FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans rejoice as manager Ralf Rangnick ditches 4-2-2-2 formation for Aston Villa FA Cup tie

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans rejoiced as Ralf Rangnick reverted back to their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The German has insisted on using a 4-2-2-2 setup since taking temporary charge in November.
      Man Utd line up against Aston VillaCredit: BBC
      United had used two holding midfielders, with Bruno Fernandes often in a No10 role, two wingers and one central striker.
      But in recent matches Rangnick introduced pairings in midfield, out wide and up front.
      United were fortunate on many occasions to avoid defeat before finally being exposed by Wolves in a 1-0 home loss.
      That defeat seemed to spark a change of mind for Rangnick, who deployed a 4-2-3-1 against Villa.
      And it had instant success as Scott McTominay headed what turned out to be United’s winner in th eighth minute.
      Before the game, Rangnick opened up about the change in formation and why he introduced it in the first place.

      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      He said: “Before I arrived it was obvious the team conceded too many goals.
      “The first approach was to make sure we stopped conceding as many and we have achieved that.
      “But at the same time it is all about creating chances, dominating the game when we have the ball and this is where we haven’t improved as yet.
      “The only way you can dominate and control games in the Premier League is by being proactive.
      “As soon as we begin to look passive, like we did against Wolves, we are struggling.
      “The formation is a means to an end, a tool. The formation has to fit to the players you have available.
      “In the long run it would be better to have one system and one style.”
      In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs. It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.Ralf Rangnick
      Rangnick added: “It took Jurgen Klopp a few months to get his Liverpool side playing the way he wanted.
      “When Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, he played with a back three.
      “Pep Guardiola has selected his whole squad over five years to fit this possession-based football.
      “For me, my job now is to work with the players I have available who I have inherited here.
      “In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs.
      “It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.”
      Man Utd appear to playing with two wide men against Aston VillaCredit: BBC More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo misses Man Utd’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa with hip injury, reveals manager Ralf Rangnick

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO missed Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa with a hip injury.The forward was left out of the squad completely against Steven Gerrard’s Villa.
      Ralf Rangnick and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA
      And manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed Ronaldo has suffered a knock and was not risked for the cup clash.
      He said: “I spoke with Cristiano yesterday before training, he told me that he had some problems for the last couple of days, some minor problems.
      “In the end we decided to not take any risks in a cup game that could easily last 120 minutes.”
      He added: “I suppose he will be in the stadium but he had some problems with his hip, with his hip muscle, and we just decided that it would be better for him not to play this game.
      “I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
      Ronaldo, 36, played the full 90 minutes in United’s recent 1-0 loss at home to Wolves.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      And not even the Portugal legend could turn things around as his side laboured to a shock loss.
      But one man who came out of the defeat with praise was Phil Jones – having started his first United game in TWO YEARS.
      The returning defender, 29, has however been sidelined with another injury.
      While Jadon Sancho was another late absentee.
      Rangnick said: “With Phil Jones he is having some minor problems on the calf.
      “Again, in a cup game like the one tonight, it doesn’t make any sense even more so if it’s the calf muscle.
      “With Jadon he was supposed to be in the squa, he had some issues with both hamstrings on both sides so again it doesn’t make sense to take any risks.”
      The German manager replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, and was beaten for the first time in charge against Wolves.
      And in the pre-match programme notes, caretaker boss Rangnick admitted performances must improve.
      He said: “When I took this role as Manchester United interim manager, I knew there would be a lot of work to do.
      “It’s not possible to just walk into a new club midway through the season, say a few words and everything is instantly straightforward.
      “We have a lot of players who are top quality individuals with so much talent but we need to work together in order to make progress.”
      Current caretaker manager Ralf RangnickCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arteta got formation all wrong against Nottm Forest and his failure to change at half-time blew Arsenal’s FA Cup dreams

