Premier League: Why does Arsene Wenger have to wait for an action before making a reaction?

I remember those good old days in Secondary school as my Physics teacher taught Newton's laws of motion. It's one of the fundamental laws in Physics that it just sticks to memory if you're someone acquainted with science courses. On Sunday, I kind of saw one of these laws been applied in football albeit wrongly.

To be specific, the law in question is Newton's third law. It states that

'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.'

Arsenal have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Guess what, Arsene Wenger consents to this law but he applies it in the reverse gear. He doesn't take 'the action', he waits for 'the action' to be taken before he reacts and that has been his bane.

At least, this scenario has played out in two of their games this season. Surprisingly, both matches were against the Manchester teams in which they dropped crucial points.

In the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the second half commenced with United on the ascendancy, Mr Wenger just kept watching as United carved chance after chance until they took the lead. It was then he decided to 'react' to the situation, his first substitution was bringing on Oliver Giroud.

That pattern was repeated in the game on Sunday at the Etihad, City came into the second half a much improved side while Wenger continued with the plan of sitting deep and hitting on the counter but their counter-attacking style wasn't effective as they couldn't keep possession of the ball when they won it. With seconds into the second half, City equalised and pilled the pressure from then on, you could sense that they were going for the jugular but poor Wenger, kept waiting till he was punished. City took the lead with a second goal.

Then, Wenger does the usual stuff, 'react' to the situation by introducing Oliver Giroud.

You see, this post isn't about how introducing Giroud in games is the customary way by Wenger to rescue Arsenal, it's about showing that he can be proactive, take the intiative, force the hand of his opponent rather than waiting to react to their action.

Mesut Ozil was anonymous for most part of the game at the Etihad and yet played the entire duration.

It seems he enjoys shooting himself in the foot. Now, they are a whopping nine points off the League leaders - Chelsea.

Well, it isn't new, it's Arsenal doing things the Arsenal way.

If this approach isn't changed, you could be sure that Arsenal fans have another disappointing season on the cards in their attempt to become Premier League Champions again after 13 years.

WWE Roadblock: Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks, who is better?

 "As iron sharpeneth iron, so one sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:17

Sasha Banks was quoted recently as saying that "as much as she despises Charlotte in-person, Charlotte-as-a-competitor brings out the best in her."

Both Superstars have the raised the bar of the women's division so high that they are willing to go any length to prove that one is better than the other but this feud must end before both women are consumed by it.

The Boss tries to break Charlotte's signature maneuver with a steel chair at 'Hell in a cell'.

For the first time in WWE history, a match between two female Superstars was held inside 'Hell in a cell' (The structure itself) last October. Both women gave their all in a fight that lasted about 30 minutes. Eventually, Charlotte won but it never proved to Sasha that the Queen is better.

The Boss requested for her mandatory rematch which was fixed two weeks after in North Carolina - Charlotte's home town. Sasha Banks' relentlessness caused her to reclaim the title as both women pulled out all the stops. She even went a step further to dedicate her victory to Charlotte's father - Ric Flair - who in return endorsed Sasha Banks over his daughter.

Charlotte's father - Ric Flair endorses Sasha Banks.

You could be sure that the move by Ric Flair only got Charlotte irate. She seeks to prove to herself and the WWE universe that she deserves to be the at the top of the food chain in the women's division on Raw.

This feud must end at Roadblock. It's the end of the line for the battle that has been brewing between Charlotte and Sasha Banks.

Roadblock beckons, it's just some days away. Who will prevail? Who will reign supreme?

Premier League: Chelsea show patience and tactical flexibility in win over WBA.

The victory over West Bromwich Albion wasn't as inspiring or entertaining as the victories Chelsea recorded over Everton and Manchester United some weeks ago but what stood out in this fixture is the patience shown by the London club and the tactical flexibility demonstrated by Conte in the latter part of the second half.

Antonio Conte showed his tactical flexibility against WBA on Sunday.

In truth, this might be the most impressive victory of the nine consecutive matches Chelsea have won since their Italian manager implemented the 3-4-3 formation to his side.

One of the hallmarks of Champions is being able to grind results when things don't seem to go their way. In this fixture, Tony Pulis did his homework on the blues and for more than an hour, Chelsea laboured to no avail in breaking the deadlock.

