FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 300 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I starred on Ninja Warrior and played with Rashford in Man Utd’s youth teams.. now I hope to face old club in FA Cup

      by

      OTIS KHAN once appeared on hit ITV show Ninja Warrior UK.And the Grimsby midfielder hopes his side can overcome their next obstacle in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.
      Otis Khan reached the semi-final of Ninja Warrior UK seven years ago
      Ex-Man Utd kid Khan knows what it’s like appearing in the spotlight
      Khan is hungry for Grimsby to follow up a shock win over League One winners Plymouth by toppling Championship promotion hopefuls LutonCredit: Rex
      If the League Two Mariners  get past Championship Luton, Khan will be praying the draw sets up a dream clash with Manchester United.
      Khan was a schoolboy at his childhood team and spent ten years in the United academy.
      But he suffered heartbreak at 16 when his beloved Red Devils decided to let him go.
      And Khan, 27, suffered more anguish when he missed out on facing United — who meet Championship side Reading on Saturday night — while playing for Yeovil in 2017 after he was sent off in a previous game.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      He said: “Fingers crossed, if we beat Luton we will get United in the next round as I haven’t played against them at any level since I left. I’d want to play them at Old Trafford.
      “We know playing Luton is going to be tough but we beat Plymouth, who are top of League One, in the third round — so we know we can do it.”
      Manchester-raised Khan thought he would be signing scholarship forms with the Old Trafford side, having come through their ranks.
      But he suffered a huge blow when he was told he would be leaving, having played alongside Marcus Rashford in United’s youth teams.
      Most read in FA Cup
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Khan said: “I was heartbroken and didn’t go into school for a week afterwards. I didn’t want to face anybody because everyone was under the impression I was going to get a scholarship.
      “Thankfully, I managed to get over it and realised that there were other clubs out there.”
      Khan signed for Sheffield United, before spells at Yeovil, Mansfield,  Tranmere, Walsall and Leyton Orient.
      He moved to Grimsby’s Blundell Park last summer and is thoroughly enjoying life on Humberside.
      He said: “I thought I had a deal at Sunderland but that fell through, so I went to Leyton Orient.
      “The manager, Kenny Jackett, was sacked two or three weeks after I’d arrived.
      “The new boss, Richie Wellens, wanted to do things his way and wanted me off the books — but that is how football is sometimes.”
      He competed in Ninja Warrior UK — hosted by Ben Shephard, Chris Kamara and Rochelle Humes — in 2016.
      Khan recalled: “I was sitting watching TV with my sister when an advert for Ninja Warrior came on and she said I should apply for it.
      If you are good enough and if you impress the right people, there will always be opportunities to make it in football.Otis Khan
      “I had a good time and managed to reach the semi-final.”
      Khan is also looking to boost his international credentials by playing for Pakistan.
      His paternal grandfather, Jamil Khan, emigrated to the UK and he still has relatives in the city of Faisalabad.
      Khan was first called up to the  Pakistan national team when he was 17 but visa complications and the country being banned by Fifa because of third-party interference means he has still not made his international debut.
      He is now trying to gain Pakistani  citizenship so he can play in their World Cup qualifiers, which take place this year.
      The lack of players of South Asian heritage in the professional game has long been a hot topic, with only 16 represented in England’s top four divisions.
      And Khan has worked with PFA player inclusion executive Riz Rehman in a bid to help the next generation of footballers from that part of the world.
      Read More on The Sun
      He is also in regular contact with United youngster Zidane Iqbal, who is of Pakistani and Iraqi descent, to offer his advice and guidance.
      Khan said: “If you are good enough and if you impress the right people, there will always be opportunities to make it in football.” More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch as Arsenal star Zinchenko appears to lose his cool with Man City stars after FA Cup defeat

