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  • EPL: Arsenal’s title hopes hit by draw at Everton

    EPL: Arsenal’s title hopes hit by draw at Everton

    Arsenal’s faint Premier League title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow as they were held to a draw at Everton.

    The result means leaders Liverpool require only 11 points from their remaining eight games – starting with Fulham on Sunday – to guarantee themselves the title.

    The first half an hour was a tetchy, stop-start affair but Arsenal broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with the first shot on target of the contest as Leandro Trossard drilled home a cool finish on the counter following Raheem Sterling’s pass.

    Goalscorer Trossard could have doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time but his toe-poked effort was scrambled away by Jordan Pickford, while Declan Rice’s follow-up was blocked.

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    Everton equalised when they were awarded a penalty a minute into the second half – Myles Lewis-Skelly bundling over Jack Harrison inside the box and Iliman Ndiaye nervelessly stroking in the spot-kick.

    The Toffees were rejuvenated after a poor first half showing and Abdoulaye Doucoure forced David Raya into a sharp save low down while at the other end, Rice’s thunderous free-kick was batted away by England team-mate Pickford.

    Neither side were able to find a winning goal as Everton provided a boost to local rivals Liverpool by claiming a point.

  • Things to know as Arsenal battles Chelsea for EPL glory

    Things to know as Arsenal battles Chelsea for EPL glory

    As the Premier League season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated showdown between Arsenal and Chelsea — a match that would have major implications for the title race. 

    Both teams have been in impressive form this season, and with only a handful of fixtures left, every point matters in the battle for Premier League supremacy. Here’s a detailed look at the key factors surrounding this high-stakes encounter:  

    Title race implications 

    Arsenal and Chelsea are both firmly in the mix for the Premier League title, with Manchester City also lurking close behind. Arsenal, seeking their first league title since the “Invincibles” season in 2003–04, have shown remarkable consistency under Mikel Arteta. 

    Chelsea, rejuvenated under new management, have mounted an unexpected challenge after a rocky start to the campaign. A win for either side could tilt the balance of the title race, while a draw would open the door for Manchester City to close the gap.  

    Head-to-head record 

    Recent meetings between Arsenal and Chelsea have produced mixed results. Arsenal have enjoyed an edge in recent years, winning four of their last five Premier League meetings against Chelsea, including a convincing 3–1 victory earlier in the season at Stamford Bridge. 

    However, Chelsea’s form has improved dramatically since then, with a more balanced squad and tactical stability under their new manager.  

    Key players to watch

    Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) : Ethan Nwaneri has impressed for Arsenal this season, scoring five Premier League goals and shining in the Champions League with a key goal against PSV. Troy Deeney has backed him for an England senior call-up, while Martin Keown has advised managing his workload carefully due to his young age.

    Declan Rice (Arsenal): The summer signing has added steel to Arsenal’s midfield, combining defensive solidity with forward thrust. His ability to control the tempo of the game could be pivotal.  

    Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, delivering key goals and assists. His movement and ability to find space between the lines make him a difficult player to mark.  

    Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): The Argentine playmaker has grown in influence, dictating Chelsea’s play with his vision and passing range. His duel with Rice in midfield could determine the flow of the game.  

    Tactical battle

    Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have built their success on a well-organized defense and a fluid attacking system. Their high press and quick transitions have troubled many teams this season.

    Chelsea, under their new manager, have adopted a more compact defensive shape while relying on quick counterattacks and creative play from the midfield. 

    The tactical battle between Arteta and his Chelsea counterpart will be fascinating, with both managers expected to adjust their approach based on the flow of the game.  

    Injury concerns and squad depth 

    Both teams have managed injuries throughout the season, but Arsenal’s squad depth has been a key strength. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have recently returned to fitness, giving Arteta more options. Chelsea have also welcomed back key players, though concerns remain over the fitness of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku. Squad rotation and the ability to call upon game-changers from the bench could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.  

    Mental strength and pressure

    Arsenal’s young squad showed signs of nerves in last season’s title race, ultimately falling short to Manchester City. This season, they appear more mature and composed, but the pressure of a title run-in is always intense.

    Chelsea, despite being relative outsiders in the title race, have the experience of winning major trophies — a factor that could work in their favor in the closing stages of the season.  

