Author: v2406

Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, but how many changes should Mikel Arteta make to the side that started the 1-0 win over Leicester City? Slowly but surely, Mikel Arteta is beginning to make full use of the Arsenal squad as he plots success across two competitions. Previously, one accusation levelled at the Gunners’ manager was his seeming reluctance to deviate from his preferred starting line-up that included the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka as there was very little rotation, particularly in the Premier League, from the restart after the…

On Sunday, Man United manager Erik ten Hag guided his club to a 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle, delivering the Red Devils their first trophy since Jose Mourinho’s departure. Six years ago, when Manchester United beat Southampton to win the Carabao Cup under Jose Mourinho, the onus was on the Portuguese to sustain success. One victory was good, of course, but fans wanted the silverware to keep coming – something they were used to when Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the roost. Now, Erik ten Hag must succeed with a challenge his predecessor ultimately failed. Few expected United to win a trophy this season, particularly after the shambles…

Erik ten Hag praised Lisandro Martinez after he helped Manchester United end their trophy drought against Newcastle. Erik ten Hag lauded Lisandro Martinez for the impact he has had on Manchester United since his arrival from Ajax. Martinez started in United’s 2-0 League Cup final win over Newcastle as the club secured their first trophy since the Europa League in May 2017. United signed Martinez from Ajax for £55.3million in July and he has overcome a chastening start to establish himself as a cult hero among United fans. Antony followed Martinez to United from Ajax, having won two Eredivisie titles with Ten…

Rafael Benitez has linked Darwin Nunez to his former No. 9 Fernando Torres in his prediction for Darwin Nunez’s success at Anfield. The Uruguayan, who has had somewhat of an erratic season, scored Liverpool’s opener in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, but has often been criticised for his inconsistent finishing across the season. Nunez emphatically fired home in the first 10 minutes to set Jurgen Klopp’s resurgent Reds on their way to making ground on the top four. Speaking about Nunez, Benitez said on Sky Sports: ‘He is a hard worker – he’s always making the runs and doing the right things.…

Man City star Kevin De Bruyne believes that youthful colleague Phil Foden will ultimately settle into a pivotal role as he ages and approaches his physical peak. Foden celebrated his 22nd birthday in May but has already played close to 200 senior games for City, marking his last appearance in a one-sided Manchester derby with a stunning hat-trick. The Stockport-born prodigy has made his home on either wing at this early stage of his career. But he has also played in the centre of midfield and that is where De Bruyne thinks he will end up. “He will improve because he’s…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has found a player he feels can play in Lionel Messi’s position, with the PSG superstar open to a move at the conclusion of the season. Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden can thrive by playing in the Lionel Messi role in his Manchester City side. The England international has been in and out of the City line-up since the break for the World Cup. A combination of injuries and Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez;s good form, means he has only started three Premier League games in 2023. However, after an impressive showing during the frustrating draw with Nottingham Forest, he looks in line…

The Daily Star Sport provides you three items. Graham Potter did one thing wrong (and one thing right) against Tottenham as Chelsea suffered another big-game setback and moved closer to being fired. Graham Potter is facing enormous pressure after another defeat  Graham Potter’s Chelsea nightmare continued on Sunday afternoon as his side were beaten 2-0 by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. After an encouraging start by Chelsea, Spurs turned the match into a feistier affair with a series of fiery tackles which played into their hands. Chelsea were lucky to go into half-time level after a deflected Spurs shot struck the woodwork, and Potter…

Reece James insists Graham Potter’s ability is ‘absolutely not questioned’ following 2-0 Chelsea’s defeat to Tottenham on Sunday. Reece James has backed Graham Potter to get Chelsea out of their rut Chelsea’s woeful form continues as second-half goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane sealed the win for Spurs. The result leaves Chelsea without a win in their last six matches and is their third consecutive defeat in all competitions. Pressure will also grow on Potter’s position at Stamford Bridge but James is adamant that the former Brighton manager is the right man to improve Chelsea’s situation. ‘Nothing happens overnight,’ James told beIN Sport after Chelsea’s defeat…

Over his young career, the Arsenal star has already played with and against some of the world’s top players, and he has assembled a diverse team for a kickaround. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has named a star-studded five-a-side line-up ahead of the World Cup. The young Gunners star looks a certainty to be included in Gareth Southgate ’s England squad for the upcoming tournament in Qatar and will be hopeful of writing himself into Three Lions’ folklore having previously starred for the Three Lions as they reached the Euro 2020 final. Ahead of the World Cup, Saka was tasked with naming his dream five-a-side team and predictably picked some…

Both Mikel Arteta and Arsene Wenger have stated their admiration for Mohamed Elneny, and despite Unai Emery informed him he may leave Arsenal, the Egyptain is still alive and well over four years later. Mohamed Elneny’s run as Arsenal’s longest-serving player will continue after he penned a one-year contract extension, but things could have been very different had Unai Emery had his way. Elneny has now donned the Arsenal shirt under three different Gunners’ managers in the form of Arsene Wenger, Emery and current boss Mikel Arteta. In that time, the Egyptian international has divided opinion, with the former and the latter clear fans of the midfielder, but the same cannot be…

Erling Haaland is well on his way to break the record for most goals in a Premier League season, but what exactly is that record? The Norwegian has taken to English football like a superpowered duck to water, getting 27 goals in his first 24 league games for Manchester City. All the talk now is about whether he’ll score more goals this season than any player has before across a campaign, so let’s take a look at the numbers he’s chasing. The most Premier League goals scored in a 42-game season The Premier League consisted of 22 teams in the first three…

