Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He could have broken my leg’ – Arsenal’s Martinelli hits out at Brentford star who escaped red card for ‘nasty’ tackle

      by

      FUMING Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli accused Brentford captain Christian Norgaard of a “nasty” foul that could have broken his leg.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was also furious, claiming Norgaard should have received a red card instead of a yellow for the first-half scissor tackle from behind.Gabriel Martinelli claimed Christian Norgaard’s ‘nasty’ foul could have broken his legCredit: PAThe Arsenal star was chopped down by Brentford’s captain in Saturday’s 1-1 drawCredit: GettyMartinelli was left in a heap on the floor as Norgaard received just a yellow cardCredit: ReutersMartinelli went on the attack at full-timeCredit: Sky SportsWinger Martinelli insisted: “In the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg.“He said he didn’t mean it. I believe him but still he could have broken my leg. For me it was red. It was nasty.”Arteta let rip at the fourth official as Martinelli lay stricken on the ground. The Gunners boss said: “My reaction tells you everything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford chief Thomas Frank disagreed, saying: “It was a strong yellow — but it was a yellow.”Norgaard and Martinelli are believed to have shaken hands at half-time but the fallout continued after the game.Ex-top ref Mark Halsey agreed with Arsenal, adding: “A challenge  that endangers a player’s safety with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned with a red card.“This was a scissor-challenge from behind — that’s serious foul play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“It could have resulted in a serious injury for Martinelli.”The Gunners took the lead through Thomas  Partey’s second-half goal.Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Mikel Arteta is adamant that Norgaard should have been given a red cardCredit: ReutersThomas Frank reckons the correct decision was made with the yellowCredit: ReutersBut they were pegged back as Brentford striker Yoane Wissa hooked in  his 15th Premier League strike of the season.The draw leaves the Gunners ten points behind leaders Liverpool and for the first time, Arteta all but conceded the title.And the Arsenal boss admitted his team’s season now hinges on the  Champions League quarter-final, with the Gunners heading for Real Madrid on Wednesday to defend  a 3-0 lead from their first-leg win.Arteta said: “Today, what we wanted to do was increase the probability of us really challenging for what we are looking for  in the Premier League.“With that result, obviously, it’s more unlikely to happen. There are still six games  in the Premier League which are going to be really important.Arsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzle“But, for sure, now it’s all about Wednesday.”Frank hailed Wissa’s fabulous season in front of goal and his team’s resilience in coming from a goal down to keep their hopes of European football next season alive.The Brentford boss said: “How many teams have a No 9 who has scored  15 goals? It is maybe only Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.“So that is exceptional from Wissa, big credit to him, and hopefully also  to the way we play and the chances we create.“It is a very good point against a very good Arsenal team that beat Real Madrid four days ago.Read More on The Sun“Fighting back to get  to 1-1 shows the character in our team.“We’d love to compete for Europe and aim for as high as possible.” More

    • 200 Shares85 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi finally meets the pop legend he’s named after as fans ask ‘is this true?’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI finally got to say Hello to his namesake as the football legend linked up with pop icon Lionel Richie.The Argentina star was named after crooner Richie by his mother.Lionel Messi finally met his namesake Lionel RichieCredit: Dirk VanoucekIt was the first meeting between the football legend and pop iconCredit: Dirk VanoucekMessi was all smiles as he finally linked up with the croonerCredit: Dirk VanoucekMessi was named after Richie by mum Celia CuccittiniCredit: Instagram @leomessiCelia Cuccittini is a major fan of the ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ hitmaker.And she decided to name son Messi in his honour.Amazingly, the pair had never met each other before.But that changed when the pair linked up for the first time on Friday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRichie posted several photos to social media showing him shaking hands with Messi at an event.The pair were all smiles as they exchanged pleasantries.And Richie went online to express his delight at their interaction.He said: “When Lionel meets Lionel!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“His mother named him after me… and now here we are.“Great meeting you after all these years.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures However, fans were less certain whether Messi really had been named after Richie.One said: “Is this true?”Another declared: “Where did this Messi lore come from?”One noted: “Imagine being named after Lionel Richie.”Another added: “Messi’s family recognise greatness.”Richie had previously declared that Messi had indeed been named after him.In 2014, the singer said: “(Us meeting) is gonna happen, because I’m quite honoured.“They named him after me, how about that? I love it.”Two years later, after Messi’s Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile, Richie noted: “Yes, Lionel, just make it easy like Sunday morning. Don’t get all out of shape here. “If I told you how many times I lost at the Grammies and it only made me do one thing – get better.Read More on The Sun”So, I’m not even worried about my namesake – he’s going to be just fine. “He’s a winner obviously. I’m sure he’s down right now but he’s a Lionel, he can’t go wrong.” More

