Redacción deportes, 2 feb (EFE).- En las expectativas ofensivas e igualadas que despierta un partido entre el Arsenal y el Manchester City, más aún en sus últimos precedentes, el duelo de este domingo en Londres fue una exhibición de pegada del equipo ‘gunner’, que atormentó con cinco goles al Manchester City, tremendamente vulnerable.
La realidad es muy dura para el vigente campeón. La caída de este domingo es estrepitosa. Sólo un vistazo a la clasificación lo refleja con nitidez. Son 15 puntos por detrás del Liverpool, el líder de la ‘Premier League’ y que, con un encuentro menos, va seis por delante del Arsenal.
El conjunto dirigido por Mikel Arteta ya es la única alternativa a los ‘Reds’ en la competencia por el título de la liga, subido en una racha de 14 jornadas sin derrota, de las que ganó nueve. No cae desde el 2 de noviembre.
Cuando se sentía más cerca de la solución que del conflicto, después de encadenar seis jornadas sin derrota en la Premier tras venir de una crisis desconocida e impensable, el Manchester City entendió que aún no es -ni de lejos-, sobre todo atrás, el equipo que ha sido en los últimos años y que debe ser para creer en algo más que una temporada de transición insólita, impropia de su ambición, sus prestaciones y su nómina de jugadores.
Mientras asoma el Real Madrid en la sonora eliminatoria de la Liga de Campeones, el equipo celeste está en proceso de recomposición (o descomposición, visto el 5-1 en contra) sobre el terreno, más allá de su inversión en el mercado de invierno, principalmente con los 75 millones de euros de Omar Marmoush, cuya incorporación es un incentivo para la reacción del City. Aún es intermitente.
Pero las concesiones atrás del City son tan escandalosas como sus inseguridades. Es inconcebible un inicio tan terrorífico en un encuentro de esta dimensión. La visita al Arsenal empezó para el grupo de Pep Guardiola con una pifia en la salida de Manuel Akanji que fue fatal: recuperó Rice, combinó con Havertz y Odegaard marcó el 1-0. Todo muy sencillo.
En un minuto y 44 segundos. Un regalo. Son tan habituales en este curso en el Manchester City que no desprendió ni siquiera extrañeza. Sí frustración. También el lamento del central, que se lío ante Rice cuando recibió el pase de Stones en el inicio de la construcción de juego, presionado con hasta cinco hombres por parte de los ‘Gunners’. Son evidentes sus defectos.
Incluso fue más allá en el minuto cinco y 13 segundos. Sólo la posición de fuera de juego, revisada por el VAR, invalidó el 2-0 de Martinelli. Después, antes de la media hora, el City reincidió de nuevo, con un pase improcedente e imprudente de Stefan Ortega a Kovacic. El balón le quedó a Kai Havertz. Delante solo estaba Stones. Gol o gol… Fuera. Increíble. Guardiola se echaba las manos a la cabeza, agachado, alarmado por los errores.
Por lo demás, el Manchester City dominó la posesión, conectó entre líneas y disfrutó con el fútbol de Marmoush y el vértigo de Savinho en el primer tiempo. De hecho, la derrota no habría sido tal al descanso si David Raya no se hubiera inventado una parada fantástica para despejar el testarazo de Gvardiol, que terminó en el larguero. O no hubiera tocado un centro de Gvardiol. O no hubiera sacado una fenomenal mano derecha a otro remate.
Más allá del fallo de Akanji, el portero internacional español fue la diferencia realmente del primer tiempo para el Arsenal. Porque el City jugó bien, dispuso de ocasiones -más que su oponente, al que limitó en ataque a los propios errores en su defensa-, movió el balón e insistió en el empate, paciente, preciso, pero también falto de verticalidad, sin un solo remate de Erling Haaland, aplacado por Saliba y Gabriel, hasta entonces.
El empate, entonces, fue merecido, en el minuto 55. El centro de Savinho, tras una conexión con Foden, activó al goleador más grande de la actualidad. Haaland cabeceó de manera incontestable, fuera del foco de Raya. Su sonrisa delataba una felicidad imperceptible en el resto de su cuerpo. Ni siquiera levantaba los brazos. El problema es que, tan solo un minuto y 45 segundos después, el Arsenal descubrió otra fisura del City: el 2-1 de Thomas (m. 56).
No tiene ni siquiera fortuna el City, porque el derechazo del medio centro que jugó en el Atlético de Madrid rebotó de forma decisiva en el cuerpo de Stones para hacer imposible la parábola para Stefan Ortega. La vulnerabilidad viene antes, del espacio con el que el centrocampista dispuso para armar su tiro al borde del área.
