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WWE SmackDown results: Winners and grades

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WWE SmackDown results: Winners and grades

Reaction and highlights from February 3

 

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

 

On the heels of a noteworthy Royal Rumble premium live event, WWE SmackDown sought to answer the question on everyone’s minds: What is the state of The Bloodline following Sami Zayn’s betrayal of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso walking out on his family,? Erik Beaston inquires for the Bleacher Report.

 

 

That topic headlined Friday’s Fox broadcast, which also saw a title defense by women’s champion Charlotte Flair, an Elimination Chamber qualifying match and the finale of the tag team contender’s tournament.

 

 

  • Roman Reigns’ State of The Bloodline address
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament Final: Braun Strowman and Ricochet vs. Imperium
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Sonya Deville
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Shotzi vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya vs. Zelina Vega

 

Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament Final

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

 

To kick off Friday’s show, Braun Strowman and Ricochet rekindled their rivalry with Imperium in the final of the tournament to crown the next No. 1 contenders for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.

 

 

Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci dominated at multiple points in the bout, isolating each of their opponents and cutting them off from their partners. Even the dismissal of Gunther did not curb their onslaught.

 

 

An alert Strowman breaking up a pin on Ricochet, a hot tag to The Monster Among Monsters, and a Swanton Bomb by The One and Only off his partner’s massive shoulders led to the babyfaces securing the come-from-behind victory.

 

 

We have witnessed, on multiple occasions, the in-ring chemistry between these two teams, so it was no real surprise that they kicked off Friday’s show with a banger of a tournament final.

 

 

The action was strong, and the storytelling, which saw Imperium destruct without the presence of Gunther to guide them, helped set this apart from their previous encounters.

 

 

There is an argument to be made that Imperium winning, then defeating The Usos for the tag titles and seizing control of the blue brand, was a better story than the thrown-together babyface team potentially dethroning Jimmy and Jey.

 

 

With that said, WWE rarely likes to run with the heel vs. heel matchup, so this was probably the more predictable outcome if nothing else.

 

 

Kudos to Kaiser, who has flown under the radar as one of the really solid hands in WWE. He is consistently good, even when standing just outside the spotlight. He has a bright future with the company as a top heel if he can maximize his opportunities.

 

 

Result

 

Ricochet and Strowman defeated Imperium

 

Grade

B+

 

 

Top Moments

 

    • Michael Cole recounted Gunther’s “legendary” performance in the Royal Rumble, really putting over The Ring General for his endurance and greatness over his 70-minute performance.
    • Vinci leaped off the top rope, wiping Strowman out to earn Imperium the upper hand entering the first break of the night.
    • Strowman launched Ricochet over the top rope and on to Vinci and Kaiser. Gunther shoved Ricochet, prompting the official to boot the Intercontinental champion from the ringside area.
    • Strowman pulled Vinci out of the ring, saving Ricochet and giving his team a chance to win the match.

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Sonya Deville

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

 

Sonya Deville expertly goaded Charlotte Flair into another SmackDown Women’s Championship defense Friday night, her second in the last month.

 

 

The result was the same as the first.

 

 

Flair successfully retained her title, beating a game Deville with the Figure Eight submission. To do so, she had to fight from underneath, overcoming an onslaught from a challenger hellbent on making the most of a second chance.

 

Deville looked, as usual, like a star here.

 

 

A solid in-ring competitor, she knows she is a heel and carries herself as such. She has a huge personality that leaps off the screen every chance she gets to display it. It is for that reason that she has been able to establish herself as one of the most detestable heels on the roster, whether in the role of self-serving WWE official or entitled wrestler.

 

 

Flair was her typical great self, and the commentary team did a good job of putting over her WrestleMania showdown with Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley, which should be a defining moment in the career of the heel.

 

 

Backstage, Roman Reigns demanded answers as to where Jey Uso is. Neither Jimmy nor Solo Sikoa had them.

 

 

The Tribal Chief is a great, manipulative bad guy. Everything he does is with one goal in mind: maintaining his status at the head of the table. This was no difference. Great character work here, as usual.

 

 

Result

Flair submitted Deville

 

Grade

B-

 

 

Top Moments

    • Deville grabbed Flair by the hair and pulled her to the mat, seizing control as the show entered the break.
    • The challenger nearly stole a win using the ropes for added leverage.
    • Flair countered a sunset flip into the Figure Eight. Deville tapped.

The Brawling Brutes vs. The Viking Raiders

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

One week after attacking Sheamus and Drew McIntyre, costing them a chance to compete for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, The Viking Raiders battled The Brawling Brutes’ Ridge Holland and Butch.

 

 

The babyface brawlers took the fight to the heels, but this really was all about highlighting Ivar and Erik. The Raiders halted a babyface comeback and, seemingly with the approval of Valhalla at ringside, scored the win following Ragnarok to Butch.

 

 

After the match, McIntyre and Sheamus returned and fought the heels off, a message that the issues between the teams are far from over.

 

The match was fine for what it was. The talent was there to ensure that, even though it was a match designed to enhance the heels, it would still be competitive and mostly good.

 

 

The Raiders still need a win or two to convince the audience that they stand a chance in hell of beating two former WWE champions, but Triple H and Co. have done a solid job of presenting the team as a genuine threat in the tag team division.