    • 225 Shares70 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea facing new competition for Liam Delap as Premier League rivals join £30million transfer race

      by

      EVERTON boss David Moyes plans to join the Liam Delap race — and is happy to wait for his chance to net the striker.Moyes has funds for forwards and is keen on the Ipswich frontrunner, who can leave Portman Road for £30million because of an escape clause.Everton boss David Moyes plans to join the Liam Delap raceCredit: RexAnd while the 22-year-old is on the lists of Prem big guns like Chelsea and Manchester United as a possible buy, he is top of the list of strikers wanted by Moyes.So the Toffees are willing to be patient and wait for Delap, who has 12 Prem goals, to come within their grasp in the window as his price, age and profile is ideal.Everton have been relying on Beto for goals, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin often injured and out of contract in the summer.Moyes wants fresh attackers, including Liverpool winger Ben Doak, 19, and hopes the new owners will fund those moves as the club switch to their spanking new £800m stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Toffees chief has been hands-on with recruitment, checking on Burnley defender Maxime Esteve while sending staff to see Sunderland prospect Chris Rigg.Everton may sell but expect to be landing some key additions in a busy summer before their new stadium move.Midfielder Harrison Armstrong is one player who could be on his way — and is on Blackburn’s summer hit-list.Armstrong, 18, has been a stand-out for Derby County on loan and he could head for the Championship again next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRovers had lined up a move for Armstrong before the Rams took him.Ironically, Rovers’ previous boss John Eustace was keen on another more experienced target.Now Blackburn are looking for younger players, either on loan or for bargain fees, and Armstrong is among them.Harrison Armstrong has been a stand-out for Derby CountyCredit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares70 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Redknapp: Eddie Howe has a huge summer ahead – Newcastle are THREE good signings away from challenging for title

      by

      NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.Harry Redknapp says Newcastle can now target more silverware after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyWhich is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.READ MORE IN football Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s for the future.For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everAfter the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here. Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.Harry RedknappOf course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then,  arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup but he can win more with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Geordie’s still know how to party but fans shouldn’t be happy yetCredit: SplashAlexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.Dan Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!Harry Redknapp And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.Read More on The SunSecuring a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening. More

    • 250 Shares55 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

      by

      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

    • 213 Shares85 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is why people don’t like Arsenal’ – Gunners fans spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts

      by

      ARSENAL fans were spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts. The Gunners take a commanding 3-0 lead to the Spanish capital after their quarter-final first-leg victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates. Arsenal fans were spotted already wearing Champions League winners shirtsCredit: AFPSo confidence was high ahead of Brentford’s Premier League trip to North London. In a picture shared by the Prem’s official Instagram account, two Arsenal fans have “CL WINNERS” on their backs. Unsurprisingly, it caused outrage online with football fans quickly taking the opportunity to mock.One said: “This is exactly why no one likes them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother quipped: “This delusion is getting out of hand someone give them medical attention.”A third wrote: “They’re brave.”And one added: “The type of thing you just don’t do… setting yourselves up for potential disaster.”Even fellow Arsenal supporters couldn’t condone the behaviour.Most read in FootballArsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzleCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne saying: “Nah our fanbase can be annoying sometimes.” While another feared the worst, adding: “Ah they’ve proper jinxed it with that shirt…”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Those Arsenal fans may be biting their fingernails if the Brentford match is anything to go by.Thomas Partey’s opener was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa to drop more league points – with Liverpool three wins from the title. Mikel Arteta left out Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly – but Arteta said his team’s minds were not focused on Madrid. He insisted: “The way we did the game certainly not. The way the feeling was with the players, certainly not.”To prepare well you have to play as well as possible and win the next game.” More