Then came the first substitution which showed Antonio Conte's tactical flexibility, he brought on Willian for Pedro, with Victor Moses moving from the right wing-back to the left flank while Willian occupied the right flank with both Azipilicueta and Alonso switching to full-backs role. Hazard just played slightly behind Diego Costa. It seemed like a 4-2-4 formation.

With the tactical switch not yielding any incisiveness in Chelsea's attack, the second substitution was made with the introduction of Cesc Fabregas for Moses. It seems Conte switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Hazard moving to the left flank and Willian on the right flank while Fabregas played the central attacking role.

Diego Costa's winner against West Bromwich Albion.

Perhaps, these change of formations during the second half may have discombobulated Tony Pulis and his lads as they were hit on a counter. A long punt of the ball by Cesc Fabregas in the path of Gareth McAuley on the right flank who seemed to have the ball under control only to be nudged off the ball by the Diego Costa who then strode towards the goal and delivered an emphatic finish pass Ben Foster.

From then on, it was solidarity in defending. Conte made his final substitution bringing on Branislav Ivanovic for Hazard. Chelsea reverted back to their familiar three at the back with Ivanovic and Alonso playing the wing-back roles albeit the formation was altered to 3-5-2.

Such tactical flexibility and patience will certainly be needed in Chelsea's quest of becoming Champions again as they can't consistently serve up the thrashing of their opponents.

With those two qualities in hand, it looks like Chelsea and Antonio Conte are primed to become Champions come May 2017.

Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino is plotting one of the biggest coup of this weekend.

You guys will all say I was damn right. I saw it coming. Perhaps, I time travelled into the future to watch the game and came back to the present to act assuredly sure that Tottenham will defeat Manchester United this weekend.

Pochettino planing to beat Jose Mourinho - master of mind games.

Who still thinks Mr Mourinho is the Special one these days except for Pochettino?

The Tottenham manager told a news conference that Jose Mourinho will "always be the Special One," and also thinks the Manchester United manager will be remembered as one of football's greats.

I bet you guys, it's all mind games. Just look at the stats, they speak for themselves. Mourinho has earned just 36 points from 30 matches with Chelsea and Manchester United as manager.

According to a Ghanaian witch doctor, Mourinho should ask for Eva Carneiro's forgiveness before his managerial fortunes can improve. 

With all the disappointing results, he claimed of "rats" being in his Chelsea team, to players (Chris Smalling & Luke Shaw) who can't die for the cause at Manchester United, to being confused with player selection (just look at his usage of Mkhitaryan, Mata, Fellaini and Pogba) and can't stop incurring the wrath of the referees and English FA these days.

It's well documented. The Portugese boss has lost his mojo and may find it very difficult to regain with the number of Supermanagers in the Premier League this season.

Super Sunday clash returns this Sunday at Old Trafford.

Then in the midst of all this, we have Pochettino hollering

"He is the Special one, one of the best in the world."

Guys, don't you see what the Tottenham manager is trying to do? I can see it very clearly. Just tell Mr Mourinho all the sweet words, the things he would like to hear. Just don't tell him he is a spent force. Tell him things like he is the best in the world. Allow him to ride that all weekend while you plot the biggest coup with the return Toby alderweireld, a resurgent Christian Eriksen and a confident Harry Kane.

I see an upset on the cards this weekend at Old Trafford, what do you see?

Premier League: Tottenham will face a great psychological battle this weekend as they head to Stamford Bridge.

Psychological battles are a thing of the mind. You could either be weak, strong or in-between which means 'confused'.

As Tottenham heads to Stamford Bridge this weekend to resume rivalries with their London neighbours, one wonders what state of mind they are currently having heading into this encounter.

Moussa Dembele gouged the eye of Diego Costa which earned him a six match suspension last season. 

Last season, in the match that was dubbed 'Battle of the Bridge', Tottenham surrendered a two-goal lead in a must-win match to all but end their title aspirations to a Chelsea team that was recuperating under Guus Hiddink. From then on, it was the begining of the end for the London football club as they crumbled to relinquish second place to Arsenal.

