything wrong during the week leading up to the game. Then during the game, you can’t do anything wrong either as there is always someone looking over your shoulder, waiting, who is just as good as you.

“If they are in a better moment and they deserve a chance, they will take your place. You have got to be at the top of your game. This is what you are seeing — a group of guys who know that they need to perform. If they don’t, someone else will do it.”
Kompany welcomed City’s decision to bring in Otamendi, who Pellegrini has described as arguably the best centre-back in La Liga last season.

“It is so important in any top team to have quality players all over,” he said. “The extra competition is good, really good. You don’t play for a top team unless you have that. “If you look at the schedule, you could end up with 50 or 60 games and that is impossible for one team. If you want to go for every trophy, we have got Denayer, Demichelis, Otamendi, Mangala and myself. You need that to go for it.”
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Entertainment, Sports

Manchester United have to score, Chelsea must improve and other things from the weekend.



1. WRONG CALLS BY REFEREES HAVE TO STOP: Errors are part of life and are generally inevitable. However, certain profession gives room for little or no error(s) due to the consequence or fallout from any error. Refereeing is one of those professions. A game can be won, lost or drawn due to bad calls and as such, a lot of effort has been channeled into reducing to bearest minimum or possibly eliminating the margin of error in officiating. The English FA must pay rapt attention and react swiftly to the growing spate of wrong offside calls in the league. 
Bournemouth lost a point and Manchester United lost two to wrong offside calls. Tendering an apology or punishing erring match officials will do nothing or little to fix the damage because the last time I checked, the three points Benteke’s “wrongly allowed goal” earned Liverpool still stands and Manchester United got just a single point from their game against Newcastle despite Rooney’s legit goal that was again wrongly disallowed.

These things may look insignificant or ‘little’ now but later on in hindsight, it may turn out to be the reason why a team fail to survive or win the title. This is the EPL, a league where every point, every goal counts.


2. CHELSEA’S PROBLEMS ARE FAR FROM OVER: Chelsea finally grabbed their first win of the season and scores goals aplenty but their problems are far from over as the awful defending and uninspiring play still remains. The 3-2 win against West Brom brings their total number of conceded goals to SEVEN with just three games into the season. A clear show of porous and poor defending – which is something Mourinho is very critical of.
John Terry continues to show his lack of pace and on top of that, committed a foul that reminds everyone of when Arsenal used to have Djourou at the heart of their defence, Ivanovic continues his woeful performance on the right where he is consistently turned inside out by anyone called a winger and Zouma looks like a ticking bomb with his perpetual lack of focus and unwise decisions in crucial areas. Cesar Azpilicueta remains the only defender that has put in a decent performance over the course of three games.
In the middle, the combination of Matic and Fabregas no longer yields desired result with Fabregas doing more to assist the opponents than his own team by regularly giving away possession and misplacing passes. The attack looks sharper with the inclusion of Pedro – who has hit the ground running but all the loopholes in the midfield and defence must be fixed if Chelsea are nurturing any dream of winning laurels this season.
Lastly, a free tip for Chelsea’s marketing team – Ivanovic will do well as Vine’s brand ambassador. He contributes more videos than anyone these days.

3. MANCHESTER CITY ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT: Maximum 9 points from three games played, 8 goals scored and none conceded – Manchester City are on a roll and they would take some stopping.  With a much improved opposition in Everton (due respect to West Brom and Chelsea), Manchester City showed that their emphatic wins have more to do with their immense quality and tenacity than the level or quality of opposition.

A sturdy defence led by Kompany, a very creative and dominating midfield with Silva at the helms of affairs and a lethal strike force led by Sergio Aguero plus a very rich bench thanks to good signings, City are already looking like the team to beat.

