The Dozen: Pickford flies and red skies – best Premier League photos
27 MINS AGO - Our picture editors choose their favourite images from the weekend’s action Continue reading...
A lack of creativity and composure costs Arsenal again
21 HRS AGO - The Arteta revival of Arsenal is proving as spluttery as most expected. The Sheffield United game Expand
21 HRS AGO - The Arteta revival of Arsenal is proving as spluttery as most expected. The Sheffield United game had positives, but the key thing we’re looking for is a victory and it once again alluded us. The plan for the moment looks fairly clear. Arteta is trying to make us harder to beat, which in the main,... Read more » Collapse
Arsenal v Sheffield United prematch
2 DAYS AGO - I have to admit to feeling disconsolate after last weeks draw against Crystal Palace. Not because Expand
2 DAYS AGO - I have to admit to feeling disconsolate after last weeks draw against Crystal Palace. Not because we played badly or gave the game away but because ‘lady luck’ was definitely against us in the way, Torreira went off at half-time, Palace scored and how Aubameyang went into a tackle that got him sent off. In […] Collapse
Update on the transfer situation
2 DAYS AGO - Well good morning to you, I wrote a post yesterday and it didn’t post, so you’re Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Well good morning to you, I wrote a post yesterday and it didn’t post, so you’re getting a double hit of the good stuff today. 💉 It’s Mikel press conference time, I’m still getting over the novelty of not spending 45 minutes trying to decipher the buried messaging of an Unai prezzer. I also like... Read more » Collapse
Kurzawa has poor injury record and attitude issues… but
3 DAYS AGO - So the news is in, Eddie Nkeitiah has impressed the staff enough to earn a permanent move back to Expand
3 DAYS AGO - So the news is in, Eddie Nkeitiah has impressed the staff enough to earn a permanent move back to London. No Bristol City for him, it’s Holloway Road Nando’s every damn night… what an establishment by the way. Competition will still be tough for the goal poaching Englishman, but I’d imagine he’ll have chances to... Read more » Collapse
How much do the Kroenke’s care if Arsenal are a big club?
5 DAYS AGO - Here on A.A we try and keep everything as positive as possible, both in our comments and topics of Expand
5 DAYS AGO - Here on A.A we try and keep everything as positive as possible, both in our comments and topics of conversation. However, we all know that this is not possible at all times because to ignore other, less favourable, aspects would be burying our head in the sand. I for one am full of hope for […] Collapse
The story of professional fouls: from Willie Young to Federico Valverde
5 DAYS AGO - The red card shown to Valverde in the Spanish Supercup can be traced back to a foul in the FA Cup Expand
5 DAYS AGO - The red card shown to Valverde in the Spanish Supercup can be traced back to a foul in the FA Cup final 40 years agoBy Steven Pye for That 1980s Sports BlogWhen Atlético Madrid striker Álvaro Morata raced through on goal with a few minutes to play in the Spanish Supercopa final, the Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde knew what he had to do. Football constantly changes, but there is always room for classic shithousery. “It was something that I should not have done,” said Valverde. “I apologised to Morata, but it was the only thing I could do because he’s a very fast player.”Valverde’s tackle may not have been in the spirit of fair play, but it worked out well for his team. He was sent off immediately but, by taking out Morata, he helped his teammates stay in the game and play for penalties. Real Madrid went on to win the shootout and Atlético were left wondering what might have been. Not that their manager blamed Valverde. “I told him that he did what he had to do at that Collapse
Arsenal shedding centre backs
7 DAYS AGO - Mikel Arteta has an entire week with his players, the longest gap of time between games since he Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Mikel Arteta has an entire week with his players, the longest gap of time between games since he joined the club. That means more recovery time for the players, more time to spend talking through ideas, and plenty of practice for whatever the plan is against Chris Wilders excellent Sheffield United outfit this weekend. One... Read more » Collapse
Van de Donk sets tone as Arsenal move clear at top of WSL with rout of Brighton
7 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal ease to 4-0 win to go three points ahead of City• Champions make it 11 wins out of 12 in Expand
7 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal ease to 4-0 win to go three points ahead of City• Champions make it 11 wins out of 12 in the leagueArsenal eased to an emphatic 4-0 win at Brighton to move three points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League.Danielle van de Donk and Jill Roord put the league leaders in firm control in the first half, with Jordan Nobbs and Beth Mead rounding off a fine win to pull ahead of Manchester City after their win over Everton on Saturday. Related: ‘The men were screaming. They made me feel I should not be a referee’ Continue reading... Collapse
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We need a new Giroud
3 HRS AGO - Arsenal are looking less like a sinking ship since Mikel Arteta got his hands on the tiller, but Expand
3 HRS AGO - Arsenal are looking less like a sinking ship since Mikel Arteta got his hands on the tiller, but recent performances have highlighted a glaring gap in our crew of jolly sailor boys. While we have all bored each other half to death complaining about the absence of a proper defensive midfielder or pleading for a […] Collapse
Match report – Same old, same old!