      by

      ARSENAL star Oleksandr Zinchenko appeared to lose his cool with his former Manchester City team-mates after the 1-0 FA Cup defeat – and fans want to know why.Nathan Ake scored the winner for Pep Guardiola’s side to dump Arsenal out of the cup.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko didn’t appear to be happy at full-timeCredit: Twitter
      Zinchenko tried to pull away as his former team-mates greeted him
      The Premier League title holders will be hoping to unnerve the Gunners, who are occupying top spot with a five-point advantage and a game in hand.
      Friday’s FA Cup dust-up also happened to be Zinchenko’s return to the Etihad, where he spent six years of his career.
      Zinchenko won four Prem titles, four EFL Cups and an FA Cup during his time at the Citizens.
      He was, however, unable to help Arsenal get one over on City after coming off the bench in the second half.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The left-back also picked up a late booking for a foul, and was lucky to escape a second yellow for a challenge on Bernardo Silva.
      But at full-time as Zinchenko was surrounded by his former team-mates, he appeared agitated and emotional.
      He tried to break free of Joao Cancelo’s grasp after speaking with Riyad Mahrez, and fans aren’t sure whether he was happy or angry.
      One said: “Need to know what Mahrez said.”
      Most read in FA Cup
      Another tweeted: “Zinchenko getting bullied like the youngest brother.”
      A third questioned: “Why was Zinchenko so mad?”
      After breaking free, Zinchenko swapped shirts with Kyle Walker before disappearing down the tunnel.
      Arsenal meet Man City again in mid-February at the Emirates.
      That game could boost Mikel Arteta and Co’s chances of ending the season league winners.
      An away trip to the Etihad will follow in April. More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds boss Jesse Marsch takes wife Kim out for romantic date… to Accrington’s Wham Stadium

      by

      JESSE MARSCH knows all about the romance of the Cup — even though his missus might not agree.When the Leeds boss invited wife Kim out on a date, little did she expect it would be a wet and windy night at Accrington’s Wham Stadium.
      Jesse Marsch and wife Kim are used to more exotic dates than AccringtonCredit: Instagram @jessemarsch.15
      Accrington’s Wham Stadium was the hot venue for Marsch and KimCredit: Rex
      The League One club are proud of their set-up and strong supportCredit: Rex
      Marsch took Kim to Accrington and says the EFL club were ‘very gracious and welcoming’ hostsCredit: Instagram @jessemarsch.15
      Instead of fine dining and cocktails at a swanky city centre brasserie, it was pies and pints in the Pennine foothills.
      Mrs Marsch was treated to the homely delights of the Wham Stadium as Stanley squeezed through their replay against Boreham Wood after extra time to book a fourth-round visit by the Premier League strugglers.
      The food on offer at the Wham includes a range of Pukka Pies at £2.80 or even Pot Noodles at £1.80.
      Marsch felt a bit guilty about dressing the scouting mission up as a romantic meal for two but insists the welcome from their League One hosts could not have been warmer.
      READ MORE ON WAGS
      But he is expecting a less hospitable afternoon as his side bid to avoid an FA Cup giant-killing.
      The American revealed: “I suppose it’s how us coaches manage to find date nights. You take your wife to the match.
      “We went along and met their owner Andy Holt and managing director Dave Burgess.
      “We sat with them and they were both very gracious and welcoming. Quite rightly, they have a lot of pride in what they’ve built there.”
      Most read in FA Cup
      Marsch used his busman’s date night to pick up plenty of inside information on how to avoid a tricky potential banana skin in front of the live TV cameras by preventing Accy making it through to round five for the first time in their history.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The 49-year-old has never lost to a lower-league side in a 12-season coaching career.
      And he added: “I think it’s always important when you play at a lower division team to go and see what kind of environment and match atmosphere they have.
      “Accrington have a lot of pride in their pitch and the crowd generates a good atmosphere. Their team competes hard and you can see they care a lot about winning.
      “They value the FA Cup and as a team they specialise in set-pieces and throw-ins.
      “I think they’ll play a lot of long balls, defend hard and play direct against us.”
      Leeds’ only win in the last nine games came in the 5-2 third- round replay demolition of Cardiff as they take a welcome break from their battle for Premier League survival.
      They are desperate to avoid Accrington adding their name to the likes of  Histon, Rochdale, Sutton and  Crawley who have all dumped them out of the Cup in recent years.
      Accrington is a far cry from some of the holiday destinations of Marsch and KimCredit: Instagram @jessemarsch.15
      Elland Road chief Jesse Marsch wants his side to play ‘our type of football’ when they visit minnows AccringtonCredit: PA
      Marsch is set to hand a debut to £25million  signing Georginio Rutter but skipper Liam Cooper and midfielder Tyler Adams are both expected to miss out through injury.
      The head coach added: “We’ll have a lot of travelling fans backing us and we’ll have to be ready for whatever Accrington throw at us.
      “We know the David versus Goliath narrative can be very inspiring for the underdog.
      “We won’t be taking anything for granted when we step out on that pitch.
      “We need to be ready to play our kind of football and to be confident to command the ball and score goals.
      Read More on The Sun
      “That’s our challenge and we’ll be up for it.
      “We’ve got a chance to push in this tournament and we want to take it totally seriously.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Doctors told me I may lose my leg after horror training ground collapse… now I’m facing Leicester in the FA Cup

