Former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has responded to reports of a $200 million offer made by a Saudi Arabian club to temptArsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Gyan took to Twitter and posted a zipped mouth emoji in reaction to a tweet discussing whether Partey, given his age, should accept or reject the offer and focus on staying in Europe.
Drawing from his own career experience, Gyan made a surprising move from Sunderland to the United Arab Emirates after only one season in England.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, he explained that UEA club Al Ain made him an offer ‘he could not resist’.
“I was enjoying my football, but Al Ain offered me wages that instantly made me the best-paid footballer in Africa. I couldn’t resist,” he said.
According to the Saudi offer for Partey, he would receive an annual salary of $100 million, tax free in a two-year deal.
“Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been offered $200 million in wages by a club in Saudi Arabia. Partey will earn an annual, tax-free salary of $100 million if he signs the two-year deal.
The Saudi clubs keen on Partey are Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Khaleej,” former Ghana Football Association spokesperson Saanie Daara reported in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey, 30, has attracted interest from Italian side Juventus, which offered him a three-year contract.
Thomas Partey, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020, has two years left on his current contract.
Rice’s departure from East London appears imminent, having led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a late goal from Jarrod Bowen in the 119th minute.
Despite Arsenal’s two unsuccessful bids of around £90 million for the highly valued midfielder, they remain steadfast in their demand for £110 million as the minimum acceptable offer before considering any transfer.
DiMarzio reports that the Citizens have moved ahead of the Gunners, whom they beat to the Premier League title, after lodging an official bid with a total package meeting the player’s valuation.
Rice’s conditions to join City
The player is believed to prefer Arsenal despite City’s offer to West Ham, as he prefers to remain in London because of his family.
Daily Star reports that he has laid down three conditions – which are tied to his role in the team, before agreeing to join the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old sought assurances he has a long-term role at the club and that he will be an immediate starter and not be slowly integrated like his compatriot Jack Grealish, who joined for £100m from Aston Villa two years ago.
The last and possibly the most difficult request is seeking to know if Pep Guardiola will be at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in 2025.
NBC Sports reported that the manager told the club insiders he would leave when his contract expires. The Spaniard could have been out of contract this summer but extended by two years during the 2022 FIFA World Cup break.
Musiala heaps praise on Rice
Sports Brief reported that German youngster Jamal Musiala heaped praise on Rice as a great player after Bayern Munich withdrew their interest due to the fee and the player’s preference to remain in England.
Musiala knew the England international from their days at Chelsea Academy in Cobham, even though they were in different age groups.
Italian powerhouse Juventushas shown keen interest in acquiring the services of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
According to renowned football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bianconeri have made inquiries regarding Partey’s availability.
It has been reported that Juventus would be open to pursuing the Ghanaian midfielder if French midfielder Adrien Rabiot departs from the club.
Furthermore, there are undisclosed clubs from Saudi Arabia willing to pay €40 million in installments to secure Partey’s signature from Arsenal.
However, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder is yet to decide on a move to play in the Gulf, a report by Romano claims.
The Ghanaian is on Arsenals’ outgoing list as the club aims at freeing up their wage bill to make room for new signings. But the Gunners are only willing to cash in on Partey, who has two years left in his contract, for the right price.
Thomas Partey, who has been a big contributor to Arsenal’s resurgence, joined the Gunners in 2020.
Arsenal is actively pursuing a deal to acquire Ajax defender Jurrien Timber as part of their ambition to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are also engaged in talks to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
Negotiations with Ajax for the transfer of Jurrien Timber have been characterized as “very positive,” and there seems to be a mutual willingness among all involved parties to finalize the deal.
Timber has two years left on his contract and is valued at around €50m – some reports suggest one bid has already been rejected. Arsenal are working internally on a valuation and payment structure.
Timber is a player the Gunners looked at in January and have been monitoring his progress over the past season as they look to increase competition in defensive positions.
Additionally, the club are continuing to work on deals for West Ham captain Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
Again, Arsenal have been discussing valuations and payment structure before submitting second bids. It’s understood there is encouragement all three players want to join.
Arsenal want to be ambitious in this window and continue to backmanager Mikel Arteta,with any move for Rice likely break the club’s transfer record.
They also retain an interest in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo – among others – and are keeping an eye on his situation having had two bids rejected in January.
Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun, scored a goal as the United States emerged victorious in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday. Following the victory, Balogun expressed his dissatisfaction with his club’s management, stating that he will not agree to another loan move.
Last season, Balogun, who recently switched his national team allegiance from England to the US, had a successful loan spell at Reims in the French Ligue 1, netting an impressive 21 goals.
With a clinical strike on Sunday, he further enhanced his growing reputation and secured a 2-0 victory for the US against Canada, earning a medal in only his second appearance for his new national team.
The 21-year-old said he now plans to take some vacation time but made clear he is not in the mood for another temporary transfer.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” he said.
“I’m not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family,” he said.
The New York-born striker moved to England aged two and joined Arsenal’s youth system, spending a six-month spell on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough in 2022.
Despite his breakthrough season in France, he will face a tough battle to break into the starting line-up at the Emirates where Brazil international Gabriel Jesus is the first choice centre-forward.
Arsenal also have another promising young striker in Eddie Nketiah and that situation has led Balogun to be linked with European clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Balogun’s goal against Canada, where he latched on to a through ball from Gio Reyna and confidently fired home a first-time effort, crowned an impressive start to his life with the US team.
After making his switch in May, he joined the team in Los Angeles for a short training camp and then made his debut in a 3-0 win over Mexico on Thursday before Sunday’s trophy success.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” said Balogun.
“To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight,” he added.
The striker said he had been able to fit in quickly with his team-mates but said he had been impressed by the quality of the team he has joined.
“I think the thing that surprised me the most was just the actual talent in this group. I think there’s so many players who are going to go on to have top careers, who are all so young, including me,” he said.
US interim head coach B.J Callaghan praised Balogun’s impact on his team.
“I give him a lot of credit and I give the team a lot of credit for welcoming him in with open arms, making him feel part of it.
“You get the best out of players when they feel most comfortable calm and confident.
“I’m not surprised at all how quickly Balogun was able to integrate into the group and now have a really strong performance like he had tonight,” he said.
Despite a disparity in valuation, negotiations for both deals have been characterized as positive.
Earlier this week, Arsenal made their initial offer for Declan Rice, which West Ham rejected.
The offer was believed to be valued at £80m plus potential add-ons. Simultaneously, Arsenal initiated contact with Chelsea regarding a potential transfer for Havertz.
There is a growing sentiment that both players are interested in moving to Arsenal. Contrary to earlier reports, Arsenal is also closely monitoring Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Mikel Arteta could face competition for Rice with Manchester City monitoring the England midfielder’s situation.
Manchester United are also interested but it is thought they will only make a bid if they have new owners.
West Ham want £120m for their captain though would accept a lower offer that includes players going to them.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Havertz, 24, could be further complicated by interest from Bayern Munich.
Sky in Germany are reporting that the German champions have changed their mind and Havertz is now on their transfer shortlist this summer.
Reports had suggested Arsenal were targeting Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, leaving Chelsea a clear path to go after Moises Caicedo, however Sky Sports News has been told the Gunners are keeping an eye on the Brighton midfielder.
Arsenal will start their 2023/24 Premier League season at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday August 12.
The Gunners then face two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Fulham before hosting Manchester United in their first ‘Big Six’ match of the season in early September.
The first north London derby of the season takes place at the Emirates Stadium on September 23, with the return fixture on April 27 – the fourth last game of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side’s first game with last season’s title rivals and treble winners Manchester City comes within the first eight games of the campaign on October 7 at home, with the reverse fixture at the Etihad on March 30.
Just before Arsenal go to the Etihad, they have back-to-back London derbies against Brentford and Chelsea, with a tricky line-up of Brighton and Aston Villa to come in the fortnight after playing Guardiola’s City.
The Gunners end the season with a home game against Everton on May 19, a week after visiting Manchester United for their final away game.
Jack Wilshere has reflected on the start of the decline of his football career, which was marred by injuries that hindered his progress as one of England’s most promising young talents.
Wilshere’s debut for Arsenal came at the age of 16 in September 2008 when he came on as an 84th-minute substitute for Robin van Persie in a match against Blackburn Rovers.
Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, he was gradually integrated into the squad and showcased his abilities on a global stage by impressively controlling the midfield against renowned players Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez in a Champions League encounter.
According to SportBible, his career soon took a negative turn when he suffered a nasty right ankle injury at the end of the 2010/11 season.
It was the unannounced end of the road for him.
Wilshere reveals his worst injury
At 31, he retired after spending time at West Ham, Bournemouth, and Aarhus in Denmark. He has now opened up on the worst injury of his troubled career.
“My first injury was my worst, and I paid the price a lot for that,” he said on Ben Foster’s Fozcast. “It was my right ankle. It was the talus, which is a little bone that sits on top of your fibula and your ankle joint. And I fractured that.”
He revealed that the surgeon admitted he had only seen such an injury once in a snowboarder, and got in another surgeon to conduct the surgery, but the biggest shock was unknown until six years later.
“I was 19 when the injury happened. Six years later, I was 25 and went back to see the surgeon, and he was like, ‘Are you still playing?’. He showed me the notes from the surgery, and they said: ‘You might not play again. Might not be able to walk’,” he added.
Wilshere is currently building his coaching portfolio as the U-18 coach of the Arsenal academy. He led them to the FA Youth Cup final, which they lost to West Ham United.
Wenger’s tribute to Wilshere
Sports Brief reported that Arsene Wenger gave a glowing tribute to Wilshere when he announced his retirement from professional football last year.
The legendary boss described the former England international as a ‘fearless player’ – an attribute which helped kick start his career early.
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal recently expressed interest insigning Kai Havertz, which raised concerns among fans regarding his best position on the field, as it has been a matter of uncertainty over the years.
Chelsea made a significant investment in the German player, signing him from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 for a then club-record fee of £72m. However, Havertz initially struggled to adapt to his new surroundings during his early months under the management of Frank Lampard.
The arrival of his fellow countryman, Thomas Tuchel, injected new life into Havertz’s performances. His breakthrough came during the Champions League final against Manchester City, where he scored the decisive goal that led Chelsea to victory.
He has never been a top performer or consistent, but his moments have come in the biggest games. He assisted Hakim Ziyech in the UEFA Super Cup final and scored the winning goal in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Havertz’s best position revealed
The forward is not naive to fans’ opinion of him and, in an interview late last year, spoke on the eternal question of his best position, as reported by Mirror UK.
“Everyone asks this question and after three years, everyone should know by now what I can do – that I’m flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions,” he said.
“Of course, sometimes it’s good to play in different positions and sometimes it’s bad, but in general I’m an offensive player.
“I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don’t care if I’m there as a No.9 or a No.10. If I’m in the box, I’m there to score goals – and that’s it.”
The Athletic reports thatChelsea want in the region of £70m while Arsenal are willing to offer £60m, including add-ons. Real Madrid have ended their interest, while Bayern Munich can not be ruled out.
Havertz hints Tuchel’s reunion
Sports Brief reported that Havertz expressed desire to work with Tuchel after the former Blues boss was appointed the head coach of Bayern in March.
He described the Bavarians as a goal for every German player and admitted he has a good relationship with his former boss which heightened hopes he could return to his homeland.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has expressed his desire to reunite with Chelsea star Kai Havertz, who has been linked with a potential permanent transfer to Arsenal in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a fee of approximately £72 million, Havertz, 24, has been a regular starter for Chelsea. He has played a significant role in the team’s success, including their UEFA Champions League triumph and other trophies.