Before their midweek UEFA Champions League clash with Monaco, Mauricio Pochettino deemed the match a 'must-win' encounter only to come up short in France.

The pattern from last season certainly looks similar to the current campaign, 'after a must win match which you somehow conspire to not win, just do the crumbling'.

Antonio Conte and Eden Hazard won Barclays Premier League manager and EA Sports player of the month for October respectively.

Heading into Stamford Bridge where Chelsea have been on a roller coaster lately (vs. Leicester City 3-0, vs. Manchester United 4-0, vs. Everton 5-0) and haven't lost to their London rivals since February 1990, one wonders whether they are psychological prepared for this encounter.

How do they get to recover from being out of the Champions League and go to a ground that has proven to be a hard nut to crack all in a week while their rivals were resting?

How do they play a team that is on song and showing no signs of weakness (haven't conceded a goal in 590 minutes)?

It's safe to say that all the circumstances are against Tottenham heading into this clash. They are four points adrift of the leaders - Chelsea and therefore must win to close the gap or lose and could be saying goodbye to their title aspirations as early as November.

WWE: My thoughts on the Survivor series match: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar.

Your fantasies just became a reality.

Headline for the main event of Survivor series, 'Fantasy warfare just got real' features Brock Lesnar against Bill Goldberg.

The noise about Goldberg started like a month ago during the promo for WWE 2k17. He had an interview on Sportscenter where he commented on returning to WWE and facing Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman reciprocated by accepting the challenge on behalf of his client. Fast-forward some weeks after, and the fight is holding at Air Canada Center, Toronto, home of NBA team Toronto Raptors.

Bill Goldberg appears on Raw for the first time in 12 years.

Seriously, i have my fears for Goldberg in this match. Less than a month isn't enough time to prepare for an opponent like Brock Lesnar. For a guy that is match rusty (hasn't wrestled in the past 12 years) plus senility has caught up with him (Goldberg is 49) to wrestle someone as devilish as Brock Lesnar who is currently fighting in WWE and UFC, I think it's safe to say that the only conceivable reason Goldberg accepted to do this is because WWE offered to reward him handsomely.

Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania XX.

Let's just forget about the bullcrap Goldberg said about wanting his wife and son see him fight in-ring for the first time. I just hope Goldberg doesn't get beat down plus Brock would be determined not to lose a second time following the first loss at Wrestlemania XX.

Finally, I hope the words of Paul Heyman doesn't ring true, 'you will be beaten, victimised and conquered', but I forsee it happening.

Premier League: The conundrum of duplicating the 3-4-3 formation.

In the Premier League, club managers are gradually cloning the 3-4-3 formation as though it's the blueprint for success.

Looks like Antonio Conte has started a revolution of formation in the Premier League.

Since Antonio Conte implemented the formation in the second half of the London derby against Arsenal and has gone on to record outstanding victories in subsequent matches, some managers have started doing the "copycat".

Pochettino took a leaf out of Conte's book to a great effect in the London derby against Arsenal while Ronald Koeman mirrored the formation to the decimation of Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Notably, over the weekend, managers of Tottenham and Everton FC switched from their usual formation to playing three defenders at the back.

In the case of Tottenham,  they left the Emirates stadium feeling satisfied after a 1-1 draw with arch rivals Arsenal while Everton got trounced at Stamford Bridge in a match which could be seen as Chelsea laying down a marker for the Premier League title.

Previously, Slaven Billic stopped the rut at West ham United by switching to three defenders at the back although, results have been mixed since then.

With managers already going the way of Conte's Chelsea, there are questions which are begging for answers. Will managers implementing the three defenders at their clubs, record the same success Antonio Conte has achieved so far at a Chelsea? Do they have the right players and in-game tactics to execute the formation?

Let's know what you think.

NBA: How far can Russell Westbrook carry Oklahoma City Thunder?

Most teams know what to expect when they meet Oklahoma City Thunder but the real question is 'Can they stop what's coming?'

The unrelentless and energetic NBA superstar.

To most, it's a million dollar question. From the Thunder, we all know it's Russell Westbrook coming for the opposing teams since KD left for the Warriors but for very many teams, this guy is a force of nature, a one man wrecking machine that's just unstoppable.

OKC's Russell Westbrook guarding LA Clippers' Chris Paul.

