Premier League
Arsenal Plot Gueye Move
In an attempt to add some steel to their team, Arsenal are reportedly set to make a move for Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye in the summer.
While their more immediate focus is on securing a top four Premier League finish this season, Arsene Wenger will have to make a decision on his future.
According to British newspaper, The Mirror though, the decision is seemingly made as he is already working on transfer targets, which has led to the report that the Gunners will look to sign Gueye.
The 27-year-old initially impressed with Aston Villa after moving to England, but he couldn’t do enough to save them from relegation last season. In turn, he secured a move to Goodison Park where he has played an influential role for Ronald Koeman’s side, but he could now be set to move on again if Arsenal’s interest is genuine.
Naturally, Everton won’t want to sell Gueye, but the report suggests that Arsenal will try their luck and attempt to prise him away in order to add some real energy and tenacity to their midfield.
It’s been a constant criticism of the Gunners over the years, as many will argue that they have never sufficiently replaced the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva who left 12 and nine years ago respectively.
Wenger has shown a lot of faith in the likes of Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and several others in the time since, but it hasn’t resulted in major trophies arriving at the club.
If he is to sign a new deal then it will undoubtedly lead to a furious reaction from those who want him out. Nevertheless, if he comes with the promise of a summer of heavy spending to turn this squad into one capable of winning the Premier League, then perhaps it could change the general mood at Arsenal.
Premier League
Criticism part of life at Manchester United, Fernandes says
Players must accept criticism as readily as praise at Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes said after the Portuguese midfielder rescued his side with two goals in a 4-2 home Premier League victory over Sheffield United.
Fernandes made it 2-2 from the penalty spot in the 61st minute then put United ahead with a long-range strike 20 minutes later after the hosts had fallen behind twice against the Premier League’s bottom team
United had come in for heavy criticism following Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City where they squandered a 3-0 lead before going through via a penalty shoot-out.
Fernandes told reporters that the intense demands of playing at a club like United meant winning was the only thing that mattered.
“You can be in a run of games where you win nine in a row, and when you lose one you know you’ll be criticised,” he added.
“Being at United demands winning every game, that’s part of our job. If there is anyone in the dressing room still not used to that, they will get used to it.
“Being a Manchester United player demands being ready to receive as much criticism as praise. We receive praise when we do good things so we can’t be annoyed by the criticism.”
United, who had failed to win their last four league matches, moved up to sixth with Wednesday’s win. They next host Burnley on Saturday.
-Reuters
Premier League
Manchester United fight back twice from behind to beat Sheffield United
Manchester United’s chaotic high-scoring form continued at Old Trafford as they twice came from behind to overcome spirited Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund struck in the final nine minutes to ensure the win.
Manchester United captain Fernandes followed up an excellent pinpoint 25-yard drive by hooking back the cross five minutes from time that allowed Hojlund to score his first goal since February.
As in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, it was a favourable outcome in the end for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag.
But there are some staggering statistics to go with their recent results. In total, 27 goals have now been scored in their past five games. They have conceded and scored at least two in all of them.
In entertainment terms, it is sensational. However, there is zero sense of structure and it can only be wondered what new technical director Jason Wilcox made of it as he watched his first game in the Old Trafford directors’ box since his appointment was confirmed last week.
After railing against the media the day before the game, labelling coverage of the Coventry match “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”, Ten Hag’s team failed to follow up by convincing on the pitch.
Without a win since February and with only three in the league all season, Sheffield United led twice, through Jayden Bogle in the first half and Ben Brereton Diaz in the second.
The home side levelled each time, courtesy of Harry Maguire’s deft header and Fernandes’ penalty.
And Manchester United eventually claimed the points to move back into sixth spot.
Premier League
Five-Star Arsenal hammer Chelsea to move three points clear at the top
Ruthless Arsenal threw down the gauntlet in the Premier League title race with a 5-0 thrashing of London rivals Chelsea to roar three points clear at the top of the table on Tuesday.
Any remaining doubts about Arsenal’s staying power were answered emphatically as Leandro Trossard gave them an early lead before Ben White and Kai Havertz scored two each in a dazzling spell after the break to sweep aside a dazed Chelsea.
It was a powerful statement by Arsenal who have recovered impressively from a home defeat by Aston Villa and bowing out of the Champions League and with four games remaining they are piling the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arsenal have 77 points from 34 games with Liverpool, who face Everton on Wednesday, on 74 from 33. Reigning champions Manchester City have 73 points but have two games in hand starting with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday.
It was the sixth time Arsenal have scored five or more in a Premier League game this season and in such a tight race they have a huge goal difference advantage which could prove crucial.
For ninth-placed Chelsea it was their heaviest ever defeat by Arsenal and a hammer blow in their bid to creep into a European place just days after their narrow FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City.
-Reuters
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
Remo Stars add fuel to the fire as title chase turns East – West battle
-
UEFA Champions League1 week ago
Nigerians among Leverkusen’s African quintetin historic Bundesliga triumph
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
Rangers tenaciously hold on at Nigeria League top position
-
CAF Confederation Cup22 hours ago
Nigeria’s Samson Adamu signs Algeria’s USM match forfeiture
-
OBITUARY1 week ago
Another Germany World Cup winner dies
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
Heartland back to their homeland as they host Shooting Stars
-
FEDERATION CUP6 days ago
BREAKING! Federation Cup acquires presidential nomenclature…7th name since inception
-
CAF Confederation Cup6 days ago
Confederation Cup runs into crisis as Moroccan players of RS Berkane are stranded at Algerian airport following seizure of jerseys and equipment