According to The Telegraph, both Real Madrid and Arsenal have shown interest in signing the 35-time capped German international. Chelsea, on the other hand, reportedly aim to sell Havertz for a fee of £70 million.
During an interview with AS, Rudiger was asked for his opinion on Havertz joining the La Liga giants. He replied:
“It would make me happy to play with Kai Havertz again at club level after our time together at Chelsea. Unfortunately,
I can’t say a lot about it right now because in terms of transfers, my opinion is secondary. They are all club decisions.”
Should the German secure a summer move to Real Madrid, he would emerge as a first-team face for them.
He could provide a versatile solution to their striking crisis in the aftermath of Karim Benzema’s permanent switch to Al-Ittihad.
Havertz’s elite addition to Arsenal
On the other hand, Havertz could prove to be a shrewd signing for Arsenal.
While he could provide solid competition to starting striker Gabriel Jesus, he could also serve as an elite rotational option for Martin Odegaard as a number 10.
Overall, Havertz has scored 32 goals and laid out 15 assists in 139 games across all competitions for Chelsea.
Obstacle impeding Havertz’s Madrid move
Earlier Sports Brief reported that Madrid have no intention to pay Chelsea’s €60m plus add-ons asking price and are willing to look elsewhere if it doesn’t come down, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea is expected to discuss the future of Havertz in the coming days as they expect more clubs to approach them over the 23-year-old.
Arsenal has officially announced the contract extension of forward Caitlin Foord with the Women’s Super League club.
The 28-year-old Australian player joined Arsenal in 2020 from Portland Thorns in the United States. Since then, Foord has been a key contributor, featuring in 94 matches for the club.
In the current season, she made 33 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists, playing a significant role in Arsenal’s campaign.
“I couldn’t be happier to extend my stay here at Arsenal,” she said.
“I want to continue to get better and to help the team – I enjoy going out and training every day and wanting to be better and being surrounded by world class players. This feels like the right place – the place I want to be.”
As well as helping Arsenal secure a third-placed finish in the WSL, Foord was part of the team that won the Continental Cup this year and head coach Jonas Eidevall is looking forward to next season with the Australia international.
“Caitlin is an integral part of our team so we’re all delighted by the news that she has signed a new contract,” Eidevall said.
“She is one of the best forwards in the world and has performed to a consistently high standard for us during my time here, providing some crucial goals and delivering on the biggest stages.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together next season and Caitlin will play a key role in that.”
This is not a list of every Premier League side’s five biggest signings ever, but a collection of their five most recent transfer record buys.
And those things are different. So you can delete that comment now and get over yourself.
Arsenal, Burnley and Luton may all welcome new club-record signings soon. No current top-flight side made their most expensive buy longer ago than Man Utd.
ARSENAL
Andrei Arshavin – £15m (Zenit St Petersburg, February 2009)
Mesut Ozil – £42.5m (Real Madrid, September 2013)
Alexandre Lacazette – £46.5m (Lyon, July 2017)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £55.5m (Borussia Dortmund, January 2018)
Nicolas Pepe – £72m (Lille, August 2019)
Four of those players subsequently left on a free transfer; Nicolas Pepe’s Arsenal contract expires next year. An expensive new midfielder will sadly have arrived by then.
ASTON VILLA
Stewart Downing – £12m (Middlesbrough, July 2009)
Darren Bent – £18m (Sunderland, January 2011)
Wesley Moraes – £22m (Club Brugge, June 2019)
Ollie Watkins – £28m, rising to £33m (Brentford, September 2020)
Emi Buendia – £30m, rising to £38m (Norwich, June 2021)
How bizarre to think that Unai Emery made one Premier League club’s most recent record signing and it wasn’t Aston Villa. For a couple of reasons, that will change this summer.
BOURNEMOUTH
Tyrone Mings – £8m (Ipswich, June 2015)
Benik Afobe – £10m (Wolves, January 2016)
Jordon Ibe – £15m (Liverpool, July 2016)
Nathan Ake – £20m (Chelsea, June 2017)
Jefferson Lerma – £25m (Levante, August 2018)
Bournemouth bid farewell to Jefferson Lerma this summer having almost unseated him as the club’s record signing a few times. Dango Ouattara, Illya Zabarnyi and Hamed Traore all joined for upwards of £20m since January, but don’t quite make the cut.
BRENTFORD
Bryan Mbeumo – £5.85m (Troyes, August 2019)
Ivan Toney – £5m, rising to £10m (Peterborough, September 2020)
Kristoffer Ajer – £13.5m (Celtic, July 2021)
Keane Lewis-Potter – £16m, rising to £20m (Hull, July 2022)
Kevin Schade – £22m (Freiburg, July 2023)
That is pleasingly chronological from Brentford, proof of a club with their ducks in order. One statement signing every summer for the past five years would be even better if the last three end up matching the brilliance of the previous two.
BRIGHTON
Jose Izquierdo – £13.5m (Club Brugge, August 2017)
Jurgen Locadia – £14m (PSV, January 2018)
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – £17m (AZ Alkmaar, July 2018)
Adam Webster – £20m (Bristol City, August 2019)
Joao Pedro – £30m (Watford, May 2023)
Brilliant as Brighton are, their transfer strength has been in identifying rough diamonds from faraway lands to polish and move on for considerable profit. When spending big they can stumble, which makes Joao Pedro’s impending arrival all the more intriguing.
BURNLEY
Steven Defour – £7.3m (Anderlecht, August 2016)
Jeff Hendrick – £10.5m (Derby, August 2016)
Robbie Brady – £13m (Norwich, January 2017)
Chris Wood – £15m (Leeds, August 2017)
Ben Gibson – £15m (Middlesbrough, August 2018)
Vincent Kompany will be desperate to break this particular stranglehold soon, even if just to override the predictability of Burnley having a no-nonsense centre-half and a burly centre-forward share their title of most expensive player ever.
CHELSEA
Alvaro Morata – £58m (Real Madrid, July 2017)
Kepa Arrizabalaga – £71m (Athletic Bilbao, August 2018)
Kai Havertz – £75.8m (Leverkusen, September 2020)
Romelu Lukaku – £97.5m (Inter Milan, August 2021)
Enzo Fernandez – £106.8m (Benfica, February 2023)
There is a genuine case to say Enzo Fernandez is legitimately the best of those Chelsea signings, which reflects well on no-one. But Todd Boehly has continued that proud tradition of general waste.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Dwight Gayle – £4.5m (Peterborough, July 2013)
James McArthur – £7m (Wigan, September 2014)
Yohan Cabaye – £10m (PSG, July 2015)
Andros Townsend – £13m (Newcastle, July 2016)
Christian Benteke – £27m (Liverpool, August 2016)
A ludicrous fact: not a single one of those signings was made by Roy Hodgson. Crystal Palace presumably still regret giving Alan Pardew quite so much cash to spend.
EVERTON
Yakubu Aiyegbini – £11.3m (Middlesbrough, August 2007)
Marouane Fellaini – £15m (Standard Liege, September 2008)
Romelu Lukaku – £28m (Chelsea, July 2014)
Jordan Pickford – £30m (Sunderland, June 2017)
Gylfi Sigurdsson – £45m (Swansea, August 2017)
Not sure what to say about that. It would probably make the best five-a-side team of any club on this list.
Konstantinos Mitroglou – £12m (Olympiakos, January 2014)
Jean Michael Seri – £25m (Nice, July 2018)
Fulham do like to use their regular Premier League promotions to open new transfer doors.
LIVERPOOL
Fernando Torres – £20.2m (Atletico Madrid, July 2007)
Luis Suarez – £22.7m (Ajax, January 2011)
Andy Carroll – £35m (Newcastle, January 2011)
Mo Salah – £36.9m (Roma, June 2017)
Virgil van Dijk – £75m (Southampton, January 2018)
It is probably safe to suggest that Darwin Nunez has not activated enough add-ons to become Liverpool’s record signing just yet. That initial £65m fee paid to Benfica can rise as high as £85m, but not with nine Premier League goals.
LUTON
Steve White – £175,000 (December 1979, Bristol Rovers)
Paul Walsh – £400,000 (July 1982, Charlton)
Lars Elstrup – £850,000 (August 1989, Odense)
Simon Sluga – £1.3m (July 2019, HNK Rijeka)
Carlton Morris – £1.7m (July 2022, Barnsley)
Luton Town have been promoted to the Premier League. This is the away end entrance to their stadium. And it is oh so beautiful.
MANCHESTER CITY
Aymeric Laporte – £57.2m (Athletic Bilbao, January 2018)
Riyad Mahrez – £60m (Leicester, July 2018)
Rodri – £62.8m (Atletico Madrid, July 2019)
Ruben Dias – £64.3m (Benfica, September 2020)
Jack Grealish – £100m (Aston Villa, August 2021)
That is an unerringly brilliant record, whether the signings were instantly brilliant or they needed a year of traditional transitional year of Pep seasoning first.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rio Ferdinand – £29.3m (Leeds, July 2002)
Dimitar Berbatov – £30.8m (Tottenham, September 2008)
Juan Mata – £37.1m (Chelsea, January 2014)
Angel di Maria – £59.7m (Real Madrid, August 2014)
Paul Pogba – £89.3m (Juventus, August 2016)
Fair play to Manchester United for accepting that their last two club-record signings were so catastrophic it would be foolish to try again. They have the longest-standing current Premier League transfer record.
NEWCASTLE
Alan Shearer – £15m (Blackburn, July 1996)
Michael Owen – £16m (Real Madrid, August 2005)
Miguel Almiron – £20m (Atlanta United, January 2019)
Joelinton – £40m (Hoffenheim, July 2019)
Alexander Isak – £58m, rising to £63m (August 2022)
The bad news: Faustino Asprilla (£6.7m, Parma, February 1996) has finally been dislodged from this list. The good news: Eddie Howe can either make very good signings, or make very bad signings look very good.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Britt Assombalonga – £5.5m (Peterborough, August 2014)
Joao Carvalho – £13.2m (Benfica, June 2018)
Taiwo Awoniyi – £17.2m (Union Berlin, June 2022)
Emmanuel Dennis – £20m (Watford, August 2022)
Morgan Gibbs-White – £25m, rising to £42.5m (August 2022)
A simply ludicrous first summer in decades as a promoted Premier League club saw Nottingham Forest break their transfer record three separate times, pushing Pierre van Hooijdonk (£4.5m, Celtic, March 1997), Kevin Campbell (£3m, Arsenal, July 1995) and Teddy Sheringham (£2m, Millwall, July 1991) out.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Luke Freeman – £5m (QPR, July 2019)
Callum Robinson – £7m (Preston, July 2019)
Lys Mousset – £10m (Bournemouth, July 2019)
Oli McBurnie – £20m (Swansea City, August 2019)
Sander Berge – £22m (Genk, January 2020)
There is a chance that Rhian Brewster could trigger every clause Liverpool inserted into the deal which saw him leave in October 2020 – although that would presumably involve scoring a few actual goals and probably breaking into the England squad.
TOTTENHAM
Roberto Soldado – £26m (Valencia, August 2013)
Erik Lamela – £29m (Roma, August 2013)
Moussa Sissoko – £30m (Newcastle, September 2016)
Davinson Sanchez – £42m (Ajax, August 2017)
Tanguy Ndombele – £53.7m (Lyon, July 2019)
Again, Richarlison (£50m rising to £60m) is theoretically capable of usurping someone who will unfathomably become his teammate in pre-season, but Ange Postecoglou must coax some undisallowed goals out of the Brazilian first.