The latest to feel this force of nature is the Los Angeles Clippers. The point guard logged 33 minutes while scoring 35 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds and 10 turnovers in an impressive 85-83 win at Staples Center but that's not just all the stats, he went 14-of-30 in field goal (FG) and 0-of-7 in 3-point (PT) shooting. That's massive! Simply put, he hogged the ball and singlehandedly willed the team to victory.

Last Friday against Phoenix Suns, Westbrook made 17-of-44 in FG (field goal) and 2-of-10 in 3PT shooting to score 51 points. In comparison to the team stats, he took 50% of the team's FG and 62.5% of the 3PT shots. That's incredible!

This is Westbrook. He wants to win, he's a winner but then, he just forces his teammates to watch him do his thing in awe plus denying them the opportunity to grow individually as players and as a team.

You don't want to be under the hoop when Westbrook does this.

What of Billy Donovan his coach? Is his plan just to get the ball to Westbrook or does the California-born player draw his plan in-field as against his coach?

Early on, the plan seems to be working pretty well as they are yet to lose this season but time will tell how long they can carry on with this.

WWE: Dean Ambrose gets another opportunity and defeats AJ Styles to become No. 1 contender for the WWE World Championship

Thank goodness Dean Ambrose is a man of forgiveness, if not, the beating he would have meted out to Ellsworth would have been unforgivable.

James Ellsworth sincerely apologising to Dean Ambrose. 

James Ellsworth appeared on Smackdown Live to tender a sincere apology to Ambrose for costing him his No. 1 contender opportunity last week which he duly accepted.

Smackdown Live General manager Daniel Bryan, announced earlier in the night that if Dean could defeat AJ Styles, he will become No. 1 contender to the WWE World Championship albeit Ellsworth wasn't suppose to be at the ringside.

As it stands, it appears Ellsworth likes the spotlight as he appeared during the match to cause the perfect distraction which afforded Ambrose enough time to hit his signature maneuver - Dirty Deeds for the win.

But seriously, we all knew there wasn't anyone in line for the WWE World Championship other than Dean Ambrose so we just expected that Smackdown Live would come up with a  script showing us the Lunatic Fringe would get another after another opportunity to become No. 1 contender.

The Lunatic Fringe pins AJ Styles for the win after hitting him with Dirty Deeds.

Smackdown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon announced later in the night that Ambrose shot at the WWE World Championship against AJ Styles  would be at WWE TLC, in a Tables, Ladder and Chair match.

Premier League: Mourinho's woes at Manchester United is down to Eva Carneiro, Ghanaian witch doctor says.

The woes of Manchester United so far this season is well documented, but somewhere in Ghana, a witch doctor says there is a spiritual angle to the team's struggles.

Remember former Chelsea team doctor? Eva Carneiro. A Ghanaian doctor - Nana Kwaku Bonsam, says she possesses a devilish spirit which is responsible for all the miseries at Manchester United.

Could it be truly possible Eva Carneiro holds the keys to the fortunes of Manchester United on the field?

There was a major fall-out between Mourinho and the Gibraltar-British born medical doctor in August last season which culminated in her leaving the club.

The Ghanian doctor told Kasapa FM that if nothing changes with the situation, the Red Devils will experience no joy under the guidance of Mourinho.

"Jose Mourinho is a very recalcitrant person I have made this statement and will still repeat again if he doesn't apologize to Eva Carneiro (the former Team Doctor for Chelsea) he will never succeed in any club he will join," he predicted.

"She (Eva Carneiro) possess a devilish Spirit which is causing all these miseries at United and this has even affected the performance of key players like World record signing Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and among others."

"Due to the affection I (Nana Kwaku Bonsam) have for Manchester United I would like to call on the fans and authorities of the club to mount pressure on Mourinho to render an unqualified apology to Carneiro immediately if he Mourinho wants to bring United back to their winning ways and protect his job…

"Trust me that will be the only solution or else even if they buy Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the club will still perform poorly and this will be the worst performance in the history of the club."

NBA: Five takeaways from Chicago Bulls victory over Boston Celtics in season opener.

Wade slashed the throat of Boston Celtics as he scored the 3-pointer that secured the victory with 26.3 seconds remaining in the game. 

