Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s ‘genius’ training methods inspiring Premier League title charge including dodgeball

      by

      ARSENAL fans have been told to “trust the process” since Mikel Arteta took over.It wasn’t easy to begin with, as the Gunners initially struggled under Pep Guardiola’s former No2.
      Mikel Arteta’s ‘genius’ training ground secrets have been revealedCredit: PA
      Arsenal posed with their now-famous clock after a 3-0 win away at FulhamCredit: instagram
      Arsenal stars have been in high spirits this season under boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty
      But fast forward three years and Arteta has led his Arsenal side to the brink of a first Premier League title since the 2003-04 Invincibles.
      Fans are starting to believe they can cling on as the youthful squad continue to keep experienced champions Manchester City at bay.
      But what exactly does Arteta’s “process” entail?
      Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has lifted the lid on the boss latest tricks, including dodgeball and spot the difference.
      READ MORE SPORT STORIES
      On Arteta’s management style, Ramsdale told Standard Sport: “He’s intense, really intense.
      “He just loves football, loves Arsenal, loves developing young players which is amazing.
      “He comes up with these things to try to get us going. We play games in the hotel.
      “Sometimes it can be dodgeball, sometimes it can be spot the difference on the TV to get our brains working…
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “It is just his way of trying to make us to switch on before the game, before the warm-up, making sure we’re living and breathing football when we’re resting.”
      Arsenal recently set tongues wagging after posing in front of a clock following their 3-0 win over Fulham.
      On that, Ramsdale added: “The clock one was another genius idea.
      “Not all things work, but what he’s trying to get out of it, I definitely get to see the benefits of it.”
      Ramsdale is right, the outlandish ideas don’t always pay off.
      Arteta infamously blared “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Gunners training before their crunch clash against Liverpool at Anfield last season.
      The boss had hoped to prepare his side for the raucous and intense Kop atmosphere.
      Arsenal would go on to lose 4-0.
      Mikel Arteta has instilled a fun energy into Arsenal en route to their successCredit: Reuters
      As soon on their All Or Nothing documentary, Arteta also sketched a heart and a brain on a whiteboard at training.
      Arteta was filmed saying: “Guys, we have to play with our big hearts. At the same time, we have to play with a big brain. And these have to work together.
      “This is your passion, how your manager wants you to put into the game. How much you want to commit yourself in the game.”
      The club were dubbed a “laughing stock” for selling T-shirts of the scribbling.
      But now Ramsdale is convinced Arsenal have grown up following a tricky 2021-22 as they battle for the title a year on.
      The England stopper said: “At the end of last season, we panicked in certain games, I think we have learned from [that].
      “I think we know how to deal with that a lot better now.
      “It doesn’t mean we’re not going to go into a game and panic again. But for the majority, we know what is needed and how to play and how to conduct ourselves.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We are a young team we had a really tough one last year missing out on the top four and to Tottenham then it’s even more [tough], so we’re learning game by game.
      “I think huge credit goes to the staff but also for our failure last year.” More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal in transfer hunt for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia but face fight with two Premier League rivals

      by

      ARSENAL are keen on Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia, reports claim.The 19-year-old has impressed since joining the Saints from Manchester City last summer.
      Romeo Lavia is a reported transfer target for ArsenalCredit: EPA
      But the Gunners face competition for his signature from two Premier League rivals, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Arsenal added to their midfield in January by signing Jorginho, but could look to strengthen further in the summer.
      The Prem leaders remain interested in Moises Caicedo after having two bids rejected by Brighton in the summer, but are also keen on Southampton star Lavia.
      Teen ace Lavia has caught the eye in 24 appearances for the Saints this season.
      Read More on Arsenal
      And his form means it’s not only Arsenal who are reportedly eager to secure his services.
      Romano claims Chelsea also remain interested in the midfielder.
      The Blues made a staggering £50million offer – £40m up front plus £10m in add ons – for Lavia just weeks after he joined the Saints last summer.
      Lavia signed for Southampton in a £14m deal from Manchester City.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      His former club negotiated a £40m buy-back clause in the transfer, which will become active in 2024.
      But Romano declared Lavia is “one to watch” in this summer’s transfer window, suggesting City could make a move before the clause becomes active.
      The midfielder has netted one Prem goal since arriving on the South Coast last summer.
      His sole strike for the Saints came in the 2-1 win over Chelsea back in August. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Six Arsenal stars who have just 12 games to save their club careers including Smith Rowe and Jorginho