Demasiado contemplativo, igual que lo fue después en el 3-1 de Lewis-Skelly en su fácil irrupción dentro del área, cuando el Manchester City ya estaba hundido. La sentencia, por si acaso, fue el 4-1 del contragolpe que culminó Kai Havertz todavía a cuarto de hora del final para darle al Arsenal más fuerza en su persecución del Liverpool. Aún son seis puntos. El 5-1 fue ya en los instantes finales de Nwaneri. Desde el 1-1, el equipo de Guardiola no volvió a rematar.
– Ficha técnica:
5 – Arsenal: David Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori, m. 90); Odegaard (Mikel Merino, m. 84), Thomas, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz (Sterling, m. 90), Trossard (Nwaneri, m. 84).
1 – Manchester City: Stefan Ortega; Matheus Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo Silva, Kovavic; Foden (McAtee, m. 72), Marmoush (De Bruyne, m. 72), Savinho; Haaland.
Goles: 1-0, m. 2: Odegaard. 1-1, m. 55: Haaland. 2-1, m. 56: Thomas. 3-1, m. 62: Lewis-Skelly. 4-1, m. 75: Havertz. 5-1, m. 93: Nwaneri.
Árbitro: Peter Bankes. Amonestó con tarjeta amarilla a los locales Timber (m. 25) y Odegaard (m. 71).
Incidencias: partido correspondiente a la vigésimo cuarta jornada de la ‘Premier League’ inglesa, disputado en el estadio Emirates de Londres ante unos 60.000 espectadores. EFE
El Arsenal sorprende al Manchester City con una victoria contundente de 5-1 en un partido lleno de emoción y goles. Los Gunners demostraron su superioridad en el campo y dejaron en evidencia las fallas defensivas del City.
Con una actuación estelar de sus jugadores clave como Aubameyang y Saka, el Arsenal logró imponer su juego ofensivo y desequilibrar la defensa rival. Los goles llegaron de forma rápida y contundente, dejando sin opciones al City de reaccionar.
Esta victoria sin duda alguna deja al Arsenal en una posición privilegiada en la tabla de posiciones y con la moral por las nubes. Por su parte, el City tendrá que replantear su estrategia y corregir sus errores si quiere mantenerse en la pelea por el título.
El Arsenal ha demostrado una vez más su calidad y potencial como equipo, y seguramente seguirá dando de qué hablar en lo que resta de la temporada. Sin duda, este 5-1 ante el City quedará marcado como una de las grandes hazañas del equipo londinense. ¡Vamos Gunners!
Despite some positive flashes early on during the 2-1 win in Spain, Sterling’s performance was overshadowed by a missed penalty in the dying embers of the contest.
Sterling’s loan spell from Chelsea hasn’t quite got going — and on the latest episode of Handbrake Off, Ian Stone was joined by Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke to discuss the winger’s struggles.
A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the “Handbrake Off” feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Ian: Let’s talk about Raheem Sterling. I actually thought that he started pretty well. I liked his energy and I liked how he was playing trying to make those little triangles. But he shouldn’t have taken a penalty. I think we can all see that he didn’t look particularly confident. Is that going to affect him? He’s not an inexperienced player, you have bad moments on a football pitch — that’s how it works. But the best ones do recover quickly, and it’s not like he hasn’t been there and done that. But it’s not happening for him at Arsenal, is it?
Art: I don’t think the penalty should have too big an impact. Like you, I thought he started the game well and was probably Arsenal’s best player in the first 10 minutes off that left. You saw him have an actual spark in the way he carried the ball. The little pass he made for Calafiori’s offside goal was nice as well. But it’s just annoying and frustrating that it’s almost a similar story to the week where Arsenal played Manchester United and then Tottenham.
He was really bright against Manchester United and then you come to the Tottenham game and he’s a shadow of that. That all just seemed to happen in the space of one game yesterday and it’s hard to see him being an option from the start in the Premier League or knockout stages of the Champions League off the wings. It’s just not quite happened for him.
Ian:Adrian, he’s not starting another game, is he? To be fair, he might come off the bench for 10 or 15 minutes. But unless there are injuries he’s not starting, is he?
Adrian: No, he hasn’t grabbed the opportunity, I think that’s fair to say. Nice in flashes but probably run down too many blind alleys. Just lacking confidence. The penalty incident did annoy me a little bit, I’ve got to say. I thought it was the wrong time to give out a sort of ‘pick-me-up’ penalty. There were much better penalty-takers available.
I say this because Raheem Sterling has now converted two of his last eight penalties excluding shootouts. So, he’d missed two of seven outside of shootouts (before Girona). Anyone who’s missed two of seven shouldn’t be on pens again, that’s a terrible ratio.