It was a special homecoming for Chicago native Dwyane Wade as he logged 22 points, five assists, six rebounds and scored the 3-pointer that ultimately secured the win for the Bulls with 26.3 seconds left after which he gestured a throat slash towards the Celtics. Certainly, Boston Celtics were 'murdered' for the night by that shot. Here are five takeaways from the match.

1. Rajon Rondo continued to be one of the best facilitators as he dished out nine assists in Bulls debut. Also, there was a rare sight coming from him, he scored a 3-pointer. Do you believe that?

2. Micheal Carter Williams logged in 17 minutes as backup point guard to deliver 5 points, 3 assists and six rebounds.

3. Surely, Wade was in the '3-pointer zone' as he went 4-for-6 from beyond the arc in his homecoming debut.  Compare that stat with going 7-for-44 from beyond the arc with Miami Heat last season.

Even his wife, movie star Gabrielle union, had something to say about that.

4. Jimmy Butler led all scorers for the Bulls as he scored 24 points going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc with 7 rebounds.

5. Power forward Taj Gibson delivered a double-double  with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

WWE: James Ellsworth costs Dean Ambrose WWE championship opportunity.

Dean Ambrose was shell-shocked after losing the opportunity to become No.1 contender for the WWE World Championship.

C'mon James, Dean is an ally. You were suppose to have thought of the repercussions of attacking AJ Styles in order to gain revenge, but here we are, Ambrose has lost a shot at the championship, all thanks to you.

James Ellsworth delivers 'sweet chain music' in one of his victories over AJ Styles.

After aiding James Ellsworth on two occasions to defeat the Phenomenal One, we would have been expecting the guy to return the favour but instead he cost the Lunatic Fringe his WWE Championship opportunity.

Dean Ambrose survives AJ Styles submission maneuver.

AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose went hard on each other for very different reasons. Styles certainly was for retribution after getting humiliated at the hands of James & Ambrose for weeks while Ambrose felt cheated after Backlash and No Mercy with the Phenomenal One's underhanded tactics.

After some thrilling series of exchanges, it appeared Ambrose was on the verge of victory... before James Ellsworth struck. He retailated after AJ Styles viciously dropkicked him and that was enough to earn AJ Styles the win by disqualification.

I seriously wonder if Ellsworth's interference will go down well with Dean Ambrose.

Get to know the Lunatic Fringe's reaction to losing a title shot next week Tuesday on Smackdown Live.

WWE: Dean Ambrose gets another crack at AJ Styles this Tuesday.

Week after week, Dean Ambrose hasn't relented in making his case to the WWE universe on Smackdown Live that AJ Styles is a man who takes the easy way out. At Backlash, the Phenomenal one won by pinfall after hitting Ambrose low blow, while at No Mercy, he struck Cena in the triple threat match with a steel chair to get victory.

Will Dean Ambrose get the win he needs to become No. 1 contender for AJ Styles's WWE Championship title?

But it looks like justice may yet prevail as a blockbuster main event has been set up for this Tuesday by Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan, the Lunatic Fringe will have another go at Styles albeit the champions title won't be on the line, but, if Ambrose can somehow come up with a victory (bearing in mind AJ Styles is good at taking the easy way out), he will become the No. 1 contender for the WWE World Championship.

James Ellsworth has claimed two victories over AJ Styles albeit with help from the Lunatic Fringe.

With the humiliation 'the Champ that runs the camp' has suffered at the hands of Dean Ambrose and James Ellsworth these past weeks, guess he will be hoping for retribution come this Tuesday.

Premier League: My thoughts on Chelsea's victory over Manchester United.

After Arsenal gave Conte's men a reality check some weeks ago, the Chelsea manager knew straight away that something had to give and indeed, he came up with the changes. The 3-4-3  formation that served him so well at Juventus and the Italian national team has been implemented since the second half of that match while Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic have been exempted from matchday squad with Chelsea looking more assured.

Chelsea thrashed Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

On Sunday, Chelsea continued their winning run with arguably their best performance of the season against Manchester United, as they thrashed Mourinho's star-studded team 4-nil to inflict the heaviest defeat he has ever suffered as a Premier League Manager. Here are my thoughts on Chelsea's victory.