    • 225 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE RESULT: Wissa’s stunning strike sees Gunners drop two vital points in thrilling Prem derby

      by

      ARSENAL have dropped two vital points in their bid to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool courtesy of Yoane Wissa.Declan Rice ran the full length of the pitch before playing it to Thomas Partey who initially put the Gunners ahead.But Wissa’s sensational strike means that Liverpool are just THREE wins away from winning the title.RESULT: Arsenal 1-1 BrentfordThe beauty of the BernabeuAfter Brentford, it’s the small matter of the Bernabeu for Arsenal.The Gunners head to Spain for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid on Wednesday with a 3-0 lead.While that would be too tall an order for most clubs, Los Blancos have shown time and time again that when it comes this competition, nothing is impossible.Mikel Arteta knows this, and admitted that he has already turned his attention to a contest that he believes could be beautiful.Now it is time to recover well and tomorrow we have to start to prepare for the most beautiful game of the season.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedAsensio’s spots of botherMarco Asensio has been a revelation since arriving at Aston Villa on loan from PSG, but today the Spaniard joined an unwanted club.In having two penalties saved by Aaron Ramsdale in the 3-0 win at Southampton, the forward became just the fourth player to miss two penalties in a Premier League game.He’s also the second Aston Villa player on the list after Juan Pablo Ángel had two saved by Fulham’s Edwin van der Sar in February 2005.Also there are Darren Bent, who missed two against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2010, and Saido Berahino, who twice faltered versus Watford in April 2016.Copy linkCopiedNervous Forest in ‘decisive moment’Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admits this is a ‘decisive’ time of the campaign as his side chase the Champions League dream.The Tricky Trees fell to a second consecutive defeat – and their first at home since November – after Abdoulaye Doucoure struck for Everton deep into stoppage time.Forest remain third but have Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks while Chelsea and Newcastle – who both play tomorrow – wait in the wings.We cannot get away from the fact it is a decisive moment of the season. We were not comfortable and the fans also saw the boys were struggling. We are in this position and we want to try to give it a go. It is in our hands but nobody is going to give us anything, we have to do it by ourselves. Nuno Espirito SantoCopy linkCopiedWhen can Liverpool win the title?After Arsenal’s draw this evening, Liverpool now require three victories – nine points – to confirm themselves as Premier League champions.Should the Gunners lose at Ipswich next Saturday, then the red could even clinch the title next Sunday at Leicester, assuming they beat West Ham tomorrow.Copy linkCopiedDeparting De Bruyne can make differenceKevin De Bruyne lit up the Etihad Stadium in his first home game after announcing he would be leaving Manchester City this summer.The brilliant Belgian whipped home a free-kick with his side 2-0 down to Crystal Palace, and then inspired his team to an eventual 5-2 victory.In scoring his set-piece, De Bruyne became just the sixth player to score 30 goals from outside the penalty area in the Premier League.The City captain then set up Mateo Kovacic for his side’s third goal, and in the process scored and assisted in the same top-flight game for the 28th time.After the game, De Bruyne revealed he is finally free of injury and is looking forward to helping the Citizens over the next month before seeing where the future takes him.It’s been a hard season. Having a hernia wasn’t fun, but I’ve been pain-free for the last six weeks and that makes a massive difference. Now I feel free I’m able to do a lot of training sessions and feel I can do a good job. I don’t know what will happen next but I want to play on so let’s see where I end up. If I can play football and my family’s happy I’m good.Kevin De BruyneTNT SportCopy linkCopiedArsenal angered by Norgaard challengeMikel Arteta believes that a challenge from Christian Norgaard on Gabriel Martinelli in the first half was a ‘clear’ red card.The Brentford midfielder was booked by Simon Hooper for the scissor-like action that took out the Brazilian – and VAR backed the on-field decision despite reviewing the incident for serious foul play.The referee was surrounded by Arsenal players following the foul, and Gabriel Martinelli later suggested that it could have caused him serious injury.I haven’t seen it againm but in my opinion in that moment if my foot was on the floor then he could have broken my leg – even if he didn’t mean it.Gabriel Martinelli on Christian Norgaard’s challengeSky SportsCopy linkCopiedArteta: We lost controlA disappointed Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal side let Saturday evening’s encounter with Brentford slip away from them.The Gunners got themselves in front in the second half, only to concede a messy equaliser shortly after making a trio of changes.The Gunners have now dropped 16 points from winning positions this season (8 draws) – just one fewer than they had in the past two campaigns combined (8pts in 2022-23 and 9pts in 2023-24).We are disappointed with the result. We had full control of the game and then conceded a very poor goal. It was not good enough and when you don’t do what you have to do against this team, you concede.