Articles By Michael Black (1956)

Arsenal should end Odegaard pursuit and go all out for Maddison

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 30 2021

Arsenal will head into the upcoming Premier League season eager to prove they can still mix it with the big boys. Four FA Cup successes in the last eight years…

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Blackburn Rovers

Adam Armstrong linked with ridiculous player-plus-cash move to Watford

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 18 2021

Watford are trying to tempt Blackburn Rovers into selling Adam Armstrong by offering cash plus striker Andre Gray. That’s according to the Sun’s Alan Nixon, who gains instant entry into…

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Arteta cannot afford Arsenal’s £50m White gamble to fail

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 17 2021

The news that Arsenal will sign Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion is a major statement by the club. According to The Athletic, the deal is subject to a…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Boneheads shame England, BBC 4-1 ITV, Bonucci & Chiellini shine

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 12 2021

And breathe. The European Championships ended in style on Sunday, with Italy lifting the trophy after an epic battle with England. Our pre-tournament 11/1 selection got the job done, but…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Mum says ‘play your best’, salty Scots are suffering, Italy pose huge threat

Author image Michael Black  •  Nov 16 2021

There are just under six hours to go before England and Italy face a date with destiny in the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium. England have the chance to…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: BBC handed easy win, Onuoha sparkles, UEFA bottle it

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 10 2021

If you’ve been following this column during the European Championships, you’ll know that there are a few things we don’t like. Cheats (Raheem Sterling), lousy pundits (Robbie Savage), racists and…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Mount doubles down, why grassroots matters, to boo or not to boo

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 9 2021

Much like waiting for birthdays to come when we were children, the next two days will drag, won’t they? The 2020 European Championships have been excellent, and hopefully the final…

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Euro 2020

Why England’s run to Euro 2020 final could spark a spending spree on watches

Author image Michael Black  •  Aug 6 2021

England’s exciting surge into the final of the European Championships sparked wild celebrations across the country in midweek. The Three Lions’ extra-time victory over Denmark means they will now face…

euro2020
Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Sterling dive sours victory, ITV has lost the plot, classy Mount saves the day

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 8 2021

England are through to the final of the European Championships! After being taken to extra time by Denmark on Wednesday evening, the Three Lions finally booked their place alongside Italy…

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Portugal

Ronaldo can enjoy final swansong at 2022 World Cup

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 27 2021

Portugal’s recent exit from the European Championships in the round of 16 sparked talk about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future on the international stage. The 36-year-old looked hugely frustrated after the 1-0…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Saka set to start, ice cold Italy, pass the earplugs part two

Author image Michael Black  •  Nov 16 2021

Italy booked their place in the final of the European Championships with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Spain on Tuesday. Spain exited the tournament despite racking up more than…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Holland gets carried away, stop bleating Mancini, Evra backs England

Author image Michael Black  •  Nov 16 2021

The first of the European Championship semi-finals takes place later today, with Italy facing Spain at Wembley Stadium. With COVID-19 restrictions gradually being eased, there will be 60,000 fans in…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Werner makes shock prediction, Madeley & Allardyce in cringefest, pass the earplugs

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 5 2021

We’re into the final week of the European Championships, which means just one thing – there are just 173 shopping days left until Christmas! However, before we start the countdown…

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Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott ‘dilemma’ is nonsense, fanboys need to stop going overboard

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 5 2021

‘Harvey Elliott lit up the Championship last season with his time on loan at Blackburn Rovers, but what’s the next step in the career of Liverpool’s future star?’ The Liverpool…

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Euro 2020

Euro 2020 Diary: Bellingham shows his class, Everton star deserves praise, shut up Patel

Author image Michael Black  •  Jul 4 2021

The final four for the European Championships is now known, with Denmark and England joining Spain and Italy in the semi-finals yesterday. The Danes have enjoyed an emotional run to…

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