1. The players are definitely absorbing Conte's tactics and principles.

Conte hollering instructions to the lads.

He has been hammering on not making the mistakes of last season since the collapse in the first half against Arsenal, the lads have taken the message to heart and are gradually reaping the rewards. The climax was this weekend, against Manchester United, you would have thought it was going to be a cagey affair but all the plans of Mr Mourinho were blown away after 29 seconds. Before we could say 'Jack Robinson' Chelsea had doubled their lead by the 21st minute. Even after Kante's goal, we could still hear Conte shouting instructions from the touchline - "go!, stay!".

From the last two matches, Conte seems to switch from a 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 formation with the introduction of Nathaniel Chalobah to sure up midfield leaving Eden Hazard to play the role of a second striker.


2. I could swear those Chelsea lads were on drugs in the first half.

Chelsea were too hot hot for Manchester United on Sunday. 

When you have players who cut a frustrated figure for Chelsea last season under Mourinho, you just know they were out to pay him in his own coin.  In some instances, he publicly criticised some of his players for sabotaging his efforts and treated Victor Moses with little regard as the player told the press during the pre-match conference.

"He never spoke to me," Moses said of Mourinho. "I thought in my head, 'He's got his own players already.'

Players like Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas at one point or the other last season were held accountable for the dismal performance of the team. It's unfortunate Fabregas still couldn't survive the boot under Conte but the manner in which Chelsea started the match said it all - Fast and Furious.


3. Mourinho is neither the 'Special nor Happy One' and looks to be confused these days.

When Mourinho first arrived to the Premier League in 2004, he claimed that he was 'the Special one'. Upon his reunion with Chelsea in 2013, he said he was now 'the Happy one' but as it stands, Mourinho is neither. He cut a forlorn figure after Kante's goal showing clearly a man who felt humiliated. Guess we should call him 'the Humiliated one'.

Mourinho cut a frustrated figure by half-time.

When at Chelsea, the Portuguese coach sold Mata simply because the Spainard couldn't defend only to claim at Manchester United that Mata fits his style. The management of his squad in general has been questionable. Doesn't know the best postion for Pogba, plays Marcus Rasford on the wings and hasn't afforded Henri Mikhtayran the confidence to thrive at Old Trafford. What do you see? A confused Mourinho.

4. Chelsea's defence becoming impenetrable.

How many minutes and counting has Chelsea last conceded a goal? It's a remarkable turnaround for a team that averaged 1.62 goals conceded from its first eight games in all competitions to none conceded in its last three matches plus if we factor in that second half against Arsenal.
On Sunday, Manchester United couldn't find a way through Chelsea's defense, then at some point in the match, resorted to taking outside shots and crosses which were comfortable for Thibaut Courtois.


5. Average players have been made to look like world beaters in Conte's formation.

Moses, Alonso and Matic are thriving under Antonio Conte. 

I could remember that most Chelsea faithfuls especially back here in Nigeria clamoured for the sale of Nemanja Matic, simply because he looked a spent force in their eye. What could we say about a player of Marcos Alonso's caliber? Or Did you ever dream of having a player like Victor Moses tie down a starter's jersey in Chelsea? It's all down to Conte, the work his doing at Chelsea is reminiscent of what he did with the Italian national team at the Euros.

Hopefully, come May 2017, Chelsea should have reaped the reward(s) of a debut season with their Italian manager.

Premier League: Six takeaways from Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Leicester City.

Chelsea are on course again after wobbling against Arsenal and Liverpool.

After the International break, Chelsea were presented with the opportunity to close the gap on the pacesetters of the league with an early kick-off on Saturday and boy, they grabbed the chance with aplomb, smashing two goals in the opposition's net before half-time. Here are six takeaways from Chelsea's victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.

1 - This Chelsea team looks reborn after Antonio Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation.
Since the dismal performance in the first half of the London derby against Arsenal, Chelsea are yet to concede a goal in about 225 minutes plus there are signs the team are buying into Conte's principles. Stats shows that Leicester City had no shot on target throughout the entire match.