      by

      SIX Arsenal stars are running out of time to save their careers at the club.The Gunners are currently on course to win their first Premier League title in two decades but for some, it could be their final months at the club.
      Some Arsenal players are fighting to save their future at the clubCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s side are eight points clear of second-placed Man City, having played one more game.
      This means to seal the title, the Gunners may have to win nine of their remaining 12 games to become Premier League champions.
      Throughout the season, the depth of the squad has been tested with injuries to first-team players which has pushed the squad to its limit.
      But many have stepped up and contributed positively to the campaign.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Here are a list of six players that will be fighting to prove they still have a future at the club.
      Kieran Tierney
      Kieran Tierney is behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking orderCredit: Getty
      The Scottish left-back has proved to be a reliable member of the squad when filling in for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      However, he is almost a victim of his own success as he deserves to be playing more regularly, which is difficult when behind the Ukrainian in the pecking order.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Tierney has been linked with a move to Newcastle in the summer and could have an escape route if he fails to dislodge Zinchenko by the end of the season.
      Most read in Football
      Rob Holding
      Rob Holding will have to prove he can replace William Saliba during his injuryCredit: Getty
      The English centre-back has a great chance to prove himself to Arteta, with William Saliba set to miss several weeks after picking up an injury in the Europa League.
      Holding did well in the win over Crystal Palace and could keep his spot after the international break.
      However, he will have to stay on top form not to lose his spot to the Frenchman when he returns from injury.
      Reiss Nelson
      Reiss Nelson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      The London-born attacker has had an inconsistent season with injury but has made some important contributions when fit.
      In his four Premier League appearances, he has scored three goals, including the stoppage-time winner against Bournemouth earlier this month.
      The 23-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and he will need to continue to make the right kind of impact to convince the club he is worthy of a new deal.
      Emile Smith Rowe
      Emile Smith Rowe has struggled with injuries this seasonCredit: Getty
      The attacker has struggled with injuries this season which has limited his time on the pitch.
      Smith Rowe has in turn only featured eight times in the league, providing one assist.
      The Englishman is returning from injury at the right time and can prove he still has a future at the club during the run-in.
      Jorginho
      Jorginho was only signed in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Despite only joining the club in January, Jorginho is already facing a fight to save his future at the club.
      The Italian was signed as a cheaper alternative to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and is playing as an alternate to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
      However, the Gunners have been linked with a summer move for the Seagulls star as well as West Ham skipper Declan Rice, meaning Jorginho will need to prove that he can be trusted long-term.
      Eddie Nketiah
      Eddie Nketiah has been the backup to Gabriel JesusCredit: Getty
      It had seemed that Nketiah’s time at the club was running out when Gabriel Jesus’ arrival last summer but he stepped up when needed.
      Read More on The Sun
      Following the injury to the Brazilian, Nketiah led the Arsenal attack and scored some vital goals.
      However, with Jesus back fit and Leandro Trossard also filling in as a striker, Nketiah will once again have to fight to prove he is worthy of a spot at the club. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester ready to offer swap transfer for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson to put pressure on Danny Ward