      by

      LIAM GORDON cannot forget his first training session with Walsall — because it almost became his LAST!Like most new signings, the 23-year-old’s biggest concern before his first pre-season run was the odd butterfly in his stomach as he looked to make a favourable first impression on his new Saddlers team-mates.
      Liam Gordon hopes to give Leicester a run for their money after an injury that could have cost him a leg or even his lifeCredit: Walsall F.C
      This is the scar that Londoner Gordon must now live with
      Half an hour later Gordon was in the back of an ambulance gasping for breath inside an oxygen mask, trying to alleviate the excruciating pain coursing through his body, as he was raced  to hospital.
      What followed was a nightmare ordeal which could have cost him his life and led to one chilling conversation with a surgeon who warned his left leg might have to be AMPUTATED.
      However, Gordon battled through THREE major operations on his leg in FIVE DAYS  to salvage a career which had literally been hanging by a thread.
      Incredibly, 3½ months later the Croydon-born full-back made his Saddlers’ debut at Cheltenham.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And today, Walsall’s warrior defender faces Leicester’s James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans, in one of the most uplifting FA Cup fairytales.
      Gordon said: “It will be a surreal moment. After all I’ve been through, the most important part is that I’m playing football at all.
      “I’m pinching myself at being able to play against a Premier League side like Leicester, who won the trophy so recently.”
      Gordon  recalled the freak events of that summer’s day as he reported for his first pre-season session following his move from Bolton.
      Most read in FA Cup
      He explained: “It was just a routine 2km run at the training ground and my blood circulation completely went in my legs. As I finished the race I collapsed.
      “At first everyone thought I was joking but then they realised that there was a serious problem.
      “I had just signed for the club and I’m lying there on the ground with all these thoughts flying through my head.
      “I’m the new guy and this is everyone’s first view of me.  I worried the perception people would have of me was I wasn’t fit enough to handle my first training run!
      “What followed obviously proved that wasn’t the case.
      “The surgeon and specialists later explained the problem would have existed in my shin prior to the run.
      Ex-Bolton star Gordon is now buoyant after getting his Walsall career off to the worst possible startCredit: Getty
      “It’s a condition called compound compartment syndrome, often put down to shin splints, which would have built up over time.
      “The club physio told me such injuries usually result from car crashes or a similar, sudden trauma and there’s usually a compound break. But that wasn’t the case with me — I was just running!”
      As his anxious team-mates watched on, Gordon fought back the excruciating pain which is a symptom of the condition.
      He said: “I was given oxygen immediately, then gas and air in the ambulance when I told them I needed something more for the pain.
      “I probably used up the entire tank in the ambulance yet the pain was still unbearable — off the scale. On a scale of 1-10 it was 100! It was brutal.
      “If I go on to have kids and my partner tells me there is no greater pain than childbirth, I’ve earned the right to say: ‘Really? Try this one!’
      “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well I must be pretty strong to bounce back from that.”
      Others without the backing of a club with a highly-trained medical team, could have DIED from the condition.
      The Guyana international added: “When I was discharged from hospital initially they said I had a sprained shin and to rest for three weeks.
      “If I had followed that advice and  the club hadn’t intervened, I’d have been done for.
      “I constantly felt sick. I was so nauseous. I just felt faint and hot and cold.
      “I developed a massive infection which caused me to have no movement in my toes at all and I still suffer from numbness, even now. Thankfully Walsall insisted on me having an MRI scan and quickly got to the heart of the matter.
      “We wouldn’t be having this conversation now if they hadn’t. The club didn’t just save my career — they saved my life.
      “I was readmitted to hospital and the surgeons and specialists told me I should have had surgery six hours after it happened — I had mine SIX DAYS later.
      “That’s what caused the infection which almost cost me my career because I was told there is a point where the only option would have been to amputate the leg.”
      Mercifully, three operations in five days saved Gordon’s career, coupled with hour upon lonely hour of hard rehabilitation.
      All new signings are told not to worry, no one could possibly get off to a worse start than I did, with the 2K run which almost killed me!Liam Gordon
      He said: “I have been left with a scar from my knee to my ankle which shows the full extent of the damage.
      “I’ve still got numbness in my toes and I can’t feel the big toe or my second toe at all. I’ve also got constant numbness in my shin.
      “I have to wear inner soles in my shoes and football boots to lessen the pressure on my shins.
      “To this day, I do more weight work on my calves to make them stronger because they removed a lot of muscle for my left leg.
      “As a result my right leg started to overcompensate, which led to pain in my ‘good’ leg.
      So I needed to build up the strength again on my left.
      “Some players can sometimes cheat with training. I just can’t afford to do that!
      “The gaffer, Michael Flynn, was great and kept it quiet at the start, which helped me get through my rehab without pressure or fans constantly messaging me, or worrying about me.
      “He just said it was a freak accident in training, then when I returned against Cheltenham he explained to everyone what had actually happened.
      “The fans backed me all the way and provided massive motivation for me throughout.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am a Christian and this ordeal has enhanced my faith in God because I couldn’t have got through this without him — or my club physios Ellie Hargreaves and Ewan Turnbull.”
      He added: “All new signings are told not to worry, no one could possibly get off to a worse start than I did, with the 2K run which almost killed me!” More