    What’s at stake

    A win for Arsenal would keep them on course for their first league title in two decades, reinforcing Arteta’s project and marking a return to the top of English football. For Chelsea, a win would not only keep their title hopes alive but also serve as a statement of intent under their new leadership. A draw, meanwhile, would likely benefit Manchester City, who remain in striking distance of both teams.  

    Conclusion

    With so much on the line, the Arsenal vs. Chelsea clash promises to be a tense and thrilling encounter. Both teams have the quality to win, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the Premier League title race. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle, with moments of brilliance and drama likely to define the contest.

    Kick Off

    2:00pm 

    Predicted Arsenal XI to face Chelsea

    Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli

    Predicted Chelsea XI to face Arsenal

    Jorgensen, James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku, Neto

    Bet Predictions 

    Over 1.5goals 

  • Arsenal can win the Champions League, says Henry

    Arsenal can win the Champions League, says Henry

    Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge looks shot and they are still hamstrung by injuries but Champions League glory is within reach, according to former great Thierry Henry.

    Arsenal obliterated PSV Eindhoven 7-1 away on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash and all but guaranteed a quarter-final meeting with either holders Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid next month.

    Jurrien Timber, scorer of Arsenal’s opening goal, said before the trip to the Netherlands that it was a chance for Mikel Arteta’s side to change the narrative after a disappointing run of form in the Premier League.

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    And the dazzling display at the Philips Stadion certainly did that as Arsenal made a massive statement of intent.

    Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer who played in the 2006 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona, believes that the title race being virtually over will allow the London club to focus squarely on Europe.

    “Yes, they can (win the Champions League),” Henry told CBS Sports Golazo. “I do believe that, this is why I called it.

    “I’m just saying now, show us that you can do that against a good team, with people that are coming back.

    “No disrespect to Eindhoven, I really thought it was going to be difficult, especially away from home but they made it look easy. I think they had an outstanding game.”

    Arsenal would be at a slight disadvantage in the quarter-final with the home leg first, but Henry said the display against PSV should fill them with confidence.

    “We all know that the (Premier) League is over. Apart from if something crazy happens but what I’m trying to say is that this game can help maybe to be confident in this competition and the game that you have after, Real Madrid or Atletico,” the Frenchman said.

    “Sometimes I think the path to the final can at times help or not, but if you want to win the competition you have to go through these teams.”

  • Carabao Cup : Arsenal, Liverpool seek final spot live on GOtv

    Carabao Cup : Arsenal, Liverpool seek final spot live on GOtv

    Premier League title contenders Arsenal and Liverpool face uphill battles as they seek to overturn first-leg deficits in their Carabao Cup semifinal clashes.

    Arsenal, trailing 2-0 from the first leg against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, must produce a strong performance at St. James’ Park today to stand a chance of reaching the final at Wembley.

    Mikel Arteta’s side has lost three of their last four visits to Newcastle, including a 1-0 league defeat earlier this season. However, Arteta remains optimistic, stating, “Nothing is impossible. We have to go there with the mindset to turn the tie.” Fans can watch the match live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 pm tonight.

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    Defending champions Liverpool will host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield tomorrow, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Reds boast a strong home record against Spurs, having won four of their last five encounters at Anfield. The match will be live on GOtv channel 65 at 9 pm on Thursday.

    Arne Slot’s team, chasing a historic quadruple, will be eager to keep their dream alive in front of a passionate home crowd. Liverpool thrashed Spurs 6-3 in the league earlier this season, and a similar result would comfortably send them to the final.

    Meanwhile, Spurs, without a major trophy since winning the Carabao Cup in 2008, are hoping to end their drought. Manager Ange Postecoglou, who has a history of securing silverware in his second season, will be determined to guide his side to the final.

    GOtv subscribers can take advantage of the Step-Up offer to enjoy more football action across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, Europa League, and Carabao Cup matches. Customers on the Jolli package who upgrade to Max will be automatically upgraded to Supa, while those upgrading to Supa will gain access to Supa Plus at no extra cost. The offer is available until March 31.

  • Arsenal crush Man City to stay firmly in title hunt

    Arsenal crush Man City to stay firmly in title hunt

    Arsenal delivered a statement of intent in the Premier League title race with a 5-1 hammering of champions Manchester City to close the gap at the top to six points.