WEST HAM
Andre Ayew – £20.7m (Swansea, August 2016)
Marko Arnautovic – £25m (Stoke, August 2017)
Felipe Anderson – £36m (Lazio, July 2018)
Sebastien Haller – £45m (Eintracht Frankfurt, July 2019)
Lucas Paqueta – £51m (Lyon, August 2022)
One or both of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano probably belong here somewhere, but we’ve no sodding idea of their actual fees.
WOLVES
Rui Patricio – £16m (Sporting, June 2018)
Adama Traore – £18m (Middlesbrough, August 2018)
Raul Jimenez – £30m (Benfica, June 2019)
Fabio Silva – £35.6m (Porto, September 2020)
Matheus Nunes – £38m, rising to £42.2m (Sporting, August 2022)
After a late stumble fromArsenal, Manchester City won their third consecutive Engli-sh Premier League championship, while Paris Saint-Germain won their eleventh championship.
The top five divisions of Europe’s leagues concluded this past weekend.
League champions were announced as early as May, with Napoli and Barcelona both lead-ing strong campaigns in Italy and Spain.
For Bayern Munich to continue to rule the Bundesliga, a lucky break was required.
After spending a lengthy time out of the top competition in Europe, teams like Arsenal and Newcastle will return for the 2023–2024 season.
Also, there would be a few unexpected gifts from RC Lens (France), Real Sociedad (Spain), and Union Berlin (Germany).
As it stands, the final placing in the four pots is not confirmed, with a few issues still yet to be decided. As Bleacher Reports
Feyenoord, who won the Eredivisie, could drop to Pot 3 should Inter Milan win the Champions League.
Sevilla will also start the draw from Pot 1, having won the Europa League on May 31 for a record-extending seventh time.
As Evening Standard reports, a number of other select teams will fight for a place in the draw through a rigorous playoff round to be announced later.
Rangers, Marseille, PSV Eindhoven and newly-crowned Belgian champions Royal Antwerp will begin their Champions League journey from the play-off stage.
states, the placing is often determined by the club’s coefficients.
Pot 1: Manchester City, Napoli, Bayern Munich, PSG, Sevilla, Benfica, Feyenoord, Barcelona
Pot 2: Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Porto, Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk
Pot 3: RB Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Crvena Zvedza, Newcastle United, Celtic, Real Sociedad
Pot 4: Union Berlin, Lens
The teams in bold signify those whose positions on the pots can still change. The group stage draw will be conducted on August 31, 2023.
Champions League referee investigated
Sports Brief also reported that UEFA had begun to investigate referee Szymon Marciniak after he was spotted talking to a far-right politician.
Marciniak, who is due to officiate the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on June 10, faced being stood down pending the results of the investigation.
The investigation has, however, since been completed, and Marciniak has been cleared to officiate theChampions League blockbuster.
At the beginning of the recently concluded season, no rational pundit or fan expected Arsenal to be contenders for the title,not even Mikel Arteta.
Hope is often the culprit that leads to despair, as when hope fades, people tend to grasp onto anything to avoid sinking into misery.
Aiming for a top-four finish appeared to be a realistic goal for a young team that was still adjusting to the challenges of English top-tier football.
But game by game, the Gunners went from strength to strength and by the time the season took a break to pave way for the2022 World Cup in Qatar – it looked as if Arteta could lead the young guns to a first Premier League title since Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ in 2004.
After all, almost every team that has been on top of the league on New Year’s Day went on to win the title.
Arsenal’s ‘excuses’ for losing EPL
But unknown to Arteta and Arsenal fans, they were facing the unstoppable and well-oiled force that is Manchester City.
One knows how the story goes by now – Pep Guardiola won his third consecutive league title.
Enter the excuses:
Well, from injuries to key players like William Saliba to the inexperience of the young players, Arsenal fans have conjured up reasons why their side couldn’t last the mile.
But no excuse seems crazier than one Gunners fan, who blamed Queen Elizabeth II’s death last year for their struggles at the end of the season.
In a TikTok video shared by @globalmanunitedfans, the unidentified Arsenal fan claims the Queen’s passing came just when his team were at the peak of their season.
Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Queen Elizabeth II passed on aged 96 years on September 8, 2022, at the Balmoral Castle after ruling for 70 years, as reported by BBC News.
Before her death, Arsenal were supposed to play City on October 19, but a lot of fixtures were rescheduled to allow the nation to mourn the death of the longest-serving monarch.
As the fan argues, had the game been played when it was intended, Arsenal could have beaten Manchester City.
“Our form going into that game was crazy. We had just registered six consecutive wins. We were phenomenal. We were absolutely on fire.
We had no injuries. City had just drawn with Copenhagen [in the Champions League] and lost to Liverpool. We were unlucky because it was a once-in-a-lifetime incident.”
It’s perhaps a good thing he started his argument with the phrase ‘bear with me’.
When the two sides eventually met in the rescheduled fixture on April 26, the defending champions blew away Arsenal 4-1 to register the first tectonic shift in the title race.
The EPL title loss is a moment that will take a while before it fades away, but the young stars under Arteta can take solace in the fact that they dared to rival City for the title.
For Arsenal fans, any excuse that helps them sleep at night is understandable.
Aguero backs Arsenal, Manchester United
Sports Brief also reported that Sergio Aguero named the only two teams he believes have what it takes to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
Kun, who won the English top flight on five occasions with the mighty Citizens, has backed Arsenal to challenge City for the crown next season, and feels Man United can too.
Manchester City posed a formidable challenge toArsenal in the Premier League title race and eventually surpassed them. However, there was a point where City could have lost the title as well.
Throughout the season, City trailed behind Arsenal, but they managed to secure the championship with three games remaining.
Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest played a significant role in City’s victory, as it ensured Forest’s safety and helped City claim the title.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City clinched their third consecutive title and their fifth in the past six years.
The only team to interrupt their dominance was Liverpool, who were crowned champions in 2020.
Ilkay Gundogan lifts the Premier League trophy with his Man City teammates after beating Chelsea. Photo by Visionhaus.
City are on course for a treble with the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan still to come in the next 10 days.
City nearly lost EPL title
One of the advantages Man City had over Arsenal was beating the challengers home and away with an aggregate scoreline of 7-2, which proved helpful in the long run.
However, City’s away form nearly collapsed their own title aspirations.
According to SportBible, against teams who finished in the top nine, the champions only won once – against Arsenal – while also drawing three and losing five.
Attention was somewhat put on Manchester United. According to The Independent, the Red Devils failed to win away against any top nine teams, securing only a draw against Tottenham, but City have it almost the same.
Three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton were crucial to Arsenal’s collapse, but Caught Offside reports that a poor home form where only five teams conceded more goals also cost Mikel Arteta’s side.
City should not underestimate Inter
Manchester City are the odds-on favourite to win the Champions League final against Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 10.
However, Sports Brief analysed two important reasons why City should not underrate Inter, or they could be in for a shocker similar to their loss to Chelsea in 2021.
Arsenal have recently revealed their new home shirt for the 2023-24 season, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of their legendary Invincibles campaign.
The kit is a tribute to the jersey worn during the iconic 2003-04 season when the club, under the leadership of Arsene Wenger, went unbeaten in all 38 Premier League matches.
Designed in collaboration with adidas, the new shirt features a striking shade of red, reminiscent of the original design. It incorporates a unique twist with a white sleeve and a vertical lightning bolt pattern, adding a contemporary touch to the classic look.
The club crest, adidas logo, and three stripes on each sleeve are showcased in a stunning gold color, adding a touch of elegance and prestige. As a nod to the Invincibles’ remarkable achievement, the shirt also includes an engraving on the side, displaying the team’s record of 26 wins and 12 draws from that historic season.
This new home shirt serves as a celebration of Arsenal’s glorious past and pays homage to the unforgettable accomplishments of the Invincibles. It is sure to evoke a sense of pride and nostalgia among fans, as they continue to support their beloved club into the future.
Invincibles midfielder Ray Parlour, 50, said: “Playing in that season 20 years ago, surrounded by so many wonderful players, is something I will never forget.
“And it is great to see we are celebrating our club history by bringing out this new home shirt — something I think all the supporters will truly love.”
Arsenal’s Brazilian contingent model their new home kit
The new kit will be worn for the first time when Arsenal face Aston Villa in the final game of the Women’s Super League season on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men will also debut it at home to Wolves in their last Premier League game of the campaign the following day.
Arteta will be plotting success at home and abroad next term, having qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six years thanks to finishing second behind champions Manchester City.
Our new 23/24 Arsenal x @adidasFootball home kit is available now 🙌
Juventus, the Italian football giants, have received a 10-point deduction, which has improved Arsenal’s prospects of qualifying for theChampions League.
This penalty has caused Juventus to fall out of the top four positions in the Serie A standings.
Mikel Arteta has received a Champions League boost as Arsenal prepare to return to the competition Credit:Getty
And it means that failing to beat AC Milan on Sunday will end their hope of Champions League qualification for next season – and ensure the Gunners will be in the second seeding pot for the group stage draw in August.
In January, Juve were found guilty of a transfer scam over three seasons, which was orchestrated by then-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who joined Spurs in 2021.
Juventus were judged to have inflated transfer fees in dealings with other Italian clubs to create millions of pounds in “capital gains” for tax purposes.
Juventus are set to miss out on the Champions League after their points deduction Credit: Getty
That allowed the club to spend more in the market than would have been allowed under Financial Fair Play regulations.
The Turin outfit was initially handed a 15-point deduction, when senior club figures including ex-President Andrea Agnelli and Paratici were handed lengthy bans.
Although the points punishment was suspended last month, pending yesterday’s hearing, Paratici resigned from his role at Tottenham after his ban was confirmed.
Prosecutor Giuseppe Chine, on behalf of the Italian FA, demanded an 11-point penalty at the start of a three-hour virtual hearing on Monday.
Juventus argued that the punishment should not be so severe because the breaches took place under Agnelli’s leadership of the club and that there had subsequently been a major overhaul of the board.
But the tribunal imposed the major punishment in a verdict which the club suggested it might still appeal.
Juventus said: “This judgment arouses great bitterness in the club and in its millions of supporters.”
UEFA have already opened proceedings which could result in a European ban for the Italian club.
But if Juve are not in next season’s Champions League, Arsenal will be assured of a place in the second group of seeds and avoid a potential nightmare draw in the group phase.
Ghanaian midfielder and Arsenal forward Thomas Partey, who is rumoured to be interested in moving to a couple of clubs in the Italian top division, might leave Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer, along with Granit Xhaka.
In order to be ready for another title fight the following season, Mikel Arteta is planning to completely reconstruct the midfield for Arsenal.
With Bayer Leverkusen keen to recruit the Switzerland midfielder, Granit Xhaka has now made a significant hint that he will leave this summer. He pledged to make a decision this week.
Thomas Partey is also a target for Serie A clubs and Italy could be a next career move for the Ghana midfielder this summer, with two clubs thought to be keen.
Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey
Partey, who turns 30 next month, was a key figure in Arsenal ’s title challenge this season but his drop in form during the run-in has only underlined the need for major squad reinforcements.
Arsenal have made Declan Rice their No1 transfer target this summer with West Ham willing to sell their England midfielder to a Champions League club if they get bids in excess of £100m. They remain keen on Brighton ’s Moises Caicedo.
