Category: Football

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is praying for West Ham to cause a massive upset on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Gunners sit two points behind Manchester City going into the weekend and know they must beat Everton if they are to win the title.

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Even if they do win, they are relying on their London rivals to shock Pep Guardiola and Co, who are on a 22-game unbeaten run.

Arsenal have been formidable this season, losing just five times and only once in 2024, against Aston Villa.

But it still  may not be enough as City eye a fourth consecutive title.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “It is one of the biggest weeks for many of us. Now is the most important moment.

“We are excited and can’t wait for Sunday. We are very optimistic in terms of outcome.

“The hope is there. We have to do our job because Everton will be tough.

“We have to prove again that we can be better than the opponent. Then we have to wish for West Ham to have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.”

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“He’s been instrumental in my life” ❤️

Mikel Arteta says David Moyes can “help fulfil Arsenal’s dream” on Sunday if West Ham get a positive result against Man City. pic.twitter.com/02ei3bVn5U

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 17, 2024

Guardiola’s former assistant says he has prepared his players in the best way possible ahead of the weekend.

He says they all have to believe something magical is going to happen, but at the same time focus on what is in their control.

Everton have one of the best defensive records in the league this season and will not be an easy opponent.

Arteta is aware of the threat Sean Dyche’s side poses and is hoping the support of the Emirates crowd will be enough to see them through.

He added: “”The only thing we have discussed is giving ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day. The dream is still alive because it is football.

“We have to play like we do every single week and understand that, for the dream to happen, we have to win and then hope that West Ham will help us.

“Whatever happens it will be emotional on the day.

“I have to think we will win the game and then hopefully something beautiful is going to happen.

“There is hope around the building! It will be the last day of the season and we are playing for the Premier League trophy.

“It hasn’t yet been at the Emirates Stadium, which has been open for over 20 years, so yes we will have to be very optimistic. We have to do our duties and then see what happens.”

Clubs in the English top flight believe the use of VAR has been “damaging the relationship between fans and football”, according to a statement released by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Introduced in the 2019/20 season, the purpose of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was to help officials make key decisions in matches.

However, since its introduction, it has caused more harm than good amid a number of questionable decisions and inconsistencies. 

A statement published by Wolves read: 

“It has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football and undermining the value of the Premier League brand.”

How soon could VAR be scrapped?

All 20 Premier League clubs will vote on the decision to scrap the technology at the annual general meeting on the 6th of June.

The Premier League rules state that for any rules to change, it needs a two-thirds majority vote. This would mean 14 out of the 20 clubs would have to vote in favour of the scrap.

With Wolves already a side confirmed for supporting the scrap, 13 more clubs need to vote in favour of removing VAR.

“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football.”

The statement released from Wolves, a side far too familiar with being on the side of the decisions from VAR, assures it is not a case of a blame game but to protect the integrity of the game. 

They insist that: “all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success. However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.”

Wolves Nine Reasons

1. Goal celebrations are impacted, and the spontaneous passion that makes football special.
2. Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to the length of checks and poor communication.
3. Hostile atmospheres increased with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR.
4. Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now over analysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity.
5. Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch.
6. Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards.
7. Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long.
8. Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself and tarnishing the reputation of the league.
9. Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption.

Captain Ethan Ampadu was delighted Leeds United were able to answer their critics by reaching the Championship play-off final courtesy of a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich City tonight.

Leeds’ hopes of automatic promotion hit the skids over the final weeks of the regular season with Leicester City and Ipswich Town claiming the top two positions.

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But, following a dour goalless draw at Carrow Road in the first leg on Sunday, Daniel Farke’s men were back to their swashbuckling best to sweep past Norwich and set up a Wembley date with either Southampton or West Brom next weekend.

Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville were all on target in a one-sided encounter to the delight of a boisterous Elland Road crowd.

Ampadu told Sky Sports: “Towards the end of the season there was a lot of talk about how we were playing, how we weren’t on the front foot, how we weren’t aggressive or clinical.

“But we always had our belief that on our day, when we are firing, we can be hard for anyone to play against.

“When the front four, five, six play like that, they make the job of us defenders a lot easier.”

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Leeds United are going to Wembley! 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/Wndw4BADFc

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 16, 2024

Leeds will go to Wembley full of confidence after that display with Ampadu adding: “Whoever we play in the final it’s going to be a hard game but to go in like this, to put in a performance like this, we can take momentum and confidence into it.

“The fans were second to none and we enjoyed their support – now we are going to prepare for the big one.”

