Arsenal - The African Mirror

Apr

2024

Premier League talking points

TALKING points from the weekend's Premier League matches. 'CHOKERS' TAG REARS ITS HEAD AFTER ARSENAL LOSS Arsenal's league form in 2024 has been scintillating, the side picking up 31 points from 11 games before a 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday saw them lose ground on Manchester City. But the nature of the loss, squandering multiple chances in a dominant first-half display before conceding a late quickfire double, will revive questions about the Gunners' mentality after their title challenge petered out last season. This term Arsenal have largely answered those questions, displaying greater mental strength, and remain just two points behind…

Apr

2024

By Manfred Zwecker

Premier League talking points

FOOTBALL

TALKING points from the weekend in the Premier League: LIVELY LIVERPOOL SET UP FOR KLOPP SEND-OFF Liverpool's players showed against Brighton & Hove Albion they are ready and willing to do everything in their power to give coach Juergen Klopp a successful send-off as he enters his final months as manager. Sunday's comeback win featured everything that Klopp holds dear -- suffocating pressure high up the field, quick decisions and little skill from his attacking players turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win for the home side. The win put Liverpool back on top of the table and the…

Apr

2024

By LORI EWING

Man City and Arsenal draw 0-0 to hand Liverpool title-race advantage

FOOTBALL

ARSENAL nullified reigning champions Manchester City in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium, allowing Liverpool to take top spot on a pivotal day in the Premier League's three-way title race Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, in the hunt for their first league title in 20 years, are second in the table on 65 points with nine games remaining, while City are third with 64. Liverpool, on 67 points, claimed the lead with their 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Sunday. "No way can you be fully happy (with just a point)," Arteta told Sky Sports. "Listen, I think we…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Liverpool go top after 2-1 comeback win over Brighton

FOOTBALL

STRIKER Mohamed Salah scored the winner as Liverpool came back from a goal down to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and go top of the Premier League ahead of Manchester City's showdown with Arsenal. Salah's sublime second-half strike leaves Liverpool on 67 points, three ahead of second-placed Arsenal and four ahead of City on a pivotal day in the title race. The Egyptian striker tormented Brighton, taking 12 shots to notch up his highest total in a Premier League game and, even though only one of them found the back of the net, it was to prove vital. Danny…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Premier League talking points

FOOTBALL

TALKING points from the weekend's Premier League games: GUARDIOLA SHOWS RUTHLESS TOUCH AS DE BRUYNE HOOKED When Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was substituted after 69 minutes of a rip-roaring contest at Anfield with the game locked at 1-1 and the top spot up for grabs there was widespread surprise, not least from the Belgian playmaker. De Bruyne, a key component of five Premier League title triumphs, was not impressed and made his feelings known to manager Pep Guardiola who sent on the more defensively-minded Mateo Kovacic. City hung on for the draw in the face of a Liverpool onslaught,…

Mar

2024

By LORI EWING

Mac Allister penalty earns 1-1 draw for Liverpool in Man City thriller

SPORT

ALEXIS Mac Allister fired home a second-half penalty as Liverpool claimed a point against Manchester City in a breathless 1-1 Premier League blockbuster at Anfield that left Arsenal top of the table. Liverpool is second, level on 64 points with the Gunners who lead on goal difference, with 10 games remaining of a thrilling three-way title race. Holders City, who is unbeaten in 21 games across all competitions, is third on 63. Arsenal climbed top with their 2-1 win against Brentford on Saturday. City looked poised to hand manager Pep Guardiola his second victory in nine trips to the cauldron…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Arsenal’s Partey back for Sheffield United visit, Arteta says

FOOTBALL

THOMAS Partey is set to return to the Arsenal squad after a four-month absence when they visit bottom side Sheffield United, manager Mikel Arteta said. The Ghana international has had multiple injury problems this season and hasn't played since October, with just four Premier League appearances this campaign. "Thomas had a session before the last game and now he's done two consecutive sessions and he should be part of the squad," Arteta told reporters on Thursday. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both out with calf issues, are close to recovery but not certain for Monday, Arteta said. "It's possible but…

Feb

2024

By MARTYN HERMAN

Arsenal smash six past woeful West Ham to send title message

FOOTBALL

ARSENAL exacted sweet revenge on West Ham United with a 6-0 away thrashing to stay right in the thick of the Premier League title race, obliterating their hosts before halftime. Mikel Arteta's side had lost twice against their London rivals this season but were 4-0 ahead by halftime with goals by William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard. The punishment continued in the second half with Saka making it 5-0 before former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who assisted two goals in the opening period, thumped his team's sixth on a day of abject humiliation for the hosts. It…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Arsenal beat Wolves to go four points clear at top

FOOTBALL

ARSENAL moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League as early goals by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard fired them to a 2-1 victory at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In freezing temperatures, Arsenal made a lightning-fast start and the points always looked secure from the moment captain Odegaard doubled their advantage in the 13th minute. Saka had given Mikel Arteta's side the lead in the sixth minute after some intricate link-up play sent him clear. Wolves re-grouped and gradually began to make a few inroads although Arsenal were untroubled until Matheus Cunha shot powerfully past home keeper…

Nov

2023

By The African Mirror

Newcastle’s Bruno and Willock racially abused on social media after Arsenal game

FOOTBALL

NEWCASTLE United have condemned racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock on social media following Saturday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League. "Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football or society," the club said. "We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account." Bruno escaped a booking for a late elbow on Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in a tense and fractious contest at St James' Park. Willock, a former Arsenal player, was involved…