# talking point

Last year

2022

# talking point

The simple reason why Southgate is succeeding where past England managers failed

The Three Lions’ most successful coach since Alf Ramsey has received some recent criticism for his selections.

11.7k

Dec 1st 2022, 12:01 AM

# talking point

Watching English media cover their team through Irish eyes can be baffling - but it's far from an anomaly

Gareth Southgate has endured strong criticism of late for his approach to games.

11.9k

Nov 26th 2022, 9:00 AM

# talking point

Ronaldo only has himself to blame for ignominious Man United departure

The Red Devils confirmed the star’s departure on Tuesday evening.

8.2k

Nov 23rd 2022, 12:01 AM

# talking point

Groundhog day at the Aviva

It was another disappointing night for Stephen Kenny as Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Norway.

30.9k

Updated

Nov 18th 2022, 8:04 AM

# talking point

Has Cristiano Ronaldo changed or is it football that has moved on?

The Portuguese star has come under fire recently after refusing to come on against Tottenham.

6.2k

Oct 28th 2022, 2:00 PM

# talking point

Is the old Matt Doherty back?

The Irish star has started the last two Premier League matches for Tottenham.

19.1k

Oct 18th 2022, 12:00 PM

# talking point

Amber Barrett interview epitomises why sport matters

The Ireland striker paid an emotional tribute to the victimes of the Creeslough tragedy after the game.

3.0k

Oct 16th 2022, 9:00 AM

# talking point

For the first time, Liverpool will face Man City more in hope than expectation

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to reformat his side to deal with their depleted energy levels – the visit of City may come too soon for them.

3.3k

Oct 16th 2022, 7:30 AM

# talking point

Why Man City's beautiful brilliance is bad for football

Pep Guardiola’s side were far too good for their biggest rivals last weekend.

5.7k

Oct 8th 2022, 8:30 AM

# talking point

Man United's tactical dilemma ahead of City showdown

Is it too big a risk for Erik ten Hag to play both Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes against the reigning champions?

7.7k

Oct 1st 2022, 6:30 AM

# talking point

Contrasting treatment of Kenny and Southgate shows football is more than just a results business

The reactions to the two managers are a window into their respective national team’s psyches, writes Paul Fennessy.

29.2k

Sep 28th 2022, 7:00 AM

# talking point

Is too much made of Ireland's lack of Premier League starters?

There were just two top-flight regulars in Stephen Kenny’s team to face Scotland.

9.5k

Sep 25th 2022, 8:45 AM

# talking point

Erling Haaland battle will be the latest test of Nathan Collins' true potential

As one of Ireland’s brightest hopes faces the most devastating striker in the Premier League, just how high is the Leixlip native’s glass ceiling?

4.9k

Sep 17th 2022, 6:00 AM

# talking point

Premier League fails to grasp football's true purpose with decision to postpone games

All of the weekend’s football in England has been called off, but other sports will play on.

47.0k

Updated

Sep 10th 2022, 12:11 PM

# talking point

Crazy summer spending exposes the Premier League for the TV show that it is

Premier League clubs spent almost £2 billion between them over the summer.

8.8k

Sep 3rd 2022, 7:30 AM

# talking point

Perception matters as Brendan Rodgers finds passing of time could soon leave him behind

With Leicester City in a rut, games against Manchester United and Brighton this week provide stark reminder of how quickly tide can turn.

7.0k

Sep 1st 2022, 8:00 AM

# uncertainty

Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma contains echoes of Roy Keane's infamous Old Trafford exit

The Man United star was dropped for last Monday’s match with Liverpool.

11.7k

Aug 27th 2022, 8:30 AM

# talking point

Erik ten Hag already showing signs of struggle amid the Man United omnishambles

Can the former Ajax manager find success in a dysfunctional sporting strucutre?

45.2k

Aug 20th 2022, 3:08 PM

# 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.

9.9k

Aug 13th 2022, 7:30 AM

# talking point

Will the gamble of buying Erling Haaland backfire for Man City?

The Norwegian striker is unlike any other forwards City have signed,

25.8k

Updated

Aug 5th 2022, 12:53 PM

# talking point

Ireland's man of the match wants more

21-year-old Nathan Collins shone in his side’s draw with Ukraine.

21.5k

Updated

Jun 15th 2022, 8:33 AM

# 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.

4.0k

May 20th 2022, 3:02 PM

# 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.

2.4k

May 6th 2022, 3:15 PM

# 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.”

8.4k

Apr 29th 2022, 4:00 PM

# 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.

4.4k

Apr 22nd 2022, 4:00 PM

# 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.

6.6k

Apr 15th 2022, 12:00 PM

# 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.

1.9k

Apr 8th 2022, 7:54 PM

# 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,

9.5k

Apr 1st 2022, 4:00 PM

# 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.

21.7k

Mar 30th 2022, 12:12 PM

# 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.

3.9k

Mar 18th 2022, 7:00 AM

# 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.

66.5k

Updated

Mar 11th 2022, 3:02 PM

# talking point

Is Roman Abramovich the most influential figure in Premier League history?

The Russian oligarch announced he was selling Chelsea earlier this week.

4.6k

Mar 4th 2022, 8:10 PM

# talking point

Has Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo gamble failed?

The Portuguese star has shone individually, but his team are going backwards.

5.8k

Feb 18th 2022, 2:44 PM

# 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.

9.2k

Feb 11th 2022, 1:00 PM

# 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.

4.3k

Feb 4th 2022, 5:01 PM

# talking point

Does Matt Doherty have a future at Tottenham?

The Ireland international impressed after coming off the bench against Leicester in midweek.

8.7k

Jan 21st 2022, 1:00 PM

# 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.

10.5k

Jan 14th 2022, 1:00 PM

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.

9.3k

Dec 17th 2021, 1:12 PM

# Pressure

Can Steven Gerrard become a great manager?

The Liverpool legend makes his return to Anfield as Aston Villa manager this weekend.

6.0k

Dec 10th 2021, 7:09 PM

# 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.

5.4k

Dec 3rd 2021, 4:58 PM