 

 

A second kudos on this night goes to Holland, who has worked hard to improve his in-ring game and is in, arguably, the best shape of his career. He was good here, never looking out of place while sharing the ring with veteran opponents. Pairing him with Sheamus and Butch may have been one of the best booking decisions of the last regime’s final year.

 

 

Result

Viking Raiders defeated Brawling Brutes

 

 

Grade

C+

 

 

Top Moments

    • Butch paid homage to Sheamus, delivering 10 Beats of the Bodhran to Erik.
    • Ivar unloaded a barrage of back elbows to Holland in the corner, only for a tag to Butch to halt his momentum.
    • Erik turned Butch inside out with a lariat clothesline.
    • The Viking Raiders stared down at Valhalla before delivering the Ragnarok, almost as if they were awaiting her blessing to earn the win.
    • McIntyre and Sheamus attacked the victors and stood tall on the stage after the match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Shotzi vs. Zelina Vega vs. Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler

 

 

Credit: WWE.co

 

 

A spot in the Elimination Chamber to determine the top contender to the Raw Women’s Championship held by Bianca Belair was at stake in a Fatal 4-Way Match Friday night. Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, Shotzi and Natalya squared off for a shot at a WrestleMania title opportunity.

 

 

Baszler dominated momentarily, rocking her opponents with her hard-hitting strikes. As the pace quickened, the prospective contenders threw caution to the wind. In the end, though, it was a series of submissions that led directly to the finish.

 

 

Natalya interrupted a Karifuda Clutch to Vega, sent Baszler to the floor, and applied her Sharpshooter to the mouthpiece of Legado del Fantasma for the tapout victory.

All three competitors were better options than Natalya to win this one, but the fact that she is both a Hart and from Canada made her inclusion in this year’s Chamber event sensible if nothing else.

 

 

Still, think about what it would have meant for Shotzi or Vega to get the nod here and have the opportunity to build their in-ring successes inside one of the company’s most popular gimmick bouts.

 

 

As it is, Natalya gets a shot to earn a championship opportunity; a shot she stands next to no chance of actually winning.

 

 

Result

Natalya defeated Shotzi, Baszler and Vega

 

 

Grade

C+

 

 

 

Top Moments

    • Michael Cole reminded fans that Baszler has previous experience in the Elimination Chamber having defeated every one of her opponents in the 2020 main event, the only woman to ever accomplish that feat.
    • Baszler rocked Natalya with the knee to the face that broke The Queen of Harts’ nose.
    • Shotzi delivered a low tope suicida to Baszler, and Vega followed up with a moonsault to both women.

Roman Reigns Addresses The Bloodline

 

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

Undisputed WWE Universal champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring to close out the show, with the intent of addressing the status of The Bloodline.

 

 

After accusing everyone of wanting more and more from him, Sami Zayn attacked from out of nowhere. Zayn sent The Head of the Table scurrying to the sanctuary of the floor and announced his intention to come after Reigns and his title.

 

 

This brought about a beatdown by Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa before Reigns spoke to a downed Zayn, vowing to beat him in front of his family in Montreal at Elimination Chamber.

 

When a storyline hits as frequently as this one has, you find yourself waiting for a misstep that halts momentum and causes a setback, but it just has not happened to this point. Every segment is a great one, especially over the last month.

 

 

Reigns is perfect in this role, manipulating every situation to his favor, while Zayn looked a lot like the fiery babyface fans fell in love with back in NXT. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the added element of Jey Uso’s allegiances has helped enhance the program.

 

 

Reigns vowing to break Zayn in front of his family in Montreal adds an extra level to the upcoming championship match, commanding views for what will be the hottest championship match WWE has produced in years.

 

 

This is wrestling perfection, and one day, we will look back on it as one of the truly great WWE programs of all time, right up there with the Mega Powers, the Hart brothers rivalry, and Steve Austin rebelling against Vince McMahon.

 

 

Grade

A+

 

 

 

Top Moments

    • “You know what I saw? I saw greed. I saw the same thing I see in every single person I interact with these days.”
    • “This place has come unglued!” Cole exclaimed as a fired-up Zayn stood tall in the center of the ring.
    • “You’re wrong about me. I never wanted anything from you…until now. I want something from you now. And I’m gonna take it because I’m coming after you and the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship!” Zayn warned Reigns.
    • “We want Jey! We want Jey!” the fans chanted.
    • “They want Jey, but I don’t have Jey because you broke up by Bloodline,” Reigns said.
    • “You broke up my family, now I want to break you in front of yours,” Reigns said, issuing a challenge for Elimination Chamber.
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FC Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla

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FC Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla

Player ratings and Lessons Learned

 

 

 

FC Barcelona went eight points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga after beating Sevilla 3-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday night thanks to goals from Jordi Alba, Gavi, and Raphinha, Tom Sanderson writes for Forbes.

 

Here are some player ratings and what we learned from the tie.

