Alexis Nunes and Gab Marcotti break down Bayern’s surprising defeat against Hoffenheim after beating Spurs 7-2. The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place. Jump to: Man United make a signing | Ex-Liverpool player top
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Alexis Nunes and Julien Laurens question whether Frank Lampard could ever win the Premier League with Chelsea. Christian Pulisic is struggling for time at Chelsea, and Craig Burley says the reason why is simple. Craig Burley says Frank Lampard has rejuvenated Chelsea with youth after the Blues’ 4-1 win over Southampton. When Olivier Giroud arrived
Trent Alexander-Arnold is taking things one game at a time for both England and Liverpool. Craig Burley says Roberto Firmino’s health will be a key factor for Liverpool in the Premier League title race. An angry Jurgen Klopp says Hazma Choudry should have been sent off for his tackle on Mohamed Salah. Liverpool teenager Harvey
The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place. Thursday night saw the world premiere of the new Cirque du Soleil show inspired entirely by the life and times of Lionel Messi. Messi
Decision Day has come and gone, leaving Major League Soccer’s 14 playoff sides with nearly two weeks to contemplate their paths to MLS Cup glory. In the regular season’s afterglow, postseason hopes will never be higher for many of these clubs, which is why we’ve detailed precisely why each team can win MLS Cup …
The ESPN FC crew debate whether or not Arsenal are good enough to finish third this year. Arsenal are up to third, and Craig Burley says Unai Emery’s side can still go to another level. Craig Burley and Stevie Nicol say Nicolas Pepe looks like “a flash in the pan” after failing to live up
Ale Moreno feels international duty will bring a huge deal of confidence for Antoine Griezmann. Alejandro Moreno breaks down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on El Clasico. Alejandro Moreno examines the players Barcelona may have to sell to get their books in order. Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati has been added to Spain’s under-21 squad
Steven Gerrard accepted a charge of misconduct after Sunday’s loss to Celtic. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been handed a one-match touchline ban after accepting a charge of misconduct following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat in the Scottish Premiership by Glasgow rivals Celtic. The Scottish FA said the former England captain had taken a fixed offer. The
In case you’re not familiar with expected goals (xG) yet, the statistic is built around the idea that the majority of teams and players convert the same chances at the same frequency. For the most part, the best teams and players aren’t the best because of their ability to finish a high percentage of attempts;
After Jose Mourinho reportedly turned down a job at Lyon, the FC crew break down his job prospects. Is managing a club close to the bottom of the Ligue 1 table a good move for Arsene Wenger? Neymar found the back of the net in a 1-0 win for PSG, but ESPN FC’s Julien Laurens
Even before a ball was kicked, Manchester United bosses expected a hard season in 2019-20. Everton more than matched the asking price to loan defender Marcos Rojo on deadline day but the deal was canned at the last minute over fears that Marco Silva already had a stronger squad. Chris Smalling was told he could
The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too late to look forward to January. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below. Top 10 free agents in 2020 | European transfer review TOP STORY: Manchester United nearing Mandzukic deal Tuttosport is reporting
LAS ROZAS DE MADRID, Spain — The handle turns, the door opens and Saul Niguez bursts into the room. There’s just enough space to slip quietly past, out towards the training pitch and up to the players’ residence for lunch, but he’s not about to do that. He’s been listening in from a small office
Chicago Fire end their season with a rout of fellow playoff outsider Orlando City. Watch MLS on ESPN+. The Chicago Fire have failed to make the playoffs after drawing 2-2 to Toronto FC. To watch MLS, sign up for ESPN+. The Chicago Fire has signed former Real Madrid and Valencia midfielder Alvaro Medran. The free
Rodri tells Sid Lowe the challenges of being a defensive midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s system. Mark Ogden explains why Man City couldn’t pursue another top centre-back after missing out on Harry Maguire. The FC guys break down how Wolves shut down a potent Manchester City attack in their 2-0 upset at the Etihad. Manchester City
Lionel Messi felt “mistreated” and thought of leaving Barca when under investigation for tax fraud in 2013. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was in Madrid court on Wednesday to face charges of tax fraud after opting not to accept a plea bargain. The former Spain international could face up to a five-year prison sentence and
ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti dives into Gareth Bale’s saga at Real Madrid, calling the star’s antics “idiotic.” Alejandro Moreno breaks down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on El Clasico. Shaka Hislop questions whether or not Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid in January. Steve Nicol explains the impact Eden Hazard’s first goal for Real
Timothy Weah celebrates his goal against St. Mirren on Wednesday. United States forward Tim Weah said it was an “amazing feeling” to celebrate a goal in his first start for two months in Celtic’s 2-0 win at St. Mirren in the Scottish Premier League on Wednesday. The 19-year-old put Celtic ahead in the 15th minute Wednesday night
Christian Pulisic is struggling for time at Chelsea, and Craig Burley says the reason why is simple. Gregg Berhalter insists Christian Pulisic is a focal point for the U.S. despite his lack of playing time at Chelsea. Shaka Hislop and Mark Donaldson debate the merits of a loan move for Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic in January.
Alejandro Moreno breaks down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on El Clasico. Alejandro Moreno examines the players Barcelona may have to sell to get their books in order. The ESPN FC crew analyse Barcelona’s performance sans Antoine Griezmann in their 4-0 win over Sevilla. Steve Nicol weighs in on the rumours Barcelona may try