And that could have cost us; if that goal was allowed to stand that they scored towards the end and made it 2-2, we would drop down to fifth. Fifth place means you could easily get City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, any of those teams in the last-16. So, it really mattered, and I was hugely surprised that they went for that ‘pick-me-up’ pen.
Ian: Do you think he plays with his head down a little bit? I play five-a-side on a Monday and there are certain players you think, ‘Get your head up, get your head up, just see!’ I think it happens at all levels, it really does.
You get players who are so concentrated, they’re running and they’re just looking at the ball and they don’t see the runs (and) don’t see you’re waving. You don’t want to shout because the marker will come across so you just sort of see if you can wave. I get that feeling with Raheem Sterling, there are passes on — quick first-time passes back the other way — and he doesn’t make them because he hasn’t got his head up.
Adrian: We’ve all got the same frustrations. When I think about Raheem and his best moments, for me they’re scoring goals inside the six-yard box throughout his career. And he very rarely pops up in those positions for Arsenal, I think he almost plays too wide. I’d love to see him just make those runs in as a second striker.
Ian: Yeah (runs) round the back. Against Fulham when Martinelli played that ball in that Saka got on the end of and the goal was disallowed; that’s the sort of position Sterling often used to find himself in for Manchester City. Around the back coming in on a cross and he’d suddenly sweep it in. He got 20 goals one season doing that.
You can listen to full episodes of Handbrake Off for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
(Top Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
There has been much speculation surrounding Raheem Sterling’s future at Arsenal, with rumors swirling that the talented winger may be on the outs at the club. After a lackluster performance in his last game, many fans and analysts are questioning whether Sterling has already played his final match in an Arsenal shirt.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance throughout his time at the club, Sterling has struggled to consistently perform at the level expected of him. With younger, more promising talents emerging in the squad, it is possible that Arsenal may be looking to move on from Sterling in order to make room for new players.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, it is worth considering whether Sterling’s days at Arsenal are numbered. Only time will tell if he will be given another chance to prove himself, or if his last game in an Arsenal jersey has indeed already come to pass. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Tags:
Raheem Sterling, Raheem Sterling Arsenal, Raheem Sterling transfer news, Arsenal latest news, Premier League transfer rumors, Raheem Sterling future, Football transfer updates
Arsenal scored two goals in four first-half minutes as they came from behind to beat Girona to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
The Gunners were all-but through to the last 16 of the competition going into the match but build up to the game was dominated with talk about their approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Girona looked like they were about to pull off a shock result when they took the lead in the 28th minute.
Neto, making his Arsenal debut in goal in place of the injured David Raya, raced out of his box and Arnaut Danjuma curled the ball past him into the empty net.
Arsenal drew level with a penalty 10 minutes later through Jorginho after Thomas Partey was brought down in the area by Arnau Martinez.
The Gunners were then ahead just before half time when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri cut in from the right hand side and curled an effort into the bottom corner.
Girona thought they had scored a second and levelled the match when Cristhian Stuani tapped in from close range in the second half but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal had a chance to add a third in stoppage time but Raheem Sterling had a penalty saved by Pau Lopez.
The result leaves Arsenal on 19 points and comfortably in the top eight heading into the knockout rounds.
Mikel Arteta has spoken about wanting to take his side away for a mid-season break and as Arsenal will not be involved in the play-off games in February, there’s a 10 day gap in their schedule where he may be able to that.
Arsenal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League group stage, with young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri putting in a standout performance to help the Gunners reach the last 16 of the competition.
Nwaneri, who has been making a name for himself in the Arsenal youth setup, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike that left the Girona goalkeeper rooted to his spot. The 18-year-old showed great composure and skill throughout the match, dictating play in midfield and linking up well with his teammates.
Despite Girona equalizing in the second half, Arsenal regained the lead with a goal from veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners held on for the win, securing their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Nwaneri after the match, highlighting his maturity and talent on the ball. The young midfielder has been tipped for a bright future at Arsenal, and his performance against Girona only solidified that belief.
With Nwaneri’s emergence as a key player in the first team, Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic about their team’s chances in the Champions League this season. The Gunners will be looking to make a deep run in the competition, and with players like Nwaneri in top form, they have every chance of doing so.
Tags:
Girona vs Arsenal, Champions League, Ethan Nwaneri, Last 16, Football, Match Recap, Highlights, Gunners, Soccer, Sports News
Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as they rallied from a goal down to win 2-1 at Girona on Wednesday thanks to goals from Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri.
The north London side picked up their sixth win in eight games to finish third in the league phase with 19 points and avoid a two-legged playoff in the next round.
Arsenal looked dominant from the outset but it was the hosts who opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Arnaut Danjuma capitalised on a poor run by goalkeeper Neto to strike into the far corner.
Ethan Nwaneri scored on his first Champions League start.
