Arsenal icon Paul Merson has revised his prediction for the upcoming Premier League clash between the Gunners and Liverpool. Initially forecasting a victory for his former club, Arsenal, Merson’s prediction shifted after witnessing Liverpool’s dominant 4-1 triumph over Chelsea on Wednesday. The Reds exhibited a formidable performance, creating numerous scoring opportunities that left the Stamford Bridge hosts in a challenging position. Impressed by Liverpool’s stellar display, Merson now finds it difficult to envision Arsenal defeating the Reds at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. In an interview with Sportskeeda, he emphasized the critical nature of the game for Arsenal, stating…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
AFCON: Predictor of VAR Decision and Nigeria’s Win Against Angola Reveals Finalists A Nigerian individual who accurately forecasted the Super Eagles’ victory over Angola has now selected two teams from Group A to contend in the finals. Prior to Nigeria’s match against Angola, Temitope Olayinka Ajagunna predicted a 1-0 win for the Super Eagles. He also suggested that the scoreline could potentially be 2-0, contingent on a VAR decision. “The Oracle still sees a CLEAN SHEET for the Eagles and a 1-0 victory,” Ajagunna posted on Facebook at 2:37 pm on Friday, hours before the 6:00 pm Nigerian time kickoff.…
Several ex-Manchester United players, including David de Gea and Jesse Lingard, have responded to Marouane Fellaini’s retirement from professional football. Fellaini, the former Manchester United and Everton midfielder, announced his retirement at the age of 36, expressing a desire to embark on new challenges and chapters in his life. The retired Belgium international shared this decision via his Instagram account. In response to Fellaini’s announcement, David de Gea commented, “Enjoy life, brother.” Jesse Lingard added, “What a guy, enjoy, big bro.” Ander Herrera also extended his congratulations, saying, “Congratulations, Amigo, and all the best for your new chapter.” Eric Bailly…
As per The Nation News report, Marouane Fellaini, the former midfielder for Everton and Manchester United, has officially declared his retirement from professional football. The 36-year-old Belgian, with 87 international caps and participation in two World Cups, concluded his international career in 2019. Starting his English football journey with Everton in 2008 after moving from Standard Liege, Fellaini spent five successful seasons with the club before joining Manchester United in 2013. In 2019, he made a move to the Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng. In a social media post, Fellaini expressed gratitude for his incredible football journey and the…
David de Gea has rejected the opportunity to make a Premier League comeback with Nottingham Forest, as reported by The Athletic. Despite having left Manchester United only seven months ago, Forest, facing concerns about their goalkeeping options with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, sought a new goalkeeper during the January transfer window. In an attempt to address their goalkeeping situation, Forest made an approach to bring back De Gea, who is currently a free agent. Intermediaries reportedly presented a proposed short-term deal to De Gea’s representatives, with the intention of giving the Spanish goalkeeper a chance to showcase his skills…
La Spanish La Liga organization is not staying on the sidelines in the contentious dispute between Jude Bellingham and Mason Greenwood, following Getafe’s complaint against the Real Madrid midfielder regarding their on-field altercation. Consequently, La Liga has initiated an inquiry into an alleged remark attributed to Jude Bellingham towards Mason Greenwood during their recent match. The league has verified that Getafe has officially submitted a complaint, and the services of a lip-reading expert will be employed to analyze the incident for definitive evidence. The controversy arose after England international Bellingham tackled Greenwood in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory, with a video…
Nigerian football icon Samuel Okwaraji tragically passed away on the field during a Super Eagles match against Angola. After securing a quarterfinal victory against Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, paid homage to the late Samuel Okwaraji. Nigeria emerged triumphant against Angola, becoming the first nation to secure a spot in the semifinals on Friday night, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria. Ademola Lookman’s impressive performance inspired the Eagles to a hard-fought win over the Palancas Negras, prompting the Super Eagles to share their success on social media. In…
South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the upcoming semi-final clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Bafana Bafana secured their spot in the last four by defeating Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties, with goalkeeper Rowen Williams emerging as the hero by saving four spot kicks. Broos acknowledged the intense pressure in the match and recognized that it differed from their previous performances. Despite the challenges, he highlighted the upcoming semi-final against Nigeria, emphasizing the quality of Nigerian players like Lookman. Broos assured that the team would maintain focus and readiness, stressing…
Barcelona ascended to third place in La Liga with a hard-fought 3-1 triumph over Deportivo Alaves on Saturday evening, overcoming off-field turmoil surrounding Xavi’s impending departure. Despite the questionable dismissal of January signing Vitor Roque, who received two quick bookings, Barcelona held on for the victory. The game unfolded with an early scare for Barcelona as Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Alex Sola almost resulted in a penalty, but the flag was raised for offside, sparing the defender. Barca then faced defensive challenges, with Sola’s cross turned behind for a corner. Barcelona’s initial opportunity came when Frenkie de Jong delivered a…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has conveyed to winger Mykhailo Mudryk the necessity to enhance his performance and emphasize playing for the team. Pochettino emphasized that this is the key to securing a consistent spot in the lineup. Having joined Stamford Bridge in January 2023, the 23-year-old Mudryk has faced challenges in making a significant impact, managing only four goals in 41 appearances over the past year. Pochettino acknowledges that there is considerable room for improvement. Reflecting on Mudryk’s recent inclusion in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough, Pochettino remarked on the importance of maintaining form throughout the season. He asserted…