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedWiss of the seasonYoane Wissa helped Brentford to a point and then afterwards admitted that he’s in the ‘form of his life’.The Congolian’s equaliser was his 50th goal involvement in the top flight (41 goals and 9 assists), making him only the second Brentford player to reach the milestone after Bryan Mbeumo (64).And by hitting 15 Premier League goals, the Bees are now the first side to have two players score 15+ this campaign (Mbeumo 16).Wissa is also the first Brentford player to score 15 non-penalty goals in a single Premier League season.Yes, that’s fair. I had a good conversation with Thomas [Frank in the summer] and he gave me a lot of love and confidence. After that, it is taking steps forward with the guys, and after one, two, three goals, it just goes from there.Yoana Wissa on whether he’s in the form of his lifeSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from the EmiratesBrentford had an expected goals total of just 0.19 against Arsenal.It’s the fourth lowest xG for a team to avoid defeat in a Premier League match this season with two of the other three also coming against Arsenal (Everton 0.09 in 0-0 draw at the Emirates and Fulham 0.16 in 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage).Copy linkCopiedFrom Jordan Davies at the EmiratesArsenal head to the Bernabeu off the back of a frustrating, and at times dull, draw. More points dropped and Liverpool’s crowning is now just a few wins away. You cannot win the league with 12 Prem draws.All eyes on Madrid now. No injuries is a plus. The Arsenal fans will quickly forget about this one if they go and do the business against Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos on Wednesday night.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Arsenal 1-1 BrentfordA case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show for Arsenal, who follow up their fantastic thumping of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final with a drab draw against Brentford.The Gunners looked to have got the job done when Thomas Partey belted them into the lead just after the hour mark.But a spate of changes brought chaos to the Arsenal backline, and Yoane Wissa took advantage by hooking in Nathan Collins’ nod down.The upshot is that Liverpool now require three victories to confirm themselves as Premier League champions.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford90+3. Bukayo Saka hasn’t given up just yet.He works room for a cross that is blocked, but then springs to his feet for another go.Again, it is blocked by some resolute defending. Brentford don’t look like letting this one slip now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford90. There will be SIX minutes of stoppage time.The capital letters are probably unnecessary there, neither side are going for it.Gustavo Nunes is on for Brentford for his Premier League debut. The 19-year-old Brazilian joined the Bees in August, but has been unable to feature until now due to a back injury.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford87. Jorginho is unable to continue and so the Gunners will see this game out with ten men.They’re used to that, mind you. Only usually it’s because they’ve had a player sent off for a wild challenge/PGMOL conspiracy against their club.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford85. Jorginho has gone down and he looks in a bad way. And the concern for Mikel Arteta is that he has already made his five changes.With Saka, Odegaad, Lewis-Skelly, Timber and Merino already on, the Arsenal boss has no other available substitutes to call upon.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jordan Davies at the EmiratesMikel Arteta turned to Mikel Merino as soon as Yoane Wissa scored. Having already chucked on Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly, he wants more firepower, even if it means risking them for the Madrid clash next week…At least Declan Rice is getting a breather, now off for Merino.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford82. Trossard miscues a simple pass to Martinelli and the ball rolls out of play for a Brentford throw. The Emirates groans in unison.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford79. Mikkel Damsgaard’s evening is over. He’s replaced in the Brentford midfield by Mathias Jensen.A big last ten minutes coming up.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford76. Flekken has his heart in his mouth as he almost gifts Arsenal an immediate the second.The goalkeeper takes a heavy touch to control a long ball outside the box and it allows Saka the opportunity to sneak in and steal.The substitute touches it around the Dutchman but Brentford get a number of bodies back to defend the open goal before Saka can fully control and the moment passes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Brentford74. Brentford have their equaliser now!Arsenal fail to deal with Michael Kayode’s cross to the back post, and when Nathan Collins heads back in to keep the attack alive, Yoane Wissa swivels to hook in through a crowd of players.The visiting players celebrate. The visiting fans celebrate. And once again, the Gunners have work to do.Copy linkCopiedLeveller!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Brentford72. Bryan Mbuemo squanders an opportunity for Brentford.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Brentford69. Goalscorer Thomas Partey is withdrawn from the action with a quarter of the game to go.His replacement is Jurrien Timber, and Arsenal now have two fresh full-backs with Myles Lewis-Skelly having come on for Kieran Tierney.Brentford make two changes themselves. Yehor Yarmoliuk and Michael Kayode are on for Vitaly Janelt and Kristoffer Ajer.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Brentford66. Declan Rice has been involved in eight goals in his last 10 matches across all competitions for club and country (four goals and four assists).See, he’s not just a free-kick merchant.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Brentford63. To make matters worse for Brentford, here come Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.The exciting pair are on for Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko as Arsenal look to wrap this on up. Copy linkCopied More