      by

      IN hindsight, perhaps Sunday was not the best day to opt for my first away trip of this season. But I was looking forward to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta building on the magnificent team performance against City and starting another glorious run in the competition we have won in four of the last eight seasons. 
      A lacklustre Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup on SundayCredit: AFP
      Mikel Arteta’s side lost 1-0 to Nottingham ForestCredit: AFP
      Obviously, I knew the team would be different, with players departing for Afcon, and the opportunity would be taken to rotate.
      I was not prepared for the news that Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu were unavailable through minor injury and Granit Xhaka through Covid. 
      I have absolutely no doubt Smith Rowe and Xhaka would have started and maybe the Japanese international might have if fit.
      Of course, the unavailability of Xhaka and Smith Rowe made Arteta’s decision to allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to go before the weekend even stranger. 
      It is not as if the player being cup-tied impacted Roma after all. 
      It does not even require hindsight to know that losing Partey and Elneny would leave us light, but the absence of Xhaka as well makes the Maitland-Niles decision virtually negligent. 
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Charlie Patino was given his first senior start for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Most of us Gunners fans wanted Charlie Patino to gain more playing time but saw this being in a similar fashion to his debut against Sunderland. 
      That would have allowed the talented youngster to enter the fray at the City Ground with the game won and the pressure lessened. 
      As it was Arteta left himself being forced to rely on Charlie Patino as a starter against a form Championship team – and it backfired horribly.
      But unlike some, I find the young player almost entirely blameless. 
      Yes, he did not shine but for me, this was down to the manager’s decision to change the team set up from the recently highly successful 4-2-3-1, to a 4-1-4-1 – deploying Patino and Odegaard as dual ‘8’s and leaving Sambi Lokonga isolated. 
      He played ahead of Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfieldCredit: AFP
      This isolation was telling in defence but more so as the distances between him and Patino and Martin Odegaard left Arsenal without the strong platform our usual double pivot (both strong passers) provides. 
      Many seem to be saying Patino partnered Albert Sambi Lokonga and under-performed, but for me it appeared he followed his manager’s instruction on position. 
      As a result, while he was neat and tidy when he did receive the ball, he seldom received it. 
      Watching Arsenal of late has been all about building from the back, with Aaron Ramsdale or the centre backs feeding Partey or Xhaka. 
      On Sunday I can only remember Sambi receiving the ball in this fashion on a few occasions. 
      Martin Odegaard struggled to control the game alongside PatinoCredit: Getty
      The single CM did not work really early in the season, when we scraped wins over Burnley and Norwich, and it was obviously not working yesterday.
      Surprising then (an understatement) that our manager, so swift to drag off an underperforming Nuno Tavares, could not see that the single pivot was hindering the team defensively and hugely impacting the fluidity of our build up in attack. 
      The efficient early service to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli was non-existent and Odegaard and Patino could not exert any influence. 
      I was stunned that after half-time Arteta had not either moved Patino to play with Lokonga in a 4-2-3-1 or taken the youngster off and put Calum Chambers on as a defensive partner for the Belgian – or in defence to allow Ben White to fulfil that function.
      It was this decision to persevere with the 4-1-4-1, as much as the decision to stick with Eddie Nketiah, who was playing as if his mind was elsewhere, that cost Arsenal their place in this year’s FA Cup. 
      Eddie Nketiah played like a man with his mind on other thingsCredit: Reuters
      I am a believer in what Arteta is endeavouring to do at my club but I feel his decision to allow Maitland-Niles to leave early – and the call to change the system that has given his team such confidence – not only cost us dearly but could have hindered Patino’s confidence and development.
      Fans and media alike are speculating that this is the Spaniard’s way of sending a clear message to the board to invest in January. 
      I sincerely hope this is not the case as I would think less of Arteta because Arsenal are out of a competition that we fans adore for no reason at all that I can see. 
      He and his coaching staff have much to dwell on before two matches in four days that can define Arsenal’s season and no new signings can alter that!
      @goonerdave66
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Roma had more English players in starting XI against Juventus than Man City did in lineup to face Swindon

