Premier League

MIKEL ARTETA is used to being questioned in the Arsenal hot seat.From when he first took over – back in December 2019 – to those two eighth-placed Premier League finishes, there were those who asked if he was the right man for the job.Mikel Arteta made two mistakes in Arsenal’s last two matchesCredit: ReutersJakub Kiwior made errors in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern MunichCredit: AlamyNot starting Kai Havertz up front against Aston Villa also backfiredCredit: GettyAnd then, at the end of 2021/22 campaign having narrowly missed out on the top four, there were those who asked if he could transform the Gunners into title challengers.Those questions have since been answered, but now there is a fresh query: is Arteta able to get Arsenal over the line in the biggest moments in the hunt for major titles?The last week has thrown doubt into the equation once again, with the North London club’s season hanging by a thread.In fact, by Sunday, Arsenal’s hopes and dreams of lifting silverware could be all but over.READ MORE ON ARSENALSalvaging a 2-2 draw in their Champions League quarter final first leg against Bayern Munich last Tuesday was followed by yesterday’s potentially fatal 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.Defeat to Bayern in Munich on Wednesday and then failing to beat Wolves at Molineux on Saturday night will leave Arteta’s Prem and European title surge in tatters.Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, acting as a Sky Sports pundit at the Emirates for Villa’s impressive victory, said the pressure was starting to get to Arteta after suggesting the Spaniard got it wrong with his tactical tweaks, including dropping Jorginho to the bench.Merson said: “This is what happens. Pressure gets to everybody, not just to the players but the managers. That’s where you need a Pep Guardiola, who just keeps cool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The pressure tells in the end.”Arteta has got most of his big decisions at Arsenal spot on.Getting rid of bad eggs like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi. Putting his faith in young talents. Refusing to panic buy. Sticking to his playing principles.Gary Neville’s eerily accurate prediction about the title race re-emerges after shock defeats for Arsenal and LiverpoolDelaying William Saliba’s introduction into the first team. Brutally axing Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya as his No.1. Spending big on Kai Havertz when others failed to see the potential.But Arsenal’s last two games have shown that Arteta is capable of a misstep.Against Bayern, sticking with Jakub Kiwior at left-back was a mistake. The Polish centre back played his part of both goals Arsenal conceded and was torn apart by Leroy Sane. Dragging Kiwior off at half-time for Oleksandr Zinchenko was telling.A similar switch against Villa did not pay off. Havertz – who had four goals and four assists in his last six Prem games as a central striker – was dropped back into midfield for Gabriel Jesus – who has scored just once since January – meaning Jorginho was left on the bench.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
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You could argue that in both these games, Arteta was let down by usually reliable big names having an off night, something that is out of his control.Declan Rice had a rare shaky night against Bayern. Kiwior had been impressive at left-back before his public humbling.Havertz squandered several first half chances to see off Villa, as did Jesus. Mistakes are beginning to creep back into centre back Gabriel’s game.Rice said post-Villa: “This is Arsenal. You feel the pressure that you have to win these sorts of games. We put the pressure on ourselves. Now it is time for a reaction.”Performances on the pitch aside, Arteta will know the buck stops with him. Managers live or die by their decision and Arteta has shown glimpses of getting some big calls wrong.Yet there is now no margin for error. Not at this level, not at this stage of a season when you have threatened to pull off a stunning Double. Expectation has never been higher.Kiwior struggled against Leroy Sane last week before being subbed off at half-timeCredit: RexArteta and Arsenal have surrendered top spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThese are the months when Arteta’s old mentor Pep Guardiola usually gets things spot on. In recent weeks, he has given the likes of Phil Foden and Erling Haaland a rest while picking up maximum points. Pep’s squad is far deeper than Arteta’s, but it is still a risk nonetheless.Should Arsenal ultimately falter in the coming days, questions will rightly be asked. READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta is in no danger of losing his job, but the pressure will be cranked up big time.The only way to quieten the doubters is to do what he has done in the past at this club and continue to defy the odds, come up with the goods and get the big calls right.Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are now leading the way in the title raceCredit: AP More