Gunners boss Arteta has also been linked with a move for Manchester City ’s veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan who is out of contract at the Etihad this summer but could yet stay and Barcelona also want him.
Arsenal are one of a clutch of clubs who are interested in Chelsea ’s England star Mason Mount with Liverpool and Manchester United also keen. Chelsea’s incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino may also fight to keep him.
Xhaka, 30, has been at Arsenal for seven years, Arteta rates him highly as a player and as a personality but if he goes it will be with the club’s blessing and goodwill as a farewell gesture out of respect for his service and commitment.
It appears that he has now made his decision on his future and asked directly after Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest , Xhaka said: “You will know next week, for sure. Before the Wolves game.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka could both leave Arsenal this week ( Image: Getty Images)
“I think the fans deserve that. And I do, as well. We have one more week of the Premier League season to go and I want to enjoy it and I want you guys to, as well.”
Xhaka also spoke emotionally about wanting to do “something special” this season as if he was preparing to say goodbye.
“Where I was three years ago and where I am today, I think I’ve grown up as a person and I’ve got my respect back,” he said. “Inthe dressing room everything was always fine but I got it back from the fans.
“When I talked about special…I mean, how can I say it? Where I have been and how I came back and my turnaround, maybe it’s the first time in the history of the Premier League it’s been done?
“It’s made me happy. It makes me proud. But this is my story, my path. How the fans have treated me, I didn’t expect that – but I am thankful for them. I want to give them something back for, maybe, my last game on Sunday.
Xhaka could leave Arsenal with Bayer Leverkusen the frontrunner to sign him ( Image: Getty Images)
“I wanted to do something special this season, maybe with a title, but it’s not the time. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Arsenal are expecting a major set of ins and outs this summer which could be seen as surprising after what has been an unexpected season as they were not expected to challenge for the title.
Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding could also go while Reiss Nelson will become a free agent. Emile Smith Rowe could also be sacrificed as they look to strengthen their options with Leicester ’s James Maddison another on their radar.
After such an impressive season, the growing uncertainty over some of their futures has also coincided with a dip in form during the run-in.
Arsenal want to strengthen their midfield, but they also want defensive reinforcements plus a dynamic winger to provide back-up for Bukayo Saka who ran out of steam having played so many games. They may yet look to sign another striker with physical presence.
What is certain is that Arteta sees this summer as arguably the biggest transfer window of his reign as Arsenal manager because they need to kick on again to challenge Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is interested in reuniting with Gundogan, as they previously worked together when Arteta served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant until 2019.
Manchester City are planning to offer Ilkay Gundogan a new contractCredit: Getty
The German’s City contract expires at the end of the season and early talks failed to find an agreement.
Barcelona indicated they were willing to offer him a two-year deal and Gundogan was holding out for a similar offer from his current club.
Thestand-off alerted Arsenal, who ran the champions close in the title race, to the possibility they could bring him to the Emirates for free this summer.
However, there is now optimism that a compromise can be reached which will see him extend his seven-year stay at the Etihad.
The deal proposed by City is believed to be structured differently to the one he has been offered at the Nou Camp but is closer to what he was looking for.
He had been linked with a move to ArsenalCreditAP
And if he does stay, it would be a timely boost for Guardiola who has regularly stated wants the German – his first signing at City back in 2016 – to stay.
Gundogan scored twice in each of his last two league starts – against Leeds and Everton – to put them on the brink of a third straight title.
He lifted the trophy at the weekend despite not getting on against Chelsea – and is now hoping to get his hands on two more before the season finishes.
The feeling is Guardiola would have thrown his captain on for a few minutes at the end to say his goodbyes if he had thought it was going to be his Etihad farewell.
His situation has taken on increasing importance with summer target Jude Bellingham expected to join Real Madrid rather than the English champs.
Guardiola is looking to strengthen his midfield this summer with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic one name under consideration along with Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
Meanwhile, City remain in talks with teen defender Rico Lewis over a new deal – but are yet to finalise terms.
The 18-year-old full-back showed his versatility and quality again during the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and has been praised by Guardiola for his contribution to the title success.
Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka, remains resolute in his belief that Mikel Arteta is the ideal candidate, the right manager to lead the club into the future.
Although the Gunners’ aspirations of winning the Premier League title were dashed with a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, resulting in Manchester City securing their fifth championship in six seasons, Arteta’s team has garnered praise for the progress they have made this year.
Arsenal enjoyed a commanding position at the top of the league for 248 days and held an eight-point advantage over City in March.
Xhaka and Arteta
Despite their late setback, Arteta’s side has been recognized for the positive strides they have taken.
The Gunners have faltered badly in their last eight games, winning just twice, but Xhaka says this season has to be the blueprint for progression.
“We don’t need to forget how we work for the last 11 months,” he said.
“Even when we lost now in the last two games, of course the people see what happens now, but don’t forget the 11 months we worked.
“If someone told us before the season that we will be here, I think everyone would sign it. Our goal for sure was to be back in the top four. Now we are second. Of course when you are so close to the title you want to win the title.
“But we are there where we are, deserve to be where we are, and let’s see what happens next season. We have to go and do the next step.”
Forest’s victory meant that they stayed up against the odds in their first season back inthe Premier League.
They did it the hard way, having signed 30 new players across the two transfer windows and were on an 11-game winless run up until the end of April.
But 10 points from the last five games has seen them move out of the relegation zone and midfielder Ryan Yates was happy to prove people wrong.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “I have had a lot of that individually, this season is no different. That was always going to come with the amount of players brought in and the amount of money spent.
“During those periods we have had, we have had to show real togetherness and resilience.
“All credit to the manager, because he has really instilled that belief in us that we can still achieve. This is really special, let’s kick on again next season.”
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s slim hopes of winning the Premier League title faded away, allowing Manchester City to secure their fifth crown in six years.
Although Arsenal demonstrated remarkable form for a significant portion of the season, spending 248 days at the top of the table and holding an eight-point lead over City in March, a concerning decline has led to just two victories in their last eight matches.
That allowed them to be overtaken by Pep Guardiola’s relentless juggernaut, who have won 11 games in a row.
The Spaniard says Arsenal have to find a way to compete with City but it will not be a quick fix.
“This is my job, this is our job, and this is what this club deserves,” Arteta said.
“It wasn’t enough. I know we’re not at that level, but we have to find a way. This is not enough. It’s not going to change in three months time. We need to be at that level but we need to find other ways to do it.
“For example at Forest we needed to play much better. This is my responsibility.
“That’s why we have to push for that to happen. That’s not going to happen if we don’t make a lot of right decisions and think smart and have the mentality every day to get to that level.”
For large parts of the season, which began with more than 20 new signings, they looked destined to return straight back to the Championship, not least when they were on an 11-game winless run going into the end of April.
Boss Steve Cooper steered them away from danger, thanks to 10 points from the last five games, and he is thankful to the fans, who have been vociferous in their support throughout the campaign.
Arteta and Pep
It looked possible that the Welshman could be sacked on two occasions during the campaign, but Forest fans voted with their feet and came out in unanimous support of their manager.
And Cooper will never forget that.
“My family and myself will be in debt to these supporters forever,” he said.
“What they have given me this year in an era of people always wanting change and having no patience, our supporters have been the complete opposite. They have been the best with me in some difficult times. That takes some doing.
“The whole sense of being part of something, being wanted and that sense of belonging is such a powerful feeling. Our supporters have set the standard for how to support a team.”
On Saturday, May 20, Arsenal experienced a significant defeat against Nottingham Forest, further dampening their title aspirations, however
Meanwhile, Manchester City clinched the championship without even playing a match over the weekend.
Arsenal entered the game against Forest fully aware that only a victory would have kept their hopes of securing the title alive.
Despite being overwhelming favourites, Mikel Arteta’s side went behind through Taiwo Awoniyi’s 19th minute strike as a wave of dejavu engulfed Gunners fans on social media.
Man City wins title in a row
Forest, who needed an unlikely win at the expense of Arsenal to ensure their safety from relegation, did brilliantly to keep out the Gunners, who exhibited some symptoms of burnout from what has been a high-stake campaign for them.
Ultimately, they failed to find an equalizer, and the full time whistle confirmed City as champions for the fifth time in the last six campaigns.
City come up against Chelsea on Sunday, and it will certainly be a game played in celebratory mood at the Etihad.
Arsenal’s collapse- How it happened
On April 7, Manchester City were a massive eight points behind Arsenal, with the season running down fast.
At that point, it was difficult to bet against the Gunners winning their first league title since 2004, but a combination of Manchester City’s experience, brilliant run of form and Arsenal’s fatigue led to the Gunners getting leapfrogged spectacularly by May.
Arsenal’s title hopes dipped after they dropped points to City
Since the last time Arsenal had an 8-point lead, City have gone on to drop just two points out of a possible 42, winning 11 league games in a row in the process.
In contrast, the Gunners completely lost steam in recent weeks, as a run of three successive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton allowed City back in the race.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has admitted that one of the methods he used to inspire his team is occasionally bringing an olive tree to team meetings.
Arteta spoke about another odd motivational tool he uses at London Colney after it was revealed that the Arsenal manager had started bringing a chocolate Labrador named Win to the training facility to give a calming impact.
In his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta spoke about the club’s olive tree, a miniature version of which he has used to explain the importance of togetherness to his young squad.
The Spaniard said: “Another symbol at the club is our tree.
It needs a lot of care as well. It’s an olive tree, it’s older than 150 years, similar to the club, and we have to look after those roots every single to the day, make sure they don’t get poisoned, don’t get damaged and it’s in the right condition.”
ESPN reports that Arteta spotted the tree from the window of his office and asked a staff member to make a miniature version that he could use in front of his squad.
Win the dog and the olive tree are the latest in a line of inventive ways Arteta communicates ideas to his players.
The light bulb scene in Amazon’s All or Nothing series was another famous example.
Appropriately enough, after Friday’s tree revelation,Arsenal take on relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, has committed his future to the club by signing a lucrative long-term contract extension.
The 24-year-old England international, who joined the Gunners from Sheffield United in August 2021, has already made an impressive 76 appearances for the team.
Despite having two years left on his existing contract, Ramsdale’s outstanding performances throughout the season under manager Mikel Arteta have earned him a new deal with Arsenal, solidifying his position as the team’s number one goalkeeper.
Ramsdale said: “It’s a huge amount of pride, it’s something you work for.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve been at the club for a month or for four years, you always want to get the next [contract] and push on with the team.
“To get it after two years, I’m buzzing. It just means I can concentrate and keep my head down and hopefully after a few more years I’ll get another one and carry on living the dream at the football club.
“As soon as you put that Arsenal shirt on, they [fans] will give you every chance to try and perform. I knew I could win them over at some point — and thankfully I did that quite early really.”
Aaron Ramsdale has signed a new deal with Arsenal
Arteta added: “We’re all so happy that Aaron has signed a new contract.
“The way Aaron has developed over the past two years has been exceptional, with his performances, contribution and overall adaptation to the club.
“It’s great that we’re continuing to build our future with our biggest talents in our young squad. We’re all looking forward to enjoying many more years of Aaron the player and the person at the football club.”
In 36 Premier League appearances for the North Londoners this term, Ramsdale has kept 13 clean sheets — only David de Gea (16) and Alisson (14) have recorded more.
His performances at the Emirates have earned the former Bournemouth stopper three caps for the Three Lions, keeping clean sheets against San Marino and Italy.
The nominations for the end-of-season awards in the Premier League have been announced, with Arsenal and Manchester City featuring prominently.