    • 288 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m not Harry Potter!’ – Ten Hag says Rashford is conjuring up his own magic rather than any tricks from Man Utd boss

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG claims Marcus Rashford has conjured up his own revival rather than any “Harry Potter” magic from the boss.The Manchester United chief wanted to play down his own part in the incredible turnaround of the player’s fortunes under his charge.
      Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag won’t take any of the credit for striker Marcus Rashford’s extraordinary form since the World CupCredit: Getty
      It was so different before Qatar 2022, with Rashford here showing his frustration after being substituted by Ten Hag in OctoberCredit: Reuters
      Instead, he puts it all down to the England international’s determination to find his very best form that has brought ten goals in his last ten games.
      Ten Hag said: “I’m not Harry Potter! It’s just confidence. Every player has to make  his own confidence. He fought for this, he invested in this.
      “Of course, with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play, that give him routines  he needs to get into the right position.
      “But finally, it’s up to him, to the player, and when the player has the confidence then I’m convinced.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “The way of play is most important but the environment and  culture are also important, then the player can perform at his best.
      “It’s obvious that Marcus at this moment is in really good shape, really good form.”
      Rashford’s goalscoring run since returning from the World Cup is the best of any player in Europe’s top leagues.
      He scored another wonder goal against Nottingham Forest in the midweek on the back of his spectacular opener at Arsenal last weekend.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      New on-loan signing Wout Weghorst also broke his duck in the Carabao Cup tie at the City Ground and with Antony on form in that game too, Ten Hag is confident in his attacking line-up — despite Anthony Martial’s ongoing fitness problems.
      Ten Hag said: “The front line now gives me a positive feeling, it’s getting stronger and they take benefit from each other.
      “In the first part of the  season, we had many problems in the front line.
      “Often we had games where we didn’t have players who were 100 per cent physically and mentally fit.
      “Now that’s not the case as much and Marcus can take even more benefit from such situations.”
      United take on Reading on Saturday night in the FA Cup fourth round as the only team in the country still fighting on four fronts.
      It means they are in a fixture run of ten games in 30 days but Ten Hag is not complaining.
      He said: “It’s tough but I think it’s always better to have games rather than training. Players like more games.
      “There is a good spirit and a good mood in this dressing room to cope with that.
      Antony and loanee Wout Weghorst are offering Rashford impressive support up front for the in-form Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
      “We want to stay in those competitions as long as possible so we have to fight for that. It is good for the development of this squad.
      “Every day we have to give our maximum, good is not good enough. We have to do better.
      “It’s never at an end. We want to win every game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”
      Tonight’s Cup game could give club captain Harry Maguire a chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team spot again.
      He is right down the pecking order for one of the centre-back spots given the form of those ahead of him.
       And Ten Hag told him to battle to get his place back.
      The Dutchman said: “It’s up to him. He has to fight for his position and things can change quickly. I have to say he’s training very well, I think he is making progress.
      “After the World Cup, he should have played but then he got ill. I can’t do anything about that and he knows that.
      For them (Reading) it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.Erik ten Hag
      “Then he has to wait for his chance, you have to wait for a change and make sure you are ready if the chance is there.”
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is on his way back after being sidelined since October, with the manager believing he has not been physically or mentally right to play.
      The winger, 22, only recently returned to full training with the first team since his last appearance at Chelsea.
      Ten Hag added: “He is  training with the team and improving  and we will make a decision after training.”
      Sancho is more likely to make the bench for tonight’s game as United aim for two trips to Wembley this season.
      They look to be on their way  in the Carabao Cup after  winning the first leg of their semi-final  against Forest 3-0.
      But Ten Hag will not underestimate their opponents  this evening, despite Reading standing 14th in the Championship.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Every opponent will be tough, especially in the Cup.