PAUL MERSON has revealed Arsenal’s title dreams are “100 per cent gone” following their shock 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.At the beginning of the Premier League weekend, The Gunners were in the lead but lost their top spot to Manchester City after they defeated Luton Town 5-1.Paul Merson has revealed Arsenal’s title dreams are “100 per cent gone”Credit: Sky SportsArsenal lost 2-0 against Aston VillaCredit: GettyBoth Arsenal and Liverpool had the opportunity to regain the top spot from the reigning champions. However, Liverpool suffered a defeat at home against Crystal Palace while Arsenal fell short against Villa giving up two late goals.As City is currently leading the race with only six matches remaining Gunners legend Merson believes Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title are over.The TV pundit did not hold back in his criticism of Arsenal’s “lazy” defense against Leon Bailey’s goal, pointing out their inability to stop the initial cross.READ MORE FOOTBALLMerson said on Sky Sports: “You don’t get these chances, you’ll sit there at home tonight and go it is gone. “For me it is gone. You’ve worked that hard for 32 games to go that extra yard, just one yard, to stop that cross and it is lazy.”When asked if the title was gone for the Gunners Merson said “100 per cent”.Last season Arsenal showed dominance before faltering in the final stages. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis season they hoped to avoid a similar downfall, but their recent loss has given the upper hand back to the reigning champions.And Merson believes the title race is now decided.Gary Neville’s eerily accurate prediction about the title race re-emerges after shock defeats for Arsenal and LiverpoolHe continued: “They are chasing the best team in the world, who do it year in, year out. “They reel off wins – when was the last time they got beat? They just reel them off, we’re not sitting here wondering how City will be for the rest of the season – they’ll reel them off.”If it was someone else they were chasing then every chance, but Arsenal are bang out of luck.”City’s next matches are against Nottingham Forest and Fulham, with their toughest test possibly coming against Tottenham. Arsenal on the other hand face tough opponents like Wolves, Tottenham, and Manchester United in the coming weeks. Although Arsenal suffered their first league defeat of the year Declan Rice believes the title race is still wide open.He said: “I still think there will be plenty more twists and turns to go. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re in a three-horse title race with two unbelievable sides but, as you’ve seen with other results today, the Premier League can throw up anything. “Six finals to go in the Premier League and we’ll give it everything.” More

ERIK TEN HAG has dealt with Alejandro Garnacho after he liked tweets slamming the Manchester United manager.The 19-year-old winger was replaced at half-time by Amad Diallo in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.Alejandro Garnacho’s liking of tweets slamming the manager has been dealt withCredit: GettyErik ten Hag subbed the winger off at half-time in the draw to BournemouthCredit: GettyGarnacho liked two tweets from Mark GoldbridgeAfter the game, Garnacho appeared to give his approval to tweets questioning Ten Hag’s substitution from fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.A spokesman from Man Utd has now confirmed that the matter has now been handled internally.There has been no confirmation on whether Garnacho has been directly punished or not.The player unliked the tweets soon after supporters picked up on his social media activity.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAt the end of the match, Ten Hag explained his decision to take off Garnacho, saying: “I think we had to repair over the right side.”We didn’t play well, the spaces were there. In possession, we had to bring a sub there.”Garnacho was during the week not training, only yesterday. We thought bringing some energy and some more quality, quality in the sense of cooperation and togetherness on that right-hand side.”Ten Hag later added: “There were two or three more occasions where we should have dealt better with the ball.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Then down the right side they were finding ways to hurt us and there were jobs to be done but it was not always done. “Then you get problems. Go with your opponent, that is your job. One part is collaboration and the other is discipline.”Gary Neville reveals telltale signs Erik ten Hag is suffering Man Utd ‘breakdown’ as winless run goes onIn the posts from Goldbridge that Garnacho liked, the fan ranted: “Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post-match press conference.”Not a good look throwing a 19-year-old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he’s clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners.”And in his other tweet, Goldbridge wrote: “Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first-half but taking him off at half-time and holding him up as the problem is a joke. Many have done much worse and are still out there.”The draw against Bournemouth leaves Man Utd 13 points off the top four and their Champions League dream is essentially over.They now face a battle to qualify for the Europa League, as Newcastle are level on points with the Red Devils, while West Ham and Chelsea are hot on their heels.Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag and according to Manchester Evening News, players are even delaying decisions on their futures as they wait to see who will be in charge beyond the summer.They also claim that some stars are convinced the Dutchman will be axed at the end of the season.Ten Hag said last month he has “no doubts” that he will make it into his third year at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is supposedly weighing up his options.There has been talk of interest in ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England manager Gareth Southgate. Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd… but Erik ten Hag probably won’t be around to see itBy Ken Lawrence
ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
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GARY NEVILLE’S prediction about Manchester City winning the Premier League last month could well prove to be eerily accurate.Manchester City are the frontrunners entering the final stretch after shock defeats for Arsenal and Liverpool over the weekend.Gary Neville’s prediction about the Premier League title last month could well prove to be eerily accurateCredit: sky sportsManchester City currently lead the table going into the final stretch of the seasonCredit: EPANeville said on Sky Sports following City’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the derby on March 3 that Liverpool and Arsenal would need to defeat Pep Guardiola’s team to compete for the title.And just a week later City went to Anfield and came away with a 1-1 draw.Then on March 31, Arsenal came to the Etihad Stadium and the title clash ended in a goalless draw.After being unable to defeat City, both Liverpool and Arsenal are now under immense pressure as they navigate the competitive title race.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola’s team thrashed Luton 5-1, while Liverpool suffered a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace and Arsenal was defeated 2-0 by Aston Villa, dealing significant blows to their hopes of winning the title.The win left City ahead by two points in the table with six matches remaining and feeling confident about securing their fourth consecutive title.A video surfaced on Sunday night showing former Manchester United defender Neville correctly predicting this outcome after City’s title competitors suffered defeats.Neville said: “I genuinely think Liverpool and Arsenal have to think they can beat Manchester City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”They have to think this way to create this monumental shift in belief that City have they’re going to win the league, it’s their time of year, they’re experienced, they’ve won three on the bounce.”I always think when we lost titles, whether it be with Chelsea and [Carlo] Ancelotti, or [Sylvain] Wiltord at Old Trafford, or [Marc] Overmars scoring at Old Trafford.Paul Merson rules one team OUT of Premier League title race as Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City’s three-way fight hots up”The team that went on to win it came to Old Trafford and won.”They didn’t just come to Old Trafford and draw and get a point and did OK, they came and shocked us.'”I think that is what Liverpool and Arsenal have to do to take the belief away from this Pep Guardiola team because they’ll think it’s ominous at this moment in time.”The expected outcome did not occur, and now City appears to be the frontrunner for another win due to their extensive title-winning experience in recent years. Guardiola’s team will face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next weekend, while Arsenal and Liverpool will be playing away matches against Wolves and Fulham in the league. More

FORMER Premier League star Francis Jeffers has revealed how he ended up signing for a Maltese club for THREE weeks.The ex-Arsenal and Everton striker made a move to the Meditteranean island in 2012.Francis Jeffers has revealed how he ended up signing for a Maltese club for THREE weeksCredit: GettyJeffers used to play for Premier League sides Everton and ArsenalCredit: GettyJeffers, 43, started his career at his boyhood club Everton before moving on to the Gunners, Charlton, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle Jets and Motherwell.But after leaving the Australian side Newcastle the forward ended up signing for 26-time Maltese Premier League winners Floriana in October 2012.However, after only two appearances and one goal Jeffers left the club.Jeffers exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I didn’t have a club at the time, and someone came to me and told me there was a club in Malta who were interested in signing me. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Without naming any names, I knew the person who was trying to take over the club.”So I went out there and played a couple of games. But what was originally said to me, never ended up materialising.”The former Toffees man only stayed for three weeks but joined the club with pal and ex-Millwall goalkeeper Tony Warner who ended up staying in Malta for the season.He continued: “I actually went out there with Tony Warner, the ex-Millwall goalkeeper. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He was around the Liverpool squad for a few years in the 90s before he moved on, but he’s a friend of mine and so me and him actually went out there together. “We lived out there together for three weeks, I think, before I just said to him “I’m not hanging about here!”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”He ended up staying out there for most of the season I think; he was obviously hanging around to get paid, I think!”The one-cap England star admitted it was a “battle” from when he got there from not receiving paychecks to the lower standard of playing.Jeffers continued: “I quickly realised I was probably going to be hanging around there for a long time before things got moving.”And then obviously I’d had problems with getting paid within the first month, and so I just thought ‘I’m not wasting my time here’.”It probably wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made, to be honest!”The Maltese league has actually got a lot better over the last few years. “So it probably was a case of right place, wrong time, for me. They were trying to get some decent names out there but I just don’t think they were ready at all back then. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I remember going to the training ground, well it wasn’t really a training ground; I just thought ‘this is gong to be a bit of a battle, this…'”Jeffers now coaches was most recently a first-team coach at Oldham Athletic but left last summer to take on a role in Saudi Arabia. More

FORMER England star Micah Richards has highlighted a “tactical flaw” with Manchester United’s current style of play.The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Saturday.Micah Richards claimed Willy Kambwala (L) needed more protection against BournemouthCredit: AFPThe ex-City star claims Kambwala is being exposed by United’s midfieldCredit: Sky SportsRichards highlighted a ‘tactical fault’ in Man Utd’s line-upCredit: GettyDominic Solanke broke the deadlock in the 16th minute but Bruno Fernandes fired his team level at the half-hour mark.Summer signing Justin Kluivert restored Bournemouth’s lead before half-time.However, Fernandes equalised again after the break to clinch a point for Erik ten Hag’s side.United now sit seventh in the Premier League table, 13 points off the top four.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Richards believes there is a fault in Ten Hag’s tactics that is stopping them from winning games.Speaking on the The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-Manchester City star said: “I felt a little bit sorry for [Willy] Kambwala. In terms of protection, Man Utd’s midfield don’t seem to be working together.”They are working hard. I think a lot of people look at the team and think they’re not working. They are actually working hard.”Gary Lineker went on to ask: “In that case Micah, would you say that is a tactical flaw?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Richards responded: “This is exactly to my point. It’s a tactical thing.”So we know [Kobbie] Mainoo is very good now, he’s more than just a No6. He’s a No8 who can get into the box. And sometimes him and Fernandes become on the same line.Gary Neville reveals telltale signs Erik ten Hag is suffering Man Utd ‘breakdown’ as winless run goes on”And Casemiro, fantastic player, but maybe he doesn’t have the legs he used to have where he could dominate the midfield by himself. He needs a little bit more help.”Two of them will press, Fernandes and Mainoo, and there’s a massive gap.”And then Casemiro has to go engage, but young Kambwala, 19 years of age, he’s exposed.”He’s a good player, he did very well, he did very well in the Liverpool game. But at that age, away from home, you just need a little bit more structure.”[Diogo] Dalot, who has been playing really well, had a bad game at right-back. No communication. [Alejandro] Garnacho got subbed at half-time as well so they’re just missing that real lack of, maybe identity in how they want to approach games for different opponents. That’s what I see for Man Utd.”Newcastle legend Alan Shearer went on to highlight the importance of United captain Fernandes.He said: “I know he’s not everyone’s favourite, but where would they be without Bruno Fernandes?”Lineker continued: “Absolutely. He’s a very talented player. It would be interesting to see him in a team that was really structured and going well and successful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s not had that really at Man Utd, whether he’s part and parcel of that I don’t know. He’s a wonderfully gifted footballer there’s no question about that.”Man Utd next face Coventry in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday. More