    Captain Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal into a second-minute lead and City were finished off in ruthless fashion after the break with teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri both on target for the rampant Gunners.

    Erling Haaland’s 55th -minute equaliser, his 250th  senior career goal, had briefly raised City’s hopes, but they could have no complaints as any lingering chance of winning a fifth successive title surely disappeared into the north London night.

    Arsenal are now 14 games unbeaten in the league and have 50 points from 24 games with leaders Liverpool on 56 from 23.

    Manchester City are a distant fourth with 41.

    Arsenal have been accused of being over-reliant on set-piece goals this season but on Sunday they played with fluency and flare to rack up their biggest home win of the league season.

    “It was a top game, a top performance and with the fans and the atmosphere it can’t be better, so very happy,” Odegaard said. “In the end, I think we got what we deserved.”

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    City, whose six-game unbeaten run in the league had suggested they were returning to form, were generally second-best apart from a lively spell before halftime when Arsenal keeper David Raya was forced into a couple of crucial saves.

    “It is difficult. I think all of us don’t take losing well,” City defender John Stones said. “It is hard to put into words straight after a game like that.

    “How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable.”

    Sloppy City gifted Arsenal the lead when Manuel Akanji was put in trouble by teammate John Stones and was dispossessed before Kai Havertz calmly set up Odegaard to sweep home from close range despite an attempted block by Stones.

    With City at sixes and sevens, Arsenal thought they had made it 2-0 shortly afterwards when Gabriel Martinelli lifted a shot past Stefan Ortega but was adjudged to be offside.

    City were spared further punishment when they again lost the ball playing out from the back and Havertz, with the whole goal to aim at, somehow dragged his shot wide.

    Haaland touched the ball only six times in the first half but came alive in the 55th minute to head in Savinho’s cross.

    For a moment it looked as though Arsenal’s earlier misses might haunt them but 38 seconds after the restart Phil Foden gave the ball away and Thomas Partey’s shot deflected off Stones to leave Ortega with no chance.

  • EPL: Arsenal beat Wolves despite Lewis-Skelly red

    EPL: Arsenal beat Wolves despite Lewis-Skelly red

    Riccardo Calafiori fired 10-man Arsenal to a Premier League win at Wolves after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card.

    Referee Michael Oliver’s first-half decision to send off Lewis-Skelly – after he fouled Matt Doherty 30 yards from the hosts’ goal to stop the Wolves defender breaking from a corner – stunned the Gunners.

    At 18 years and 121 days, Lewis-Skelly became the third youngest player to be sent off in the Premier League, behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

    Joao Gomes’ dismissal, for a second yellow card after a foul on Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes left, was more routine but it will be no more than a footnote.

    Lewis-Skelly’s red could have had an immediate impact on the title race if the second-placed Gunners dropped points to fall further behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Ipswich 4-1.

    But they showed resilience to snatch the victory thanks to Calafiori, on as a substitute following a half-time reshuffle.

    The defender’s fine low finish with 16 minutes left kept the Gunners six points adrift of Liverpool.

    Myles-Skelly’s 43rd-minute red ignited what had been a forgettable game, with the only early talking point Wolves fans’ chants against owners Fosun, calling on them to “back the team or sell the club” with their side 17th in the table.

    Pablo Sarabia volleyed over and Kai Havertz nodded wide before he was denied by Jose Sa.

    Havertz again went close after the break with Matheus Cunha threatening twice before Calafiori pounced.

    BBC

  • Arsenal will sack Arteta next season, says Mikel Obi  

    Arsenal will sack Arteta next season, says Mikel Obi  

    John Obi Mikel has issued a striking prediction about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s future if he fails to secure the Premier League title next season.

    Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed doubts about Arsenal’s ability to clinch the title, suggesting that Arteta should consider stepping down if he fails to deliver success by the end of the 2025/2026 campaign.

    “It’s Liverpool’s to lose. I don’t think Arsenal will win it. If Mikel Arteta doesn’t win the league next season, I think he should leave the football club,” Mikel stated.  

    Arsenal, who have closely competed with Manchester City for the Premier League crown over the past three seasons, currently sit second in the table.

    The Gunners have accumulated 40 points from 20 matches, trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, with Arne Slot’s side having played one game fewer.