2 - The introduction of three youth team players shows that Antonio Conte will be doing things differently from previous managers.
Reports over the years have been that academy products haven't made the transition into the first team even though Chelsea have performed well in age grade competitions. Previous managers seem not to trust the youth team players but on Saturday, Conte introduced Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah with the later assisting Moses's goal.

Diego Costa displaying the 'W' sign after scoring against Leicester City in support of Willian.

3 - Star forward Diego Costa continued to lead the line perfectly.

Finished off a flick from Nemanja Matic of a corner-kick to put Chelsea in front in the 7th minute. He played the game having in mind that a booking from the referee would mean suspension from the Manchester United clash next week and so promptly gestured at the bench to be taken off in minutes. A word of advice to Costa, 'just do your job as a player and Conte will certainly do his as a coach.'

Cesc Fabregas in the colours of spain.

4 - These are certainly hard times for Cesc Fabregas as he wasn't on the team list against Leicester City.
The player who played a major part in the title winning team under Jose Mourinho just can't find his place under Conte. There are reports linking him with a deal in January which would see the Spanish International move to Juventus plus cash and Leonard Bonucci heading to Stamford Bridge. Certainly, his days are numbered at the Bridge.

Victor Moses certainly enjoying his new role of wingback at Chelsea.

5 - Victor Moses looks to be enjoying new lease of life under Antonio Conte.
The Nigerian has been a peripheral figure since his move from Wigan athletic in the summer of 2012 for a fee around £9m. Coaches like Rapheal Benitez and Jose Mourinho during their stint with Chelsea never trusted the winger plus the fact that injuries never helped his course. Since Conte became Chelsea's manager, he has been impressive, scoring three goals so far.

Our hearts are with willian, adieu Mama.

6 - The absence of Willian due to the loss of his mother this past week cast a dark cloud over Stamford Bridge as the heart of all blues faithfuls were with the Brazil international. The team wore a black armband in a show of support for their teammate as strikes by Diego Costa and Eden Hazard were celebrated with both players making the 'W' sign with their fingers.

WWE: Paige proposes to Alberto Del Rio.

In spite of the economic recession going on in Nigeria, people are getting engaged and getting married. Honestly, I wonder how they are getting the money to pay bride price of close to a million naira in this part of the world.

Just yesterday, my cousin named Amaka just got engaged to her heart rob. Certainly, the young man must be very endowed with the cash just like D'banj put it in one of his songs 'Am so endowed.'

Also, in far away Puerto Rico (am sure they ain't talking about recession), Saraye-Jade Bevis aka Paige decided to take the bull by the horn by proposing to Alberto Del Rio on Sunday night at a world wrestling council according to pro wrestling correspondent Ryan Satin.

Del Rio had just finished a match with former WWE Superstar Carlito before she entered the ring to propose (that's just unconventional).

The couple had been dating since May, when they first went public with their relationship after being photographed at Disney World.

NBA: Looks like Golden State Warriors have another star in the making.

Will be interesting to see Patrick McCaw development this season under the tutelage of Steve Kerr.

When Milwaukee Bucks traded Patrick McCaw - the 38th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft to the Golden State Warriors for cash considerations, Warriors executive board member, Jerry West, felt he shouldn't have slipped that far, saying

"People are gonna be sorry they didn't draft him."

Well, those words of Jerry west are already coming true as Patrick McCaw did it to the Nuggets once. And then he did it to them twice.

In a team featuring stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Ander iguodala, it was the rookie shooting guard who stepped up to the plate as the Warriors defeated Denver Nuggets 129-128.

The Warriors rookie hit an overtime game winner to lead the Warriors past the Nuggets. It was part of an 18-point performance on the night.

Five minutes before, McCaw hit a game-tying three-point to send the game into overtime.

If the rookie guard can keep this up, hope KD wouldn't mind coming from the bench.

Here are highlights from the match.

Premier League: Reports suggest Chelsea FC could sign Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus with £50 Million plus Cesc Fabregas.

Leonardo Bonucci has attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester City this summer.

According to The Sun, there are reports Juventus are willing to allow Leonard Bonucci join Chelsea but only for a deal involving Cesc Fabregas plus a record sum of money for the defender.

With defensive issues still lingering at the London club, Antonio Conte is desperate to land the Italian after a bid shy of £50 Million was rejected in the summer.

