Robert O’Connor

3 weeks ago | irishnews.com | Robert O’Connor

Enzo Maresca said it was “a moment for the players” to celebrate with Chelsea supporters after he left the field quickly following his side’s dramatic late win against Fulham. The recent hostility directed towards the head coach and his style of play vanished the instant Pedro Neto’s superb winner hit the Fulham net in the third minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1 at Craven Cottage, just as the visitors’ bid to reach the Champions League looked to be fizzling out.

3 weeks ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Robert O’Connor

The 2-1 loss to the team currently fifth in the Polish Ekstraklasa drew boos from supporters at full-time and was the second home game in a row in which fans had loudly voiced their growing discontent. Things could have been different had Cole Palmer taken a straightforward chance to end his three-month goal drought inside the opening five minutes, skewing his shot wide when through on goal, whist Christopher Nkunku also spurned a good opening.

2 months ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Robert O’Connor

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hailed one of the best games of his team’s season as they warmed up for the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. Bruno Guimaraes stuck out a leg and turned home Harvey Barnes’ cross in the 63rd minute to score the game’s only goal and restore the visiting team’s interest in the race for the Champions League after three defeats in four in the league.

Jan 26, 2025 | expressdigest.com | Robert O’Connor

By ROBERT O’CONNOR, PA Chelsea have confirmed the signing of United States defender Naomi Girma for a reported world-record fee. The 24-year-old was unveiled on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. She arrives from San Diego Wave for a reported £900,000, eclipsing the current record – paid by Bay FC in February 2024 for Racheal Kundananji – by £215,000.

Dec 7, 2024 | independent.ie | Robert O’Connor

Eddie Howe’s side had twice fought back from a goal down when defender Nathan Collins appeared inside the box early in the second half to guide the ball into the corner and give the home side a lead that they would not relinquish. Yet the manner in which Newcastle gifted goals to the hosts will have been cause for frustration. Harvey Barnes was guilty of losing possession to allow Yoane Wissa to put Brentford 2-1 up, an error for which he quickly atoned to make it 2-2.