Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Monday 29 May 2023 Dublin: 16°C

# talking point

Last year
2022
# talking point
No hiding place for Steven Gerrard as pressure intensifies at Aston Villa
Gerrard’s Villa started with a terrible loss to promoted Bournemouth, and he is under scrutiny having stripped Tyrone Mings of the captaincy.
# talking point
Will the gamble of buying Erling Haaland backfire for Man City?
The Norwegian striker is unlike any other forwards City have signed,
# talking point
Ireland's man of the match wants more
21-year-old Nathan Collins shone in his side’s draw with Ukraine.
# title race
History is likely to repeat itself on Sunday, but don't rule out final-day drama
While Manchester City and Liverpool would both be worthy Premier League champions, there could yet be a faller at the last, writes John Brewin.
# talking point
Clubs embrace chaos as survival fight reaches a dramatic conclusion
Everton, Leeds United and Burnley all face relegation with varying degrees of consequence waiting for them.
# talking point
Gerrard has failed to inspire at Aston Villa but surely he will avoid relegation catastrophe?
“I’m concerned about Villa every minute of every day and I’ll continue to be concerned and focused for every minute moving forward.”
# talking point
Ten Hag's power will only diminish from this point, it's why he must be decisive
Time is already against the new Manchester United manager if he is to be successful at Old Trafford, but so much is still out of his hands.
# talking point
Do Pep and Klopp really need a Treble to surpass Ferguson's achievements?
Man City and Liverpool meet in the FA Cup semi-final, and it will see one club’s hopes of matching United’s historic success of 1999 come to an end.
# talking point
Believe the hype - Sunday's showdown could ultimately decide the title race
Man City host Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash, with both sides in superb form.
# talking point
England tried to destroy Beckham, now United fans must stand by Maguire
Hearing Old Trafford back their captain could also be the catalyst for a turning point in what has been a disastrous 10-month spell in his club career,
# talking point
Ireland's most-talked-about hot prospect delivers on the big stage
Troy Parrott came off the bench to rescue the Boys in Green and prevent a familiar failure.
# talking point
How the Super League, Smith-Rowe and status quo fuels simmering rivalry
Aston Villa host Arsenal tomorrow with the Villa Park hierarchy knowing they must halt Gunners’ Champions League charge.
# talking point
The patronising commentary around Roy Keane needs to stop
The Corkonian made headlines again for his criticisms of Man United after their defeat by City.
# talking point
Is Roman Abramovich the most influential figure in Premier League history?
The Russian oligarch announced he was selling Chelsea earlier this week.
# talking point
Has Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo gamble failed?
The Portuguese star has shone individually, but his team are going backwards.
# talking point
To succeed as a manager, Roy Keane must show that the perception is not the reality
The Man United legend reportedly turned down the chance to become Sunderland manager earlier this week.
# talking point
Frank Lampard is a risky appointment for Everton - but anyone else would have been a risk at such a messy club
The Chelsea hero begins live on Merseyside with a Cup tie against Brentford tomorrow.
# talking point
Does Matt Doherty have a future at Tottenham?
The Ireland international impressed after coming off the bench against Leicester in midweek.
# Great expectations
5 Irish players that could make a Premier League breakthrough in 2022
Evan Ferguson and others close to getting game time in the top flight.
All time
# talking point
Liverpool and others are effectively being punished for their high vaccine uptake
A high number of fixtures in England have been postponed owing to Covid outbreaks.
# Pressure
Can Steven Gerrard become a great manager?
The Liverpool legend makes his return to Anfield as Aston Villa manager this weekend.
# talking point
There's just one obvious candidate for Premier League player of the season so far
Mo Salah has been in blistering form for Liverpool.
# talking point
Are Chelsea a better team without Romelu Lukaku?
Cristiano Ronaldo has greatly imbalanced Manchester United, but has Lukaku had a similar effect on the European Champions?
# talking point
The Stephen Kenny debate was never really about Stephen Kenny
The Ireland manager is beginning to silence even the most ardent sceptics with a series of improved displays from the team.
# talking point
Last night proved one thing - we do have the players
Ireland earned a creditable draw and could easily have beaten a Portugal team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo.
# talking point
Man United's misguided idea of football is what leaves them so far behind Liverpool
Last weekend’s humiliating 5-0 defeat has left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a tenuous position.
# talking point
Can a manager and a pundit be too close?
Several ex-Man United players have recently been criticised for their continual defence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
# talking point
Journalists and football fans must continue to highlight why Newcastle takeover is not right
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are behind the £300 million deal.
# talking point
Don't blame Solskjaer if he's out of his depth at United - blame the club
United have been too easy to play against this season and are on course to finish behind all three of their title rivals.
# talking point
Harry Kane desperately regrets not leaving Spurs - this week we'll learn how much Man City are missing him
Man City begin a daunting week with a visit to Chelsea tomorrow.
# Analysis
Is this the strongest Premier League ever?
The financial might of England’s top clubs is in stark contrast with the struggles of other European sides, writes Paul Fennessy.
# talking point
Is Cristiano Ronaldo a good fit for Man United?
The Portuguese superstar is expected to make his second debut for the club against Newcastle on Saturday.
# Analysis
Portugal performance shows plenty of reasons to keep faith with the Kenny project
A young Irish side came agonisingly close to upsetting Fernando Santos’ men.
# talking point
What now for Harry Kane?
The England striker confirmed he was staying at Tottenham earlier this week, after failing to secure a move to Man City.
# talking point
'Very frustrated and annoyed' and 'move forward with the rules' - calls for change in ladies football
Dublin boss Mick Bohan and Donegal manager Maxi Curran are among those who have been particularly vocal.
# talking point
Can Sligo Rovers last the pace in the LOI title race?
Liam Buckley’s side have knocked the champions from the top of the table.
# talking point
Pep Guardiola ‘could not care less’ about referee in Champions League final
Manchester City face Chelsea on Saturday with Spanish official Antonio Mateu Lahoz set to take charge of the game in Porto.
# talking point
How else to remember the worst Premier League season ever?
We pick out the moments that will endure from a season played almost entirely without supporters.
# talking point
Is Dundalk's greatest era now over?
The Lilywhites take on reigning champions Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park this season.
# talking point
Progress has been made this season, but problems remain at Manchester United
Can Man United solve their squad’s shortcomings in a single summer?