1 DAY AGO - Arsenal 1 Sheffield United 1 Match Report Same old, same old! We drop points again to a team with Expand
1 DAY AGO - Arsenal 1 Sheffield United 1 Match Report Same old, same old! We drop points again to a team with nothing more than Effort, Commitment and Organisation. That’s it folks. No amount of team or individual player analysis will, in my opinion, move the debate on, or make me feel more content. So I have a […] Collapse
Mikel Arteta says Reiss Nelson no longer ‘confused’ and can shine at Arsenal
2 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal manager has faith in 20-year-old forward• ‘Now I can see he really wants it’, says Expand
2 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal manager has faith in 20-year-old forward• ‘Now I can see he really wants it’, says ArtetaMikel Arteta has backed Reiss Nelson to become a world-class player with Arsenal, saying the young winger has overcome a “confused” period and is ready to play a pivotal role.Nelson was 20 in December but, despite impressing for England’s Under-21s, his club career is yet to ignite. A loan spell in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim last season brought seven goals and flashes of his considerable ability but also left question marks over his discipline. Arteta has charted his progress ever since overseeing some academy training sessions while his own playing days wound down and believes Nelson is ready to take a significant leap forward. Related: Arsenal v Sheffield United: match preview Continue reading... Collapse
The Princes and the PEA: who will take advantage of Auba’s absence?
3 DAYS AGO - It’s disappointing news that the club’s appeal against Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s red card has Expand
3 DAYS AGO - It’s disappointing news that the club’s appeal against Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s red card has failed and he will miss the next three matches. I know I’m in a minority in thinking the ref’s original decision (yellow card) was correct after Auba’s wild tackle on the Crystal Palace midfielder Max Meyer at the weekend. There was […] Collapse
Arsenal explore possible deal for PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa
3 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal’s two left-backs are currently out injured• Kurzawa is out of contract in the Expand
3 DAYS AGO - • Arsenal’s two left-backs are currently out injured• Kurzawa is out of contract in the summerArsenal are exploring the possibility of a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster a defence ravaged by injury. Contact has been made between the two clubs and, although the Guardian understands a deal remains some way off, Kurzawa is the leading candidate to fill what has become a problem position for Arsenal.The move could be completed before the 31 January transfer deadline and would appeal for several reasons, one of which would be its potentially low cost given that the 27-year-old’s contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires in June. Related: Aubameyang scores and sees red as Arsenal draw at Crystal Palace Continue reading... Collapse
Football transfer rumours: Arsenal in for James Maddison and John Stones?