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard paid tribute to Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Ukrainian took over the armband for Saturday’s Premier League win at Leicester. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard paid tribute to Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Ukrainian took over the armband for Saturday’s Premier League win at Leicester Ahead of the game, Arsenal announced Zinchenko would replace Odegaard as skipper for the afternoon ‘as a mark of respect and love on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine.’ Gabriel Martinelli scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners left the King Power Stadium with a victory that maintains their two-point lead at the top of…

Chelsea have a number of managers they could appoint straight away if they decide to sack Graham Potter. The Blues suffered another defeat on Sunday to London rivals Tottenham to pile more pressure on their current boss. Zinedine Zidane is a potential option to replace Graham Potter Chelsea have now won just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions. Second-half goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane condemned Potter to more misery at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Potter has continued to be backed by the Chelsea board despite a poor run of results. But it may soon get to a…

Jurgen Klopp was disappointed by Liverpool’s dull stalemate with Crystal Palace, and Virgil van Dijk has been criticised for his recent performances as the Reds continue to struggle. Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated after Liverpool’s draw with Crystal Palace Liverpool’s woes continued after slumping to a 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Reds moved up to seventh place with the forgettable draw which showed how far Jurgen Klopp’s men have to go in their search to rediscover their world-class form. Off the pitch, it’s not much more exciting for Liverpool supporters, with owners Fenway Sports group confirming that they aren’t seeking a…

On Sunday, Manchester United will meet Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag (right). After sending Barcelona packing in the Europa League on Thursday night, Manchester United will be dreaming of ending their six-year drought without a trophy when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this afternoon. The Reds, who will face Real Betis in the last-16 of the Europa League as a reward for getting the better of La Liga’s table-toppers, will be determined to continue their excellent run of form…

Marcus Rashford has credited his stunning goal-scoring form to mental toughness and positioning himself in scoring spots where his teammates can find him. Rashford spoke to The Manchester Evening News where he discussed a number of issues including his rich vein of form, his past shoulder injury and the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United. The Englishman told The MEN, “Football is probably 95 per cent to do with your mentality. For me, that’s everything, that gives you the baseline to go and perform. Without that side, you’re just playing off ability.” “At top level, it’s not enough to win consistently.…

Pep Guardiola defended his Manchester City tactics and the notion that the Blues do not take enough chances. Erling Haaland has struggled to find the back of the net in recent games Manchester City are playing to their strengths, Pep Guardiola insists, even if that may come across as a side that doesn’t take enough risks to find Erling Haaland in recent games. City have lost just once in eight games, but have been held by both Nottingham Forest and RB Leipzig this week despite having 35 attempts on goal in the two 1-1 draws. In both games, City have struggled…

Chelsea will want to snap a five-game losing skid when they face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Thiago Silva will be hoping for a recall to the Chelsea squad by Graham Potter to face Tottenham Chelsea return to Premier League action today against London rivals Tottenham in search of a much-needed Premier League win after going four games in all competitions without a victory. Graham Potter has seen pressure increase on his job in west London after a barren spell in 2023 where the Blues have scored just four goals, resulting in one victory. The Chelsea head…

Leandro Trossard’s performance against Leicester on Saturday thrilled Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. His remarks might jeopardize Eddie Nketiah’s chances of making the team again. Leandro Trossard impressed against Leicester Nketiah had played every minute of every Arsenal match since the World Cup. However, he dropped to the bench at the King Power Stadium ahead of a busy run of fixtures. There is no injury for the striker but he was given a rest due to a heavy workload. However, he may not come straight back into the starting XI against Everton on Wednesday if Arteta’s post-match quotes are anything to…

Erling Haaland has been on fire since joining Manchester City, but there are still those who are wary of the squad because he is only in the side for a short period of time. Pep Guardiola told reporters Erling Haaland cannot turn a game on his own like Lionel Messi Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted Erling Haaland “needs the team” to score goals, unlike Lionel Messi. Haaland has enjoyed a prolific first campaign in the Premier League, helping himself to 27 goals and contributing four assists in 23 league appearances. He has already surpassed the 23 goals joint-golden boot winners Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min fired last season.…

Enzo Fernandez has admitted he hopes Chelsea can sign Joao Felix permanently in the summer, as he thinks he’s a “great player” and “gets on” with him which “helps on the field”. Fernandez and Felix were two of the biggest names to walk through the door at Stamford Bridge in January. Indeed, the former cost the Blues a British record transfer fee of £107million and Felix cost around £10million just to be loaned. The pair have both shown their class at moments so far in a Chelsea shirt, as well as a good bond with each other. Felix’s only goal…

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta traveled to Leicester City in dire need of a win after a difficult month, and with reigning Premier League winners Manchester City pouring on the pressure. Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to five points, courtesy of a hard fought 1-0 away victory over Leicester City. Gabriel Martinelli slotted in the winner at the start of the second half, and took a whack while doing so, to secure a vital three points for Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal thought they had taken a vital lead in the first half when Leandro Trossard pounced on…

Marcus Rashford left Manchester United’s game against Barcelona hurt, and the Carabao Cup final is on Sunday. Rashford is an injury doubt Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unsure if Marcus Rashford will be fit to start the League Cup final against Newcastle. Rashford sustained an ankle injury in the second half of United’s 2-1 Europa League play-off win over Barcelona on Thursday night and was substituted in the 88th minute. The 25-year-old has plundered 16 goals in his last 18 games and is United’s highest scorer this term with 24 goals and will be assessed over the next…

Unless your name is Robinho, then you’ve probably enjoyed yourself after signing for Manchester City for big money. The Citizens love to splash the cash, and are one of the biggest spenders in Europe. It’s no secret that a large part of their success is down to the transfers they have made since the takeover of Sheik Mansour. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson have all arrived for big fees, before going on to have the greatest success, winning trophy after trophy. The spending hasn’t slowed down, either, with Erling Haaland headlining their summer arrivals. Whether…