While Leeds were excellent, the same cannot be said for Norwich, who were hopelessly outgunned in every area of the pitch.

Canaries boss David Wagner admitted: “It was a poor performance from us.

“I think tonight, everything you should not do, we have done. We were second best in the duels and it’s a very disappointing evening and end to the season.

“We knew we had to try and stay in the game but we did the opposite of that, conceding three goals in the first half.”

He added: “It’s very quiet in the dressing room at the moment. I haven’t really spoken about the game, because at the moment the disappointment is too big.

“It was a very exhausting season. It wasn’t a normal season and now it’s over quite quickly.

“It’s important to reflect now. Unfortunately, the fairytale does not have a happy ending.”

Leeds United powered their way into the Championship play-off final after dismantling Norwich City at a boisterous Elland Road tonight.

The home side dominated throughout a one-sided encounter with the tie effectively settled within 40 minutes as Leeds cruised into a 3-0 lead.

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Having adopted a more pragmatic approach in Sunday’s dour goalless draw at Carrow Road in the first leg, Leeds were back to their swashbuckling best in the return and secured their place at Wembley with goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.

They will meet the winner of tomorrow night’s second semi-final, second leg between Southampton and West Brom.

Norwich would have hoped to keep it tight early on in a bid to silence the crowd but they were unable to keep Leeds at bay with the hosts swarming forward at will.

Summerville could have scored in the early going but shot wastefully over but Daniel Farke’s men did move in front after seven minutes through an unlikely source.

Gruev sized up a free-kick 30 yards from goal, and with everyone expecting him to cross the ball to the far post, he opted instead to whip a clever effort past Norwich keeper Angus Gunn at his near post.

Gunn was culpable again 13 minutes later as Leeds doubled their lead, failing to come off his line to collect a Wilfried Gnonto cross from the right, allowing Piroe the simple task of heading into the net.

If Norwich were to stand any chance they needed a swift response but, having been presented with a clear run on goal after an uncharacteristic slip from Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sargent hit his shot straight at Illan Meslier.

It was to prove a costly miss as Leeds added a third before the break.

Piroe burst down the left, Summerville helped the cross on and Rutter crashed the ball into the net at the far post.

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Rutter thunders in Leeds’ third ⚡⚡⚡ pic.twitter.com/TQsUAQU8MV

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 16, 2024

Gunn partly atoned for his earlier errors with two fine saves to deny Piroe as the second half started in a similar vein.

But he could do little to prevent Summerville getting on the scoresheet after a pull back from Junior Firpo as Leeds moved within one win of an immediate return to the top flight.

Manchester City, a dominant force in the Premier League, faces serious allegations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches. These charges, if proven, could significantly impact the club’s future and the competitive landscape of English football.

Background

The Premier League has charged Manchester City with over 100 financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018. These rules are designed to prevent clubs from overspending relative to their revenue. City is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information, an allegation the club disputes. They welcome the investigation, asserting their innocence and confidence in being cleared.

Potential Consequences

Possible sanctions range from minor penalties to severe punishments:

1. Points Deductions: Directly affecting league standings, potentially altering title outcomes.
2. Fines: Financial penalties are a likely response to FFP breaches.
3. Transfer Bans: Restrictions on signing new players could be imposed.
4. Suspensions: Temporary exclusion from competitions.
5. Expulsion: Extreme but possible removal from the Premier League.
6. Replaying Matches: Matches during the period in question could be replayed.
7. Player Registration Issues: Cancellation or refusal of player registrations.
8. Compensation Payments: City might have to compensate other clubs.

The Club’s Response

Manager Pep Guardiola has pledged loyalty to the club, insisting on their innocence. He commits to staying even if City faces severe penalties like relegation. The most probable outcomes seem to be fines or points deductions rather than expulsion or severe suspensions.

Broader Implications

The impact of sanctions could be far-reaching. Points deductions might alter past league standings, leading to legal battles over title wins and qualifications. The club’s financial health and ability to attract top talent could also be compromised.

The Future of Manchester City Hangs in the Balance

As the investigation into Manchester City’s FFP breaches unfolds, the football world watches closely. The potential sanctions could reshape the club’s future and the Premier League’s competitive balance. If you’re considering betting on the Premier League champion, Manchester City remains a strong contender despite these challenges. Their odds for victory reflect their resilience and competitive edge, making them a fascinating choice in the title race.

For the latest odds and betting opportunities on the Premier League champion, consider checking your preferred betting platform. Manchester City’s journey amidst these allegations adds an intriguing layer to this season’s title race.

