Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described comparisons between his team and a vintage Stoke City side as a “compliment,” following remarks by former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov. The Gunners showcased their prowess from set pieces with two headed goals in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, bringing their tally of goals from set pieces to an impressive 22 over the past two seasons. Berbatov, however, likened Arsenal to the Stoke teams of the 2010s, known for their physicality, long throws, and gritty style of play—a comment intended as a critique but embraced by Arteta. “I understood very well what…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Jose Mourinho has issued a pointed warning to Pep Guardiola, suggesting that the Manchester City manager’s Premier League title achievements will always carry the shadow of the 115 financial charges currently facing the club. Guardiola recently responded to taunts from Liverpool fans about City’s poor form by holding up six fingers, a reminder of his six Premier League titles. When questioned about similarities to Mourinho, who famously gestured about his own three league titles before being sacked, Guardiola remarked: “I hope that’s not the case for me. But in the end, we are similar in some ways. However, he won…
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has praised manager Enzo Maresca’s “honest and truthful” approach after the boss publicly called out his training levels. Madueke, a regular starter this season, was unexpectedly benched for the win against Aston Villa but returned to the lineup in style, contributing a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 5-1 triumph over Southampton. Despite the strong performance, Maresca highlighted Madueke’s need to improve his training intensity and sharpen his ruthlessness in front of goal. Rather than taking offense, Madueke commended Maresca’s forthright style.”He is honest and truthful,” Madueke said. “He tells the truth and is someone you…
Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged receiving “direct feedback” from frustrated Tottenham fans during a heated exchange following their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Thursday. Spurs dropped to tenth in the Premier League table after Dean Huijsen’s 17th-minute goal sealed a disappointing result. Bournemouth dominated the game, recording 21 shots and leaving Spurs fortunate to escape with just a one-goal deficit. After the match, Postecoglou faced a chorus of boos from the crowd, with some fans venting their frustrations directly at him on the sidelines. One supporter dubbed him “Poste-no-clue” before security intervened to diffuse the situation. Reflecting on the incident, Postecoglou…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has once again called out Noni Madueke, stressing that the winger must consistently perform at his best. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday, Maresca acknowledged Madueke’s recent contributions, including a goal in the 5-1 win at Southampton, but is demanding more from the player. “Overall, he’s been working well since we started,” Maresca said. “Sometimes he drops a little bit. He’s not allowed to drop. In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic with goals and assists. Off the ball, when we ask him to defend and press,…
As Chelsea and Tottenham gear up for their exciting Premier League clash this Sunday, both teams are facing a host of injury concerns. Chelsea comes off a solid midweek win against Southampton, while Spurs are looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Bournemouth. Here’s the latest injury update for both clubs as they prepare for this crucial London derby: Chelsea Injury Update: Tottenham Injury Update: With both teams missing key players, the injuries could play a significant role in shaping the strategies on the pitch. Fans will be eagerly watching how these absences influence the match as Chelsea…
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hinted at a potential transfer for Victor Osimhen, whose future at Napoli remains uncertain. Osimhen’s move has been a hot topic on social media following his strong start to the season with Galatasaray. The forward joined the Turkish side on loan from Napoli after a failed move to a top European club during the summer transfer window. His impressive performances this season have reignited speculation about his future, with several clubs reportedly interested in securing his signature in January. Speaking to Sky Sports, Al-Khelaifi suggested that PSG could still make a move for the Nigerian…
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly ruled out a third stint as Real Madrid manager, despite growing uncertainty over Carlo Ancelotti’s future, according to Cadena SER. Ancelotti is under increasing pressure after Real Madrid suffered their fifth defeat of the season. The team sits second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and occupies 24th place in the Champions League rankings, a precarious position for advancing to the knockout play-off rounds. Potential replacements for Ancelotti include Raúl, Santiago Solari, and Zidane, while the club is eyeing Xabi Alonso for a long-term appointment in 2025. However, Zidane is reportedly unwilling to take over on…
The FA Cup third-round match between Arsenal and Manchester United is scheduled for Sunday, January 12, 2025, with a 3:00 pm kick-off. The two Premier League giants recently met, with Arsenal securing a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. They will face off again at the Emirates in one month. Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley on January 11 in another lunchtime kick-off, while Manchester City will play Salford City in the evening fixture on the same day. Friday’s match features an all-Premier League showdown, with Aston Villa facing West Ham. On Monday night, non-league side…
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has criticized Arsenal’s recent set-piece tactics, describing them as “illegal.” The Gunners have been scoring consistently from set pieces, with their set-piece coach regarded as one of the best in the world. In their recent Premier League match against Manchester United, Arsenal netted twice from corner kicks. However, several social media videos have raised concerns over how Arsenal players position themselves around the opposing goalkeeper, obstructing their ability to contest the ball in the air. Speaking about the match and similar goals scored by Mikel Arteta’s side, Mikel called on referees to intervene. “The set…