      “For them it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.” More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Trossard outshines new team-mates against Man City but Holding is hooked during Haaland battle

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY got one over on their Premier League title challengers Arsenal by dumping them out of the FA Cup.Arsenal may hold a five-point advantage and a game in hand in the league, but it was City whose FA Cup run continues thanks to a Nathan Ake winner.
      Leandro Trossard impressed on his full Arsenal debutCredit: AFP
      Rob Holding lost his battle with Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
      On his full debut, Leandro Trossard outshone his team-mates, giving Rico Lewis a torrid time in the first half.
      He created Takehiro Tomiyasu’s early shot on goal and even had a pop himself, but his effort was well saved by Stefan Ortega.
      Rob Holding, meanwhile, had an evening to forget as he went head-on with goal machine Erling Haaland.
      City’s tactic to isolate Holding with Haaland worked with the defender getting booked just before half-time before being subbed.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Pep Guardiola will be hoping Friday’s defeat will unnerve Prem table-toppers Arsenal in the second half of the season.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Gunners.
      Matt Turner – 6
      Only his sixth start for Arsenal.
      Was out well to deny Haaland with his feet early on and made a good second half stop from De Bruyne.
      Most read in FA Cup
      Man City vs Arsenal match stats
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Picked up a second half shoulder injury not long before he was beaten by Ake’s shot. 
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
      Early shot from edge of box tipped away by Ortega.
      Cleaned up Haaland’s overhead kick and was deputising well – but then allowed Grealish to wriggle away from him to create the opening goal.
      Rob Holding – 5
      A rare start with Saliba dropping down to the bench and what a test to be up against Haaland.
      Booked for pulling back the Norwegian and was in danger of getting a red so hooked at the break.
      Gabriel – 7
      Beaten to a loose ball by Haaland and relieved the Norwegian’s radar was off for once and looked more comfortable with Saliba alongside him.
      Would have been happy to help keep Haaland relatively quiet.
      Kieran Tierney – 6
      Given the nod ahead of former City man ZInchenko – and did well to keep the in-form Mahrez under wraps.
      Careless clearance almost put his team in trouble and replaced by Zinchenko after the opening goal.
      Fabio Vieira – 7
      Stepped in so Odegaard could have a rest.
      Fluffed a second half volley when he had more time than he realised shortly before City took the lead.
      Lovely cross almost created an equaliser for Nketiah.
      Thomas Partey – 7
      Great challenge on De Bruyne on edge of the box late in first half and helped the Gunners control City in the opening 45 minutes.
      Did not reappear after the break – leaving the visiting fans praying he is not injured as he was missed.
      Granit Xhaka – 7
      Sent off last time he played here 18 months ago but is a different player these days and showed some real authority in the first half.
      Found it more difficult after Partey had gone off at the break as City took command in the middle.
      Bukayo Saka – 5
      England ace was up against a makeshift full-back in Ake but got little change out of the Dutch centre-back.
      Guardiola is a big admirer but he had a frustrating night before being replaced by Odegaard as Arteta tried to salvage the game late on. 
      Eddie Nketiah – 6
      The hero against United on Sunday had a chance to repeat the trick but volleyed a decent chance wide on the half hour.
      So close to getting on the end of Vieira’s cross to level but was denied by Laporte’s last ditch tackle.
      Leandro Trossard – 8
      Very encouraging full debut.
      Some nice work to set up Tomiyasu for early strike at goal.
      Had a shot of his own that was well saved by Ortega and gave young Lewis a torrid first half.
      Surprisingly subbed when Arsenal needed an equaliser.
      Subs
      William Saliba (for Holding, 45 min) – 6
       Could have made himself bigger for the City goal.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga (for Partey, 45 min) – 5
      Came on for Partey at half-time but did not have the same impact.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Tierney, 65 min) – 6
      Replaced Tierney on 65 minutes and got a warm welcome back to his old club.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 66 min) – 7
      On for Trossard midway through the second half and also looked lively denied an equaliser by Ortega late on.
      Martin Odegaard (for Saka, 74 min) – 6
      Thrown on in place of Saka in the 74th minute but for once he could not find the answer.
      Man City play Arsenal again in February More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE RESULT: Ake’s strike sees much changed Gunners go crashing out of FA Cup – latest reaction