      by

      ROMA had more English players in their starting XI to face Juventus this weekend than Manchester City did at Swindon.Jose Mourinho’s men hosted Juve in Serie A on Sunday with three English stars in the starting XI.
      Roma’s team to face Juventus on Sunday included three English stars
      Manchester City had more Portuguese players than English players in the starting XI at Swindon
      And all three are senior England internationals.
      Tammy Abraham started upfront while Chris Smalling was joined in defence by debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
      Abraham and Smalling have been mainstays in the team throughout the season while Maitland-Niles joined on loan from Arsenal last week.
      The trio have 46 Three Lions caps between them – Abraham has ten, Smalling 31 and Maitland-Niles five.
      By contrast, English champs City only fielded TWO at the County Ground on Friday night.
      Experienced right-back Kyle Walker played the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup victory over the League Two Robins.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Cole Palmer, meanwhile, was subbed off after 86 minutes and a goal as the Citizens breezed to a 4-1 win.
      Walker has 65 caps but 19-year-old academy graduate Palmer is currently part of the England Under-21 set-up.
      City did bring compatriots Luke Mbete and James McAtee off the bench, though.
      But while City smashed in four on their way to winning, Mourinho saw his side concede as many at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Abraham fired the hosts in front on 11 minutes and Roma led 3-1 with 20 minutes to go.
      But three goals in seven minutes, plus a missed Roma penalty, saw Juventus secure a staggering 4-3 win.
      ‘COLLAPSED PSYCHOLOGICALLY’
      The result saw Mourinho’s men fail to break into the top six and the Special One bemoaned his side’s ‘mental fragility’ having ‘controlled the game for 70 minutes’.
      Mourinho ranted: “Unfortunately I can criticise the team…
      “[It was] 70 minutes of absolute control, the team played well, with a mentality of making the game. The approach was right, with the desire to tactically control.
      “Then we collapsed psychologically.
      “With a strong mentality team it would not be a problem, but the psychological fragility emerged.
      “There is a reason why Roma didn’t win against the top teams last year and it’s difficult this year too.
      “We have limits on the bench, my soul hurts because I’m not used to this team profile.”
      Chris Smalling and Ainsley Maitland-Niles teamed up in defence togetherCredit: Getty
      Abraham headed Roma in front but could not prevent a 4-3 defeat to JuventusCredit: Reuters
      Kyle Walker and Cole Palmer were the English representatives for City at SwindonCredit: Reuters More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Virgil Van Dijk heads to Shrewsbury dressing room after FA Cup win to chat with players who gave Reds a scare at Anfield

      by

      VIRGIL VAN DIJK headed into the Shrewsbury dressing room to chat with the players who gave Liverpool an FA Cup scare.The Reds fell behind after 27 minutes at Anfield when Daniel Udoh fired the visitors in front.
      Virgil van Dijk headed into the away dressing room to chat with Shrewsbury players after the FA Cup clashCredit: AP
      At 1-1, Shaun Whalley had a header ruled out by VAR before Van Dijk won a controversial penalty dispatched by Fabinho just before the break.
      Roberto Firmino’s cheeky backheel and a second for Fabinho secured a 4-1 win for Liverpool.
      But after the valiant effort from the League One side, Van Dijk headed into the away changing room afterwards and hand Udoh his shirt in a classy gesture.
      And it was well received by the visitors.
      Shrews boss Steve Cotterill said: “Virgil van Dijk came in our dressing room afterwards, congratulated everyone, said well done, brought his shirt in, shook hands and I thought that was absolutely top, top drawer.
      “Not only is he a top player, he’s a gentleman. It’s a very good experience for our players today to experience that.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      “You can’t go away from here and not think that this is a special football club.”
      Defender Elliott Bennett tweeted: “Classy on and off the pitch. Rolls Royce of a player and without doubt the world’s best centre-back.
      “Touch of class coming in to see the boys and give our goal scoring hero his shirt! Proper.”
      Van Dijk, 30, cost the Kop giants £75million and captained the team on Sunday.
      He was joined by fellow experienced senior pros Fabinho, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
      The rest of the starting XI – plus two of the five subs who came on – were youngsters.
      FLASH GORDON
      That includes 17-year-old Kaide Gordon who got Liverpool back on track with the equaliser on his FA Cup debut.
      Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: “Kaide finishing-wise is no doubt, his finishing is exceptional but all the rest he is still a kid.
      “When he is in these situations he is really calm. I am not saying he will always score in these situations in the rest of his career but more often than not.
      “He has a nose for it. I know he is the second-youngest goalscorer for Liverpool, which is absolutely exceptional, but there is a way to go.
      “No problem, Kaide has time, he will have his minutes here and there.”
      Seven-time champs Liverpool face Cardiff in the next round, again at home.
      Goalscorer Daniel Udoh got a souvenir from his day out at Anfield by taking Van Dijk’s shirt homeCredit: Getty
      The Dutch defender captained a youthful Liverpool side against the League One teamCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Shearer brilliantly gets his own back on Wright over Arsenal’s shock FA Cup exit after being trolled for Newcastle loss

