Sports
EPL final day: Arsenal’s need for miracle, stain of Man City’s 115 charges
And then there were two.
In April, it seemed that Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool could claim the title. However, Jurgen Klopp’s team fell out of contention due to a series of poor results, ensuring the German coach leaves with just one Premier League title after nine years.
It’s a testament to the Reds that they were even in the title conversation, as many expected only City and Arsenal to compete closely this season.
Arsenal, in particular, have performed exceptionally well.
“I think they’ve been excellent,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, told DAILY POST. “Many doubted if they could maintain their level from the 22/23 season, but they’ve shown that this team is here to stay and contend year after year. They didn’t collapse in the final stretch like last year and have bounced back from various setbacks. It’s been a very impressive season, perhaps even more so than last year. It looks like they’ve reached a new level.”
Currently, Mikel Arteta is poised to finish as runner-up to his former boss and mentor, Pep Guardiola, for the second consecutive year. However, many believe Arsenal will win the title within a year or two.
“No. The only certainty is the level they’ve demonstrated so far. They’re genuinely a good side, so expectations will definitely rise, and they will start the season as serious contenders, with all the associated pressure. Anything less will bring scrutiny or be seen as a step back. Manchester City will still be the favorites and the team to beat. Those are the only guarantees. Football is cruel like that. Each season is unique, and past performance doesn’t guarantee moving from 2nd to 1st the next year. That’s football for you. Arsenal will be an interesting team to watch next season, especially if they narrowly miss out on the title again,” McDubus explained.
City’s journey hasn’t been straightforward.
“A comedown was inevitable after a treble and losing Ilkay Gundogan. Without Kevin de Bruyne for much of the season, this has been a very functional Manchester City. There’s been less subtlety and more reliance on physical and athletic dominance to win matches. But winning is a self-sustaining habit, and no team has won as much as Manchester City in the last 5-7 years. They’ve found a way to succeed, even if this isn’t a vintage version of themselves.”
A potential blemish on City’s title win is the 115 charges looming over them.
“It’s impossible to ignore those charges when evaluating City, although they pertain to the entire project rather than this specific season,” Chukwu added. “The allegations relate to the expenses incurred to establish their dominance. By not cooperating, City are essentially delaying justice as long as possible while continuing to build their legacy. By the time justice arrives, it may not matter as much in the public consciousness. It’s a calculated, albeit unethical, gamble.”
British Broadcaster, Piers Morgan has branded Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland the most arrogant player in the Premier League.
Morgan also said that the Norway international is a ‘nasty piece of work’ as he slammed him for ‘belittling’ a 17-year-old opponent.
Recall that Haaland caused controversy during Man City’s Premier League 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday by throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after the Cityzens scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser.
Haaland had dismissed the Arsenal youngster, Myles Lewis-Skelly, shouting ‘Who the f*** are you’ before he shared words with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and striker Gabriel Jesus, who used to play for Man City.
Responding to a clip showing Haaland clashing with Arteta, Morgan tweeted on Monday: “Humility lectures from the most arrogant player in the league, who nastily belittled 17-year-old Lewis-Skelly, and cowardly hurled a ball at the back of Gabriel’s head.
“Pipe down. You nasty piece of work.”
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Nigerians were excited to see Victor Osimhen shine in the national team colors. The 23-year-old had the opportunity to showcase his talent during the Super Eagles’ first two qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
However, Osimhen, the primary striker, faced challenges at his club. Napoli had signed Romelu Lukaku, leaving him sidelined. He only arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, after securing a season-long loan to Galatasaray, which happened after the regular European transfer window had closed. By then, he was jetlagged and out of form, having not played since the previous season.
Given this situation, interim coach Austin Eguavoen wisely started Boniface against Benin Republic in Uyo. However, Boniface struggled to make an impact and was substituted for Osimhen in the second half, shortly before Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal.
Eguavoen maintained his trust in Boniface for the match in Kigali, but he was replaced by Osimhen at halftime. This led to disappointment among fans, with some labeling Boniface a “flop.”
Sports analyst Ope Adebari disagrees, stating, “I won’t say he flopped. He put in a good effort; the main issue was the lack of goals due to him being isolated because of Eguavoen’s tactical approach used during the AFCON tournament.”
Just days after returning from international duty, Boniface scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, demonstrating clinical finishing.
Adebari highlighted the difference in tactics: “Leverkusen uses a 3-4-3 formation with two attacking midfielders who support Boniface, while the Super Eagles rely on wingers. Boniface thrives on link-up play, but struggled with hold-up play for Nigeria.”
Although Boniface may get another opportunity, Osimhen is expected to be in form and ready to start. Adebari believes both forwards could play together, suggesting a front three of Boniface, Lookman, and Osimhen.
He emphasized the need for coaches to integrate the best players effectively. “This combination will only work if Wilfred Ndidi is paired with either Frank Onyeka or Raphael Onyedika instead of Alex Iwobi. The 3-4-3 system needs a holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder who are both technically skilled, and the mentioned players can help the front trio succeed for the Super Eagles.”
Ademola Lookman will be the focal point when Atalanta takes on Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League match at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo today.
Lookman shone in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season, scoring an impressive hat-trick.
The 26-year-old made a significant impact in his first Serie A start against Fiorentina on Sunday, contributing one goal and one assist to help La Dea snap a two-game winless streak.
Previously, Lookman netted one goal in the Champions League during his time with RB Leipzig in Germany.
Another strong performance against the Gunners could bolster his chances of winning the African Player of the Year award.
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