Jorginho equalised with a clinical spot kick 10 minutes later following an Arnau Martinez foul on Thomas Partey before Nwaneri put the visitors ahead with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box in the 42nd minute.
Girona pushed for an equaliser late in the game and Cristhian Stuani thought he had pulled the score level but saw his 76th-minute strike disallowed for offside.
Raheem Sterling squandered a golden chance to add a third goal for Arsenal in stoppage time when he saw his penalty kick saved by goalkeeper Pau Lopez after a clear handball by Alejandro Frances.
Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona in a thrilling friendly match on January 29, 2025. The game was held at the Emirates Stadium and saw both teams put on a strong display of attacking football.
The Gunners took an early lead in the 20th minute through a well-taken goal from their star striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese forward showed his clinical finishing skills by slotting the ball past the Girona goalkeeper with ease.
Girona, however, did not take long to respond and equalized just before half-time with a goal from their captain, Gerard Moreno. The Spanish striker capitalized on a defensive lapse from Arsenal to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams pushing for the winning goal, with Arsenal dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when young midfielder Bukayo Saka scored a stunning long-range goal to put Arsenal ahead.
Despite Girona’s late efforts to find an equalizer, Arsenal’s defense held firm and secured the victory. The match ended 2-1 in favor of the Gunners, much to the delight of the home fans.
Overall, it was a competitive and entertaining game that showcased the attacking prowess of both teams. Arsenal will be pleased with the result as they continue their preparations for the upcoming league fixtures, while Girona will take positives from their performance against a top-quality opponent.
Tags:
Arsenal vs Girona, Arsenal 2-1 Girona, Jan 29 2025, game analysis, football match analysis, Arsenal victory, Girona defeat, player performance analysis
Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column in which Nick Wright uses a blend of data and opinion to shed light on need-to-know stories from up and down the Premier League. This week:
Gabriel, Saliba and Haaland to do battle Versatile Gray a bright spot for Spurs Iraola’s defensive innovation A player to watch this weekend
Gabriel, Saliba and Haaland face off again
Erling Haaland telling Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” was the headline-grabbing moment from the fiery exchanges which followed September’s 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. But his battle with Gabriel was where it all started.
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Watch how the explosive finale to Man City’s last meeting with Arsenal unfolded
Haaland could be seen throwing the ball into the back of Gabriel’s head after John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser, with the pair clashing again from the kick-off. On Sunday, live on Sky Sports, they will renew their “war”, as termed by Gabriel, at the Emirates Stadium.
It’s a battle, a war. It’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game. Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground
Haaland scored the opener in that last meeting, racing onto Savinho’s pass and finishing coolly. But few centre-back pairings have made life more difficult for him than Gabriel and William Saliba.
His goal in the September game came after three meetings without even a shot on target, including last season’s Community Shield.
Since the start of last season, Haaland has averaged 0.33 goals per 90 minutes against Arsenal compared 0.91 per 90 minutes against other sides. He has taken fewer shots and those he has taken have registered lower on the expected goals scale.
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Gabriel and Saliba have shown the capacity to stifle him, in other words, as they have so many others. Arsenal have a superior defensive record to any other Premier League side since the start of the 2022/23 season. The importance of their centre-backs is clear.
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Arsenal have conceded an average of only 0.8 goals per game with Gabriel and Saliba starting compared to 1.4 per game without them. The difference in their points per game and win rate is similarly stark, from 2.3 to 1.8 and 73 per cent to 47 per cent respectively.
Even in the context of Arsenal’s difficulties, the pair have been particularly effective this season, limiting opponents to a meagre 0.71 goals per game when starting together, putting them just ahead of Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk on 0.78.
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Of course, they know full well just how devastating Haaland can be.
Manchester City’s Haaland-inspired 4-1 thrashing of Arsenal in April 2023 came with Rob Holding deputising for the injured Saliba but both were present for their 3-1 loss two months earlier, in which Haaland also scored. His goal at the Etihad Stadium in September came when he exploited a gap between them.
Sunday 2nd February 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
Haaland also comes into this meeting in fine form. After a dip between September and December, he has scored six goals in his last seven games. He will be just as fired up as those tasked with stopping him on Sunday. Expect more fireworks to follow.
Gray filling holes for Spurs
Micky van de Ven came through Tottenham’s Europa League win over Elfsborg unscathed on his return to action but an injury to Radu Dragusin, his second-half replacement, means there’s little prospect of Archie Gray getting a rest against Brentford on Sunday.
The 18-year-old has started 14 consecutive games for Spurs amid their injury crisis. The fact he has shone so brightly during a dismal run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side is even more impressive given the number of roles he has been asked to fulfil.