    Mikel highlighted Arsenal’s heavy financial investment under Arteta, reportedly nearing £800 million, and warned that failure to win the league next season could warrant managerial changes.

    “That’s going to be seven seasons and you have spent close to 800 million. I don’t think they are going to win the league this season. If he doesn’t win the league next season, I think he should walk because City are going to be back,” Mikel added.

    The former Chelsea star also cautioned that Arsenal could face a mental hurdle if they continue to falter in the title race. 

    He predicted that several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle, would strengthen significantly next season, making the challenge even tougher for Arteta’s squad.

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    “Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle are going to get stronger. For me, the only time that Manchester City were struggling, for me this is when Arsenal should have been there,” Mikel remarked.

    He further criticized Arsenal’s inability to handle pressure in the title race: “I keep saying it yearly they will bottle it. That’s Arsenal, it’s a known fact. Arsenal can’t find a way to win the league. It is a mental side of things, I think mentally, obviously because they have been fighting with City for the past three years, I think that has drained them because they have not been able to get over the line. They can’t sustain that pressure, we can see that this year.”

    The Nigerian also raised concerns about injuries in Arsenal’s squad, particularly the absence of Bukayo Saka. 

    Mikel stressed the importance of Saka’s attacking influence alongside Martin Odegaard and how his absence weakens the team significantly.

    “And when you have your best player, now he’s going to be out till March, that’s the worry. And Odegaard when he doesn’t have a Saka, it’s still not the same because they both combine really well on that right-hand side.”

    “When you have a player like Saka out that can get you goals and create chances, it’s a worry for Mikel Arteta. He needs to find a way to win games.”

    Concluding his remarks, Mikel reiterated his stance on Arteta’s future: “For me, it’s a worry, if he doesn’t win the league next season, I think he should raise his hands and walk. That’s what I believe because that’s going to be his seventh season.”

    “I think the Arsenal fans will agree with me on that, sometimes you can take a team to a level, if you think you can’t get them over the line, then walk.”

  • Arsenal beat Brentford to close gap with Liverpool

    Arsenal beat Brentford to close gap with Liverpool

    Arsenal showed they can cope without the injured Bukayo Saka as they began the year in style by recovering from an early sucker-punch to beat Brentford 3-1 away and move back into second place in the Premier League.

    Forward Saka, arguably Arsenal’s most influential player this season, has been ruled out for at least two months after hamstring surgery, dealing a blow to the club’s title hopes.

    A visit to a Brentford side who have been dominant at home this season felt like a must-win game for Arsenal but things began badly as Bryan Mbeumo gave the hosts a 13th minute lead with the home side’s first attack.

    Arsenal did not panic, though, and Gabriel Jesus continued his recent form to equalize before halftime with a diving header.

    Mikel Arteta’s side came out firing in the second half and Mikel Merino put them ahead five minutes after the restart after Brentford failed to deal with a corner.

    Three minutes later Gabriel Martinelli produced a clinical volleyed finish to put Arsenal in control.

    The victory lifted Arsenal above Chelsea and Nottingham Forest with 39 points from 19 games with leaders Liverpool on 45 from 18. Injury-hit Brentford’s second home defeat of the season left them in 12th spot with 24 points from 19 games.

    Defeat would have left Arsenal nine points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, but the way they reacted to going behind suggests they can still be a factor in the title race.

    “To come here and play the way we played is amazing. Of course, the most important thing is the three points and we did it, but then the most important thing was how we reacted and we did it,” Jesus, who has scored six goals in his last four games for Arsenal in all competitions, as many as in his previous 48 games for the club, told TNT.

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    Arsenal did not lose a London derby in 2024 and have started off in similar fashion.

    They were caught cold, though, when Brentford burst forward in the 13th minute and Mbeumo was given too much space to cut in from the right and fire a shot past David Raya.

    Raya was almost left red-faced soon after when he allowed a Mbeumo shot to burst through his gloves but he managed to race back and claw the ball off the line.

    It proved a pivotal moment as less than a minute later Brentford were guilty of failing to clear the ball and it eventually arrived for Thomas Partey to fire a shot that was parried by Mark Flekken and Jesus dived to head in the rebound.

    Arsenal’s efficiency from set-pieces was evident again early in the second half when a corner caused chaos in the area and Merino was able to fire home a loose ball.

    Martinelli then gave the visitors breathing space with a superb finish.