      by

      ARSENAL go crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester City courtesy of Nathan Ake’s second-half strike.Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard forced Ortega Moreno in to two early saves.
      But Ake’s low effort turned out to be the difference maker in what was a cagey affair.

      RESULT: Man City 0-1 Arsenal
      Live stream: ITV X
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Man City XI: Moreno; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Mahrez, Grealish, Haaland
      Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey, Vieira; Trossard, Saka, Nketiah

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from the Etihad Stadium
      Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
      Nathan Ake’s second half strike was all that separated the two sides at the end of 90 minutes of competitive Cup action.
      While Pep Guardiola and his players are the ones progressing to the next round of this competition, it is still all to play for in the Premier League with an intense title race in motion.
      The Spaniard will meet his former apprentice twice more this season, with each game promising to be unmissable.
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      Pep Guardiola reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Man City boss said:
      “We were definitely better in the second half. Arsenal have taken a step forward. It was a tight game and you realise how good a side they are.
      “I did not expect the approach from them – man-to man – it was difficult to build up but we beat the team at the top of the league and are in the next round.
      “What a season he [Nathan Ake] is playing. He controlled one of the toughest opponents in the Premier League because Saka is in an incredible moment.
      “He is really good in the duels in the box, defending the far post and set pieces is an extra bonus. He is an exceptional guy, there was a period where he didn’t play and he never complained once.”
      Credit: Reuters
      BREAKING: Arsenal target Caicedo wants transfer
      Despite tonight’s result, Arsenal fans have found something to smile about as the club’s top transfer target Moises Caicedo has requested a move away from Brighton.
      In a statement on Instagram, the midfielder said: “I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
      “I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
      “My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
      “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
      “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity. 🙌🏽🙏🏽”
      Credit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta reacts
      When speaking to ITV, the Arsenal boss said:
      “Really disappointed. I think we could have got much more out of the game. The action decided the game but it was a tight game and that one action changed it all.
      “I think we could have dealt with it much better in terms of our discipline when the ball was in the box.
      “We had big situations in the game and we didn’t put them away. We can take a lot of positives, I think the way we approached the game and competed. It is really difficult to win against this team but we went head to head with them.
      “In the big moments, in big matches you have the make the difference. That is how you win these games.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta won’t be too disheartened with that result.
      His team put in a respectable performance to frustrate Man City on their own turf for the majority of the game, but Pep Guardiola’s side narrowly got the better of the Gunners in the second half.
      Nathan Ake’s strike was all that separated the two sides, but Arsenal almost drew level in the final stages with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli making a huge impact off the bench.
      Despite the result, the away fans were still in full voice after the final whistle as they remain quietly optimistic about the Premier League title race.
      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City see off their Premier League rivals to advance to the next round of the FA Cup.