 

Image

 
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
 

Had little to nothing to do for most of the game save for being alert on a couple of counter attacks that amounted to nothing, and having to get Barca’s play restarted when the ball was passed back to him. Was barely tested by a late header after Barca were already well in front. 7

 

Jordi Alba

 

Knocked in a lovely ball for Raphinha after Busquets was brought off and had assumed the captain’s armband. With a quarter of an hour gone, he was unlucky not to find Lewandowski in the box with a defended cross and another ball of his was threatening from the resulting corner. Snuffed out a dangerous move around 35 minutes in, when appearing at risk of being exposed by a through ball down Sevilla’s right. One of his late first half crosses was almost an own goal by Nemanja Gudelj, and he fully deserved his opener around the hour mark. Porvided an assist for Raphinha, and will give Alejandro Balde plenty of positional rivalry on this showing. 9 – MAN OF THE MATCH

 

Andreas Christensen

 

Another solid performance from the Dane who is always cool and composed. Helped spare Pedri’s potential blushes when the ‘8’ lost the ball in midfield in the first half. 8

 
Image Jordi Alba

 

Ronald Araujo

 

Came close with a header from a corner on 17 minutes. Was tracking back well to block a dangerous Sevilla pass across the box approaching half time, though an offside flag was raised. Got applause for a double diving head tackle on Ivan Rakitic. Came out for the second half despite suffering a nasty tackle and was strong until the end. 8

 

Jules Kounde

 

Playing right back allows the Frenchman to get forward and be adventurous. He was the architect of one of Barca’s most promising first half moves connecting well with Raphinha, only for Lewandowski to be too slow trying to bring Gavi into action. Found Raphinha with the long lobbed ball that allowed him to set up Gavi. 8

 

Sergio Busquets

 

Brought off early for Franck Kessie after a nasty early foul, so didn’t have enough time to make an impact on the match. Hopefully his knock is not too serious given Barca’s packed calendar lying ahead. According to Cadena SER, his camp have said that the skipper could be out for two to three weeks. N/A

 

Frenkie de Jong

 

Had a bright early starting controlling the tempo, but started to lose the midfield battle in a good 10 minute spell for Sevilla with around 35 down on the clock. Was better after the interval and played Alba in to assist Raphinha. 7

 

Pedri

 

Always looking to connect play and thread through the final ball but was pretty anonymous in the first half. Had a much better second 45 and exerted more influence on the game. 7

 

#BarçaSevilla

All eyes on Pedri

 

Gavi

 

Came alive by almost providing an assist to Lewandowski in the first half. Was rarely on the losing side of aerial duels despite his short height. Opened up the field nicely on one break which was terminated by poor decision making from Raphinha. Almost decapitated by Loic Bade but brushed it off. Was a constant threat and the pay off was his goal on 70 minutes, his first in the ‘6’ shirt, when Raphinha found him at the back post. 8

 

Robert Lewandowski

 

Had a quiet opening 15 minutes before being brought into the game by Alba and Gavi. Almost converted a headed down pass from the 18-year-old but then dropped off again until a rocket almost went past Bono inside his left post and was tipped away by the Moroccan Qatar 2022 star. Should have done better when given the reins on a dangerous late first half move and needed to find Gavi sooner. The same logic applied to another Alba cross after the interval. Though he was close with a late low driven free kick, his showing wasn’t much to write home about. 6

 

Raphinha

 

The Brazilian’s confidence is growing again when it comes to trying to take opposition players on, though he enjoyed little early success. Xavi was angry with him when he made little of Gavi opening up the park in midfield and palming it off him down the right flank with half an hour gone. Came out for the second half with a spring in his step and moved more central as Kounde covered the right, but again ticked Xavi off when squandering another peach of an Alba cross at the back post. Redeemed himself with a clever assist for Gavi and could have been the hero when played in over the top shortly after if not skying his effort. Won a dangerous free kick on the cusp of getting his shot off then got the goal that his resilience deserved. Brought off for Ferran Torres to applause. 8

 
Image Gavi the six-shooter

 

Substitutes

 

Franck Kessie

 

Quick feet and a cool pass to Raphinha drew a cheer from the crowd. Intercepted a dangerous tackle in his own penalty box in a spell where Sevilla were the better team nearing half time. Provided a lovely and clever assist for Alba with an outside of the foot dink, capping his best performance for Barca since joining from AC Milan on a free transfer. 8

 

Ansu Fati

 

Failed to beat his man on a fast break down the left wing, but admittedly had little time to get into the game. 6

Ferran Torres

 

Played a poor ball into the box approaching 90 minutes, which was one of few touches in a short cameo. 6

 

Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde

 

N/A

 

Image

 

What we learned…

 

Captain Jordi Alba can be trusted to lead the troops in Busquets’ absence, but Xavi now has to decide whether he can continue with his four man midfield and has the luxury of the eight-point cushion to try new things if necessary.

 

Kessie gave him something to think in this respect, and Raphinha stated his case for being the fixed right winger and not having Xavi possibly use Gavi as a false one instead in a rejig.

 

Barca’s players have now won a challenge given to them by Xavi and will enjoy two days’ rest. After that, it is Villarreal away a week from now.

 

Harry Kane scores Tottenham’s record goals

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Harry Kane scores Tottenham’s record goals

Handing Manchester City a defeat and giving Arsenal a new lease on life

 

 

Harry Kane scores for Tottenham against Manchester City© AFP

AFP reports that Harry Kane became Tottenham’s record scorer as his 267th goal for the club sealed a 1-0 win against Manchester City, severely damaging the champions’ bid to retain the Premier League title.

Kane’s historic first-half strike at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium took him past Jimmy Greaves into sole possession of the hallowed record.

 

Greaves had held the milestone since 1970 before Kane moved level with him in his previous appearance against Fulham on January 23.

 

Kane’s landmark moment also made him only the third player to score 200 Premier League goals after Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208).

 

It has been an unforgettable period for Kane, who drew level with Rooney as England’s joint record scorer on 53 goals when he netted against France at the World Cup in December.