      by

      ALAN SHEARER hilariously had his revenge over Ian Wright following Arsenal’s FA Cup KO at the hands of Nottingham Forest.In a weekend chock full of third-round giant-killings both Newcastle and Arsenal were dumped out by lower league opponents.
      Alan Shearer joked back at Ian Wright following Arsenal’s FA Cup KO
      Gary Lineker had tweeted a snap of Shearer looking grumpy after Newcastle lost to Cambridge
      After Newcastle’s loss on Saturday, Wright was quick to poke fun on Twitter with a GIF
      On Saturday, a full-strength Toon XI slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to League One side Cambridge United.
      After the game, Arsenal legend Wright was quick to poke fun.
      Gary Lineker uploaded a snap of a grumpy-looking Shearer immediately after the full-time whistle.
      The Magpies legend himself claimed: “Well done Cambridge. Pathetic NUFC.”
      Wright replied to Lineker’s post with a GIF of himself hugging Shearer, captioned: “I love you.”
      But Shearer was able to have some fun at his pal’s expense just 24 hours later.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      On Sunday evening, a sub-par Arsenal slipped to a 1-0 defeat of their own away to Nottingham Forest.
      And Shearer replied with a screenshot of the game GIF, captioned with 36 cry-laughing emojis and the words: “Are you OK?”
      But Wright certainly won’t be going to bed on Sunday night too unhappy, despite watching his old club crash out of their favourite competition.
      Earlier in the day, his grandson D’Margio Wright-Phillips – son of Shaun – made his professional debut for Stoke in their FA Cup win over Leyton Orient.
      He later teared up as he confirmed he was going to become a great-grandad at the age of 58.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan fumes at ‘dreadful’ Arsenal and says they played like Tottenham in white shirts during shock FA Cup exit

      by

      ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan has delivered a scathing verdict of the Gunners after their shock FA Cup exit to Nottingham Forest. Morgan claimed a ‘dreadful’ Arsenal played like rivals Tottenham in their 1-0 defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forest.
      Piers Morgan condemned Arsenal for their poor performance against Nottingham ForestCredit: AP
      The Gunners put in a below-par performance, likened by Morgan to one of TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Arsenal wore all-white shirts, reminiscent of a Tottenham kit, for the game to raise awareness of knife crimeCredit: Getty
      Playing in all-white kits to raise awareness for knife crime, the Gunners delivered a toothless performance that left Arsenal-mad Morgan fuming.
      Taking to Twitter during the game, Morgan wrote: “Can someone please tell Arsenal’s players that playing in white shirts doesn’t mean we have to play as badly as Spurs?”
      Morgan’s tirade continued after the full time whistle, as he added: “Dressed like Tottenham. Played like Tottenham. Dreadful performance.”
      Lewis Grabban’s goal seven minutes from time saw the hosts claim a famous win and dump the 14-time FA Cup winners out of the competition.
      And despite Morgan slamming Arsenal for a Spurs-esque performance, it’s the white side of North London that will take to the field in the next round of the competition.
      The FA Cup fourth round draw this afternoon pulled Spurs out to host Brighton in the fourth round.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in FA Cup.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Meanwhile Forest were rewarded for with a home tie against East Midlands rivals Leicester.
      Arsenal wore all white shirts for the game at the City Ground today in a stand against knife crime.
      The bespoke kits kicked off the club’s ‘No More Red’ campaign against youth violence in London.
      Megastar actor Idris Elba and club legend Ian Wright are onboard as mentors in the programme.
      Elba said: “From the time young people leave school, until the time they’re at home with family, there is often a void, a dangerous spike of nothing to do, where nothing can easily turn to something dangerous. 
      “If there continues to be no options for this after-school period, we will always see gangs form. Let’s create options for these young people.”
      Wright added: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to express themselves. The opportunity to exist within a safe environment. The opportunity to live free from fear of violence. 
      “We can never accept loss of life through youth violence as ‘normal’ in our city and it’s so important that we all work together to create a better environment for young people.
      “By giving young people more places to play sport, more support, and access to individuals who can inspire them, together we can help make a difference to young people in London.”
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Grabban fires home side to WIN over Gunners in FA Cup – reaction

      by

      LEWIS GRABBAN has fired Nottingham Forest to an FA Cup WIN over woeful Arsenal.Nuno Tavares was so bad that Mikel Arteta hauled him off BEFORE half time as the full-back was replaced by Kieran Tierney.
      It was a repeat of the 2018 third round, where Arsene Wenger’s Gunners were beaten at the City Ground.
      The FA Cup fourth round draw took place before kick-off with Forest set to face Leicester City at home.
      Arsenal were wearing an all-white kit to raise awareness of knife crime, particularly in London, an initiative supported by Ian Wright and Idris Elba.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from The City Ground
      Arsenal were punished today by a very well-organised Nottingham Forest side.
      Steve Cooper has really made his mark since he joined the club last year and continues to impress.
      Mikel Arteta’s team will have to dramatically turn things around if they want to stand a chance against Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday.
      Falling to the Forest
      This is only the second time in 26 seasons that Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round.
      The first time was also against Nottingham Forest, and at The City Ground.
      2 – Arsenal have been eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup for only the second time across the last 26 seasons, with the other instance also coming away to Nottingham Forest (2017-18). Merry. #EmiratesFACup— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 9, 2022