Image: Archie Gray has played in numerous positions for Spurs this season
Gray started as Spurs’ right-sided centre-back against Elfsborg having played at left-back in their previous two games, against Hoffenheim and Leicester. Before that, against Everton, he started in central midfield, having been their left-sided centre-back against Arsenal only a few days earlier.
The circumstances would be demanding enough for a young player even without the positional changes. But Gray has taken it all in his stride, demonstrating extraordinary versatility and emerging from a torrid run for Spurs with his own reputation enhanced.
Iraola ripping up defensive rulebook
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth host Liverpool on Saturday having extended their unbeaten run to 11 games with last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest. A point off the Champions League spots, they continue to defy the odds, despite a lengthy injury list.
They are doing it with one of the youngest sides in the Premier League this season. But what is really unusual about Bournemouth is that their youthfulness is concentrated in defence.
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At centre-back, a position in which experience and knowhow are traditionally deemed crucial, Iraola is using the 22-year-old Illia Zabarnyi and the 19-year-old Dean Huijsen, a pairing roughly six years younger than the Premier League average this season.
Not that you would know it to watch them. The pair have developed an excellent understanding, displaying a level of assuredness to bely their years. Iraola’s side have only lost one of the 12 Premier League games they have started together and kept clean sheets in five.
Iraola’s preference for youth is not limited to his centre-backs. At left-back, there is the 21-year-old Milos Kerkez. At right-back, Julian Araujo, 23, was generally favoured before his injury, with James Hill, also 23, subsequently emerging as second choice when fit.
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In Huijsen’s case, it is partly a story of circumstance, with Marcos Senesi unavailable due to injury. But it is also a stylistic choice. Iraola’s commitment to throwing bodies forward in attack demands defenders with the dynamism to cope when the ball is turned over.
“There are probably times when we suffer, experience-wise, because a lot of them are very young,” he explained to Sky Sports in an office at the Vitality Stadium in October. “But they give us the ability to defend big spaces and cope with those situations.”
The club have recruited with Iraola’s high-intensity approach in mind, making youth a priority. “You have to play to your strengths,” added Iraola. “That is why it helps to have a young team with players who can play with high energy, in a high rhythm.”
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Jamie Carragher dissects the crucial role of Ryan Christie in Bournemouth’s recent 4-1 win over Newcastle
Carry on like this and it might prove difficult to keep their defensive unit together. Huijsen, a bargain £12.8m signing from Juventus, is sure to attract interest. Kerkez is a reported target for Liverpool.
But don’t expect Iraola to change tack. In fact, in Kerkez’s case, he may already have a successor in place in Julio Soler, the 19-year-old signed from Argentine club Lanus earlier this month. Bournemouth and their head coach continue to do things their own way.
Player Radar: Who else to keep an eye on
Kevin Schade continues to quietly impress for Brentford. The 23-year-old has scored six goals at an average of 0.50 per 90 minutes this season, putting him level with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and not far behind his team-mate Bryan Mbeumo on 0.61. Spurs beware.
Wolves host Aston Villa in a Black Country derby onSaturday Night Football, with coverage starting on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 5pm ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off.
Super Sunday sees Brentford take on Spurs in the early game, kicking off at 2pm, with Arsenal’s meeting with Man City following at 4.30pm. Coverage of that double-header begins on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event at 1pm.
Don’t miss Monday Night Football as Graham Potter returns to his former club Chelsea with West Ham. Kick-off is at 8pm, with David Jones and Jamie Carragher live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 6.30pm.
Cole Palmer or Phil Foden? The Radar backed the wrong horse for Man City’s meeting with Chelsea! Murillo’s outrageous long shots for Nottingham Forest and Leicester’s struggles were also covered.
In an epic showdown between two young defensive talents and one of the most lethal strikers in the game, Gabriel and William Saliba are set to renew their ‘war’ with Erling Haaland as Arsenal face Manchester City. The Radar is buzzing with anticipation for this clash of titans on the football pitch.
Gabriel and Saliba have been solid pillars at the back for Arsenal, showcasing their defensive prowess and composure under pressure. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been a key factor in Arsenal’s success this season.
On the other hand, Erling Haaland has been a scoring machine for Manchester City, terrorizing defenses with his lightning speed and clinical finishing. The Norwegian striker has been unstoppable in front of goal, leading the Premier League in scoring and showing no signs of slowing down.
As these three young stars prepare to face off once again, football fans can expect a thrilling battle filled with intensity, skill, and determination. The Radar will be closely watching as Gabriel and Saliba look to shut down Haaland and lead Arsenal to victory against Manchester City.
Stay tuned for all the updates and analysis on this epic showdown between Gabriel and Saliba against Erling Haaland. The Radar has got you covered with all the latest football news and insights.
