Ben McAleer Journalist Profile

Articles

Bournemouth will offer Slot’s men their toughest test so far

Feb 1, 2025 | irishexaminer.com | Ben McAleer

BOURNEMOUTH fans would have forgiven their side, had they come away from their trip to Newcastle empty-handed last month. The Cherries have a lengthy injury list that saw them travel to St James’ Park without a recognised striker, with Evanilson and Enes Unal sidelined. Lewis Cook, a central midfielder by trade, started at right-back in a mish-mash XI that, in theory, should have struggled at the in-form Magpies.
Jacob Murphy is Newcastle’s unsung hero - just ask Alexander Isak

Jan 31, 2025 | velvetclassic.net | Ben McAleer

The boyhood Newcastle fan has shown resilience, won his place and formed a deadly partnership with IsakBy Ben McAleer for WhoScoredNewcastle’s 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth was an exception rather than the rule. Since mid-December, Newcastle have been imperious in the Premier League. They have won seven of their past eight games and bounced back from that Bournemouth game by beating another south-coast side, Southampton, to climb to fifth.
Jacob Murphy is Newcastle’s unsung hero - just ask Alexander Isak

Jan 31, 2025 | theguardian.com | Ben McAleer

Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth was an exception rather than the rule. Since mid-December, Newcastle have been imperious in the Premier League. They have won seven of their past eight games and bounced back from that Bournemouth game by beating another south-coast side, Southampton, to climb to fifth. Eddie Howe’ team, who trail fourth-placed Manchester City on goal difference, will fancy their chances of another victory when Fulham visit on Saturday.
Strange and surprising statistics from Europe's top leagues ...

Jan 29, 2025 | football-addict.com | Ben McAleer

The promotion-chasers who can't win at home, the sinking ship who keep scoring and the goalkeeper who sets up goalsBy Ben McAleer for WhoScoredMagdeburg were joint-top of the table in the 2.Bundesliga before their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Braunschweig at the weekend. If they really want to reach the top flight for the first time in their history, though, they will need to turn around their home fortunes. Their fans are yet to see a home win this season.
Strange and surprising statistics from Europe’s top leagues this season

Jan 29, 2025 | theguardian.com | Ben McAleer

Magdeburg’s unhappy hunting groundMagdeburg were joint-top of the table in the 2.Bundesliga before their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Braunschweig at the weekend. If they really want to reach the top flight for the first time in their history, though, they will need to turn around their home fortunes. Their fans are yet to see a home win this season. Despite sitting just two points off top spot, Magdeburg have the worst home record in the division, having collected just seven of their 32 points at home.
Is Antony the worst value-for-money signing in Premier League history?

Jan 23, 2025 | velvetclassic.net | Ben McAleer

Manchester United paid Ajax €100m for a player who has more bookings than goals or assists in the Premier LeagueBy Ben McAleer for WhoScored“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” said Ruben Amorim after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton. The manager had paced up and down the touchline as his side managed just one shot on target in the match – and that was a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Is Antony the worst value-for-money signing in Premier League history?

Jan 23, 2025 | theguardian.com | Ben McAleer

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” said Ruben Amorim after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton. The manager had paced up and down the touchline as his side managed just one shot on target in the match – and that was a Bruno Fernandes penalty. United were always going to need time to adapt to the manager’s ideas but even he knows that a return of 11 points from 11 games is not good enough.
Les Dogues of Lille arrive at Anfield with a bite worse than their bark

Jan 21, 2025 | irishexaminer.com | Ben McAleer

Liverpool sit top of the Champions League with a 100% record after their opening six games. The Reds have been unstoppable in Europe’s elite club competition, scoring 13 times and conceding just once. Continental heavyweights AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid have all fallen by the wayside in Liverpool’s march to the knockout stages. With a six-point gap to the playoffs, it would take a miracle for Arne Slot’s side not to automatically progress to the next round of the Champions League.
Southampton face battle to avoid worst-ever Premier League record

Jan 18, 2025 | theguardian.com | Ben McAleer

Ivan Juric’s appointment was supposed to make Southampton a more solid team. His predecessor, Russell Martin, implemented a possession-based style of football that worked wonders as the club made an immediate return to the Premier League last season. However, his approach did not fare so well in the top flight. Martin was relieved of his duties last month following a 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham. Southampton conceded in the opening minute and things only got worse.
Southampton face battle to avoid worst-ever Premier League r...

Jan 18, 2025 | football-addict.com | Ben McAleer

With just six points from 21 league games, Saints are in danger of breaking a record set by Derby County in 2008By Ben McAleer for WhoScoredIvan Juric's appointment was supposed to make Southampton a more solid team. His predecessor, Russell Martin, implemented a possession-based style of football that worked wonders as the club made an immediate return to the Premier League last season. However, his approach did not fare so well in the top flight.