      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City book their spot in the FA Cup fifth round thanks to Nathan Ake’s second half strike.
      Credit: Reuters
      90+1. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Four minutes have been added on…
      Arsenal could still get something from this game.
      88. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Another chance for Arsenal.
      Martinelli drives into the box and attempts to square the ball towards the penalty spot.
      It deflects off Gundogan and is directed towards goal, but Ortega is there again to collect.
      87. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Huge chance for Arsenal!
      Xhaka exploits a gap in the Man City defence and sends the ball through to Martinelli, but Ortega comes out to collect.
      84. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal have a corner.
      Vieira crosses the ball towards Xhaka in the box, who attempts to flick it on, but Laporte is there to make the clearance.
      Martinelli then picks it up on the left and is given the space to drive into the penalty area.
      He looks to square the ball, but Ortega can make the stop.
      76. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City have also made a change.
      Silva is on for De Bruyne.
      75. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arteta has made his final change.
      Odegaard has replaced Saka.
      73. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Saka receives the ball on the left before sending a cross into the box.
      Nketiah attempts to get there, but the pass is intercepted.
      67. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Huge chance for Arsenal to get back into the game!
      Xhaka sends a cross to Nketiah in the box, but just before the striker can make contact, Laporte gets a crucial touch on the ball to deflect it out of reach!
      Credit: Getty
      66. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal respond with two changes.
      Zinchenko replaces Tierney.
      Martinelli replaces Trossard.
      65. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Alvarez strikes from distance and hits the post with his effort.
      The ball then falls to Grealish in the box, who sets it to Ake.
      The defender then places it perfectly into the bottom-right corner of the goal! What a finish!
      Credit: Reuters
      64. GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL MAN CITY!!!!!!
      Ake breaks the deadlock!
      Man City take the lead!

      59. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Chance for Arsenal as Vieira attempts a volley from the edge of the penalty area, but his strike flies wide.
      58. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      City make two more changes.
      Mahrez is replaced by Alvarez.
      Lewis is replaced by Walker.
      56. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Turner is called to action immediately after being treated as Man City break forward.
      The ball finds De Bruyne on the right, who sends a low driven cross into a dangerous area.
      But, the goalkeeper can get down to make the stop.
      55. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Turner will look to play on for now.
      53. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Concern for Arsenal as Turner goes down in the box with a shoulder injury.
      Ramsdale is warming up.
      Credit: Reuters
      51. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      City attempt to break forward as the ball is sent through the Arsenal defence to Haaland.
      But, Tomiyasu does well to track back and shields the striker away from goal.
      50. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal have a free kick in midfield following a foul on Vieira.
      The Gunners are looking much more comfortable on the ball.
      Load more entries… More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 1 Arsenal 0: Gunners lose first game in almost three months as Ake goal dumps them out of FA Cup

