Sport

Mikel Arteta Reacts as Arsenal’s Title Hopes Take a Hit with Aston Villa Draw

Published

32 minutes ago

January 19, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts after his team’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, acknowledging defensive lapses as a key factor in the setback.

Arteta admitted that if the Gunners continue to defend as they did at Villa Park, their aspirations for the Premier League title will remain out of reach.

Arsenal’s Defensive Struggles
Despite holding a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, Arsenal saw their advantage evaporate in the second half. Within just eight minutes, Aston Villa struck back with goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

For Villa’s first goal, Tielemans capitalized on a lapse in concentration from Mikel Merino, while Watkins exploited Thomas Partey’s defensive misstep to secure the equalizer.

Speaking to the media after the match, Arteta didn’t shy away from addressing the issues. “In attack and defense, we’ve been playing at an incredibly high level,” he told Sky Sports. “We’ve faced strong opposition and performed well, but there’s something missing.”

Arteta emphasized the importance of precision, saying, “The margin is so small. We can’t concede those kinds of goals and expect to stay at the top. Today, it was clear what was missing. We had discipline, commitment, and quality, but those defensive errors have cost us in the past, and we cannot afford them moving forward.”

A Missed Opportunity in the Title Race
The draw was especially painful for Arsenal, as Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table with a dramatic stoppage-time win over Brentford. Arsenal now trail Liverpool by six points, with the Reds still holding a game in hand.

Despite the frustration, Arsenal had opportunities to reclaim the lead late in the match. Havertz had a goal disallowed for handball after deflecting a shot from Merino into the net, and Merino himself came close with a powerful strike that was tipped onto the woodwork by the Villa goalkeeper.

Arteta’s Rallying Cry
While clearly disappointed, Arteta took the opportunity to praise his team’s overall performance and resilience. “I’m incredibly proud of the way we played—how dominant and fluid we were,” he said. “We’ve just played three games in six days, and the effort from the players has been phenomenal.”

Looking ahead to a demanding stretch of six matches across the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League, Arteta urged his team to remain focused. “We deserved more from this game, and it’s painful not to get it. But we’ll take the lessons, stay together, and push on. There’s so much more to fight for this season.”

Manchester United

Tyrell Malacia Set for Potential Loan Exit from Manchester United

Published

37 minutes ago

January 19, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United have reportedly granted Tyrell Malacia the green light to secure a loan move before the current transfer window closes.

As per reports from VI, the club has communicated to the Dutch defender their willingness to facilitate a temporary move. This decision comes as Malacia continues his recovery journey following a prolonged injury spell, with the loan intended to help him regain peak fitness and form. The ultimate goal is for him to compete for a spot in Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Manchester United’s Left-Back Conundrum
The Red Devils have faced challenges in the left-back position during this transfer window. With Luke Shaw sidelined due to injury, Malacia—who has been out of action for nearly 18 months—only recently returned to contention. The new manager, Ruben Amorim, has been limited in options to cover the left side of defense.

Despite being the squad’s sole natural left-back, Malacia is reportedly free to leave on loan for the rest of the season. At 25 years old, he may struggle to secure sufficient game time under Amorim, as the club prioritizes his fitness and match readiness. A loan move would provide the regular minutes necessary for him to rediscover his form.

Interest from Top European Clubs
While Manchester United is open to offers, Malacia’s potential destination remains uncertain. Several prominent European clubs are rumored to be monitoring the situation.

Italian powerhouse Juventus is among the interested parties, as they contend with Juan Cabal’s injury and the possibility of Andrea Cambiaso’s departure, with Manchester City reportedly pursuing the latter.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund has also shown interest in Malacia in the past. However, their current focus appears to be on securing Chelsea’s Renato Veiga or Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko. Despite these pursuits, Malacia could still emerge as a viable option for the German side.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Tyrell Malacia will secure a move to reignite his career and return stronger to Manchester United.

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville lead Man Utd tributes to Denis Law after his death Tributes have been flooding in after Denis Law, part of Manchester United’s ‘Holy Trinity’, a Ballon d’Or and European Cup winner and Scotlands joint all-time leading goalscorer, died on Friday at the age of 84 Denis Law has been described as “one of football’s giants” as tributes poured in for the Manchester United great following his death at the age of 84. The Scotland striker won two league titles with United and was a member of their European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 when they became the first English club to lift the trophy. Law, known as ‘The King’, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021, and his family announced his death on Friday evening. Rooney led the tributes, posting simply on social media, declaring: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.” United stalwart Gary Neville added on Instagram : “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.” Former United and England captains Bryan Robson who worked with Law in an ambassadorial role for the club, called the Scot a “fantastic man”. “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad,” he said in a column in the Daily Mail. “Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his. “He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one-arm salute after scoring. No one could represent what Manchester United stood for better than him. Full of flair on the pitch and a gentleman off it.” Law’s family had earlier released a statement, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. “We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.” Law defied his small physique to terrorise defenders with his fearless approach and electric pace during an 18-year playing career, which also included spells at first club Huddersfield, Manchester City (twice) and Torino. Law’s transfers from Huddersfield to Manchester City in 1960 and later moves to Italian club Torino (1961) and to Manchester United in 1962 were all British records at the time. United said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.” Law is the only player to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford, one on the Stretford End concourse and the other as part of the ‘United Trinity’ outside the stadium alongside fellow greats George Best and Charlton. In the years after his retirement Law worked as a broadcaster as well as for numerous charities and he was inducted into both the Scottish and English football halls of fame. The Scottish Football Association paid tribute to a “true great”, insisting “we will not see his likes again. Denis Law. 1940-2025.” Law played 84 times for Manchester City across two spells and they said the “whole of Manchester” was mourning. In a reply to United’s X post breaking the news, City said: “The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time.” The Denis Law Legacy Trust described Law as “Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian”. The Trust said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Denis and our foremost thoughts are with his family and close friends during this very sad time. Denis was Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian. As Patron of the charity that was built in his honour, he was an inspirational figure for so many people in the city.” Lee said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Alzheimer’s Society supporter, Denis Law, has died with dementia. We’ll be forever grateful that Denis and his family raised not only money for Alzheimer’s Society but a great deal of awareness too. “Talking about his diagnosis, Denis once said ‘you hope that it won’t happen to you’. The sad reality is that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia and a million people are currently living with it.