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic about Antonio Rudiger’s swift recovery from a thigh injury sustained in the recent 2-0 victory against Getafe. Despite Ancelotti’s belief in Rudiger’s resilience, contingency plans have been devised in case the defender’s injury proves to be more severe. With Eder Militao and David Alaba still recovering from ACL injuries, Ancelotti’s plan includes the possibility of shifting right-back Dani Carvajal to the central defense alongside Nacho Fernandez. This tactical adjustment is considered despite expectations that Atletico will employ a strategy of long and aerial attacks against Madrid. In the event that Carvajal is unavailable,…
Newcastle United and Luton Town played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, delivering a pulsating encounter with both teams going blow for blow. The match unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, resembling a jab-jab thrust-thrust bout with each side landing blows on their opponent’s metaphorical glass chin. Defensive discipline seemed scarce, reminiscent of casual kickabouts on the playground. Sean Longstaff netted twice for Newcastle in the first half, but Luton fought back each time to go into halftime level. Luton then seized a 4-2 lead shortly after the hour mark. Kieran Trippier and the returning…
Reports indicate that David de Gea declined an offer to join Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window. The Spaniard, who came close to renewing his contract with Manchester United last season until negotiations were paused due to the club’s focus on signing Andre Onana, found himself without a team after the end of his 12-year stint at Old Trafford. Despite his standing and reputation in the game, De Gea has remained without a club, diverting his attention to business ventures outside football. According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest approached De Gea among seven different goalkeepers during the winter window.…
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that forward Darwin Nunez will undergo a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s crucial encounter with Arsenal. The Uruguay international, who has contributed three goals and two assists in his last four Premier League matches, has been instrumental in compensating for the absence of star winger Mohamed Salah, sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite Nunez’s impactful performance against Chelsea, where he hit the post four times, Klopp disclosed that the player was dealing with an injury sustained during the game, causing concern among the medical staff.…
Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, stood by his teammate Marcus Rashford after the team’s 4-3 victory over Wolves on Thursday night. Rashford was notably absent from the squad that faced Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round due to reported ‘illness.’ However, it was later revealed that this absence was linked to an internal disciplinary matter related to Rashford missing training after a night out in Belfast that extended into the early morning hours. Despite facing criticism for his form in the 2023/24 season, the 26-year-old returned to training and made an immediate impact against Wolves, scoring…
Mauricio Pochettino is confident that Chelsea possesses sufficient squad depth to manage without Armando Broja, who has embarked on a loan spell with Fulham for the rest of the season. Given Broja’s placement below Nicolas Jackson in the striker hierarchy and Chelsea’s plans to acquire a new forward during the summer transfer window, the decision was made to entertain offers for the 22-year-old academy graduate initially valued at £50m. Acknowledging the likelihood that no team would meet such a valuation late in the transfer window, Chelsea opted for a straightforward loan arrangement with Fulham. Pochettino expressed his belief that this…
Pep Guardiola playfully responded to transfer rumors in Spain connecting Erling Haaland with a potential move to Real Madrid. Guardiola dismissed the speculation, asserting that Haaland would only leave if he becomes dissatisfied with his situation. Haaland made a comeback as a substitute in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Burnley on Wednesday, having been sidelined for ten games across all competitions due to a foot stress fracture. Prior to his injury, the Norwegian striker had scored 19 goals in 23 games, building on his impressive 2022/23 campaign. Amid longstanding links between Haaland and Real Madrid, intensified by comments from El…
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is embroiled in controversy as La Liga initiates an investigation into allegations of an offensive remark directed at Getafe’s Mason Greenwood during their recent match. The incident unfolded during Thursday’s clash between Getafe and Real Madrid, with Los Blancos securing a 2-0 victory. Bellingham, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, is under scrutiny for reportedly labeling Greenwood with a derogatory term following a confrontation near the touchline after Bellingham tackled the Manchester United forward. While the specific words exchanged were not captured by audio, television cameras revealed a verbal exchange between the two players. After the match, Getafe…
The impending departure of Jurgen Klopp and the subsequent remarks made by Virgil van Dijk have raised uncertainties about the Dutchman’s future at Liverpool. Following Klopp’s announcement of leaving at the end of the season, Van Dijk, in a press interaction, was questioned about the impact on his commitment to Liverpool. His response hinted at the possibility of a summer move. “That’s a big question. Well, I don’t know,” replied the Dutchman. His contract, along with other key players, runs until June 2025. When reminded of this, Van Dijk added, “That is correct – good maths! Listen, I don’t know.…
Alex Iwobi discloses Ahmed Musa’s role in instilling a hunger for success within the current Nigeria team, aspiring to replicate the achievements of the Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON champions. The Nigerian playmaker highlights Captain Ahmed Musa’s efforts to cultivate the same focused atmosphere that propelled the Super Eagles to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. According to Pulse Sports Nigeria, Iwobi reveals Musa’s desire for the current team in Cote d’Ivoire to emulate the 2013 heroes ahead of the crucial quarterfinal clash on Friday. As the Super Eagles gear up for their AFCON 2023 encounter against Angola, Iwobi…