4. MANCHESTER UNITED NEED TO SCORE: While the blue side of Manchester is bright and noisy from the shout of goals and victories, the other side isn’t all that good. Manchester United are still unable to score goals despite dominating games and overwhelming opponents.
Wayne Rooney is not finding the striking role easy and with every game, he increases the worry that Manchester United may need to look elsewhere for a striker. Newcastle’s barren draw is United’s third league game and they have only managed 2 goals – an own goal and deflected shot.
100 percent ball possession and passes completed does not win games, goals is what does. Manchester United will have to start scoring soon or find themselves in real trouble.
–
Adeshina Peter 
You can follow him on Twitter via @shina_pitta
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Entertainment, Sports

Pepe extends contract with Real Madrid

Portuguese defender, Pepe has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2017. Pepe, 32, who has been linked over recent seasons with a move to English clubs Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, has prolonged his stay at the Bernabeu club for another two seasons at least. The news follows his long-term centre-back partner Sergio Ramos also signing a new contract at Madrid, ending what had been a long summer of speculation that he could be moving to England.

“Real Madrid and Pepe have agreed the extension of the player’s contract, to remain at the club until 30 June 2017,” said the short club statement announcing the news. Pepe joined Madrid from Porto for €30 million in 2007, and has been a first choice for subsequent coaches Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

He is also expected to start Sunday’s La Liga opener at Sporting Gijon under new Blancos coach Rafa Benitez, having returned to full training this week after overcoming the thigh muscle strain which saw him miss Madrid’s last two preseason friendlies.
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Entertainment, Sports

Gerard Pique suspended for four games

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been handed a four-match suspension following his dismissal in the Spanish Super Cup second leg against Athletic Bilbao. Pique protested angrily in the face of a linesman over an offside call during the course of the game and was red-carded by referee Carlos Velasco.
Velasco Carballo’s official report said that the Spain international used foul and abusive language when shouting at the assistant.

“In minute 55 the player [3] Pique Bernabeu, Gerard, was sent off for the following reason: shouting at an assistant referee, “I s— on your f—ing mother,” the report said.
Gerard Pique has apologised for his behaviour in the 1-1 draw, which meant the match finished 5-1 in Athleti’s favour, but denied personally insulting the assistant referee.

However, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said the “video supports” the referee’s report’s claim that Pique did swear at the official.
The centre-back’s suspension means he is set to miss the Liga matches against Athletic (away), Malaga (home), Atletico Madrid (away) and Levante (home).

Pique, who has also been fined €3,005 and his club €1,400, has 10 business days from Thursday to appeal the sanction.
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Entertainment, Sports

Manchester United secure convincing 3-1 win over Brugge

Goals from Memphis Depay and Marouane fellaini secured a convincing 3-1 over club Brugge in the first leg of champions league play off. An own goal from Micheal Carrick had put Club Brugge ahead in the opening minutes of the game but Manchester United level through a great individual effort from Memphis Depay.
Depay scored another goal to put his team ahead and also provided a cross that was converted by Marouane Fellaini in the dying minutes of the game. The 3-1 win will give Manchester United some cushion ahead of the second leg scheduled for 26th of August, 2015.
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Entertainment, Sports

Benteke's strike ensures Liverpool's triumph over Bournemouth

New signing, Christian Benteke scored a controversial goal to give Liverpool maximum 3points in their second league game against newly-promoted side, Bournemouth. The £32 million summer signing from Aston Villa struck from close range after 26 minutes at Anfield but debate raged over whether Philippe Coutinho was offside.

This came after the Cherries had earlier had a Tommy Elphick goal harshly ruled ruled for a push in the area by referee Craig Pawson. Brendan Rodgers, watched by Liverpool owner John W Henry, fielded a side unchanged from the laboured opening victory at Stoke.
They started in much the same sluggish manner as the visitors made the early running. Max Gradel looked dangerous on the left, Andrew Surman and Eunan O’Kane provided drive and strikers Callum Wilson and Josh King were threatening. It was the 24th minute before Liverpool finally posed a serious threat with Benteke driving narrowly over from distance.
The questionable goal moments later as Jordan Henderson swung in a deep cross from the left.
Coutinho was offside and clearly played at the ball as it bounced past him on the way to Benteke, who turned home at the far post. The goal, Benteke’s 50th in English club football, sparked strong debate over the latest interpretation of the offside rule. Coutinho did not have to make contact to be flagged, as he would have done in previous seasons, but his action had to impact on an opponent. 
There were no Bournemouth players near him as he moved for the ball, but goalkeeper
Artur Boruc may have anticipated a touch.
Liverpool did enough to hold on and Benteke almost snatched a second in the closing moments when a deflected shot struck the bar.
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Entertainment, Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo named the most charitable athlete in the world. See top 20 list