      Forest face the Foxes
      Following today’s result, Nottingham Forest will now host current FA Cup holders Leicester City in the fourth round.
      The game will take place at The City ground in the opening weekend of February.
      Mikel Arteta reacts
      “We weren’t good enough on the day and we’re out of the competition which is disappointing so we can just apologise.”
      “When you have nine players out, that is our biggest explanation.”
      “Today showed that we weren’t capable to win the game against Nottingham Forest in the cup away from home.”
      Credit: AFP
      Steve Cooper reacts
      “We had a clear game plan but I would’ve liked us to have had a little bit more of the ball.”
      “I felt maybe we should have scored earlier on in the second half.”
      “We work together in how we manage him [Grabban] because we want the best for him.”
      “That [game vs Leicester] will be one that we look forward to.”
      “It is a real responsibility and honour to be here. We want to do our best and not let anybody down.”
      Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
      Lewis Grabban reacts
      “We did well throughout the game, I think we deserved it.”
      “Everytime you step on the pitch you’ve got a point to prove so I just try and do what I do.”
      “It’s always hard when you’re coming up against Arsenal.”
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will undoubtedly be disappointed with that result.
      Sloppy play and a lack of tempo ultimately made them second best.
      They didn’t even get a shot on target.
      Credit: AFP
      Full Time – Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
      Nottingham Forest pull off a huge upset to knock out the most successful club in FA Cup history!
      A deserved win for Steve Cooper’s side, who did brilliantly to keep the Gunners at bay.
      90+2. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
      The white shirts are piling forward now.
      Just over one minute to go…
      90. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal are about to make a change.
      Kolasinac comes on to replace Cedric.
      An interesting decision from Arteta as Arsenal only have a few minutes left to clinch a goal.
      84. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
      Lokonga loses the ball in midfield and Forest instantly capitalise on the mistake.
      Yates drives down the right before sending the ball to super-sub Grabban who taps it past Leno and into the goal.
      Credit: AFP
      83. GOAAAAALLLLLLLL FOREST!!!!!
      Grabban breaks the deadlock!
      79. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal come close to taking the lead as the ball is sent through to Saka.
      He ponders on it before squaring it to Lacazette, but the ball goes through his legs.
      Just over 10 minutes left, this game could go either way.
      75. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Another substitution for Nottingham Forest.
      Zinckernagel makes way for Cafu.
      74. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal look like a completely different side compared to last week’s fixture against Manchester City.
      They have been sloppy to say the least and have really lacked tempo.
      Forest look like they could snatch the win here.
      70. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal make another substitution.
      Lacazette comes on to replace Patino.
      69. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Nketiah gets another chance at goal as he drives into the box, but his final attempt is sent over the bar.
      Not his day.
      68. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Forest make a substitution.
      Grabban comes on to replace Davis.
      62. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Garner lines up a free kick from 25 yards out and rifles the ball towards goal.
      It looks like it’ll end up in the top left corner but Leno reaches across to make an excellent save.
      What a strike! What a save!
      58. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Wow.
      Saka sends an excellent ball over the top of the Forest defence and through to Nkietiah next to the goal.
      The striker is left on his own but somehow completely misplaces the header and Samba clears.
      The home fans have found it rather amusing to say the least.
      Credit: Getty
      57. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal have a corner.
      Patino strikes from distance but a deflection sends the ball behind.
      53. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      We have our first shot on target!
      Forest have the best chance of the game so far as Johnson outruns Holding down the right before sending a low cross to Zinckernagel.
      The winger strikes first time but it is brilliantly saved by Leno.
      Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
      49. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      Nketiah makes an impressive run towards goal, but his strike is cut out by the Forest defence and claimed by Samba.
      Still no shot on target.
      Still 0-0.
      47. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      The home side break forward as Spence skips past Patino and Tierney.
      He strikes, but his effort flies over the bar.
      A positive start from Forest.
      Kick Off – Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
      We’re underway for the second half.
      A big performance is needed from both sides.
      Load more entries… More