 

Passing Greaves had become increasingly inevitable for the prolific Kane. However, ironically, City could have ended his record chase if they had been successful in their attempt to sign him in 2021.

 

However, Kane’s remarkable goal feats seemed a distant dream during a difficult start to his career that featured several failed loan spells before he finally emerged as a star.

 

Greaves, who died aged 81 in 2021, is regarded as one of the most natural goalscorers in football history.

 

A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, who netted 44 times for his country, Greaves is the highest scorer in English top-flight history with 357 goals.

 

For Kane to be alongside such a legendary player is a tribute to his predatory instincts and perseverance.

 

The 29-year-old’s first Tottenham goal came back in 2011 against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League.

 

His record strike carried far more significance if that was a low-key way to start an incredible career.

 

Arsenal’s shock 1-0 defeat at struggling Everton on Saturday had given City renewed hope they could overhaul the leaders.

 

But instead, Kane’s 19th goal in all competitions this season leaves second-placed City five points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand and host Pep Guardiola’s men in a crucial clash on February 15.

 

Without boss Antonio Conte after emergency surgery to remove his gallbladder, Tottenham was led by his assistant Cristian Stellini, and this result surely lifted the recuperating Italian’s spirits.

 

Tottenham’s win moved them within one point of fourth-placed Newcastle as they chase Champions League qualification.

 

– Kane makes history –

 

It took Kane just 15 minutes to make history as Rodri’s careless pass on the edge of the City area allowed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to rob Manuel Akanji.

 

Hojbjerg slipped his pass to Kane, and with immortality in his sights, the striker guided a slightly scuffed low shot past Ederson with typical efficiency.

 

Sprinting away to soak up the acclaim, Kane waved towards his family, who were sitting below a scoreboard emblazoned with the message “Congratulations, Harry” alongside pictures of him celebrating previous goals for the club.

 

The England captain was serenaded by Tottenham fans chanting, “Harry Kane, he’s one of our own,” as the product of the club’s youth academy walked back to the center circle beaming a broad grin.

 

City’s response was labored, and Guardiola grew tetchy on the touchline, ranting in frustration after the subdued Erling Haaland opted to pass instead of shoot.

 

Riyad Mahrez was inches away from easing Guardiola’s angst when he crashed a fierce volley against the crossbar.

 

City came from two goals down at half-time to beat Tottenham 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in January.

 

But with City showing no signs of emulating that fightback, Guardiola sent on Kevin De Bruyne for “tactical” reasons.

 

De Bruyne’s presence lifted City, and Julian Alvarez’s deflected shot looped over before Akanji appealed in vain for a penalty when his shot hit Cristian Romero’s arm.

 

In a tense finale, Tottenham had to play the last three minutes wentenh 10 men after Romero was dismissed for a second booking as he chopped down Jack Grealish.

 

Osimhen goals send Napoli 16 points clear

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Osimhen goals send Napoli 16 points clear

Combines with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to beat Spezia at home

 

Napoli beat Spezia in their Serie A encounter© AFP

 

AFP reports that Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were again the stars of the show for Napoli as the Serie A leaders won 3-0 at Spezia to extend their advantage to a whopping 16 points.

Wing wizard Kvaratskhelia put Napoli ahead from the penalty spot two minutes after the break on the Italian Riviera before Osimhen netted twice, taking his league tally to 16.

 

Nigeria forward Osimhen pounced on a defensive error to double Napoli’s lead in the 68th minute and five minutes later rolled home an easy finish after Mattia Caldara passed straight to Kvaratskhelia on the edge of his own area.

 

“All the victories are important, we need to keep the momentum and try to win all games,” said Osimhen to Sky in Italy.

 

“It is not going to be easy of course, Serie A is a very competitive league and we have to be on top of our game. We go back, we prepare for the next game, that is the most important thing.”

 

Osimhen ended the day on top of the world after beginning it going into to the stands at the Stadio Picco to apologise to a woman fan who hit with a off-target pre-match practice shot.

 

The 23-year-old hugged the woman and posed for selfies before going on to continue Napoli’s unstoppable looking title charge.

 

“I think she was looking at her phone, the ball hit her in the face and I felt so sorry, as I didn’t mean to do that,” added Osimhen.

 

“I had to show my appreciation and say sorry for that.”

 

Luciano Spalletti’s side will be at least 13 points clear come the end of the day as their closest challengers Inter Milan host ailing champions AC Milan in Sunday’s late match.

Spezia stay 17th, five points above Verona who are just inside the relegation zone and host Lazio on Monday evening.

‘No perfect system in the world’

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‘No perfect system in the world’

Sunday Dare insists as medals table padding committee submits its finding

 

Sports minister Sunday Dare

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Sunday Dare, Nigeria’s sports minister, has stated that there is no system anywhere in the perfect world.

 
He made the statement while receiving the report of the Independent Committee set up by his ministry to review the complaints over suspected medals table padding at the recently concluded 21st National Sports Festival, tagged ‘’Delta 2022.’’
 
Dare, who received the report on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, stated that the Committee was set up to, among others, determine the shortfalls in the computation of the Medal table as well as establish the exact and correct result to put an end to the complaints surrounding it.
 
Dare, who expressed dismay over the level of insinuations and allegations going around attacking the Ministry, its staff, and the integrity of the Festival, noted that “there is no system anywhere in the world that is perfect; when issues are raised, the system should be allowed to respond to it accordingly.”
 