      by

      LEICESTER could throw Danish keeper Daniel Iversen into a swap for Sunderland No 1 Anthony Patterson.Iversen, 25, looks likely to be available if the Foxes can pull off a deal for England Under-21 star Patterson, 22.
      Anthony Patterson could be swapping the Championship for the Premier League
      Daniel Iversen played his first Premier League game last weekend in Leicester’s 1-1 draw with Brenford
      Boss Brendan Rodgers is willing to let Iversen head for Wearside if the two clubs can sort out valuations.
      Iversen’s Premier League wages could be a big hurdle, though, as Sunderland work on a much tighter budget.
      The Midlands club have struggled to replace the quality they lost in the summer when Kasper Schmiechel swapped England for France.
      The 36-year-old joined Nice after 10 years at Leicester winning the Premier League with the side in 2016.
      Read More Football News
      Danny Ward has started between the sticks for Brendan Rodgers’ side for the most part of the season, but nobody has conceded more in the league than the Welshman this campaign.
      Patterson on the other hand has had an impressive campaign for his current club Sunderland.
      The young shot-stopper has played 38 league games and managed 11 clean sheets with the Black Cats currently 11th in the Championship.
      Iversen has had a bit-part role with Leicester despite their problems in the goalkeeping department, making only a handful of appearances.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The 2016 Premier League champions have been a way off the mark this season and currently sit just one point off the relegation zone.
      They face Crystal Palace away in a relegation scrap as their first game back after the international break. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ready to make Haaland Prem’s top earner with £500k-a-week salary, to stave off Real Madrid transfer interest

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY are ready to make Erling Haaland the Premier League’s top earner — and kill off talk of a Real Madrid raid.Etihad bosses will sit down with the 42-goal striker at the end of the season to discuss a new £500,000-a-week deal.
      Man City are ready to give Haaland a mega new deal to ward off interest from Real MadridCredit: PA
      Haaland is in the first year of a contract that runs until 2027 and City plan to extend that by 12 months.
      They are keen to reward him for a sensational first year in England — and KO Real’s hopes of taking the Norwegian, 22, to LaLiga in the near future.
      Haaland currently earns a weekly wage of £375k — the  Prem’s joint-highest with team-mate Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea — with various additional clauses.
      Yet his agent Rafaela Pimenta has fuelled rumours of a switch to Madrid at some stage, claiming Real is the “dream” move for players.
      READ MORE MAN CITY NEWS
      And the Spanish giants are said to have an ‘Operation Haaland’ plan.
      Sources close to Haaland insist he is entirely happy in Manchester but City are keen to send a firm ‘hands off’ message.
      And they believe a new deal, running to the end of the 2028 season and recognising his incredible debut campaign, will do exactly that.
      City beat off Real in triggering his £51.4million release clause from Borussia Dortmund last summer — and his value has since quadrupled.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Haaland demanded a release clause in his  initial agreement but sources insist it no longer applies after City boss Pep Guardiola extended his own deal by another two seasons at the start of the year. 
      The striker is nearing a half-century of goals for City and struck his SIXTH hat-trick of the season in last week’s FA Cup win over Burnley.
      City also hope ending any speculation about his future will help convince Dortmund pal Jude Bellingham to join him in Manchester this summer.
      It is understood Haaland’s camp have given indications they are keen to hold talks and City are convinced he will follow  Julian Alvarez’s lead.
      The Argentine World Cup winner was handed a pay hike after adding another season to his deal, despite only joining in January 2022.
      Meanwhile, City will demand their money back if Kalvin Phillips leaves the Etihad.
      Former club Leeds, West Ham and Newcastle are all interested in the midfielder, who has had a nightmare time since his £42m move from Yorkshire last summer.
      The Hammers were KO’d with a January loan inquiry but Phillips  has still not started a Prem game after recovering from shoulder surgery. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Out of the squad, it’s up to him’ – Southgate defends Rashford after being surprised by England ace’s New York trip

