Phil McNulty

Oxford

Chief Football Writer at BBC

Chief football writer, BBC Sport. Hon. Doc. Media @solentuni Author "RED ON RED" with @jimw1 updated & out in paperback August 17. https://t.co/FEt4uvLsnl…

Articles

Aston Villa 3-2 PSG analysis: Phil McNulty on Champions League near miss

1 week ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

Unai Emery has enjoyed too much success in Europe to listen to talk of glorious failure but, if there is such a thing, Aston Villa delivered it on a night of pure theatre at Villa Park. Villa's Champions League odyssey ended with defeat by Paris St-Germain, but the manner in which they unnerved arguably the most impressive side in this season's competition demonstrated that they belonged in this elite company.
US pastor rescued in Gqeberha, 3 suspected kidnappers killed in shootout.

1 week ago | fullview.co.za | Phil McNulty

By Lehlohonolo Lehana. A kidnapped American pastor Josh Sullivan was rescued in a police operation in Gqeberha on Tuesday. Sullivan was kidnapped last Thursday during a sermon and was held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki. Sullivan arrived in South Africa with his family from Tennessee in November 2018, according to his personal website. “We are looking to finish language school soon and plant a church to the Xhosa speaking people,” he writes on his site.
Aston Villa 3-2 PSG: Unai Emery's side showed they belong in Champions League

1 week ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery falls to his knees after his side miss a chance against Paris St-Germain at Villa ParkUnai Emery has enjoyed too much success in Europe to listen to talk of glorious failure but. if there is such a thing, Aston Villa delivered it on a night of pure theatre at Villa Park.
PSG's Desire Doue - the brilliant teen who is the talk of Europe

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Phil McNulty

When Desire Doue walked off slowly and disconsolately after only 64 minutes at Arsenal in October, the teenager touted as French football's next golden boy looked alone and out of his depth. Fast forward six months - with a potential Champions League semi-final reunion a growing possibility - and Paris St-Germain's brilliant young forward has captured the imagination of Europe.
Postecoglou faces date with destiny as Spurs capitulate again

1 week ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

If Ange Postecoglou is on the hunt for leaks at Tottenham Hotspur, his search should start with those running through his midfield and defence that have been left unattended to place his job in jeopardy. Postecoglou revealed on Friday that there was a mole inside his club filtering out classified information into the public domain. But what is no secret is Spurs are a soft touch for opponents with even the slightest hint of threat.
Liverpool news: Opinion - Why Mohamed Salah is staying at Anfield

1 week ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

Mohamed Salah's decision to move his Liverpool career towards the decade mark is a sign of continuing hunger for the game's biggest prizes, as well as an act of faith in the management of Arne Slot to help him achieve his goals. When Salah used the stage at Southampton to expose his contract deadlock, it was only the third time in seven and a half years he had stopped to speak to reporters.
Mohamed Salah signs new Liverpool deal: Contract extends perfect sporting marriage with Reds

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Phil McNulty

Mohamed Salah's new contract is the perfect outcome for all involved with Liverpool and delivers confirmation that both parties in this sporting marriage simply cannot live without each other. Salah, even though he is 33 in June, would have received lucrative offers from elsewhere had he decided to leave Anfield on a free transfer when his current £350,000-a-week agreement ends at the conclusion of this season.
'Free spirit Doue epitomises PSG - this could be their time'

2 weeks ago | sports.yahoo.com | Phil McNulty

The fireworks that exploded all around the Parc des Princes were a fitting celebration of a Paris St-Germain display of devastating attacking power to outclass Aston Villa. The pyrotechnics illuminated Paris in the same way Luis Enrique's thrilling side have lit up the Champions League, and they are now firm favourites to reach the last four after a fully deserved 3-1 win in this quarter-final first leg.
Paris St-Germain: Can young gem Desire Dou finally inspire French side to Champions League glory?

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

PSG beat Bayern Munich to Doue's signature based on last season at Rennes. He scored four goals and had four assists in 31 Ligue 1 appearances with 17 starts last term, but also created 27 chances from open play. This season he has reached another level, having created the most open play chances per 90 minutes of anyone in Europe's top five leagues - 2.6 based on having played a minimum of 750 minutes.
PSG v Aston Villa: Phil McNulty on Champions League game

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Phil McNulty

Aston Villa's fans are already starting to arrive in the Paris sunshine around Parc des Princes. There is a real sense of anticipation and expectation among Villa supporters as they take the next step on their Champions League journey in the quarter-final first leg against Paris St. Germain. PSG are favourites after beating Manchester City in the new league table format then knocking out Liverpool in the last 16 – but hope lies with their manager and European specialist Unai Emery.