These two clubs have played a significant role in the captivating title race, with Manchester City currently leading the way in their pursuit of a historic treble.
✅ Young Player of the Season nomination ✅ Player of the Season nomination
Captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli are all in contention for the prestigious award. However, last year’s winner Phil Foden is not among the nominees this time around.
Instead, his prolific Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland has been recognized for his exceptional performances.
Joining the Gunners trio and the Norwegian striker on the list of nominees are Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Newcastle pair Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.
The competition for the Young Player of the Season award promises to be intense, with these talented individuals showcasing their skills throughout the campaign.
Manager of the Season
Unsurprisingly, Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola have both received nominations for the Premier League Manager of the Season award.
👔 Mikel has been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award
The Gunners boss has led the team to their highest finish since 2015-16, while the City manager is on the cusp of winning a fifth title in six years.
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Fulham boss Marco Silva both make the cut, as do Aston Villa leader Unai Emery and Brighton mastermind Roberto De Zerbi, who both joined their respective clubs during the 2022-23 season.
Former defender forManchester United and England, Gary Neville, thinks Thomas Partey’s poor play at a vital point in the season hurt Arsenal’s chances of winning the league’s title.
Due to a terrible run of performances by the Ghanaian international, Arsenal lost to Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, losing points.
Jorginho displaced Partey, who hasn’t started for the Gunners in their last three games.
Neville claims that the Black Stars player was absent during pivotal times.
“He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” said Neville, as quoted by Metro.
“He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic. His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”
Arsenal lost to Brighton over the weekend, giving Manchester City the edge with a game in hand.
The Citizens could win the league if they beat Chelsea in their next game, extending the Gunners’ 20-year wait for the Premier League title.
However, Arsenal are making a return to the UEFA Champions League after a six-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.
Partey reacts to Casemiro comparison
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder, Partey has welcomed the comparison between him andManchester United star, Casemiro.
The duo has been head-to-head this season in terms of the roles they play at their various clubs and their importance to their respective teams.
While Partey has been key to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table, Casemiro helped the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years.
Partey pays tribute to Atsu
Sports Brief also reported on Ghana international, Partey discussed his emotional tribute to late former teammate, Christian Atsu.
The Black Stars winger was among those tragically killed following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.
During the Gunners’ comeback win against Bournemouth earlier in the year, Partey dedicated his goal to his compatriot.
Fascinating statistics have surfaced indicating that without Erling Haaland, Arsenal would have defeated Manchester City to win the Premier League.
After Arsenal stumbled in the title battle towards the end of the season, City are on track to win the domestic championship this year.
After a fantastic campaign led by Mikel Arteta, in which the team dominated the standings for the majority of the year, the Gunners were hailed as the clear favourite to win the championship.
Man City head coach, Pep Guardiola and ‘goal scoring machine Haaland
However, a string of poor performances in recent weeks have seen them lose the grip at the top, with their weekend defeat against Brighton all but handing Man City the title.
The Athletic reports Arteta’s men were demolished 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend, with the result leaving them trailing City, who have a game in hand, by four points.
Haaland and City’s title bid
While Man City boast an incredible squad, it has now emerged they have Haaland to thank for putting them on course to retain the Premier League.
According to Sportbible, stats show that had it not been for the Norwegian’s goals this term, the Citizens would not have successfully challenged for the crown.
City and Arsenal
The publication, citing numbers crunched by NJ.bet, shows the champs would not have even been in the Premier League top four without Haaland.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace has scored an eyewatering 52 goals for City across competitions, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League.
Without his contributions, the Citizens would be sitting fifth with 61 points, a point behind Liverpool, who would be in fourth.
Arsenal would be leading the table with their current 81 points, a massive 13 points ahead of Newcastle, who would be second.
Meanwhile, Man United would be sitting third with 67 points, a point behind the Magpies.
Why Arsenal lost EPL title
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United legend and now pundit, Gary Neville outlining seven reasons why Arsenal failed to win the EPL title this season.
With the Gunners having little to no hope of being crowned champions, the Red Devils legend believes he knows why the north Londoners tripped at the finish line.
The Norwegian striker, known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing, added a new dimension to City’s already formidable attacking lineup.
His arrival provided City with a lethal and consistent source of goals, giving them an edge over their competitors.
Despite Arsenal’s commendable efforts, they were unable to sustain their early-season form until the end.
While their campaign ultimately fell short, their performances should not be overshadowed.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal displayed an improved style of play, solid defensive organization, and promising attacking combinations that ignited hopes of a potential title triumph.
The emergence of young talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, coupled with the experienced presence of players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, contributed to Arsenal’s success during the season.
Nonetheless, Arsenal’s progress under Arteta bodes well for the future, as they continue to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honors.
With the right reinforcements and continued development, the Gunners will be eager to mount a stronger title challenge in the seasons to come.
While the statistics indicate that Arsenal could have secured the Premier League title if not for Haaland’s influence, it is important to recognize the overall strength and depth of Manchester City’s squad, which extends beyond any single player.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to face a significant challenge in retaining Mason Mount at Chelsea.
The new manager has identified the midfielder’s contract situation, valued at £60 million, as a key priority when he assumes his role at the end of the season.
However, it appears that Pochettino’s arrival has come too late to salvage the ongoing negotiations, and it seems likely that Mount, a highly regarded player among Chelsea fans, will depart his childhood club after being with them for 18 years.
At 24 years old, Mount has just over a year remaining on his current contract, and discussions have reached an impasse after ten months.
Mason Mount in action
SunSport can reveal Mount was offered a one-yearextension by Chelsea in February but this was flatly rejected and seen as a ploy simply to raise his transfer fee.
Relations between the player’s representatives and the club are at an all-time low and Pochettino needs a “miracle” to turn it round.
A Blues source said: “It feels like it is too late now for Mason.
“Pochettino is good but he can’t work miracles.
“If he had been brought in when Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel in September then maybe it would be a different story.
“But in ten months there hasn’t been any resolution and other clubs want him. Good luck to Poch and Mason but we’re not hopeful.”
Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly Chelsea’s new coach
Mount is injured but eyeing a return for the final two games this season — at Manchester United then home to Newcastle on May 28.
That could well be the end of the England star’s Blues journey, which started when he was six.
Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have been strongly linked with interest in Mount.
And Chelsea will sell if he does not sign a new deal as they do not want him leaving for free at the end of next season.
This season in Premier League, Chelsea’s form is Average overall with 11 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses.
This performance currently places Chelsea at 11th out of 20 teams in the Premier League Table, winning 32% of matches.
Chelsea’s home form is poor with the following results : 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses.
Piers Morgan heavily criticized Arsenal for their dismal showing against Brighton on Sunday, describing it as a “lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, and pathetic performance.”
The team suffered a significant setback, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat on their home turf.
As a result, there is a possibility that Manchester City might secure the Premier League title in the upcoming weekend.
Morgan’s scathing assessment reflects the disappointment and frustration felt by many Arsenal supporters.
The team’s lack of energy, motivation, and determination on the field was evident throughout the match against Brighton.
Their inability to create meaningful chances and convert them into goals was particularly glaring.
The defeat dealt a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of climbing the league table and securing European qualification for the next season.
Piers Morgan slammed the Gunners following the match
Despite Arsenal having topped the table for most of the season, City can win a fifth title in six seasons with victory against Chelsea on Sunday.
And Arsenal-mad Piers was not happy with what he saw in the 3-0 loss at home to the Seagulls.
A feisty match was settled by three second-half goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan.
Taking to Twitter following the defeat, Morgan fumed that the Gunners had “choked” after leading the way for the majority of the campaign.
He blasted: “All over.
“Totally outplayed by a team that just lost 1-5 to Everton.
“A horribly lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance that cements an inexplicably dismal run-in to a season which promised so much.
“Bottom line: we choked. #afc.”
An ill-tempered encounter saw Gabriel Martinelli flatten Kaoru Mitoma in the early stages but escape without a booking.
Moises Caicedo then wiped out Martinelli just minutes later, before proceeding to slap hands with Mitoma.
Again, referee Andy Madley did not show a yellow card.
Martinelli was injured by the tackle and forced to come off, and later reappeared with his left foot in a protective boot.
The consequence of this defeat extends beyond Arsenal’s own aspirations. Manchester City, who currently lead the Premier League standings, could potentially secure the title in the upcoming weekend.
Any points dropped by their closest rivals, Manchester United, would aid City’s cause.
Arsenal’s lackluster performance against Brighton has inadvertently increased the likelihood of City’s championship triumph.
For Arsenal, the defeat against Brighton serves as a wake-up call and highlights the pressing need for improvement.
The team will have to address issues related to their overall performance, including their defensive frailties, midfield creativity, and forward line effectiveness.
Managerial decisions and strategies will also come under scrutiny, with questions raised about squad selection, tactics, and player motivation.
Gabriel Martinelli was not booked for this challenge on Kaoru mitomaCredit: ReutersMoises Caicedo wiped out Martinelli just minutes later.Credit: Reuters
Currently, the Gunners are one point behind league leaders Manchester City, albeit having played an additional game.
Brighton, a team vying for European qualification, will visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Although Arsenal has performed well this season, there are unresolved matters to address as they approach the summer.
England pair Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are believed to be close to signing new deals while Reiss Nelson is out of contract and Granit Xhaka has this week been linked with a move back to Germany.
But Arteta batted away questions on the future of some of his key players on Friday and is keen for focus to remain solely on the challenge for a first league title in 19 years.
“Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there,” he said of deals for players that may be in the offing.
“We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now.
“The moment there is anything to announce with any individual, we will do that as a club like we always do. It’s not the moment to talk about that.”
While the deals forSaka and Ramsdale are all-but finalised, Nelson could yet leave for free in the summer.
Xhaka has been linked with a move away – with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly chasing his signature – but Arteta would not be drawn on the future of the Switzerland captain.
“As you can understand I’m not going to be replying to certain stories,” he added.
“I’m extremely happy with Granit, I think he is having an incredible season, probably the best season he has had at the club and we are really happy to have him.”
Instead of signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice during the summer transfer window, Nigerian fans are appealing to Arsenal directors to sign Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles midfielder from Leicester City.
As the end of the current Premier League season approaches, Arsenal has been linked with a move to sign Rice in an effort to strengthen their squad for next season.
Rice has been one of the top defensive midfielders in the league this season, with Arsenal among the teams monitoring the England international’s performances.
According to reports by Pulse and by Daily Mail, fans are of the view that Ndidi will be the better option for Arsenal.
Price would be a consideration – with the Nigerian more cost-effective than signing Rice for £120 million – and they believe he is a better player.
Why will Ndidi be cheaper?
Ndidi and his teammates at Leicester City are currently battling to escape relegation. They are sitting at 18th on the table and have three more games to play.
Should they be relegated, the transfer value of the Nigerian would drop and the Gunners could lure him to the Emirates Stadium in a cut-price deal.
Fans want Ndidi at Arsenal
Making his comment via Twitter, user @Wizarab10 said:
“Leicester would be relegated. Collect Ndidi for like £10 million and competitive football will wake him up.”
Ndidi bags university degree
Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported that in-form Super Eagles midfielder, Ndidi has completed his degree at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian star announced the news in a video interview, in which he explained his business management would help when he retired as a pro footballer.
Ndidi has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, with his contributions to the Super Eagles apparent after theWorld Cup qualifiers.
Additionally, if they qualify for the group stage, they have committed to holding all their Champions League fixtures at the same venue.
This season, Jonas Eidevall’s team has already played three WSL games at the stadium, including the record-breaking match against Tottenham where they set a new league attendance record.