He explained that the Ministry bears the National Sports Festival, and if something is wrong, the Ministry should be allowed to fix it. “No one can run the Ministry for us; the Sports Ministry bears NSF, if something is wrong with it, we will fix it, and we will not be blackmailed into doing it,” Dare said.
 
The Minister reiterated that ensuring the successful organization of the biennial National Sports Festival is part of the Ministry’s mandate, thusis fully committed to ensuring that every challenge that will work against the goal is tackled headlong.
 
Dare, who described the NSF as the Nigerian Olympics, called on those culpable to desist from such acts as the Ministry will take all the administrative steps necessary to ensure that the Festival maintains its credibility, both at the local and international levels. While appreciating the Committee for bringing their technical know-how to bear towards the realization of their mandate, the Minister stated that the Ministry would ensure that the anomalies surrounding the Medal table are fixed accurately, based on the Committee’s recommendation, and released to the public as the final result.
 
“We will fix the medal table based on the report submitted and release it to the public accordingly,” he said.
 
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that the Ministry set up the Independent Committee, made up of experts who had managed the Technical arm of previous Festivals, to submit a comprehensive report that will assist the Ministry in addressing the various complaints raised at the end of the competition.
 
He added that the Ministry would ensure the implementation of the Committee’s recommendation, not only to guide against future occurrences but to continue to build the confidence of the nation’s teeming youth in sports.
 
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Committee, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Okaro (Rtd), thanked the Management of the Ministry as well as President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, for finding them worthy to serve in this capacity.
 

Napoli banks on Osimhen to supplant Spezia

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Napoli banks on Osimhen to supplant Spezia

Serie A actions return to this Sunday

 

 

No photo description available.

 

CBS Sports reports that Spezia haven’t won a game against Napoli since December of 2021, but they’ll be looking to end the drought on Sunday. Spezia will look to defend their home turf against Napoli at Stadio Alberto Picco. Spezia are expected to lose in their upcoming game, which doesn’t bode will given they lost the last time the odds were against them.

 

Spezia came up short against Bologna on Friday, falling 2-0. That’s two games in a row now that Spezia have lost by two goals.

 

Meanwhile, Napoli won against Roma last Saturday with two goals and they decided to stick to that goal total again on Sunday. Napoli won by a goal and slipped past Roma 2-1. The win was familiar territory for Napoli who now have four in a row.

 

Spezia were close but no cigar back in September of 2022 and fell 1-0 to Napoli. Can Spezia avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We’ll find out soon enough.

 

Dyche’s old boys inspire Everton

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Dyche’s old boys inspire Everton

To Goodison Park’s stunning win over Arsenal

 

James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil celebrate goal against Arsenal

McNeil and Tarkowski combine to beat leaders, while Man Utd exploits Newcastle draw to go third

 

Premierleague.com reviews the weekend’s Premier League games and its implication for teams

 

Sean Dyche breathed new life into Everton’s Premier League campaign by masterminding a 1-0 defeat over leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park in his first match, with two old boys combining for the winner.

 

The new Toffees manager recalled Dwight McNeil, and the winger Dyche managed at Burnley delivered the corner headed in by another former Turf Moor favorite, James Tarkowski, his first goal for the club.

 

A first win since 22 October lifts Everton one place to 18th with 18 points.

 

A second defeat of the season for an off-color Arsenal gives Manchester City a chance to cut their lead to two points with a win at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

 

Advantage Man Utd in top-four battle

 

 

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League

 

It is an advantage for Manchester United over Newcastle United in the battle for a top-four place as the Red Devils enjoyed a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace while the Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United.

 

Bruno Fernandes gave Man Utd an early lead from the penalty spot after Will Hughes’ handball.

 

Marcus Rashford continued his hot form with his 10th league goal of the season. Still, shortly afterward, Casemiro, United’s key midfielder, was sent off for violent conduct on Hughes and will be suspended for the next three matches.

 

Results

 

 

  • Everton 1-0 Arsenal Goodison Park, Liverpool
  • Aston Villa 2-4 Leicester Villa Park, Birmingham
  • Brentford 3-0 Southampton Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford
  • Brighton 1-0 Bournemouth Amex Stadium, Falmer
  • Man Utd 2-1 Crystal Palace Old Trafford, Manchester
  • Wolves 3-0 Liverpool Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
  • Newcastle 1-1 West Ham St. James’ Park, Newcas

 

Palace threatened a comeback through Jeffrey Schlupp’s 76th-minute goal, but Man Utd held on to move above Newcastle by two points.

 

They are three points behind Man City with 42 points, while Palace lies 12th with 24.

 

In a frantic start at St James’ Park, Newcastle thought they had scored after only 36 seconds, but VAR overturned Joe Willock’s effort for the ball going out of play in the build-up. It mattered not. Eleven seconds after the restart, Callum Wilson scored his 10th goal against the Hammers and his first in the league since October.

 

But David Moyes’ men responded after a nightmare start, Lucas Paqueta equalizing from a corner. The Hammers continued to thwart Newcastle, who drew their fourth match in five in the league and dropped to fourth, four points clear of Spurs.

 

The result keeps West Ham in 16th, a point above the relegation zone.