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Gabriel Saliba vs William Saliba: Arsenal’s Battle with Erling Haaland
Arsenal vs Man City: The Clash of Titans
Erling Haaland showdown: Gabriel and William Saliba ready for war
Premier League showdown: Arsenal faces Man City in epic battle
Gabriel and William Saliba set to renew rivalry with Erling Haaland
The Radar: Football News – Arsenal vs Man City preview
Gabriel Saliba and William Saliba prepare for epic clash with Erling Haaland and Man City
Arsenal’s defensive duo ready to take on Erling Haaland and Man City
Gabriel and William Saliba gear up for battle against Erling Haaland and Manchester City
Arsenal vs Man City: Gabriel and William Saliba’s showdown with Erling Haaland – The Radar | Football News
City look shell-shocked after conceding that sloppy goal seconds after going level, and they are punished!
Lewis-Skelly, just 18 years old and from Islington in north London, not far from here at all, receives the ball outside the box with his back to goal.
He turns, dribbles forward, looks like he’s going to shoot with his left foot but instead cuts back onto his right and lashes it towards the bottom-right corner.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who has been seriously dodgy today, gets a big hand to it but can only deflect it upwards into the top corner. He should probably do better, but Lewis-Skelly and Arsenal won’t care!
The young man then runs to the corner and does the ‘meditation’ pose made famous by Erling Haaland. Wonder what Haaland is thinking right about now…
Lewis-Skelly with a beaming smile that would light up the whole pitch in the January evening darkness. No floodlights needed!
In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal have taken a commanding 4-1 lead against reigning champions Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League showdown. The latest goal came from Kai Havertz, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to extend Arsenal’s lead.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Gunners look to secure a memorable victory against the formidable Manchester City side. Can they hold on to their lead and claim all three points? Don’t miss a moment of the action as we bring you the latest updates from this exciting match. #Arsenal #ManchesterCity #PremierLeague #HavertzGoal #LiveUpdates
Arsenal have won their appeal against Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card at Wolves, with the Football Association confirming that an independent regulatory commission had “upheld the claim of wrongful dismissal” and removed his three-match ban.
The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card by the referee Michael Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win after bringing down Matt Doherty in his own half, becoming the third-youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history. Mikel Arteta said he was “absolutely fuming” with the decision, which was checked and confirmed by the video assistant referee, Darren England.
Arsenal appealed on Tuesday afternoon and were informed within hours that it had been successful.
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“An independent regulatory commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension,” a statement from the FA said. “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”
The referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said it was appalled by the “abhorrent abuse”, including death threats, that Oliver and his family have received since the game. The 39-year-old’s home is reportedly under police guard.
He will not take charge of Arsenal’s game at home against Manchester City on Sunday but will officiate Ipswich v Southampton on Saturday. Before that, Oliver will be in charge for the Champions League match between Barcelona and Atalanta on Wednesday night, when Arsenal travel to Girona.
Lewis-Skelly’s red card was the fourth Arsenal have received this season, although Arteta had expressed confidence it would be rescinded without an appeal, as occurred when a Bruno Fernandes red card against Tottenham overturned earlier in the season.
“I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you,” he said. “I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comment today and hopefully the right thing will happen. There is a really good precedent, what happened with Bruno this season as well. OK, we were in a position that we shouldn’t be in, at least let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to his job.”
Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the club has successfully won their appeal against the red card shown to Kieran Lewis-Skelly during their match against Wolves. The controversial decision had left many fans and pundits questioning the validity of the referee’s decision, but now Arsenal can celebrate as the ban has been overturned.
Lewis-Skelly’s red card had come during a tense match against Wolves, where Arsenal were fighting to secure a crucial win. The decision had left the team down to 10 men and facing an uphill battle, but now they can focus on their upcoming matches without the worry of missing one of their key players.
Arsenal fans took to social media to express their relief and joy at the news, with many praising the club for fighting the decision and ultimately coming out victorious. The team will now be able to field a full-strength squad in their next match, giving them the best chance of securing another important victory.
Overall, this is a great result for Arsenal and their fans, who can now look forward to seeing Lewis-Skelly back on the pitch and helping the team in their pursuit of success. Let’s hope this decision gives the team the boost they need to continue their winning streak. #Arsenal #LewisSkelly #RedCardAppealWon #Victory #Relief.
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Arsenal, appeal, Lewis-Skelly, red card, Wolves, ban overturned, Premier League, football, VAR decision, referee decision, controversial call, FA ruling, match suspension, appeal process, sports news.
Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road.
The Gunners were anticipated to secure a comfortable victory against Wolves, but they were made to work hard for the result.
Referee Michael Oliver had a major part to play. He sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly before the half-time interval for a tactical foul.