    • 200 Shares54 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ratings: Partey states his case for contract extension but Jorginho is a passenger against Brentford

      by

      ARSENAL saw any lingering Premier League title hopes go up in smoke after dropping more points against Brentford.Mikel Areta made five changes from Tuesday’s stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid for the Gunners’ return to domestic duty.Thomas Partey opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 61st minuteAfter a quiet afternoon, Yoanne Wissa equalised for BrentfordAnd, the magnificent Thomas Partey aside, it seemed this Arsenal XI had more than one eye on Wednesday’s return leg in their Champions League quarter-final.It started out like a pre-season friendly, with Arsenal cautiously trying to avoid any unnecessary injuries ahead of the big trip to the Bernabeu.And while Brentford chanted “You’ll win f*** all” come May, the away players started flat in their chase for European qualification. Arsenal thought they took the lead but Kieran Tierney’s header in the 26th minute was ruled out by the new semi-automated offside rule.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd moments later Brentford captain Christian Norgaard avoided a red card for a rough challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.Partey finally found a breakthrough after a lung-bursting counter-attacking run from provider Declan Rice, before Arteta brought on the cavalry.Yet the subs actually negatively effected Arsenal’s momentum, and Brentford quickly equalised through Yoane Wissa’s acrobatic finish.After just two wins in their last seven league games, Arsenal are now 10 points behind Liverpool, who need a maximum of just three victories to secure the title.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHere’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Gunners at the Emirates stadium…David Raya – 7Not as composed and commanding as he was against Madrid, but how could he be?The Spaniard sent a few iffy passes into the visitors’ path early on. But he produced a great save to deny Kristoffer Ajer from an opener inside 20 minutes, after Bryan Mbeumo’s great first time ball for the overlap around Tierney. Distribution was fantastic as pro-active goalkeeping saw him pluck a testing Brentford corner out the air before rolling out to Rice for his on a rampaging run for Arsenal’s goal. Great vision.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesKieran Tierney – 6The left back looked chuffed after receiving huge applause from the fans and hugs from his team–mates after heading in a goal in the 26th minute.But an offside call from VAR denied the Scot what could have been his last goal for the club, with a likely summer exit to Celtic looming.Brilliantly got back to nick the ball from Mbeumo, who was a few yards from getting a shot off.Jakub Kiwior – 6The Pole just keeps growing in confidence with each passing game, a credit to his circumstance and how he has taken the opportunity. There is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came in. William Saliba – 8Woke the fans up from their sleep with an inviting 20 yard run, to win Arsenal a corner in the first 15 minutes.The Frenchman wasn’t asked to do much defensively in the first half.But he dealt with the pace of Kevin Schade and dominated their one-on-one strength battle later in the game.Brilliant on the ball as he repeatedly carried it out from the back, rarely making a mistake.Thomas Partey – 8Should the 31-year-old be given a contract extension when his current deal expires in the summer? Tuesday’s unsung hero moved into right back in Arteta’s five man squad rotation ahead of the trip to Madrid on Wednesday. He inverted into midfield, with Brentford unable to offer any threat down the right hand side. And just as Arteta was prepping Saka and Odegaard to come on, Partey lashed in his first fourth Prem goal of the season.Things turned sour though, because Partey could be a doubt for Madrid, after the Ghanaian picked up an unspecified knock.