5 DAYS AGO - Today’s fluff doesn’t want beef for breakfastChristian Eriksen’s move to Internazionale is in Expand
5 DAYS AGO - Today’s fluff doesn’t want beef for breakfastChristian Eriksen’s move to Internazionale is in grave danger of collapse, with Paris Saint-Germain set to make a rival counter-swoop for Tottenham’s wantaway 27-year-old. According to the Mirror the French champions “have been monitoring” the situation and could try to add the Dane to their roster of midfield-based talent – of which they have so much apparently “Eriksen’s only concern could be forcing his way into the side”. Inter have further irons in their English fire, with an interest in Manchester United’s Tahith Chong, who is out of contract in the summer, though they are unlikely to get a clear run at that deal either with Barcelona and Juventus ready to join in the fight. Related: Inter offer £8.5m to sign Tottenham's Christian Eriksen in January Continue reading... Collapse
How computer games have impacted the next generation of players
6 DAYS AGO - I don’t want to toot my own horn over here, but I basically learned to mix sound like Jimmy Expand
6 DAYS AGO - I don’t want to toot my own horn over here, but I basically learned to mix sound like Jimmy Levine yesterday. Yes, I apologise, I made a hash of the volume in the podcast yesterday… but I have just learned how to fix it and combat white noise at the same time. Go on, listen... Read more » Collapse
Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action
7 DAYS AGO - Bournemouth need to find goals fast, Aubameyang’s red card has caused a headache at Arsenal and Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Bournemouth need to find goals fast, Aubameyang’s red card has caused a headache at Arsenal and Ings is in England formBournemouth’s defending left a lot to be desired as they crumbled against Watford but their failure to penetrate Nigel Pearson’s improving side was equally alarming. No team has scored fewer goals in the Premier League this season and those front–foot displays of yesteryear – they scored almost 100 goals en route to promotion in 2015 and more than any team outside the top six last season – feel a distant memory following a ninth defeat in 11 league matches. “Historically we have always been free-scoring and we have always had goals in us,” their manager, Eddie Howe, said. “We have always had the ability – even if we have conceded first – to come back and win games. That is probably where the feeling has gone missing, the creativity and that feeling we are going to score. We have to do better in that respect.” Ben Fisher Continue reading... Collapse
Excessive Farce: Crystal Palace report and Player Ratings
12/01/2020 - If Meghan and Harry have taught us anything it’s that you don’t escape from the Palace unscathed. Expand
12/01/2020 - If Meghan and Harry have taught us anything it’s that you don’t escape from the Palace unscathed. And scathed we most certainly were: by VAR (again), by the “excessive force” rule, by an unlucky deflection (again), by injuries (again) and by erratic officiating (again). Our 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace was a mixed bag […] Collapse
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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action
3 HRS AGO - Grealish, Saka and Chalobah shine in draws, while Newcastle are ready for reinforcements after a Expand
3 HRS AGO - Grealish, Saka and Chalobah shine in draws, while Newcastle are ready for reinforcements after a late winArsenal’s injury problems at left‑back have led them to explore signing Layvin Kurzawa from Paris Saint-Germain. But what if the solution lies closer to home? Bukayo Saka is 18 and earlier this season was being rightly lauded for his rich promise as a flying winger. But he has filled in at full‑back four times in the past month, most recently against Sheffield United on Saturday, and looks the part. Saka is tenacious, diligent, has speed and energy to burn and a knack of picking out teammates with his deliveries. “I think he could,” Mikel Arteta said when asked if Saka could carve out a long-term future in the role. “He is someone that’s never played there before but he’s really trying to do it as well as possible. You can see that he’s got many strengths to play in that position.” Club and manager might have hit upon something far more exciting than they expected. Nick Ames Collapse
John Fleck’s late strike stuns Arsenal to gain Sheffield United a point
1 DAY AGO - For all the improvements Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta, their inability to see a game out Expand
1 DAY AGO - For all the improvements Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta, their inability to see a game out remains chronic. They lost a lead here for the third time in his six-game tenure, continuing a theme that has dogged a miserable Premier League campaign and makes a mid-table finish increasingly likely.A goal on the cusp of half-time by Gabriel Martinelli, the brilliant 18-year-old who stood in ably for suspended captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, looked like being sufficient to win but John Fleck’s superbly-taken equaliser, lashed in seven minutes from time, left Arteta frustrated again and provided fresh evidence of the redoubtable quality Chris Wilder has instilled in Sheffield United. Related: Manchester United baulk at Sporting’s £68m valuation of Bruno Fernandes Related: Manchester City hit by Fernandinho own goal as Crystal Palace grab draw Continue reading... Collapse