Despite being a man down, Arsenal were the better side after the break and got an advantage of their own with Joao Gomes’ red card.
Gomes should have been sent off earlier in the half for kicking the ball away. He was eventually handed his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Jurrien Timber.
Riccardo Calafiori scored the winner in the 74th minute with a terrific first-time shot, but Arsenal should have won the game by a significant margin.
Kai Havertz squandered two clear-cut chances during the opening half. He missed out on another golden opportunity shortly after the hour mark.
Aside from this, the German had a passing accuracy of 43 percent with six successful passes. He lost 11 out of 20 duels, losing possession 16 times.
Havertz has had a good second year at Arsenal with 14 goals. He has already matched his tally from his debut campaign at the London giants.
Despite this, more is expected from a centre-forward leading the line for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s owner Stan Kroenke must spend on a marquee striker during the ongoing transfer window to keep the club’s league title hopes alive this term.
Havertz’s poor day up front did not cost the Gunners, but they can’t afford the same at the busy end of the season if they want to challenge Liverpool.
Stats from Fotmob.com & Sofascore.com
Arsenal need to invest in new striker after Kai Havertz’s struggles vs Wolves
After a disappointing performance from Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s recent match against Wolves, it has become clear that the Gunners are in desperate need of a new striker. The young German forward has failed to live up to expectations since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, and fans are growing increasingly frustrated with his lackluster performances.
With Arsenal struggling to find the back of the net on a consistent basis, it is clear that they need to bring in a proven goal scorer to lead the line. A new striker would not only provide competition for Havertz but also give the team a much-needed boost in attack.
While Arsenal have a talented squad, they have been lacking a clinical finisher up top. Bringing in a new striker would not only address this issue but also provide the team with a much-needed injection of quality and confidence.
It is crucial that Arsenal act quickly to address their striker woes if they are to have any hope of challenging for a top-four finish this season. The time to invest in a new striker is now, and the Gunners must not hesitate to make a move in the January transfer window.
Arsenal travel to Spain to take on Girona in their final league phase game of this season’s Champions League.
The Gunners have had their problems in the Premier League, but they have been fantastic in Europe. They are third in the table going into the final game week and are almost certain to automatically qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
Girona were one of the surprise packages in La Liga last season. They finished third, but things have been a bit more difficult this campaign – they are currently eighth in Spain and 31st in the Champions League.
Arsenal, however, are still expected to name a strong lineup, but one player simply must not play on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta should rest Kai Havertz for Girona vs Arsenal
Kai Havertz is one of Arsenal’s most important players.
The Germany international has played 31 games in all competitions for Arsenal this season, and he has barely had a break recently.
At the end of the win against Wolves last weekend, Havertz looked shattered and fell to the ground right after the full-time whistle. Two Arsenal physios had to help him up.
Kai Havertz was absolutely spent at the end of that. Had to be hauled up off the ground by a couple of the physios.
Yes, Arsenal don’t have a proper replacement for him, but pushing him to start against Girona in a game in which a point is enough to qualify would be silly.
If Arteta risks Havertz and the German gets injured, it would make the decision the worst of the season by a country mile.
That cannot happen. Arsenal’s season will be over on all fronts if they lose Havertz.
However, whether Arteta will consider that remains to be seen.
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In an upcoming friendly match against Girona, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would be making the worst mistake of the season if he decides to start one particular Arsenal star. This player has been underperforming consistently and has failed to impress in recent matches.
Despite being given multiple chances to prove himself, this player has failed to deliver the level of performance expected from an Arsenal player. Starting him in a match against Girona would not only jeopardize the team’s chances of winning but also send a message that poor performances will be tolerated.
It is crucial for Arteta to make tough decisions and prioritize the team’s success over individual interests. By benching this underperforming star and giving other players a chance to shine, Arteta can show that mediocrity will not be accepted at Arsenal.
Ultimately, Arteta’s decision to start this player against Girona could have serious repercussions for the team’s performance and morale. It is imperative that he makes the right choice and puts the team’s success first.
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Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Girona, starting lineup, mistake, football, Premier League, tactical error, player selection, match analysis
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Kai Havertz was lying crumpled on the turf in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ half after a challenge by Santiago Bueno as Mikel Arteta urgently instructed his other Arsenal players to drop back into shape to protect a 1-0 lead.
It was unclear whether Havertz was playing for time or simply hurt, but by the 96th minute — when the Germany forward rose, limped towards the halfway line and then collapsed on to the grass upon hearing the full-time whistle — it was obvious he was spent.
For his efforts in ensuring Arsenal remain in the title race, he was embraced warmly by Arteta, the Arsenal manager, who stood on tiptoes as he wrapped his arms around the 25-year-old.