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squadThree Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
      England boss Gareth Southgate defended Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
      Manchester United star Marcus Rashford went on a surprise New York trip
      But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
      “The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
      “If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
      Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.
      Read More on Man Utd
      His absence also gives players such as  Phil Foden and Jack Grealish the chance to stake a claim for a place on the left of England’s attack.
      Southgate said: “He’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him.
      “Always then I have to think, ‘What’s the best solution?’ And it’s opportunities for other people.”
      Rashford is not the only English striker enjoying some downtime Stateside.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Arsenal’s Under-21  international striker Folarin Balogun, who is  shining on loan at French club Reims, posted from Florida: “In life go where your [sic] appreciated.”
      New York-born Balogun, 21, pulled out of Lee Carsley’s squad citing injury but is wanted by the USA national team and also qualifies for Nigeria.
      Southgate said: “Young players progress well and you cannot perhaps give them the opportunity that they would like, while another country perhaps can offer them.
      “We like Flo. We would like him to give it some time and if he is progressing the way he is and continues that progression, there will be opportunities.
      “But I cannot offer him that this week.
      “If we did, I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.” More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham keen on Viktor Gyokeres transfer as Moyes looks to £20m Coventry striker to put pressure on Scamacca

      by

      WEST HAM boss David Moyes looks set to move for Coventry’s Viktor Gyokeres after making a personal check on the striker.Moyes has watched the Swede intently as he knows he may need a new forward or two in the summer window — and even made a solo mission to see him last week.
      West Ham are keeping tabs on Coventry star Viktor GyokeresCredit: Rex
      Gyokeres is having his best season so far with 18 goals for the Sky Blues in the Championship.
      He also had a runout off the bench against Belgium in Friday night’s  3-0 Euro qualifier defeat.
      Gyokeres is close to becoming a starter for his country and a move to a higher level would speed up that process.
      The hard-working  24-year-old spent four seasons at Brighton without making a Premier League appearance and joined Coventry in the summer of 2021 following half-a-season on loan.
      Read More on Football
      Gyokeres has several clubs on his trail and Moyes has never been scared to dip into the second tier for a player.
      Michail Antonio may leave in the next window with Everton joining the chase for him — as we revealed last week.
      And West Ham’s Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca is yet to settle, so Moyes looks likely to bring in  a couple of new faces for his frontline.
      Coventry would want around £20million to let go of Gyokeres in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Manager Mark Robins may yet pull off promotion via the play-offs but, if not, the centre-forward seems certain to move on.
      Burnley will also have another go at Gyokeres after failing in the last two windows.
      Boss Vincent Kompany is a huge fan and can soon offer him Prem football, it seems. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans all say the same thing as Man City ace Rodri ‘tries to kill Odegaard’ in Spain vs Norway clash

      by

      ARSENAL fans all said the same thing after seeing Man City star Rodri “try to kill” Martin Odegaard with an awful tackle.The shocking incident occurred in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier between Spain and Norway.
      Arsenal fans were left fuming as Martin Odegaard was wiped out by a brutal Rodri tackleCredit: Getty
      Playmaker Odegaard is arguably the best No10 in the Premier League after leading Arsenal to the brink of a first title since 2004.
      Meanwhile, anchorman Rodri is also considered to be the best in his position in England’s top flight.
      And supporters were treated to a fascinating midfield battle between the star duo this evening.
      But things turned nasty when Rodri wiped Odegaard out with a brutal tackle in Spain’s penalty area.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      The City star crunched into his Arsenal opponent with staggering force from behind as Odegaard was darting towards goal.
      And Norway players were convinced they were about to be awarded a penalty.
      However, the referee deemed Rodri’s brutal effort a clean foul.
      And play was allowed to continue despite Odegaard being left in agony on the ground.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      How is that tackle by Rodri against Ødegaard not a penalty? Spain need to be investigated for paying Ref like Barcelona. Arsenal still need that guy fit abeg. pic.twitter.com/Pf2ykgvT6x— Tierney & Saka (@babyface2000ad) March 25, 2023

      Odegaard was left in a heap on the groundCredit: AP
      Rodri’s antics enraged Arsenal fans, who feel Man City are their only rivals left in the title race.
      One said: “Rodri is trying to kill Odegaard.”
      Another declared: “I hope Odegaard crunches Rodri back.”
      One joked: “Arsenal should press charges.”
      Another added: “He gets away with such tackles even in the league.”
      Spain ran out 3-0 winners as a strike from Dani Olmo was followed up by a late brace from Newcastle flop Joselu.
      That made it an ideal start for new manager Luis de la Fuente and his surprising choice of captain, Alvaro Morata. More