N’Golo Kante was the surprise inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for this summer’s European Championship.

The midfielder has not played for Les Bleus since June 2022 and, having moved from Chelsea to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, it was thought his international career was over.

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But having proved his fitness in the Middle East, the 33-year-old was this evening handed a shock recall for the tournament in Germany this summer.

Deschamps explained: “I am convinced the French team will be stronger [with him in it].

“He has played a full season, albeit not in a European league as he is in Saudi Arabia. But he has regained his physical capabilities. And with his experience, he will make us stronger.”

Uncapped Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola was also included, as was his 18-year-old club team-mate Warren Zaïre-Emery.

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𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒍’𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒛, 𝒍𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒂̀ 😍

La liste de nos 2️⃣5️⃣ Bleus retenus pour l’Euro 👊#BleuCollectif | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/mjYTKouPRn

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 16, 2024

Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman secured spots despite concerns about their fitness.

There was no place, however, for Nice centre-half Jean Clair Todibo, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi or Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise.

Deschamps, who has named 25 players so far, one fewer than the 26 permitted, added: “It seems logical that we are among the favourites. Eight European teams are in the top 10 places in the FIFA rankings. It shows the level of the Euros.”

France, who have not won the Euros since 2000, take on Austria, the Netherlands and Poland in the group stage.

The squad in full:

Areola (West Ham), Maignan (Milan), Samba (Lens); Clauss (Marseille), T Hernandez (Milan), Konaté (Liverpool), Koundé (Barcelona), Mendy (Real Madrid), Pavard (Inter), Saliba (Arsenal), Upamecano (Bayern Munich); Camavinga (Real Madrid), Fofana (Monaco), Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Rabiot (Juventus), Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Zaïre-Emery (PSG); Barcola (PSG), Coman (Bayern Munich), Dembélé (PSG), Giroud (Milan), Kolo Muani (PSG), Mbappé (PSG), Thuram (Inter)

Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka were the notable absentees from Germany’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024, announced this afternoon by coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Although neither’s exclusion was a surprise, Hummels’ recent form – he was the player of the match in both legs of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League semi-final defeat of Paris Saint-Germain – meant he was thrust into the conversation.

As it was, Nagelsmann preferred the likes of Jonathan Tan, Robin Koch, Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck in the centre of defence as he plots to claim the trophy on home soil.

He also selected four goalkeepers in a 27-man squad. That will have to be trimmed to 26 prior to the tournament but Nagelsmann revealed he would not be cutting a goalkeeper.

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Unser Kader für die #EURO2024 in Deutschland! 🇩🇪

📽️ https://t.co/eIrhJXoS9t#dfbteam pic.twitter.com/pKHQu2diw8

— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) May 16, 2024

He said: “We have nominated four goalkeepers and we will go with four to the tournament.

“Why four keepers? You can have goalkeepers in training as well and Manuel [Neuer] does not always have to do it. We can control training and spread the load.

“That means 22 outfield players. I can live with that very well. We can still do proper training with at least 20 outfield players if some are missing.”

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos was included, having reversed his decision to retire from international football, alongside fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer.

Germany open the tournament against Scotland on June 14. They also face Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith believes the club can become a permanent fixture in the Champions League having secured a place in Europe’s elite club competition for next season.

Villa’s fourth-placed finish was confirmed on Tuesday night when closest challengers Tottenham went down 2-0 at home to title-chasing Manchester City.

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And Smith, who guided Villa back into the top flight in 2019 during a three-year spell in charge, is confident it heralds a new era at the club.

He told the BBC: “I believe it will because of the owners’ passion and drive to become one of those teams who can be a top-six team every year.

“I remember when I first went for talks with Suso, Christian Purslow and the owners and there was a five-year plan to get into the Champions League.

“This is the fifth year and their plan has come to fruition. The owners had a vision, had to spend for what they wanted to do and going from the Championship to the Champions League in five years is an incredible achievement.”

Smith is not surprised by their progress given the foundations he helped put in place.

He added: “I believed it was achievable. I said when we were promoted the next step was to stay up, and once we did, we spent our money really well, we brought in Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and Ross Barkley on loan.

“I always felt, after finishing 17th in that first year [back in the Premier League], climbing six or seven places would be really achievable which is what we did. 

“The next step of climbing two or three places was going to be hard because you were trying to pass established clubs.

“You were always going to have to overtake one of them to get to that elite level. Unai [Emery] has done unbelievably well.”

Smith is currently with Charlotte FC in MLS.