Furthermore, they sold over 86,000 tickets across games against Manchester United and Chelsea.
The team also played five of their Women’s Champions League games at the Emirates, which included a sold-out semi-final second-leg against Wolfsburg. However, the German side managed to win in extra time.
Arsenal are in a tussle to qualify for next season’s Champions League but, if they do progress, every fixture from the group stage onwards will be hosted in N5 rather than at Meadow Park.
The successes of this season have built on a groundswell of support for women’s football following on from England’s Women’s Euro victory last summer.
Now, Arsenal are keen to continue the trend of hosting more games at the Emirates, with Eidevall saying recently he believes it would be possible to host all women’s fixtures there at some point in the future.
“We’re delighted to confirm that our women’s first team will play five WSL games at Emirates Stadium next season,” Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said when the announcement was made on Wednesday morning.
“We’ve received fantastic support at Emirates Stadium this year, setting a new record attendance in the WSL and achieving a memorable sell-out for our recent UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg earlier this month.
“This latest announcement ensures that as many supporters as possible can enjoy the matchday experience with us, as we continue to support the sustainable growth of women’s football.”
Jorginho, an Arsenal midfielder, has given an explanation for why his coach, Mikel Arteta, has chosen to start him instead of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey in recent matches.
Jorginho was in the starting lineup for Arsenal’s victories against Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Following the match against Newcastle, Jorginho stated that he and Partey have distinct playing styles and skillsets, which provide Arsenal with more options in midfield.
According to him, he and Partey have given Mikel Arteta options in midfield and only have one responsibility to be ready anytime when called upon.
“I think we are two different players that can adapt for the coach in different games. I think the coach has two good choices and depending on what game, and what type of players he wants on the pitch. The only thing we can do is be ready when he needs us and give our best to help the team,” Jorginho said in an interview.
As the team won back-to-back games without Thomas Partey,some Arsenal supporters on social media called for his transfer.
Some contend that the Gunners should release the Ghanaian in the summer since the team has advanced past its over-reliance on him.
Thomas Partey had a stellar season up until April, when his repeated mistakes and poor performance caused Arsenal to lose their unbeaten streak and slip to second place in the standings.
He was introduced in the final 20 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-0 away win over Newcastle United. This is the first time the 29-year-old was left on the bench in back-to-back games this season.
His replacement Jorginho has filled the void and won man-of-the-match against Newcastle and winning the hearts of the fans.
Some fans believe Jorginho gave the team much better control and thus the club would only need a replacement for Partey and keep the Italian.
Arsenal are in hot pursuit of the Premier League, trailing league leaders Manchester City by a point with three games left but the City have a game more.
This team has evolved past Thomas Partey, he needs replacing now.— . (@The_Wilsh) May 7, 2023.
If anyone should get sold this summer, it’s Thomas Partey, not Granit Xhaka. #NEWARS
It’s time to sellThomas Partey this summer.— ag™️ (@TAGunner28) May 2, 2023
Honestly we might have seen the last of Partey at Arsenal.
With Rice and/or Caicedo possibly joining we’ll need to make space in midfield and given the selection of Jorginho against a very physical team with no news of an injury to Partey it looks like hes done here.— AfcBOM (@AFCBOM) May 7, 2023.
orginho is better than Thomas Partey.
Arsenal fans should we debate this?— Temitope (@IamTopsy4real) May 7, 2023.
Despite a hard-fought effort by the Magpies, the Gunners came out on top with a 2-0 win, which would have gifted the title to Manchester City if they had lost.
The loss was a setback for Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
The game was marred by frequent breaks in play and heated confrontations, preventing the home team from finding a rhythm.
In the reverse fixture in January at the Emirates Stadium, Newcastle had been accused of similar tactics.
But, asked about Arsenal’s approach, Burn said: “Of course it’s frustrating, but that’s what they said we did at their place. We get a lot of stick for slowing the game down, which I don’t know if we intentionally do all the time.
“They did that, but it’s part and parcel of football. We can’t do it and then complain when it happens to us.
“A lot of teams tend to do that now when they feel the energy of the crowd, they try and stifle it a little bit.
Newcastle set off with high hopes of repeating their 2-0 home win over the Gunners last season and might have been on their way in front of an expectant home crowd had Jacob Murphy’s early shot not come back off a post or had referee Chris Kavanagh not been advised to review his decision to award a penalty for handball against Jakub Kiwior.
In the event, they were undone by Martin Odegaard’s first-half strike and Fabian Schar’s unfortunate own goal.
Burn said: “We knew it wasn’t going to be the same as last season, where we played them off the park. They’re a lot better this year and they’ve shown that all season.
“They’ve been unlucky that City have overtaken them, but they’re a very good team who caused us problems, especially at home. We’re just unfortunate we couldn’t get the win.”
For the year, Martin Odegaard scored his 15th goal.
Arsenal defeated Newcastle United in a nail-biting match at St. James’ Park, cutting Manchester City‘s lead over them in the Premier League standings to one point.
The team led by Mikel Arteta, who has played one more game than the champions, responded admirably to the pressure created by Manchester City’s victory against Leeds United to win in an exciting game on Tyneside.
Newcastle got off to a fast start in an effort to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season, with Jacob Murphy hitting the post and having a penalty call reversed by video assistant refereeing.
Arsenal, however, showed their strength and it was inspirational captain Martin Odegaard who followed up his double against Chelsea in midweek by drilling his 15th Premier League goal of the season past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from 25 yards after 14 minutes.
What followed was a magnificent game full of opportunities in a frenzied atmosphere, Pope saving crucially from Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard before half-time. Martinelli also struck the bar after the break.
Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced vital stops from Joe Willock and Fabian Schar, with Alexander Isak heading against the post, before The Gunners broke clear to wrap up the three points – Schar turning Martinelli’s cross into his own net in the 71st minute.
More to follow.
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Rating range key1 = Give it up10 = Pure perfection
Newcastle United Starting XIAvg Squad number 22 Player name Pope Average rating
6.01
12345678910Squad number2Player name Trippier Average rating
5.62
12345678910 Squad number 5Player name Schär Average rating
4.95
12345678910 Squad number 4 Player name Botman Average rating
5.23
12345678910 Squad number 33 Player name Burn Average rating
5.01
12345678910 Squad number 7 Player name Joelinton Average rating
5.26
12345678910 Squad number 39 Player name Bruno Guimarães Average rating
5.03
12345678910S quad number 28 Player name Willock Average rating
5.46
12345678910 Squad number23 Player name Murphy Average rating
5.31
12345678910 Squad number 9 Player name Wilson Average rating
5.45
12345678910 Squad number 14 Player name Isak Average rating
5.68
12345678910 Substitutes Avg Squad number 8 Player name Gordon Average rating
4.66
12345678910 Squad number 10 Player name Saint-Maximin Average rating
12345678910 Squad number 24 Player name Almirón Average rating
4.92
12345678910 Squad number32 Player nameAndersonAverage rating
4.61
12345678910Share your Newcastle player ratings withFacebookTwitterWhatsAppCopy and share linkArsenalStarting XIAvgSquad number1Player nameRamsdaleAverage rating
1Ramsdale 4White 15 Kiwior 6 Gabriel 35Zinchenko 8Ø degaard 20 Jorginho 34Xhaka7Saka9 Gabriel Jesus11Martinelli
Substitutes
Referee:Chris KavanaghAttendance:50,267Match StatsHome TeamNewcastleAway TeamArsenalPossessionHome54%Away46%ShotsHome12Away10Shots on TargetHome5Away6CornersHome9Away4FoulsHome16Away12Live Text Post update
Match ends, Newcastle United 0, Arsenal 2.
90’+7’Full Time
Second Half ends, Newcastle United 0, Arsenal 2.
90’+6’Post update
Foul by Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United).
90’+6’Post update
Thomas Partey (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90’+6’Booking
Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card.
90’+6’Booking
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card.
90’+5’Post update
Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90’+5’Post update
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal).
90’+4’Post update
Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Ben White.
90’+3’Post update
Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Reiss Nelson.
90’+2’Post update
Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Aaron Ramsdale.
90’+2’Post update
Attempt saved. Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt Targett.
90’Post update
Attempt missed. Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Elliot Anderson following a corner.
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Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Reiss Nelson.
87’Post update
Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87’Post update
Foul by Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal).
87’Substitution
Substitution, Arsenal. Reiss Nelson replaces Bukayo Saka.
87’Substitution
Substitution, Arsenal. Eddie Nketiah replaces Gabriel Jesus.
85’Post update
Foul by Miguel Almirón (Newcastle United).
85’Post update
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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In order to put Arsenal at bay in the title chase, Manchester City will play West Ham next in the Premier League.
With two games remaining, Pep Guardiola’s club is only two points behind the current leaders and will approach every game going forward as a must to maintain their lead and win the championship.
The Hammers have lost their past two games and will be trying to avoid three straight losses, while City remain unbeaten in all competitions since their setback at the hands of Tottenham in the first week of February.
West Ham are only four points above the drop zone and will need to pick up wins if they are to stay out of a relegation battle.
Following his recovery from a muscle injury, Nathan Ake may make an appearance in the upcoming match against West Ham, according to City boss Guardiola. The former Chelsea defender had missed the last three games due to a thigh injury, but has since returned to full training.
On the other hand, it seems less unlikely that Kevin De Bruyne will feature in the match, as he did not train with the squad prior to Tuesday’s late afternoon session.
Erling Haaland has been breaking goal records for fun this campaign and he scored his 50th goal of the season for City in their win over Fulham on Sunday. He will be raring to go again and will lead the line for the team from the blue side of Manchester.
Romelu Lukaku has shared a touching memory he has with former footballer Thierry Henry. Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Henry won numerous trophies during his playing days with Arsenal and Barcelona.
After retiring from the game, Henry tried his hand at management, but his spells with Monaco and Montreal Impact did not yield the desired results.
However, he found success as Roberto Martinez’s assistant in the Belgian national team set-up, where they dominated FIFA rankings for a long period of time and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
It was during his time with the Belgian national team that Henry built a close relationship with Lukaku.
Romelu Lukaku and Thierry Henry have a close bond that goes beyond their love for football. The two met during Henry’s stint as Roberto Martinez’s assistant in the Belgian national team set-up. As part of his role, Henry was responsible for training the team’s strikers, and Lukaku was one of the beneficiaries of his vast experience.
Romelo Lukaku and Henry
As Martinez’s assistant, one of Henry’s responsibilities was to train the team’s strikers, given his wealth of experience, having won the World Cup with France during his playing days.
In a past video interview with Henry, Lukaku reminisced about what it was like to train alongside the French legend.
He revealed that Henry used to participate in the training drills and, despite his age, still displayed his impressive skill and class on the pitch.
Lukaku’s admiration for Henry is evident, and his recounting of their shared experiences is a testament to the bond they formed during their time together on the Belgian national team.
The Belgian striker’s comments also shed light on the importance of having experienced and knowledgeable coaches who can provide valuable insights and guidance to players.
Henry’s experience as a player undoubtedly played a crucial role in his success as Martinez’s assistant, and Lukaku’s account of their training sessions together highlights the benefits of having a former player as a coach.
The Belgian national team’s success during Henry’s time as assistant coach speaks for itself, and his impact on the team and its players cannot be understated.
“I think, in the national team when you were there, I think for us, the strikers, we had maybe the best time we could have ever had because the competition was there.”
The 29-year-old shed light on how Henry once embarrassed an unnamed player, causing him to leave the pitch.