Reports are that Juventus boss, Massimiliano Allegri, sees Fabregas as the man to fill the playmaker role vacated by Andrea Pirlo but Conte is reluctant to let the Spanish International leave despite little playing time.

The Old lady's involvement in the Champions League could scuttle the deal from happening in January as the swap would mean Bonucci would be ineligible to feature in the later stages of the competition but a deal could be on next summer.

WWE: Brock Lesnar's adovacte - Paul Heyman warns Goldberg.

Goldberg signals intent on returning to WWE.

News have been filtering in for quite a while of the return of Goldberg to WWE after the legendary superstar and WWE 2k Pre-order bonus charater identified Brock Lesnar as the athlete he would most likely face upon his returns.

Well, Paul Heyman reacted on his twitter platform.

Seeing how vicious Brock Lesnar was at Summerslam against Randy Orton, what's your advice to Goldberg?

NBA: Dwight Howard makes debut in Preseason opener for Atlanta Hawks.

Dwight Howard in those good old days of Orlando Magic.

Recently acquired center Dwight Howard logged in 18 minutes as he finished with six points, seven rebounds, three turnovers and four fouls in Preseason opener for Atlanta Hawks as they defeated Memphis Grizzlies 104-83.

Howard elected to opt-out of his contract with Houston Rockets and leave by free agency after learning that the team hired Mike D'Antoni as coach.

During the center's stint with LA Lakers, he wasn't impressed with D'Antoni's style of play.

The Atlanta native signed a three-year deal worth $70.5 Million.

NBA: Please, can someone tell Russell Westbrook it's still preseason.

Russell Westbrook delivers a monstrous dunk in a preseason match.

I mean, this match wasn't an NBA regular season or post season game, it was just what we call in soccer 'friendly match' but hell no, Russell Westbrook knows no such thing as friendly whether it's a scrimmage, regular season or NBA Finals match, he just brings some much intensity.

Last night, he delivered a monstrous dunk as Oklahoma City Thunder defeated European giants Barcelona 92-89 in an exhibition game.

Take a look at the jam below.

NBA: Referees will be clamping down on groin hits come 2016-2017 NBA season.

Draymond Green goes for Steve Adams balls.

The referees in the NBA will be keeping a close watch on the kind of hits to the groin area that resulted in Draymond Green's suspension during the NBA Finals.

Surely, this guy likes the balls area.

It's no news now that the Warriors power forward hit the groin area of two players during last postseason, Steven Adams of OKC and Lebron James of the Cavs. Perhaps, he could be responsible for causing the league to take this action.

The hits to the groin area have been termed "unnatural acts" by the league and were a point of emphasis during the NBA referees preseason meetings and training camp this week.

The NBA senior Vice President of replay and referee operations, Joe Borgia, said players are no longer just swinging their arms in attempt to draw a foul when taking a shot.

"Now all of sudden legs are coming out in different directions at weird times, they are coming higher,"

He said:

"Well, for the protection of players, we're going to stop it."

Guess we can credit Green for making the jobs of the NBA referees more difficult.

NBA: Can Kwahi Leonard lead the new generation of Spurs?

Kwahi Leonard is one of the top two-way players in the NBA.

It's no secret that San Antonio Spurs are entering a new era of basketball. Following a disappointing loss to Oklahoma City Thunder in the postseason after stringing up impressive victories during the regular season to finish second behind Golden State Warriors in the western conference, Spurs icon Tim Duncan decided to end his career.

With age catching up with the 'Big three', could Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker be heading into their last NBA season after the retirement of Tim Duncan?

With Timmy having retired, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker at the tail end of their careers, the onus seems to fall on Kwahi Leonard to lead the Spurs but then, those he have the qualities to deliver NBA Championships to the Spurs faithfuls?

At the age of 25, Kwahi has already racked up many career highlights and awards. He won the NBA Championship with the Spurs in 2014 and was named the NBA Finals most valuable player. He is a two-time NBA defensive player of the year, having won in 2015 and 2016. Also, he is an NBA All-Star.

Moving forward, can Kwahi Leonard replicate the successes the Spurs had in the era of the "Big three"?

Click play to view highlights of Kwahi's game from last season.