 

Mitoma strikes again

 

Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton, Bournemouth

Kaoru Mitoma has six goals in his past nine appearances across all competitions

 

A late goal from in-form Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton & Hove Albion a narrow victory over AFC Bournemouth. After Cherries goalkeeper Neto had kept Brighton at bay with some fine saves, the Japan winger headed in his third goal in as many matches in all competitions to return his team to sixth, on 34 points, two points behind Spurs. AFC Bournemouth drops to 19th with 17 points.

 

Brentford is a point behind Brighton in seventh after a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton.

 

Two first-half goals inside four minutes from Ben Mee and Bryan Mbeumo put the Bees in control, and Mathias Jensen’s second goal in three matches rounded off the win.

 

Brentford, unbeaten in nine matches, climb a point above their west London rivals Fulham as the race for European places intensifies.

 

Liverpool’s woes go on

 

Fixtures

 

NFO LEE
TOT MCI
 

Liverpool’s disappointing 2023 continued as they succumbed to their third defeat in four matches at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

 

Jurgen Klopp’s side fell behind to a fifth-minute own goal by Joel Matip before Craig Dawson marked his debut with a goal seven minutes later. Ruben Neves’s 71st-minute strike sealed a third straight-away defeat for Liverpool for the first time in almost 11 years.

 

They lie 10th with 29 points, as close to the relegation zone as the top four. A third win in six matches lifts Wolves to 15th with 20 points, two clear of the bottom three.

 

Villa Park goal-fest

 

Leicester City debutants scored at both ends as the Foxes shared a goal-fest with Aston Villa. Ollie Watkins started the scoring before James Maddison equalized.

 

Harry Souttar, a Leicester Deadline Day signing from Stoke City, restored Villa’s lead with an own goal. Kelechi Iheanacho headed the Foxes level, and Tete put them 3-2 up just before half-time. Dennis Praet sealed the first win for Brendan Rodgers’ side since 12 November to lift them to 13th with 21 points, seven behind Villa in 11th.

 

Bottom eight

 

PosTeamPlGDPts
13LEI 21-521
14NFO 20-1921
15WOL 21-1520
16WHU 21-819
17LEE 19-718
18EVE 21-1218
19BOU 21-2417
20SOU 21-2115

 

 

 

WWE SmackDown is Can’t-Miss TV

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WWE SmackDown is Can’t-Miss TV

The Bloodline and Sami Zayn saga have created a refreshing chapter

 

WWEThe chairshot that reverberated around the world

 

Sami Zayn delivered a chair shot heard ’round the World at the Royal Rumble. The Bloodline saga could finally come to a head on WWE SmackDown, Franklin Steele writes for Screen Rant.

 

Getting WWE fans to drop what they’re doing on Friday night to tune into SmackDown isn’t easy, but The Bloodline and Sami Zayn angle make the February 3 edition of the show can’t-miss TV. This has been professional wrestling’s most compelling storyline for months, and the former Honorary Uce pushed things into the final act at the Royal Rumble. When tasked with striking Kevin Owens with a chair, Zayn instead smashed Roman Reigns in the back, leaving the leader of The Bloodline stunned. The premium live event went off-air with Sami laid out in the middle of the ring, covered in red flowers, Owens handcuffed to the ropes unconscious, and the faction in shambles.

 

WWE

 

The 2023 Royal Rumble wasn’t the best rendition of the event, but WWE hit the high notes that needed to be hit. Cody Rhodes winning the men’s Royal Rumble was the right call, and the main event between Owens and Roman Reigns was captivating from start to finish. The Tribal Chief re-established himself as a true heel during the match’s final moments, repeatedly slamming KO’s head into the steel steps before securing a pinfall. What happened after the ref counted to three is what fans will never forget, though. That’s why this episode of SmackDown is going to be so special. The WWE Universe will witness the Royal Rumble‘s fallout, and it could lead to a where-were-you-when type moment for the blue brand.

 

WWE

 

There’s virtually no chance that Roman Reigns won’t be on SmackDown following his win at the Royal Rumble. He’ll either open or close the show, and what he has to say will be the main event of the evening, no matter what matches are planned. The Bloodline storyline has just been that good, and the next chapter will probably be one of the last ones. The Head of the Table will be there, but who else will be sitting there at this point?

 

Reigns put Zayn in a spot where he had to pick between Roman and Kevin Owens, and Sami made his choice. He’s out of The Bloodline, no question about it. He (somewhat comically) Tweeted a photo of his Bloodline memorabilia on the curbside along with the rest of his garbage, leaving little question about where he stands following the events of the Royal Rumble. Zayn will be on Owens’ or his own side, but his time with this faction is through.

 

Jey Uso also stormed away from the ring during Reigns’ assault on Zayn and Owens, fighting back the tears as he walked back to the locker room. He also alluded to his days with The Bloodline being over on social media, which is a big swerve that hasn’t gotten enough attention. The Usos are in the midst of a historic run as unified tag team champions, and that’s been overshadowed by Reigns’ time at the top of the mountain. What happens to the tag-team titles if Jey is out of The Bloodline? Can he co-exist with Jimmy if he stays by Romans’ side? Jey’s actions at the Royal Rumble were fascinating, and the walls are slowly closing in on Roman Reigns. That leaves just Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman by his side, and the champ will rightfully be suspicious of Jimmy if he sticks around.

 

IMPACT Wrestling Results – February 2, 2023

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IMPACT Wrestling Results – February 2, 2023

Live coverage of IMPACT Wrestling! The show kicks off with tag team action

 

 

Josh Alexander speakingImage credit: Impact Wrestling

 

 

Wrestlezone reports Impact Wrestling Live results for February 2, 2023. We bring you the Excerpts.