“I remember when my brother came and he was like, ‘you did this skill in training’, but I’m not going to say any names, but the player left the pitch,”Lukaku said, as quoted bytheMirror.
The Red Devils did not have a very promising World Cup campaign after they exited in the group stage.
Martinez resigned immediately afterwards and ended up taking the Portugal job. Henry also left after the appointment of Domenico Tedesco as new coach, per AP News.
So close was the relationship between the striker and the former player, Lukaku wanted Henry to succeed Martinez as manager on a full-time basis.
It was previously reported on the forward saying the Frenchman had the distinction of having won everything and had many players’ respect the respect of many players.
Despite Lukaku’s hopes for Henry to succeed Martinez, the Belgian Football Association opted to go with Tedesco instead. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Henry, but his legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation is secure.
Before Tedesco’s appointment as Belgium’s new head coach, many names had been floated, including Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal has released a statement condemning the shining of a laser into the face of Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk during Tuesday night’s Premier League match between the two London clubs.
The incident led to the arrest of a fan.
Television cameras at the Emirates Stadium captured footage of a light being shone in the direction of the Ukraine international.
Mudryk had come on as a second-half substitute for the visitors and had been jeered by some Arsenal fans.
Laser light on Mykhailo
The Gunners had been linked with a move for Mudryk in the January transfer window, but the player instead signed for their London rivals. The incident occurred during Arsenal’s 3-1 home victory, which saw the club move back to the top of the Premier League table.
In its statement released on Wednesday morning, Arsenal expressed its disappointment with the incident, saying, “An arrest has been made following the use of a laser during last night’s match. This behaviour is dangerous and totally unacceptable, and we will fully support the police with their enquiries. We will obviously take the strongest possible action.”
Beam green laser hit Mudryk during match between Arsenal and Chelsea
The Football Association (FA) is expected to investigate the matter, while the Metropolitan Police made three further arrests at the game for ticket touting.
The incident has raised concerns about player safety and the behaviour of fans at sporting events. The use of lasers by fans to distract or injure players has become an increasingly common occurrence in recent years, with football authorities and police forces taking a strong stance against such behaviour.
In 2019, a teenager was arrested for shining a laser at Derby County goalkeeper Kelle Roos during a Championship match against Nottingham Forest. The offender was subsequently banned from attending any football match for three years.
The incident involving Mudryk has once again highlighted the need for greater vigilance and security measures at sporting events. Football authorities and clubs must take steps to ensure the safety of players and spectators alike, and to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring in the future.
The use of lasers by fans is not only dangerous but also illegal, and those found guilty of such behaviour can face criminal charges as well as bans from attending matches.
The incident at the Emirates Stadium has also led to questions about the behaviour of football fans in general.
While most supporters are passionate and respectful, a small minority engage in abusive or threatening behaviour that can mar the enjoyment of others and damage the reputation of the sport.
Incidents like this can have a significant impact on players’ mental health and their ability to perform on the pitch. The use of lasers and other forms of harassment and abuse can create a hostile environment that affects players’ concentration and confidence, potentially leading to injury or poor performance.
The incident involving Mudryk is a reminder that football fans have a responsibility to behave in a manner that respects the players, the game, and each other. It is essential that fans are educated about the dangers and consequences of their actions and are held accountable for any misconduct.
Football authorities must also take a proactive approach to address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents,including discrimination, racism, and violence. By promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect, football can help to build a better society that values fairness, equality, and sportsmanship.
The incident involving Mudryk is a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance and security at sporting events, as well as the importance of educating fans about the dangers and consequences of their actions. Football clubs and authorities must work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of players and fans, and to promote a culture of respect.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta witnessed his team’s return to the summit of the English Premier League after a commanding victory over London rivals Chelsea. Despite the success, Arteta remained grounded and vowed to keep his team focused on the task ahead.
The Gunners had enjoyed an eight-point lead at the top of the table last month, but a string of poor results saw them drop behind Manchester City. However, a comprehensive 3-1 triumph over Chelsea ended their winless streak and propelled them back to the summit.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta saw his team return to the top of the Premier League with victory over Chelsea (Adam Davy/PA
The match saw Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard grab a brace, with Gabriel Jesus adding a third before half-time. Chelsea’s only goal came from Noni Madueke, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation for Frank Lampard’s men.
The victory over Chelsea was a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who have struggled in recent seasons to challenge for the Premier League title.
With the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool dominating the competition in recent years, the Gunners will be eager to prove their worth and claim their first league title since the 2003-04 season.
Despite their recent run,Arteta had refused to rule Arsenal out of the title race and this win took them two points clear – although they have played two more games than City.
The Spaniard admitted he did not want to see morale fall after a galling loss at City last week saw their lead all but dashed.
“It is four games to go, we are at the top right now,” he said.
“We cannot do that (let heads drop), to be where we are after 10 months against the team we are fighting against, being there and having the possibility to be top – we have to enjoy it and embrace it, maximise the opportunity that we have because we don’t know what is going to happen.
“We wanted to have a very different approach to the game, and we did it right from the beginning.
“The team is back to its best. We wanted to prove we had that fire in the belly. I could see that in the last few days, and we prepared (for) the game well.
“Mentally we arrived in the right mood and with the right level of energy. Everything went for us as well, which is important.
“We’ve had a couple of difficult weeks with very different games, with a lot of emotions involved. We’re back to the top of the league – let’s see what happens.”
While it was a night to remember for skipper Odegaard, it was one his predecessor will want to forget in a hurry. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started for Chelsea for the first time since facing the Gunners on November 6 but lasted just 45 minutes before being substituted, having had nine touches – four of which were kick-offs.
Arteta was full of praise for Odegaard and the example set by the Norway international.
“He has 14 goals this season, his contribution to the team, his leadership skills, I’m really pleased with him,” he added.
“He has been exceptional for us, his contribution every single day. I think he has done that (set the tone) on many occasions. What Martin has done this season deserves a lot of credit.”
Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have been referred to as “beasts” by Bernardo Silva after the explosive pair caused havoc in Manchester City’s crucial victory over Arsenal.
In a 4-1 victory on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne notched two goals off of assists from Haaland and one more for John Stones before the Norwegian registered his own goal.
The win gave the treble-chasing champions a tight grip on the Premier League title battle as they closed the gap on the front-runners to two points with two games remaining.
Haaland has now scored a stunning 33 goals in the competition this season – one short of the record – and laid on seven assists while De Bruyne’s figures are seven and 16 respectively.
City midfielder Silva said: “We knew that they could come doing man-to-man and we tried to stretch them as much as possible because, if they do man-to-man against us, they have to deal with Kevin and Erling up front. It’s never going to be easy in that spot.
“It was perfect for Kevin. They gave space for Kevin and to Erling to run. When you give them this kind of space, they are so difficult to defend.
“Two beasts running, their movements – Kevin with the passes, Erling with the scoring – this was the opposite.
“They did it perfectly, they created lots of chances. We could have scored even more.”
City now have a superb chance to emulate Manchester United’s 1999 achievement of winning all three of the remaining trophies on offer.
As well as being in command of their title destiny they are through to the FA Cup final, where they will face United, and they take on Real Madrid in the last four of the Champions League next month.
Manager Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to publicly discuss the prospect of winning the treble.
Silva insists the subject is not off-limits but the focus is very much on taking one game at a time.
The Portuguese said: “No, he hasn’t banned anything! We’re big men and we talk about whatever we want.
“But these players know that the best way to achieve good things is to think just about the next one. If we don’t beat Fulham on Sunday we put ourselves in a difficult position to win the Premier League.
“If we don’t win the Premier League we arrive in the final of the FA Cup and in the semi-finals of the Champions League not in a good momentum.
“We want to try and stay in this good momentum to try and go as far as possible. The team is doing very well at the moment and we’re going to try and keep it that way.”
Thomas Partey, an Arsenal midfielder, said thatEmmanuel Adebayor, a former striker, ruined his reputation at the club.
One of the rare footballers from Africa who have a successful career at Arsenal is Adebayor. Yet when he was playing for Manchester City and wildly celebrated his goal in front of Arsenal supporters, he got into trouble with the supporters.
Partey thinks the Togolese legend’s actions destroyed his reputation in North London.
“I think he gave and then destroyed. Everything he gave here was fantastic but when he scored against Arsenal and celebrated, he destroyed,” he told SuperSports.
Partey, nonetheless, acknowledged Adebabyor’s quality but insisted that he destroyed his legacy at Arsenal after leaving the club.
“For me, he is a fantastic player and one of the best strikers in Africa but if you want to talk about here, he built everything, and here and after he destroyed.”
Adebayor’s move to Manchester City in the January transfer window in 2009 did not sit down well with the fans who turned against him.
The striker, fortunately, had a reply to the abuse he received when he scored in Man City’s 4-2 win at the Etihad. When his header went in for the fourth goal, he run at the length of the pitch and did a knee slide in front of the Arsenal fans.
Speakingafter the game Adebayor said: “I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name and the abuse was for no reason. There is only so much abuse a man can take until he reaches breaking point.
An offer came in for me and, as I understand it, Arsene [Wenger] and the club accepted [it]. It was not my fault I left, it was Arsene who wanted to accept the offer for me.”
Emmanuel Adebayor was fined £25,000 for his celebration.
After securing a third straight victory to climb to sixth place in the Premier League, Jürgen Klopp wants Liverpool to keep “showing our genuine face.”
Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium came as goals from Cody Gakpo and Joel Matip cancelled out Lucas Paqueta’s early goal.
West Ham manager David Moyes was enraged when a late handball appeal against Thiago Alcantara in the penalty area was denied by both referee Chris Kavanagh and the video assistant referee (VAR).
“I liked the performance a lot,” Klopp said at his post-match press conference. “First half, I think we were exceptional. Controlled the game from the beginning pretty much, made one mistake and bam – 1-0 down. Great goal, I have to say – what a screamer – but [we] stayed calm, kept playing, scored our screamer as well and controlled the game.
“Second half I liked as well. We had to really dig in deep then because of the physicality of West Ham, they always have a chance to come back as long as you don’t kill the game – and we didn’t. [We] had massive chances after set-pieces, I have no clue how we didn’t take them – I didn’t understand it but then [we] scored a wonderful goal from a set-piece.
“I heard now about the handball [but] we were on the other side of that. I thought he just fell on the ball but I can understand Moysey sees that probably completely different.
“In the end, if you look at the game, I think we are the deserved winner and that’s, for me, very important. If we got a point, I’m still happy with the game, not with the result – [but] now I’m happy with both.”
The win took Liverpool within six points of the top four, albeit having played two more games than fourth-placed Manchester United and one more than Newcastle United in third.
On the race for the Champions League spots, Klopp said: “I can’t see the race yet, because we are not in position for a race. The only thing we can do is win football games, if that puts pressure on other teams that’s not in our hands because we don’t play them [United and Newcastle].
“I want us to finish the season as good as somehow possible. I want us to take something out of this season for next year, if that is European competition, great, if not, we have to accept it as well and go from there.
“I want us, at least for a few weeks, [to] show our real face – and not the nice one, the ugly one, the nice one, the ugly one. It’s really tough to do that. So now we did it for kind of three games – three and a half, the second half against Arsenal was brilliant as well.
“We played here plenty of times, it’s always tough. Result-wise, it looked better from time to time but the goals we scored were then counter-attacks, stuff like that, quick reacting, all these kind of things. Tonight we controlled the game in a way we never did before against West Ham and I really liked that.”
