Persaingan perebutan gelar Liga Premier mengalami perkembangan dramatis pada Minggu lalu ketika gol penyama kedudukan West Ham United di menit-menit akhir melawan Arsenal dianulir setelah proses tinjauan VAR yang cukup lama. Dengan The Gunners yang sedang memburu gelar juara dan The Hammers yang berjuang menghindari degradasi, Ketua PGMOL Howard Webb telah menjelaskan proses pengambilan keputusan krusial yang memungkinkan Arsenal meraih kemenangan yang sangat kontroversial namun sangat penting.
Manajer Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, kini sepenuhnya mengalihkan fokusnya ke pertandingan-pertandingan mendatang timnya, alih-alih terus memikirkan keputusan VAR yang kontroversial yang membantu rival perebutan gelar, Arsenal, meraih kemenangan krusial atas West Ham. Seiring memanasnya persaingan perebutan gelar, City menghadapi tekanan besar untuk mempertahankan rekor kemenangan beruntun mereka dan mengejar ketertinggalan lima poin saat musim mendekati puncaknya.
Paris Saint-Germain telah menerapkan metode latihan yang tidak biasa dalam persiapan mereka untuk mempertahankan gelar juara Eropa melawan Arsenal. Tim asuhan Luis Enrique terlihat menggunakan perisai tackle rugby untuk membantu para penjaga gawang mereka menghadapi serangan udara yang intens yang diperkirakan akan terjadi dalam final Liga Champions mendatang.
Arsenal mendapat pukulan telak akibat cedera, karena Ben White dilaporkan tidak dapat tampil dalam final Liga Champions mendatang melawan Paris Saint-Germain. Bek tersebut juga harus berjuang melawan waktu agar bisa pulih tepat waktu untuk mengikuti Piala Dunia bersama timnas Inggris musim panas ini, setelah mengalami cedera lutut serius saat kemenangan atas West Ham pada Minggu lalu.
Wayne Rooney meyakini bahwa Viktor Gyokeres telah mengubah wajah serangan Arsenal saat The Gunners memburu gelar ganda bersejarah di Liga Premier dan Liga Champions. Mantan kapten timnas Inggris itu mengatakan bahwa pergerakan dan kehadiran fisik striker asal Swedia tersebut sangat penting dalam membuka ruang bagi para pemain sayap Arsenal.
Wesley Sneijder telah memperingatkan Arsenal bahwa mereka berisiko menelan kekalahan telak saat menghadapi juara bertahan Paris Saint-Germain di final Liga Champions. Gelandang serang mantan Inter Milan itu meyakini bahwa kecuali The Gunners mampu mempertahankan disiplin pertahanan yang ketat, raksasa Prancis tersebut memiliki daya serang yang cukup untuk mengulangi kemenangan telak 5-0 atas Nerazzurri seperti yang terjadi tahun lalu.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Crystal Palace founded?
Crystal Palace was originally founded in 1861 by the members of the Crystal Palace Company, who first founded a cricket club in 1857. The football team remained amateur until turning professional in 1905. Crystal Palace are the oldest football club still actively playing professional football in the world.
Who are the owners of Crystal Palace?
Steve Parish, who bought a stake in the club in 2010, has a 10% stake in Crystal Palace. American businessman John Textor, through his company Eagle Football Holdings, owns a 45% majority stake. Josh Harris and David Blitzer own 18% stake each, while investor Robert Franco owns 5% stake in the club.
What is Crystal Palace's stadium called?
Crystal Palace play their games at the Selhurst Park, which has been the club's home ground since 1924.
What is Selhurst Park's capacity?
Selhurst Park has a capacity of 25,486. From 1985 to 1991, and from 1991 to 2003, Charlton Athletic and Wimbledon shared the venue with Crystal Palace, respectively.
How many trophies have Crystal Palace won?
Crystal Palace are yet to win a single major honour, making it to the FA Cup final twice.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Crystal Palace won?
No manager has led Crystal Palace to an English top flight title yet, with their best-ever finish coming in the 1990-91 season, when they finished third.
Who has made the most appearances for Crystal Palace?
Former Scottish centre-back Jim Cannon holds the record for making the most appearances for Crystal Palace, playing 600 games while spending his entire career at the Selhurst Park.
Who is Crystal Palace's all-time top goalscorer?
Peter Simpson scored 165 goals during his five-season stint at the club (1929-30 to 1933-34) and is Crystal Palace's all-time top goalscorer.
Which famous players have played for Crystal Palace?
Wilfried Zaha, Ian Wright, Wayne Hennessey, and Christian Benteke are some of Crystal Palace's most famous players ever.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Crystal Palace?
Edmund Goodman, Terry Venables, Alan Pardew, Roy Hodgson, Frank de Boer, and Patrick Vieira are Crystal Palace's most famous managers ever.
What is Crystal Palace's nickname?
Crystal Palace are famously known as The Eagles, a reference to their club badge which consists of an eagle holding a football.