What is it that defines the best league in the world? It’s something football fans from the ‘Big Five’ leagues of Germany, England, Italy, France and Spain dispute every year. Is it the quality of the football we are watching? Is it the number of stars in the league? Is it how competitive and enthralling…

March the 12th 2016 should have been the best day in Everton’s modern history. The Toffees defeated Chelsea by two goals to nil, as a Romelu Lukaku brace steamrolled the Blues into the FA Cup semi-finals – all under the watchful eye of Everton’s newest and richest fan.   Farhad Moshiri was attending his first…

When Kevin Ratcliffe lifted the first division trophy in 1987, Everton seemed set to enter a period of dominance. This was the club’s second league title in three years, with a second-placed finish in 1986 behind Liverpool, separating the two title triumphs.   In total, between 1983 and 1987, Everton won two league titles, one…

Football is a relatively simple sport; it’s why it’s so revered around the world. After all, all you need to be able to play the beautiful game is an object to kick, a handful of other competitors, and some markings that vaguely hint at where the goals should be. Jumpers, if you will.   That…

After Manchester United were beaten by Wolves at Old Trafford in their last Premier League outing, Ralf Rangnick spoke to the media in which his opening words were: “I knew it would be a difficult job.”   The game marked the German’s first defeat as interim manager of United, but it was a defeat that…

Romelu Lukaku has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this past week. In an interview with Sky Italy, the Belgian found himself at the centre of a storm of controversy, as he revealed his displeasure at the style of play and tactical approach employed by manager Thomas Tuchel.   As punishment for…

Stories, subplots and the battle by UEFA associations to climb the coefficient rankings. All the aforementioned topics suddenly see frantic discussions across all media platforms in mid-December annually.    The timing of the draws for the knockout rounds of UEFA’s club competitions are always a highlight of the European footballing calendar. Speculation about ideal pathways…

Can post-takeover Newcastle avoid a relegation nightmare under manager Eddie Howe?   Newcastle’s 2021–22 Premier League campaign appeared to be in shambles; after 7 disappointing matches, Newcastle sat 19th in the table, accumulating only 3 points from draws without a single win.   With the October international break fast approaching, the club’s future in the…

When Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United on the 28th of November 2021, they were top of the league and still many experts’ favourites to win the title.    Although the result was underwhelming from a Chelsea perspective because they dominated the game and United were in turmoil at the…