Daily Archives: January 31, 2025

Barcelona are brilliant in attack but shaky at the back. How far can it take them?

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“Barcelona are one of the favourites for the Champions League, having qualified from the first phase in second place, and are a joy to watch again, but Hansi Flick has problems to solve. Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo in the 2-2 draw with Atalantatook them to 28 goals from their eight matches, six more than any other team, but 20 sides in the league conceded fewer than their 13 goals against. That is the problem for this young Barca side: their attacking three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Yamal are a constant threat — the issue comes at the other end and came into focus against Atalanta. …”
NY Times/The Athletic

How Bournemouth became the Premier League’s best team to watch – and worst to play against

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“Few people expected Bournemouth’s game with Liverpool this weekend to be so important. The Premier League’s broadcast partners certainly didn’t as they made their five picks for live TV from the 10 matches in this latest round of fixtures. Sky Sports and their TNT counterparts choosing to leave the Vitality Stadium clash in the Saturday 3pm slot, behind English football’s longstanding television ‘blackout’, means only viewers outside the UK will be able to (legally) watch what could be one of the matches of the season as it happens. Because this might be the toughest fixture league leaders Liverpool have left as they chase a record-equalling 20th league title. …”
NY Times/The Athletic (Video)

 

Why do so many play on after damaging anterior cruciate ligaments? An expert explains

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“When Gabriel Jesus fell to the grass clutching his knee around 30 minutes into Arsenal’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United this month, it looked like the Brazilian’s night was over. But after the Arsenal physio ran onto the pitch and carried out tests on the 27-year-old’s left knee, he was back on his feet and deemed fit to continue. Around 10 minutes later, after sprinting to reach Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the Arsenal box, Jesus was down again, clearly in distress. This time, the striker was not able to get back on his feet and left the field on a stretcher, with the club later confirming he had suffered an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. …”
NY Times/The Athletic