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA retreated from the Etihad, out of the FA Cup but unbruised for the title race to come. The Arsenal boss made six changes against a virtually full-strength City side but was only undone by a second-half Nathan Ake strike. 
      Man City’s Nathan Ake celebrates after breaking the deadlock against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The defender curled home after being teed up by Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      City had lost defender John Stones to injury moments earlierCredit: Getty
      Eddie Nketiah and Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough against the CityzensCredit: Reuters
      This was the first meeting of the season between the Premier League leaders and the champions and it was a decent appetiser for the more serious battle at the Emirates on February 15. 
      City progressed to the fifth round but Arsenal proved they have greater squad depth than many reckoned. 
      It was not the worst outcome for Arteta. Had he selected his strongest side and suffered a beating, we’d be talking of psychological scars. 
      There was none of that after this encounter – Leandro Trossard, on his full debut, illuminated the first half and will add serious competition for places at the North London side, who lead City by five points with a game in hand. 
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The last time Arsenal visited this place, they were gubbed 5-0 early last season, with resounding calls for Arteta’s head. 
      How times have changed for Guardiola’s former right-hand man, who is now threatening to dethrone his old boss. 
      City, despite their dominance of the League, have only won one FA Cup in the last decade and Guardiola clearly has an appetite for another. 
      Beating the leaders cannot be bad for their confidence yet this was not exactly convincing.
      Most read in FA Cup
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      For 64 minutes, it felt as if we were heading for a replay and a heavyweight trilogy between England’s best two sides in the space of 19 days. 
      Ake ended that idea with a cool finish after sub Julian Alvarez had crashed a shot against the post.
      But Arsenal, closer to full strength after Arteta had made his subs, staged a serious spell of late pressure in an attempt to take City back to the Emirates next week. 
      When the teams were announced, it was clear where Arteta’s priorities lay – those six changes included the benching of skipper Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba. 
      Guardiola, clearly up for the Cup, changed only two of his starting line-up from last weekend’s victory over Wolves. 
      Arsenal have added depth with the signing of Trossard from Brighton.
      The Belgian forward, on his first Gunners start, gave John Stones an early filleting and teed up Takehiro Tomiyasu for a rattling long-ranger which City’s stand-in keeper Stefan Ortega pushed away. 
      At the other end, Erling Haaland was giving Rob Holding a physical going-over.
      And when City’s goal machine pounced on a mistake from his marker, keeper Matt Turner raced out of his area to block and the Norwegian attempted a saucy 25-yard bicycle kick, only for Tomiyasu to clear. 
      Trossard, having plenty of joy on the left flank, was soon rinsing Rico Lewis and drilling a shot which Ortega dived to fend away.
      Mikel Arteta suffered defeat for the first time in nearly three monthsCredit: Reuters
      De Bruyne got some serious bend on a shot which narrowly cleared the far post. 
      But for once, De Bruyne wasn’t even the liveliest Belgian on this pitch – Trossard continued to torment City’s defence and this time, he squared for Eddie Nketiah to shoot wide at the near post. 
      Despite all their changes, Arsenal were playing some excellent stuff, knocking it about with pace and purpose. 
      For City, though, there was always Haaland, who beat Gabriel and lobbed Turner only for his effort to land wide. 
      City were growing tetchy, with ref Paul Tierney and with one another, Guardiola was doing his conkers on the touchline, even out-Fawltying Arteta. 
      Stones limped off in first-half injury-time, after a heavy challenge from Trossard, and was replaced by Aymeric Laporte. 
      Holding had just been booked for rugby tackling Haaland, the Arsenal centre-back’s selection always looking like Arteta’s riskiest one. 
      And at half-time Holding was hooked in favour of Sailba, while Albert Sambi Lokonga replaced Thomas Partey. 
      Arteta and Guardiola still have to face off two teams in the Prem title raceCredit: Getty
      Guardiola soon turned to Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez but the spark was beginning to go out of the contest, when – out of the blue – City scored.
      Alvarez, the Argentinian World Cup winner, crashed a long-range shot against the foot of the post, Jack Grealish received the rebound, dribbled around Tomiyasu and laid back for Ake to guide his shot inside the far post. 
      Arsenal almost managed an immediate response, Granit Xhaka’s artful centre almost fell to Nketiah but Laporte nicked it off his toes in the six-yard box.
      Arteta wasn’t going to lie down, though, and brought on former City man Oleksandr Zinchenko and Odegaard. 
      The visitors enjoyed plenty of late pressure but City, with Laporte to the fore and Ortega alert when he needed to be, held firm for a place in the last sixteen. 
      Read More on The Sun
      There will be better to come next months when these two meet at full strength and at full tilt for the title. 
      But for the blessed Arteta, even a rare defeat felt like a minor triumph. More