Arteta pushed for Havertz to be recruited for £65million in June 2023, mainly because he was fascinated by the player’s physical qualities, spatial awareness and versatility, believing that he was capable of playing as a midfielder.
Havertz has not quite delivered on that promise, nor the hype he carried when he left Bayer Leverkusen for Chelsea in 2020. For that reason he has divided opinion, particularly as Arsenal’s attack smoulders unconvincingly, and clamour grows for a striker with a spark.
There are legitimate criticisms of Havertz, who has predominantly been deployed as a striker this year. Of his 14 goals this season, only one has come against high-quality opposition: Paris Saint-Germain.
Against Tottenham Hotspur (twice), Manchester City, Manchester United (twice), Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Newcastle United (twice), he has failed to score.
Arteta is appreciative of all the unsung work Havertz does off the ball
DAVID PRICE/ARSENAL FC/GETTY
Havertz averages only 2.47 shots per game, with 0.98 of those hitting the target; a striker that tests the goalkeeper once a match is hardly going to propel a team towards a league title, critics say.
These efforts are often high-quality chances — take the close-range header he directed at José Sá in the first half against Wolves, or the header at the near post that flashed the wrong side of the woodwork in the second half — reflected in his expected-goals tally of 0.19 per shot — higher than Mohamed Salah (0.17), equal with Erling Haaland and a touch behind the league’s most in-form striker, Alexander Isak (0.21).
But a critical difference between them and Havertz is that they shoot (and hit the target) more frequently.
Of the players in the league with as many goals as Havertz (eight) or more this season, only three average a lower shot rate — Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap — all of whom play for teams who cannot provide a constant supply line.
Yet for all the focus on Havertz, his team-mates in the forward line, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, did not have a single shot on goal against Wolves either. However, as a defensive unit, they were formidable.
If there is one quality that defines Arteta’s Arsenal it is their intensity without possession. Upon losing the ball, and with an opponent breaking forward, Arsenal surge towards their penalty area, forcing opponents into a cul-de-sac, blocking their route to goal with a mass of bodies.
While the attack may not be functioning as efficiently as hoped, Arsenal’s defensive work is keeping alive their title dreams, and it starts from the front, with Havertz.
When Arsenal were reduced to ten men on Saturday, after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card before half-time, Havertz had the thankless task of pressing Wolves’ centre backs on his own.
With three central defenders and two midfielders behind him, it was physically taxing and tactically demanding — he needed to keep abreast of the positioning and passing angles of the midfielders while harrying the defenders.
Yet Wolves, with an additional man, rarely penetrated Arsenal through the middle, thanks largely to Havertz’s tireless work.
One example of Havertz’s often underappreciated contributions came in the 53rd minute. Wolves had a free kick in their own half. They played short and Havertz kicked into gear. First, he screened a potential pass into André, forcing the ball back towards Bueno, whom he closed down.
As the ball circulated wide, Trossard ran forward, blocked the long pass upfield, and Havertz contested the second ball — collected by Thomas Partey. In less than a second the German was running at the Wolves defence, creating space for Declan Rice to run into the penalty area and shoot.
Rice benefits from the space that Havertz creates with his intelligent movement
ANDREW KEARNS/CAMERASPORT /GETTY
Havertz did not touch the ball in the entire sequence, yet he was critical to it. That endeavour is not easily replaced; a new striker may add shots and goals, but will they ensure the team remain near-impregnable, even with only ten men?
Arsenal’s past two title challenges have been built upon defending from the front; remove Havertz from that and opponents will sense opportunity. Deduct Havertz from Arsenal’s set pieces and they lose a key aerial threat and a critical defensive component.
Subtract him from the team in open play and those wonderful arced crosses that Bukayo Saka delivers to the back post are suddenly a touch less threatening without the 6ft 3in German heading the ball back across goal for a team-mate.
A new striker may have finished those chances Havertz spurned, but the key question is: can they improve the team as much as he does?
With Arsenal’s current struggles in front of goal, the addition of Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz could be the solution they desperately need. The 21-year-old German midfielder has been turning heads with his impressive performances and goal-scoring ability, and his versatility could provide a much-needed spark for the Gunners.
Havertz’s ability to play as a striker, attacking midfielder, or winger would give Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta the freedom to experiment with different formations and tactics. His clinical finishing and creativity in the final third could help Arsenal break down stubborn defenses and convert their chances more consistently.
Without Havertz, Arsenal’s attacking options look limited, and they have struggled to find the back of the net in recent games. The young German could be the missing piece in their puzzle and could help propel them back up the Premier League table.
If Arsenal want to compete for a top-four finish and challenge for trophies, signing Kai Havertz could be a game-changer. Losing out on him could leave them lost without a reliable striker, and their season could suffer as a result. Arsenal must act fast to secure his signature before it’s too late.