 

 

Ace Austin & Chris Bey vs. Kushida & Kevin Knight

 

 

Kevin Knight and Chris Bey punching

 

 

Bey and Knight start the match with a lockup. Bey pivots to a headlock before doing a shoulder tackle. Knight flips out but gets rolled up for a two-count. Bey double stomps on the back and delivers a big chest chop in the corner. Knight breaks free with a crossbody off the ropes. Knight does a big splash in the middle of the ring, kickout. Kushida tags in and works the left arm. Knight comes back in but gets taken down by Bey. Ace tags in and kicks Knight in the corner, Bey hits an uppercut. Ace kicks Knight in Bullet Club’s corner. Bullet Club double teams, working the arms together. Bey is legal again briefly, but Ace comes back with chops and kicks. Knight rolls through and tags Kushida.

 

Kushida flips Bey over for a dropkick. Bey goes for Art of Finesse, but Kushida catches him with an armbar. Knight tags in and dropkicks Bey. Knight goes for a double team, but Ace catches him. Kushida has Bey on his shoulders as well, so Bey and Knight throw punches. After crashing, Knight dropkicks Bey off Kushida’s shoulders. Ace breaks the cover. Ace throws kicks all around as the ref checks on Bey. Knight kicks Bey, but Ace comes back with a kick off the apron. Knight dropkicks Ace off the apron. Knight goes to fly out by Bey hits Art of Finesse out of nowhere on the apron. Bey hits the cutter and Ace hits The Fold for the three-count.

 

Winners: Ace Austin & Chris Bey

 

The Design cut promos on Callihan backstage about his shortcomings.

 

A vignette reveals Steph De Lander will debut next week.

 

 

Gisele Shaw vs. Savannah Evans

 

 

Gisele Shaw speaking

 

 

Savannah Evans cuts a pre-taped promo saying that they gave Shaw a chance, but now Tasha Steelz is gone. In the ring, Evans dominates Shaw to start with chops in the corner. Evans lands a butterfly suplex, leading to Shaw rolling out to rest for a second with Jai Vidal. After the break, Shaw is back in control, stepping on Evans and pressing her agains the ropes. They trade blows in the middle of the ring until Evans lands a few clotheslines. Evans drops Shaw with a Samoan Drop. Evans connects with a Spinebuster, followed by a fallaway suplex. Vidal tries to seduce the ref, allowing Shaw to super kick Evans. Shaw delivers a knee strike for the win.

 

 

Winner: Gisele Shaw

 

 

Post-match, Shaw grabs a mic. The crowd heavily boos her. She brings up how people refer to her as the Black Widow of Impact because she destroys every tag team she touches. She accepts that she is now the Black Widow. Shaw takes credit for Tasha Steelz, The Influence, and Chelsea Green being gone all because of her.

 

 

Backstage, Kenny King walks up on a couple talent talking about Rich Swann. He steals their popcorn and says they better not talk about anyone else when he walks by. King walks on and bumps into Johnny Swinger and Zicky Dice. King blows them off, while Dice pitches a match.

 

 

Elsewhere, DOA Santino Marella books King vs. Swinger for later. Steve Maclin walks up and complains about not being number one contender, but Rich Swann is. Marella announces four singles matches will be held to determine who will compete in a four-way contender’s match at No Surrender. Dirty Dango confirms he is in one of the qualifiers.

 

 

Crazzy Steve vs. Sheldon Jean

 

 

Crazzy Steve posing

 

 

Crazzy Steve makes his way out to face newcomer Sheldon Jean. Jean tries to get heat by tormenting Black Taurus. They lock up, Steve gets his left arm tied up being Jean throws him to the mat. Jean kicks Steve and showboats for the camera. Steve gets back up and twists Jean’s neck with his feet. Steve bites Jean before clubbing him in the corner, uppercut follows. Steve connects with a corner cannonball and lands a DDT off the top rope. Steve covers for the three.

 

 

Winner: Crazzy Steve

 

 

After, Trey Miguel attacks both Taurus and Steve. He has a bottle of spray paint in hand, but Steve bites his hand and steals the bottle. Steve sprays green paint on himself like he did last week as Trey retreats up the ramp.

 

 

Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Jordynne Grace. Grace says people can go back and make the judgment about whether Mickie tapped at Hard to Kill. Grace has a contracted rematch, but in the meantime, Grace challenges Steph De Lander to face her next week.

 

 

Santino Marella finds Raven in the locker room. Marella asks for advice. Raven says that if Santino wants to make money, he should make Raven the world champion.

 

 

Bully Ray promo: Mickie James slaps Bully Ray

 

 

Mickie James slaps Bully Ray

 

 

Bully Ray makes his way out to address the crowd. The fans chant “You tapped out” before he speaks, and then he’s met with boos. Bully says he’s starting to get the feeling like no one around here likes him, including wrestlers, management, and the fans. Bully says the new guy in charge clearly doesn’t like him because he wasn’t invited to take part in last week’s Golden Six Shooter. Bully says remember what happened to the last guy that was in charge. Bully claims that Tommy Dreamer was the one who was lying to fans all these years. Bully calls Dreamer the biggest phony this business has ever seen.