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5Started in midfield and was eager to impress with some nice flashes in his audition to come off the bench against Madrid.Gifted chances to Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli in the first half and tested Mark Flekken’s goal himself.The Ukrainian, of course, isn’t as brave going forward as Odegaard. But this was a solid performance.Declan Rice – 7 His name was cheered the loudest before kick-off after his thunderous free kicks against Madrid here on Tuesday.But he’s clearly the engine of this Arsenal team, who dominates in midfield, gets in the box and sends glorious corners in time after time. It was Rice’s near 30-yard run that set up Partey’s opener.He did head down into Vitaly Janelt’s path inside six minutes, but luckily for him, Brentford couldn’t get a shot off.But there’s a feeling among fans that something special can happen every time Rice touches the ball in the opposition box.Rice is on unstoppable formJorginho – 4The Italian was wearing the armband from the off with Odegaard rested on the bench and Gabriel Magalhaes out until the end of the season.But it wasn’t exactly a captain’s performance from a deeper role in midfield. Much of the game seemed to pass him by at times.The former Chelsea star is clearly one of those destined to leave in the summer overhaul. Arsenal went down to 10 as Jorginho limped off with a suspected rib injury and all five subs were used.Ethan Nwaneri – 5The 18-year-old stepped into Bukayo Saka’s shoes on the right wing, with Arteta saving the England superstar for Madrid. But he didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low block.Produced a brilliant cross which sadly was nodded in by the only player who happened to be offside in the build-up.And got the fans up from their seats with some tricky feet through several Brentford stars at the start of the second half.Nwaneri didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low blockGabriel Martinelli – 5Was Arsenal’s most fouled player. He took a bizarre touch when Zinchenko found him a few yards from Flekken’s goal in the first half. The Brazilian needs to be stronger at times. But his runs were a handful down the left flank all afternoon.The Emirates went nuts – and so did Arteta – when Norgaard avoided a red card after clattering into Martinelli from behind in the first half.Leandro Trossard – 6Another game, another makeshift striker for Arsenal, with club player of the month Merino rested on the bench.Trossard did well to break away inside 13 minutes but his pass was just behind Martinelli. He’s always a great player to have in your squad and had several shots kept out by busy bees keeper Flekken in the first half.SUBSBukayo Saka – (for Nwaneri ’63 min) – 5Should’ve scored a massive chance when he pinched the ball off Flekken and rounded him late on, but couldn’t make it count.Martin Odegaard – (for Zinchenko ’62 min) – 5A valiant attempt to pull some strings, but to no avail.Myles Lewis-Skelly – (for Tierney ’62 min) – 6Strolled through Brentford’s left hand side within a minute of coming on. What a talent he is.Imagine being saved and prioritised for the 15 times Kings of Europe at 18 years old.Read More on The SunJurrien Timber – (for Partey ’70 min) – 4Was turned by Wissa for Brentford’s goal.Mikel Merino – (for Rice ’75 min) – 5A smart sub for Arteta, came just a minute after 1-1. But the midfielder had little-to-no impact on proceedings. More