Real Madrid talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged the most charitable professional athlete in the world. The list was published by a site called Look To The Stars which‎ keeps track of celebrity benevolence. There are two footballers in the list, the second is Brazil/Barcelona’s Neymar.
Ronaldo’s charity work has not gone unnoticed. He has a long history with Save The Children charity. He provided aid for Madeira when floods struck the island off Portugal, sponsored children’s surgeries. Others organisations he’s supported include UNICEF, World Vision, to mention a few. His arch rival, Lionel Messi didn’t even make it to the list.
Top 20 Athletes Gone Good list:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. John Cena
3. Serena Williams
4. Yuna Kim
5. Neymar Jr.
6. LeBron James
7. Heather O’Reilly
8. Maria Sharapova
9. Mo’ne Davis
10. Richard Sherman
11. Meryl Davis & Charlie White
12. Dan Carter
13. Roman Reigns
14. Ronda Rousey
15. Lindsey Vonn
16. Tom Daley
17. Bethany Hamilton
18. Saina Nehwal
19. Paul Rabil
20. Shahid Afridi
‎
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Entertainment, Sports

Kevin De Bruyne absent from training amid city rumours

Kevin De Bruyne missed club training on Tuesday amid wide reports that Manchester City have made a second bid of £47Million for the Belgium international. Coach Dieter Hecking confirmed De Bruyne’s absence from training but insisted that Manchester City have not made an offer.
Despite Hecking’s claim that there had not been any contact with City, Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Wednesday that the English club are still waiting for an official response to their €67m bid.
The report added that De Bruyne has been offered a five-year contract, worth €320,000 (£228,000) a week, which would see him become the best-paid Belgian player of all time. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, the current top earning Belgian, is reported to earn €280,000 (£200,000).
In an interview published in Wednesday’s edition of Sport Bild, Hecking was asked whether the DFB Pokal winners had enough quality in the squad to compensate for a potential De Bruyne sale.

“Given his current form, Kevin would be hard to replace for any club,” he said. “But should he leave us one day, then we have to spread the responsibility onto many other players’ shoulders, because every departure is also a chance for others.

“Our squad is strong enough, even though it hardly needs to be said that a player like Kevin makes the difference.”
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Coach of Enugu Rangers shot by gunmen

Charles Offodile, the coach of Enugu Rangers was shot by gunmen in Enugu on Monday.
The ugly incident took place in Asata area of Enugu where the team was preparing to travel for its federation cup tie with ElKanemi Warriors. An official of the club has suggested that the gunmen are likely to be cultists who recently unleashed terror in the area.
“From what we have gathered, it is likely that Offordile was shot by cultists in Asata area of Enugu. They have been constituting nuisance to lives and property in the area for some time now”

Rangers’ media officer, Foster Chime, said the coach is in fine condition in an undisclosed hospital in the city.

“We were all preparing to travel to Abuja for our Federation Cup game when we heard he has been shot by gunmen. But we thank God, he is in a stable condition and he will be discharged soon. The management of the club has paid him a visit and he is fine,” Chime said.
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Chelsea close in on John Stones, set to make third offer

Premier League champions, Chelsea Fc are set to table an improved £30 Million bid for Everton defender, John Stones. The Blues have had previous bids of £20m and £26m rejected by Everton but believe their next offer will be enough to land the highly rated centre-back.
Everton are anticipating the offer on Monday and there is now an acceptance that Stones will be sold should Chelsea bid £30m, despite the public stance that the England international will stay at Goodison Park.
Chelsea face rivals Manchester City on Sunday and hope to sign Stones in time for their trip to the Etihad Stadium. Stones, 21, has made it clear to Everton that he would like to move to Stamford Bridge having been chased by the Premier League champions all summer. Chelsea are understood to have prepared a five-year contract offer worth £100,000 a week for Stones, who has been identified by Jose Mourinho as the perfect replacement for 34-year-old captain John Terry.
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