Sports
Vieira: Ayew can sacrifice himself for Crystal Palace
The Ghana attacker led the line as the Eagles collected a point against the Magpies in this weekend’s outing
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has lauded the impact Jordan Ayew had on the team despite a goalless draw in the Premier League assignment against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Ghana international had to take the centre-forward position after the introduction of Michael Olise as the Eagles searched for a goal. The Frenchman believes the Black Star brought balance to the team despite them sharing the spoils.
“It is looking at the situation of the game and when Jordan went centrally when Olise came on and [Nathaniel] Clyne went on the left, this is the flexibility of the players,” Vieira said as quoted by the club’s website.
“Jordan played that role when we went on tour so knows the responsibility of the position, and that gives me good options.
“There is an option on the table to play him there. He was fantastic when he played there, is an intelligent player, and is prepared to sacrifice himself for the team. When he went centrally that gave us a really good balance.”
The Arsenal legend praised his players for giving their best and ensuring they don’t concede from dead-ball situations.
“We knew they [set pieces] were going to be challenging. Looking at the physical aspect and every set piece was a challenge,” Vieira continued.
“I believe we defended well in the first contact, were present for the second contact and of course you expect them to make chances because this is their strength.
“We work on set pieces because we knew we needed to improve that side of the game. Today we defended really well.”
Vieira was delighted with the result and has explained why “[I’m] happy with the point.
“Tough place to come: a big atmosphere and we needed to defend well as a team. We did it well and fully deserve the point.
“You’re looking at what they spent, their ambition, it’s going to be challenging for any team coming here to get something. They’re a really strong side and this is one team you can count on to play European football.”
Source: Goal.com
Harry Maguire, a Manchester United defender, has accepted Hon. Isaac Adongo’s apologies for dragging him through the dirt.
The Ghanaian politician previously rated the former Leicester City captain as the worst player recruited by the Red Devils.
Adongo was discussing the budget when he likened Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s on-field performances.
Mr Adongo, however, apologised to Maguire in Parliament on Tuesday, saying the Manchester United defender now performed better for his club than Dr Bawumia, whom he said had repeatedly supervised the country’s economic incompetence and had subsequently gone to the (IMF) for a bailout.
“I was very quick to compare my big brother Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Harry Maguire. Mr. Speaker, I now apologize to Harry Maguire…Today Maguire has turned the corner; he is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United.”
“Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United. As for our Maguire, he is now roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand,” he stated.
Following the apology, Maguire stated on social media, “MP Issac Adongo apology accepted.” “Hope to see you at Old Trafford soon.”
Meanwhile, Everton will play Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has indicated that he is considering stepping down after five years in charge.
Scaloni made the stunning statement following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Before winning the World Cup in Qatar last year, the 45-year-old guided Argentina to the Copa America in 2021.
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well,” said Scaloni.
“I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.
“These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. I will talk to the FA president and the players afterwards.”
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After a brief stint in command of Argentina’s under-20 team, Scaloni took over as manager in August 2018.
Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory was their first major championship in 28 years, and it qualified them for the Finalissima against European champions Italy in June 2022, which they won 3-0 at Wembley.
Later that year, they won their third World Cup in Qatar, and first since 1986.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” said Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
“Let’s see now he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”
Argentina’s victory against Brazil on Tuesday was their first-ever away win over their rivals in World Cup qualification, and it took them two points clear at the top of the table.
The game at Rio’s Maracana stadium was delayed for 30 minutes due to a scuffle during the national anthems.
Chris Hughton’s Black Stars suffered their first competitive loss as head coach, falling 1-0 to Comoros in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Myziane Maolida’s first-half goal was enough to give the hosts their second straight victory over the Black Stars.
Ghana is now in fourth position, three points behind early group leaders Comoros, who have won both of their initial qualification games.
Following a tense, late win against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Friday, there was some hope that the Black Stars may capitalise on Mali’s slip-up against the Central African Republic to grab the group lead.
Ghana could have grabbed an early lead in Tuesday’s encounter when Inaki Williams set up Antoine Semenyo for a goal, but the Bournemouth striker hit the crossbar.
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