  • Petit: Arsenal need Osimhen as alternate striker

    Petit: Arsenal need Osimhen as alternate striker

    Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has urged the club to make a move for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window.

    The Gunners have scored 29 goals in the Premier League this season, the fourth-highest in the division, but strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have struggled with consistency.

    Havertz has five goals but has found the back of the net just once in the last seven games, while Jesus has been in poorer form as has not scored in 12 league games.

    Arsenal trail league leaders Liverpool by six points, but have played one more game than the Reds.

    The former French international urged Arsenal to reinforce their attacking options, citing Osimhen as a good target.

    “I think Arsenal needs one or two more players, especially up front and maybe on the left flank to make rotations and to bring more qualities as well,” Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal, said to talkSPORT.

    “They need a really, really good striker that can score goals because I really like Kai Havertz, sometimes [Gabriel] Jesus can do the job.

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    “But a typical striker that can score 20, 30 goals per season, this is exactly what Arsenal needs.

    “I really like Osimhen. I think he’s on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain as well. I like Leao from AC Milan. They are different players but they are performing well at their clubs.”

    Osimhen has been in great form for Galatasaray, scoring 10 goals in 13 games. He is the Turkish giants’ top scorer this term.

  • Arsenal’s Premier League title bid dented by Fulham

    Arsenal’s Premier League title bid dented by Fulham

    Arsenal blew a chance to close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just four points on Sunday, coming away from Fulham with a frustrating 1-1 draw.

    Bukayo Saka had a late winner ruled out for offside by a VAR review as the Gunners’ four-match winning streak was halted in west London.

    Raul Jimenez fired Fulham into an early lead before William Saliba levelled after yet another Arsenal goal from a corner.

    Mikel Arteta’s men edge above Chelsea into second place, six points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand after their clash at Everton on Saturday was postponed due to high winds.

    “We are very disappointed not to win the game, overall, we absolutely dominated the game from start to end,” Arteta told the BBC. “We did all the things that we wanted to do during the game and unfortunately, we concede one goal in one shot. The way the team played, the way the team wanted to win, it was unbelievable.”

    Arsenal were still without influential defensive pair Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori through injury and Fulham exposed a makeshift left side of the Gunners’ backline to take the lead.

    Kenny Tete’s ball in behind was pounced on by Jimenez, who drove forward and fired brilliantly across David Raya into the far corner on 11 minutes.

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    The opening goal came against the run of play and after that Fulham were forced back by an Arsenal side desperate to get back on level terms.

    Saka’s shot was comfortably saved by Bernd Leno in the visitors’ best effort of the first half.

    Arsenal underlined their threat from set-pieces when they scored twice from corners to beat Manchester United 2-0 in midweek.

    Yet for all their preparations, Fulham were still powerless to prevent the corner kings from striking again.

    Saliba stabbed home Kai Havertz’s header from close range for Arsenal’s 23rd goal from corners since the beginning of last season.

    Another corner should have led to the winner but Thomas Partey nodded wide when unmarked from another pinpoint Declan Rice delivery.

    Saka did head in at the back post as stoppage time approached, but Gabriel Martinelli had strayed offside before supplying the cross.

    The dropped points could prove hugely costly as Arsenal chase their first Premier League title since 2004.

    Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester struck twice late on to deny Brighton in a 2-2 draw at the King Power.

    Tariq Lamptey opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with a looping effort into the top corner from outside the box on 37 minutes and Yankuba Minteh looked to have sealed the three points for the Seagulls 11 minutes from time.

    But Jamie Vardy started the comeback on 86 minutes before teeing up Bobby De Cordova-Reid to snatch a point in stoppage time.

    Van Nistelrooy, appointed at the King Power late last month, praised 37-year-old striker Vardy.

    “If you are on the scoresheet and make an assist, then you have to say this result would not be possible without him,” said the Dutchman. “It’s also the performance of the whole team, of course, that puts him in position.”

    Bournemouth also scored twice in the dying minutes to deny Ipswich a first home win in the top flight for 22 years in a 2-1 win at Portman Road.

    Conor Chaplin put Ipswich in front, but the Cherries move up to eighth after substitutes Enes Unal and Dango Ouattara turned the game around in the dying minutes.

    Ipswich remain four points adrift of safety in the bottom three.