Tag: challenge

20 October 2026 Off

Howard Webb backs VAR over Botman challenge on Jackson

By Total Football News

On Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb said that “robust tackling” is “part of the English game” but that referee still had “a responsibility to ensure players’ safety”.

“The referee in the moment, on the ground, sees it as a reckless challenge – no doubt a high-end reckless challenge – as Botman comes in and gets a touch on the ball,” Webb said.

“There’s obviously some speed he comes in with.

…
2 September 2026 Off

Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Have Arsenal’s rivals done enough in window to challenge?

By Total Football News

Manchester City have undergone heavy transition, from manager Pep Guardiola being replaced after 10 years by Enzo Maresca, to the departure of key figures in their glory years such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Jack Grealish, as well as Savio, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzales, James Trafford, Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders.

The burning ambition remains, however, as proved by the manner in which they have attacked the market

…
30 August 2026 Off

Emiliano Martinez: Why Chelsea need more than new keeper to challenge for title

By Total Football News

Just five hours after having his much-anticipated signing confirmed by Chelsea, Emiliano Martinez was walking out at Stamford Bridge to play for his new team against Brighton.

Having been thrown straight into the starting XI by manager Xabi Alonso, however, it quickly became clear that he alone cannot solve their defensive problems.

The 33-year-old said he was “fit and ready” to play despite his £7.5m signing from Aston

…
16 July 2026 Off

Nottingham Forest: Oliver Glasner on new challenge – ‘Nobody wants to get divorced’

By Total Football News

When Glasner took over at Selhurst Park in February 2024, Palace were 15th, having lost 10 of their previous 17 games under Roy Hodgson.

Come the end of the season they finished 10th, winning six of their last seven games – beating Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

He utilised a back three, something he used with success at Frankfurt, but it is not something Glasner has

…
26 February 2026 Off

Wrexham news: Players urged to ‘appreciate’ Championship play-off challenge

By Total Football News

Following his side’s 2-1 win against Portsmouth, Parkinson revealed that strikers Kieffer Moore and Sam Smith – who netted the opener against Pompey – were among those who had been struggling with illness.

But the Wrexham manager says he has no new concerns ahead of the contest with Nathan Jones’ Addicks.

“Yeah, one or two others as well (had been ill), but they’re all back in this morning. We were

…
30 January 2026 Off

Ipswich Town: George Hirst wants Town to challenge for title

By Total Football News

Ipswich forward George Hirst says the Tractor Boys have it within themselves to prove they are the best team in the Championship this season.

Town are third with 18 games remaining, eight points behind long-time leaders Coventry and five adrift of second-placed Middlesbrough, but with a game in hand on both.

After going winless in their opening four games following relegation from the Premier League last season, Town clicked into

…
1 December 2025 Off

Alan Shearer: ‘Arsenal deserve to be clear – but who’s best placed to challenge?’

By Total Football News

What hasn’t changed this weekend is that Arsenal are still the team to beat.

You could argue they could have done more against Chelsea’s 10 men, and they might be disappointed not to create more chances after the red card, and to only get a draw.

But, looking at the bigger picture, they have come out of a very difficult week in the Champions League and Premier League with impressive

…