Premier League – Forza Futbol

ARTETA ADMITS ARSENAL NEED TO BE NEARLY PERFECT

November 29, 2024 by Mankowski

Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal will need to be near perfect to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool, but he believes momentum is building after a difficult spell. Arsenal, who finished runners-up to Manchester City in the last two seasons, have seen Liverpool surge eight points clear at the top of the table.

Arteta’s side heads into Saturday’s match against West Ham buoyed by a 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend. The win over Forest ended a four-match winless streak in the league and gave Arsenal hope of climbing back into the title race. A victory at the London Stadium on Saturday would lift the Gunners into second place, ahead of Sunday’s key clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

MAN UNITED TARGET PREMIER LEAGUE GLORY BY 2028

September 27, 2024 by Mankowski

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has laid out an ambitious plan for the club to win the Premier League by 2028, a goal that would coincide with the Red Devils’ 150th anniversary. Berrada outlined the club’s three-year plan to staff last week, despite a challenging start to the season under manager Erik ten Hag, which took another hit with a 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League opener.

“It’s not a 10-year plan,” Berrada stated, according to *The Athletic*. “The fans would run out of patience if it was a 10-year plan. But it’s certainly a three-year plan to get there.” Berrada stressed the importance of managing expectations, acknowledging that matching the level of play exhibited by Manchester City against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season would take time. “To think that we’re going to be playing football as good as Manchester City played against Real Madrid last season by next year is not sensible. And if we give people false expectations, then they will get disappointed. So the key thing is our trajectory, so that people can see that we’re making progress.”

ISAK A MAJOR DOUBT FOR MAN CITY CLASH

September 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by Mankowski

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is a major doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, as confirmed by manager Eddie Howe. The Swedish forward is currently dealing with a broken toe and could miss the visit of the reigning champions. In addition, fellow striker Callum Wilson has also been ruled out, leaving Howe with a selection headache up front.

Isak had a standout season in the Premier League last year, scoring 21 goals in 27 appearances. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more, establishing Isak as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. However, the 25-year-old has struggled to replicate that form this season, netting just once in an underwhelming start for Newcastle. That lone goal was a crucial winner against Tottenham, but Isak’s dip in form reflects Newcastle’s own inconsistent performances so far this campaign.

PEP GUARDIOLA FACES ARSENAL WORRY

September 20, 2024September 18, 2024 by Mankowski

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is particularly wary of Arsenal’s dangerous set-pieces ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend, a threat masterminded by former Manchester City coach Nicolas Jover. Jover, who worked with City from 2019 to 2021, has been instrumental in improving Arsenal’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations since joining the Gunners.

During his time at City, Jover helped the team improve their goal tally from set-pieces, and his influence has continued at Arsenal, where their prowess in this area has become a key strength. Last weekend, Gabriel’s header from a set-piece sealed victory for Arsenal in the North London derby, reinforcing how effective they have become under Jover’s guidance.

UNITED TARGET RABIOT

September 4, 2024 by Mankowski

Adrien Rabiot has hinted at his openness to joining Manchester United, fueling ongoing speculation about a potential move to the Premier League. The 29-year-old midfielder, whose contract with Juventus expired earlier this summer, has been linked with a transfer to England as he searches for a new club following his departure from the Italian giants.

Rabiot played a key role for Juventus last season, making 31 appearances in Serie A, scoring five goals, and providing three assists. His performances helped the club secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. However, with Juventus undergoing a rebuild under new head coach Thiago Motta, Rabiot was one of several players to be offloaded as the club looks to reestablish itself at the top of Italian football.

SHEARER SLAMS TEN HAG AFTER RASHFORD CRITICISM

September 4, 2024 by Mankowski

Alan Shearer has hit back at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman labeled his analysis of Marcus Rashford as “stupid.” United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, featuring goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, was their second loss in three Premier League matches, further fueling criticism of both the team’s performances and Rashford’s form.

Shearer had previously criticised Rashford, stating that the 26-year-old forward hadn’t been “anywhere near good enough in front of goal” this season. Ahead of Sunday’s game, Rashford had failed to score in any of United’s Premier League matches. Shearer pointed out that Rashford hadn’t managed a single shot in his first two appearances this season.

ARSENAL RECEIVE TIMBER INJURY BOOST

September 2, 2024 by Mankowski

Arsenal appear to have been handed a positive injury update on Jurrien Timber ahead of a crucial run of fixtures following the international break. The Dutch defender caused concern after going down late in the 2-2 draw against Brighton, sparking fears of a serious setback after his injury-riddled first season at the club. Timber had missed most of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered on his competitive debut after joining from Ajax in a £34 million move.

Timber had made a strong return this season, featuring in Arsenal’s first three matches, starting against Aston Villa and Brighton and coming off the bench against Wolves. However, when he appeared to be in discomfort during the Brighton game, Mikel Arteta swiftly substituted him for Oleksandr Zinchenko to avoid any risks.

KEANE SLAMS UNITED’S DEFENCE

September 2, 2024September 1, 2024 by Mankowski

Roy Keane was highly critical of Manchester United’s defensive setup following Liverpool’s opening goal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The former United captain questioned the positioning of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot, who were caught out of position as Liverpool took advantage to score.

The goal, which came 35 minutes into the match, followed a misplaced pass from Casemiro intended for Kobbie Mainoo. Ryan Gravenberch intercepted the ball, advanced quickly, and fed Mohamed Salah, whose pinpoint cross was headed home by Luis Diaz. It was a moment that highlighted United’s defensive frailties, particularly with both Mazraoui and Dalot pushed up the field as Casemiro attempted the risky pass.

UNITED MISS HOJLUND’S PRESENCE UP FRONT

August 28, 2024 by Mankowski

Manchester United are currently without Rasmus Hojlund, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Danish striker made an impact in his first pre-season appearance against Arsenal in Los Angeles, scoring a goal before tweaking his hamstring, forcing him off the pitch. His recovery timeline was set at around six weeks, with a return expected after the September international break.

This timeline ruled Hojlund out of the crucial September 1st clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford, but he should be available for selection against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. United began their season on a high with a late winner against Fulham, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend. Alejandro Garnacho had a goal disallowed for offside, but Brighton were deserved winners, exposing United’s defensive frailties.

FOREST NEAR NKETIAH TRANSFER

August 23, 2024 by Mankowski

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have held productive discussions regarding a potential transfer for Eddie Nketiah. The Gunners are prepared to part ways with the striker this summer, and Nketiah has garnered interest from several clubs. While Bournemouth and Marseille initially expressed interest earlier in the transfer window, they have since turned their attention to other targets, leaving Forest as the frontrunner for his signature.

Positive talks between Arsenal and Forest took place this week, with Forest emerging as the most likely destination for Nketiah. The Gunners, however, have rejected Forest’s opening offer of £25 million, holding firm on their valuation of at least £30 million. Despite the initial bid being turned down, there is optimism that a deal can be reached. Nketiah himself is reportedly open to the move, as it would provide him with the opportunity to secure regular playing time at a Premier League club.