Arsenal v Sheffield United: match preview
2 DAYS AGO - Arsenal’s woeful performance when these teams last met, in a 1-0 home win for Sheffield United on Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Arsenal’s woeful performance when these teams last met, in a 1-0 home win for Sheffield United on 21 October, was one of the showings that set Unai Emery’s demise in train. They have perked up since Mikel Arteta’s arrival but, in order to exact revenge on Chris Wilder’s side, will have to find a means of achieving something they have found exceptionally difficult over the past two years: winning a game without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The captain is suspended and Arsenal’s other striker, Alexandre Lacazette, is suffering on a barren run. United’s David McGoldrick knows that feeling but Arsenal’s defence should offer chances to finally find the goal his performances so richly deserve. Nick AmesSaturday 3pm Continue reading... Collapse
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
3 DAYS AGO - Two cerebral coaches meet at the Emirates, shaky Spurs head to Vicarage Road and can United really Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Two cerebral coaches meet at the Emirates, shaky Spurs head to Vicarage Road and can United really end Liverpool’s unbeaten season?Gedson Fernandes started only three league games in 2019 – and was substituted at half-time in one of those – and though he is richly talented there is no guarantee he will enjoy more success at Spurs than his largely underwhelming compatriots Ricardo Rocha, Pedro Mendes (he of the disallowed goal from the halfway line at Old Trafford), Helder Postiga and José Dominguez, the entertaining if only occasionally effective winger who was a light in the darkness of the Gerry Francis-Christian Gross era. Fernandes’ fitness levels are unknown but there are easier debuts than against an in-form Watford side that have discovered their collective mettle. The former Tottenham midfielder Étienne Capoue is providing many of the qualities José Mourinho could use from the base of midfield. In their next four league games, Spurs play three of the current bottom four in Collapse
Arsenal await security all clear for February training trip to Dubai
4 DAYS AGO - • Mikel Arteta looking at four-day break in UAE• Possible FA Cup replay could also affect Expand
4 DAYS AGO - • Mikel Arteta looking at four-day break in UAE• Possible FA Cup replay could also affect Arsenal’s travel plansArsenal will assess security advice before deciding whether or not to press on with plans to spend a four‑day mid‑season break in Dubai, although the FA Cup could also interfere with Mikel Arteta’s intention to take his players away for warm‑weather training.Arteta intends to take advantage of the Premier League’s mid-season break, which gives Arsenal a rare free weekend on 8 and 9 February, by decamping to the United Arab Emirates with the squad. They made a similar trip in March 2019 under Unai Emery but, with Manchester United having cancelled their plans to visit the Middle East because of tensions between the US and Iran, the club will take guidance before making a decision. Related: Football transfer rumours: Arsenal in for James Maddison and John Stones? Continue reading... Collapse
Mesut Ozil charm offensive
5 DAYS AGO - The Mikel Arteta fan club just keeps on growing, the latest fan to voice his bold opinions on the Expand
5 DAYS AGO - The Mikel Arteta fan club just keeps on growing, the latest fan to voice his bold opinions on the manager isssssssss… Mesut Ozil. The German, who metaphorically garroted Unai Emery with his IDGAF performances, had many nice things to say about his new boss. “Fighting and having possession, being in control of the game, having... Read more » Collapse
Can Gran-Douzi Work?
7 DAYS AGO - Saturday’s injury to Lucas Torreira should focus the mind on what we do when he’s not available. Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Saturday’s injury to Lucas Torreira should focus the mind on what we do when he’s not available. He went off at half time after some rough-house treatment from Crystal Palace’s players (and with the useless referee having given him no protection). It was bad timing for the pint-sized Uruguayan dynamo: since Unai Emery’s departure he […] Collapse
The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos
7 DAYS AGO - Hero tatts and upside down play in this week’s roundup of the best top-flight picturesView the Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Hero tatts and upside down play in this week’s roundup of the best top-flight picturesView the Dozen archive Continue reading... Collapse
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