 

 

Mickie James interrupts and says she wants to return the favor by interrupting his promo. She says that he does is bicker no matter where he goes. Mickie says Bully is the politcking snake, not Dreamer. Mickie tells him to get the hell out of Impact. Bully tells her to wipe the smirk off her face because he will smack her. Bully says he will slam her again, and that he’s done worse to better women in the biz. Bully calls her a tramp, which prompts Mickie to take off her title and slap him across the face.

 

 

 

 

Bully picks Mickie up and slams her to the mat. He grabs her hair and prepares to slam her as The Good Hands slide a table in the ring. Dreamer runs down with a kendo stick to make the save. Dreamer says this is getting settled sooner or later. Dreamer challengers the Good Hands to take on him and Mickie right now. Santino comes out and announces the tag match will take place next week with Bully Ray banned from ringside.

 

 

 

 

Killer Kelly cuts a promo, saying it seems like Taylor Wilde is obsessed with her. Wilde interrupts and says her card said they would be side by side in the ring together, not across from each other. The Death Dollz suddenly transport in. Rosemary responds and accepts a tag team challenge for next week.

 

 

Johnny Swinger vs. Kenny King

 

 

Kenny King celebrating

 

 

Swinger flexes to start, so King almost kicks him in the face. Swinger catches King’s foot, but King gets out and kicks him. King connects with the Royal Flush for the quick victory.

 

 

Winner: Kenny King

 

 

King grabs a mic. He says the first reason he came out was to beat up that old man. The second reason was to put the champions of Impact on notice. While he came up short in the Pit Fight match last week, he has a target out.

 

 

Backstage, Bully Ray confronts Masha Slamovich. Bully weirdly says it’s good to meet her. Bully says that if he was Mickie, she wouldn’t be sleeping at night because of Masha. Bully continues to hype of Masha as he wants her to beat her at No Surrender. Masha responds in Russian before walking away. Bully ends with, “Oh, Masha” while propped up agains the wall.

 

 

Matt Cardona gathers a bunch of talent backstage to reveal his Joe Hendry diss track. Hendry will defend the Digital Media title against Cardona next week.

 

Josh Alexander, Rich Swan, Frankie Kazarian & Yuya Uemura vs. The Design & Callihan

 

 

 

 

 

Deaner and Swann start the bout, but Deaner immediately tags in Callihan. They lock up as Callihan targets Swann’s left hand. Angels comes in and the pace quickens. Swann drags Angels by the arm into the face corner. Uemura comes in with a dropkick and then a cover. Alexander and Deaner tag in, lock up. They trade several chest chops until Deaner bites his head. All eight man break down by brawling in the ring. Josh clotheslines Kon out of the ring and dives out onto him, but doesn’t make him budge. Swann flies out and takes all of The Design down heading into the break.

 

Uemura and Angels are in the ring when we come back. Kazarian comes in with a chop and delivers a leg drop. Swann back in, but Angels catches him with a scoop slam. Deaner, Callihan, and Kon take turns picking Swann apart. Kon stomps on Swann in the corner before attempting a pin. Deaner takes Swann to the heel corner as The Design plays the numbers game to prevent a tag for several minutes. Swann finally tags in Alexander, and the champ clears the ring with slams all around. Kon becomes legal, but Josh can’t hit the German.

 

 

 

 

Alexander knees Kon in the head and applies the ankle lock. Uemura tags in and hits a big missile dropkick. Callihan tags in and gouges the eyes of Yuya. Callihan goes to do Thumbs Up, but Deaner stops him. Josh takes advantage and double clotheslines them. Deaner wipes out Josh, but Swann kicks him. Angels slams Swann, then Kaz hits a DDT. Kon plants Kaz, then Yuya dropkicks. Yuya manages to slam Kon and kick Callihan. Angels kicks Yuya, allowing Callihan to connect with the Cactus Driver 97 for the win.

 

Winners: Callihan & The Design

 

 

The post IMPACT Wrestling Results – February 2, 2023 appeared first on Wrestlezone.

Awoniyi shoots cupid’s darts at Nigerian fans

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Awoniyi shoots cupid’s darts at Nigerian fans

Nigeria striker aims to win over Nigerian fans to Nottingham Forest

 

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi finally ended a 576-minute wait for an away goal

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Nigeria and Nottingham Forest FC of England striker Taiwo Awoniyi intends to help his club win over Nigerian supporters before the end of his contract.
 
The 24 -year old joined Forest from the Bundesliga club on a five-year deal and became the newly promoted Premier League side’s first international signing last summer. Awoniyi scored  20 goals in 48 games in all competitions last season.
 
“I am a Nigerian, and I know how much Nigerians love the Premiership. My target here is to win trophies with the club, make my country proud, and turn more Nigerian fans’ hearts to Nottingham Forest,” he told  Nottingham Evening Gazette.
 
He added, “If everything goes as planned before my contract runs out, and I’m able to perform better than I did in Germany, I am very sure that many Nigerians will fall in love with Nottingham Forest. I know my people. They love good football, and I am ready to work hard to win them over to the team.”
 
The former Union Berlin FC of Germany striker is currently nursing an injury sustained after scoring his side’s lone goal against Southampton FC in the Premier League at the Saint Mary’s stadium early last month.
 
Awoniyi, 25, who won the man of the match awards against  Chelsea and Southampton, may not be able to achieve his goals this season because he’s expected to be sidelined for three months due to the injury.
 
The 17.5 -million-pounds signing has scored four times in 21  matches in the 2022/ 2023 season. So far, this feat makes him the number 46 scorer in the Premier League.
 
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