Klopp had earlier told BT Sport how pleased he was again with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in his new hybrid role between right-back and midfield, with the 24-year-old claiming an assist for Gakpo’s goal, and making more passes in the opposition half than anyone else on the pitch (62).
The Liverpool manager refused to entertain the idea that Alexander-Arnold’s new role had led to West Ham’s chances down their right side, and replied to a question about one specific chance that ended with Virgil van Dijk narrowly denying Michail Antonio in the first half: “That had nothing to do with the role of Trent.
“We had three players on the other side in a challenge, so we just don’t win the ball. That means we move to the ball side, that is a risk you take, you should win the ball then.
“Three v one we don’t win the ball, then the other side is open… it has nothing to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
While Pep Guardiola stressed that Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Premier League rivals Arsenal was not decisive, he did admit that something significant had changed as a result of his team’s possession of the championship.
With the spectacular play of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland repeatedly breaking down the Arsenal defence, City made light of a match that had been long-billed as a high-stakes title match.
On a dominant night, City could have scored more than four goals, with Haaland scoring the last goal after twice setting up De Bruyne, who then assisted John Stones on a goal with a header.
Arsenal still ended the night top of the table, but their two-point advantage looks particularly vulnerable with a City side who have won seven in a row in the league boasting two games in hand.
“It was an important game, not decisive but important,” Guardiola said.
“We played very good. I know the opponent we played. They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there.”
With the exception of a few days in February after City won 3-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have topped the Premier League table since the third week of the season.
City have been playing catch up all along with Guardiola calling Arsenal the favourites for the title, but this result convinced the Catalan he and his side are finally in the stronger position.
“Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands,” he said.
“I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us.
“Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands.”
For Arsenal this was a fourth straight game without a win, with the Gunners appearing to wilt just as City turn up the heat.
Mikel Arteta admitted his side were second best on the night and might now end up second best in the league, but refused to admit defeat in a title race his side still lead, at least for now.
“The analysis is clear,” Arteta said. “The better team won the game. They were probably at their best, especially in the first half, and we were nowhere near our level. When that happens the gap becomes too big.
“The first 30 minutes all the basic things you have to do against an exceptional team in terms of competing, winning duels, understanding what the game requires, we didn’t do it and we were punished.
“The stats said Arsenal were going to finish sixth or seventh and we are where we are with five games to go. Those players deserve a lot of credit after nine-and-a-half months being here. And there are still five games to play.
“In 22 years in this country I’ve seen a lot of things and there are not two equal games in this league.”
Arsenal have five games remaining and Arteta admitted they would need to win them all – something that would put them on 90 points – to take the challenge to City.
“We first have to lift the players up tonight because they suffer and it was difficult to swallow,” he said.
“Do everything we have done so well in the next match to earn the right to win it. That’s where we have to start.”
Table-topping Arsenal leads Manchester City by five points, but City has two games in hand and is now in charge of their own fate as they try to win the title.
Arteta joined City as Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2016, but left to become the head coach of the Arsenal in 2019.
Ahead of tonight’s potential title decider, we turn the spotlight on the battle between managerial master and an apprentice who has been leading the way this season.
Bogey side
Arteta’s Arsenal have lost all six of their previous league games against City.
They are the only side that the 41-year-old’s team have failed to beat in the competition since he became manager of the North Londoners.
Of the six defeats, three have come at City’s Etihad Stadium, with the hosts keeping a clean sheet on every occasion.
In the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season, Guardiola’s side took charge in the second half, overpowering their rivals in a 3-1 victory.
In addition, the two teams have met three times in cups. The first occasion was the one match in which Arteta’s Arsenal have triumphed over City, beating them 2-0 in the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals.
The Gunners have lost the two subsequent cup ties. They were defeated 4-1 at home in the 2020-21 Carabao Cup quarter-finals and were knocked out of the FA Cup this season, in a 1-0 away loss.
Before to Arsenal’s Premier League matchup with Manchester City,Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Granit Xhaka is a big doubt.
On Wednesday, April 26, the two table-toppers will square off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that has the potential to decide the championship.
Due to losses in three of their most recent games, the Gunners have hit a bit of a difficult patch at the time of the match.
ESPN reported Arsenal’s most recent outing ended in a 3-3 epic draw with relegation-battlers Southampton, with the result dealing them a massive blow in their title bid.
While the north Londoners are still topping the charts, there are only five points separating them and second-placed City, who have two games in hand.
Arteta’s charges will therefore be desperate to earn a positive result when they lock horns against the reigning English champions.
Xhaka doubt for Man City clash
However, they may have to do that without Granit Xhaka, who has been one of the club’s standout performers in their title bid.
Arteta disclosed on Tuesday that the Swiss midfielder is a big doubt for the Etihad Stadium trip through illness.
The Switzerland international is yet to resume training, having also missed Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Southampton last Friday.
“Yeah Granit has been out and hopefully he will be able to train today. But he’s still a doubt,” Arteta admitted via Metro UK.
“The rest are okay,” he added.
Arsenal players break down
It was previously reported that Arsenal stars broke down in tears after their third consecutive draw – that time against Southampton in their third consecutive game.
Captain, Martin Odegaard sparked late drama with a shot from outside the box before Bukayo Saka scored the third after a scramble in the box.
However, Arsenal players realised that in terms of their title aspirations, the game might as well have been lost instead of yet another draw.
The plane that was supposed to take the players back to London caught fire, forcing the Arsenal women’s team to stay an extra night in Germany.
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners’ plane was struck by a bird and caught fire on the runway as it was returning from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.
The players spent an additional night in Germany due to a “technical fault,” and they made it back to London the next day without incident, according to a statement released by Arsenal.
“Our aircraft developed a technical issue prior to take-off in Germany on Sunday evening,” read a club statement.
“As a result, we remained in Wolfsburg overnight on Sunday before flying back to England on Monday afternoon.
“We would like to thank the staff onboard the aircraft and on the ground at the airport for their assistance.”
The club have also confirmed that no-one was hurt in the incident which occurred after Arsenal had come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Wolfsburg.
Rafaelle and Stina Blackstenius were on target as the Gunners fought back to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The back injury the French defender sustained duringArsenal’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sporting CP in March prevented him from playing for the club.
He has missed Arsenal’s last five games, and The Athletic reports that he will likely miss the club’s vital Premier League matchup against Manchester City on April 26.
Saliba’s absence could prove to be a huge blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations this season.
Out of the five games that the defender has missed thus far, the Gunners have managed to win only two while three matches ended in draws.
The Gunners have conceded nine goals in the last three Premier League games. They still have a five-point lead at the top, but Manchester City have played two games fewer.
The 22-year-old defender’s lower back injury could worsen if he does not get ample rest and is rushed to the pitch as the injury is linked to serious structural damage and has also affected his lumbar discs, according to The Daily Mail.
The Frenchman is almost certain to miss Wednesday’s Premier League against Manchester City and could also remain out of action on May 2 when Arsenal face Chelsea.
The versatile 25-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles has declared thathis time at Arsenal has “came to an end,” and he is getting ready to leave this summer.
The Gunners’ renowned academy produced the England international, who spent the 2022–23 season on loan at Southampton after previously serving comparable terms at West Brom and Roma.
He has 132 games for parent club Arsenal and five senior caps for his nation, but as he approaches free agency, he feels the time has come to fully dedicate himself to a challenge outside of north London.
Maitland-Niles has told The Athletic: “It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now [at Arsenal]. It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home.
I’m looking forward to that but, at the same time, my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton.
I’m just fully focused on trying to help us stay up and stay positive on a day-to-day basis and win games. When the time gets closer towards the end of the season, I’ll have something else to think about.
But right now, I’m just focused on football and the task at hand. Southampton is a great club to be at and progress and get some minutes under my belt.
Of course, if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”
Maitland-Niles will see his contract with Arsenal expire at the end of the season, freeing him to mull over several options when it comes to a next port of call.
Southampton will hope that there is a permanent deal to be done by them, but the Saints are currently stuck at the foot of the Premier League table and have just six games left this season in which to drag themselves out of the relegation zone.
When Arsenal travels to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on April 26, Martin Odegaard will meet with fellow countryman Erling Haaland.
The outcome is expected to have significant effects on both teams’ chances of winning the championship, making it the season’s most important game.
Although their opponents have played two fewer games than Arsenal, the Gunners’ substantial lead at the top of the table has been reduced to only seven points, making a loss more detrimental overall.
The last time the Gunners won at the Etihad in the Premier League was in December 2015. Manchester City has already beaten them twice this season – once in the FA Cup and in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.
The two main protagonists for the Wednesday clash will be Odegaard and Haaland, who have been exemplary this season. The two are good friends but will have to put that aside for 90 minutes when they meet.
Odegaard’s first impression of Haaland
But before their friendship blossomed, Odegaard’s first impression of Haaland was a negative one. The two first met in 2018 when they were both called up to represent Norway in U-21 competitions.
“You were more like a little (expletive) in the beginning. You were so childish. You have grown up more in the last couple of years. But you saw it in the first (international) camp, in the videos when you dance and sing.
It looks like you are 12 years old and the biggest little (expletive). Honestly,” as quoted by the Mirror.
Odegaard was making these comments during Haaland’s documentary ‘The Big Decision’, where he talked about a couple of things, including his decision to join Manchester City.
The Arsenal skipper also explained how he grew to like Haaland by understanding what his antics meant.
“I don’t think he does thingsbecause he thinks they are really cool. But maybe he wants to get a reaction and maybe be a little funny. I just laugh at him. I do not take it seriously when he does crazy things.”
Haaland has 32 goals in the Premier League, he needs one more to break Mohamed Salah’s record of most goals in a single season. Odegaard, meanwhile, has chipped in with 12 goals and 7 assists.
Rooney tips Haaland to win Ballon d’Or
It was also reported that Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ahead of Lionel Messi.
After falling down by two goals inside of the first 14 minutes of Friday’s game at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal was forced to settle for a point.
Before halftime, Gabriel Martinelli gave the Saints hope after Carlos Alcaraz had scored one and helped Theo Walcott on another. But, Duje Caleta-Car headed in the third goal for the Saints.
But Martin Odegaard curled in an impressive goal in the 88th minute and Bukayo Saka had Arsenal on level terms in added time to deny the Premier League’s bottom side.
The Gunners have now dropped points in three successive matches, but Arteta was pleased with the way his side fought back against Southampton.
“We made it very difficult again for ourselves – mistakes are part of football, but the way we reacted, I love my players more than ever,” he told Sky Sports.
“It is incredible. We were on the way back, we conceded again with a sloppy goal but in the end we should have won the game.
“We created enough chances and opportunities, but it didn’t happen and we are disappointed.
“You can’t concede three goals in this league. If you concede three like we did in a sloppy way it is very difficult to win matches.
“This young team reacts in a way that is incredible. When it is against the odds but the chances they created and the spirit they had it was a joy to watch.
Arsenal are five points clear of second-place Manchester City, but they have played two games more than their in-form title rivals and travel to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
“It hasn’t changed,” Arteta said. “Obviously the task is even bigger but now we have to do the simple things better and cut out mistakes and then you will win games.
“The [Man City game] is not a final because there are still six games to go. The concern is turning around these moments especially if the players in some moments are in doubt.
“In football you go through moments when you make errors and are not in a good moment but you have to come away from that.
“I have not seen anybody hiding – the opposite. They are willing to do more and more.
“Today is a good example of the level they can show, how capable they are to playagainst a different type of opponent. The spirit is incredible and we have to try and do it again.”
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