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has confidently predicted that Chelsea will finish above reigning Premier League champions Manchester City this season. The Blues continued their strong start to the campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday night. Enzo Maresca’s side now sit second in the league table after 14 matches. Chelsea have lost only twice in the league this season and have netted 31 goals—more than any other team in the division. Speaking during The Overlap watchalong, Carragher said:”I’m telling you, Chelsea is going to finish above Man City. They’re winning games with ease. The way they played…
Arsenal’s impressive form continued with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday, marking their fourth consecutive win across all competitions. The Gunners now sit just seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. While Arsenal struggled at times to break down United’s defense, their set-piece prowess once again proved decisive. Behind this success is Nicolas Jover, the unsung hero and tactical mastermind whose influence has transformed Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency into a weapon few can counter. Arsenal’s Set-Piece Revolution Jover joined Arsenal in July 2021, reuniting with Mikel Arteta after working together at Manchester City. The German-born French coach specializes in…
Amorim Implements Two New Rules at Man Utd as Five Stars Face January Axe Ruben Amorim has introduced two new rules at Manchester United aimed at creating an environment that supports his vision for success. However, as the club moves forward, five players may face uncertain futures, with their fates potentially sealed in the upcoming January transfer window, according to journalist Steve Bates. For the first time in years, Manchester United appears to have a clear identity and playing philosophy. Amorim has swiftly implemented his trademark 3-4-3 system, which emphasizes teamwork, high pressing, and relentless effort. Despite a 2-0 loss…
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named among the final five nominees for the prestigious 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the shortlist on Wednesday night, December 4. Nnadozie is the only Nigerian among the finalists, as fellow compatriot Rasheedat Ajibade missed out despite being included in the initial 10-player list. Joining Nnadozie in the top five are Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga, Barbara Banda, and Sanaâ Mssoudy. This year’s award will see a new winner for the first time since 2018, breaking Asisat Oshoala’s dominance. The Super Falcons star had claimed…
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has assured Luke Shaw that the club will give him all the time and support he needs to recover from his latest injury. Shaw, who was a key part of England’s Euro 2024 campaign and featured in three knockout-stage matches, including the final loss to Spain, has faced persistent fitness issues this season. The 29-year-old initially dealt with knee and calf injuries at the start of the 2024/25 campaign but managed cameo appearances in Amorim’s first three games after replacing Erik ten Hag as head coach. Unfortunately, Shaw has suffered another setback, forcing him to…
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will be unavailable for the club’s next two fixtures in both the Premier League and Champions League due to suspension. The 2022 World Cup winner will miss Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park, which could be the last-ever league meeting at the historic stadium unless the clubs face off in an FA Cup tie later in the season. Mac Allister will also sit out Liverpool’s European trip to Girona three days later. Mac Allister has received two separate one-match bans—one for domestic competition and one for European matches. The suspension in the Premier…
Jamal Musiala is reportedly on the verge of signing a significant new contract with Bayern Munich, ending the speculation surrounding his future. Musiala, one of the brightest young talents in world football, has just 18 months remaining on his current deal, which has attracted interest from several top European clubs. Real Madrid and Manchester City have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old, but both clubs are set to be disappointed as Musiala is now expected to extend his stay in Munich. According to Sky Sport Germany, Bayern and Musiala have reached a verbal agreement, with only the length…
Chelsea achieved a remarkable feat on Wednesday night, setting the highest expected goals (xG) total for an away team in Premier League history during their 5-1 demolition of Southampton. Goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho secured Chelsea’s third consecutive league victory, taking their tally to 31 goals for the season, making them the highest-scoring team in the Premier League so far. The Blues dominated much of the match at St Mary’s, taking a 3-1 lead before Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair just before halftime. Chelsea sealed the win…
Mohamed Salah set a new Premier League record for the most games in which he has both scored and assisted, achieving this feat in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday. The Egyptian forward scored twice and provided an assist for his side’s third goal, marking the sixth time this season he has been involved in every goal Liverpool have scored in a match. This took his tally to 13 goals and eight assists in just 14 games. With this performance, Salah surpassed Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 36 games with both a goal and an assist. Salah reached…
Mikel Arteta has dismissed Ruben Amorim’s criticism of Arsenal’s use of set-pieces, defending his side’s approach by stating that they simply aim to “exploit the weaknesses” of their opponents. Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday, with goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both coming from well-executed corners in the second half. United’s head coach, Amorim, expressed frustration after the match, accusing Arsenal of not playing well and relying too much on set-pieces, with wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli attempting to win dead-ball situations from wide areas. Arteta, however, refuted these claims, emphasizing that his…