Published

1 day ago

January 18, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Tributes have poured in following the death of Denis Law, a legendary figure in Manchester United’s history. Known as part of the club’s iconic “Holy Trinity” and a Ballon d’Or winner, Law passed away at the age of 84 on Friday. The Scottish striker was also the joint all-time leading goalscorer for Scotland.

Denis Law, affectionately referred to as “The King”, was hailed as “one of football’s giants”. His illustrious career included two league titles with Manchester United and being a pivotal part of the team that won the European Cup in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby, marking the first time an English club achieved such a feat. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021, Law’s passing was announced by his family on Friday evening.

Tributes from Football Icons

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, honored Law’s legacy with a heartfelt post on social media, simply stating, “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.” Gary Neville, another United stalwart, shared his condolences on Instagram: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”

Bryan Robson, a former United captain who worked alongside Law in ambassadorial roles, described him as both a remarkable footballer and an exceptional person. In a tribute published in the Daily Mail, Robson wrote: “We’ve lost one of football’s giants, not just as a player but as a gentleman. Denis was generous with his time and always had a great sense of humour. He’d undoubtedly make my greatest-ever Manchester United XI. That iconic image of him celebrating with a one-arm salute will forever symbolize what Manchester United stands for: flair and class.”

Family Statement

Law’s family released a heartfelt statement, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Denis Law. He fought a tough battle but is now at peace. We want to thank everyone who supported and cared for him over the years. Your love and kindness made all the difference.”

A Legendary Career

Despite his modest stature, Law’s fearless style and electrifying pace made him a nightmare for defenders during his 18-year professional career. His journey included stints at Huddersfield Town, Manchester City (twice), Torino, and of course, Manchester United. Notably, his transfers to Manchester City in 1960 and Torino in 1961 set British transfer fee records at the time.

Manchester United issued a statement mourning their beloved legend: “Everyone at Manchester United is grieving the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. His legacy will live on forever.” Law is immortalized at Old Trafford with two statues: one on the Stretford End concourse and another as part of the “United Trinity” alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.

Tributes from the Football World

The Scottish Football Association described Law as a “true great”, adding, “We will not see his likes again. Denis Law, 1940-2025.” Manchester City also paid tribute, stating, “The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

The Denis Law Legacy Trust, an organization founded in his honour, referred to him as “Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian”. The Trust’s statement read: “Denis was an inspirational figure for so many people. As Patron of the charity, his influence and passion helped make a difference in countless lives.”

Championing Awareness for Dementia

In his later years, Law became an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society. The organization expressed their gratitude for his contributions, stating: “Denis and his family raised significant funds and awareness for our cause. He once said, ‘You hope it won’t happen to you’ about his diagnosis. Sadly, one in three people in the UK today will develop dementia. Denis’ courage and openness have been invaluable in our fight against this condition.”

Denis Law’s enduring legacy, both on and off the pitch, will continue to inspire generations of football fans and players alike. His contributions to the sport and his advocacy for important causes leave a lasting imprint on the world.

Manchester City

Erling Haaland Extends Manchester City Contract Until 2034

Published

1 day ago

January 18, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester City has confirmed that Erling Haaland has signed a new contract, extending his stay with the club until the end of the 2033-34 season. The Norwegian striker’s previous agreement was set to expire in June 2027, but he has now pledged his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

The announcement was made through the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account, which stated: “Erling’s here to stay! We’re thrilled to announce Erling Haaland has extended his contract at City to 2034.”

A Stellar Start to Life at City

Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 and immediately made a significant impact. During his debut season, he scored an astonishing 52 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. He followed this remarkable debut with another prolific season, netting 38 goals as City claimed a fourth consecutive league title.

Reflecting on his new contract, Haaland expressed his delight: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club. Manchester City is a special place, filled with incredible people and amazing supporters. It’s the perfect environment to bring out the best in everyone.”

The 24-year-old also extended his gratitude to manager Pep Guardiola, his coaching staff, and his teammates, stating: “They’ve all played a huge role in making my time here so special. I am City, no matter what.”

A Boost Amid Challenges

Haaland’s contract extension is a significant morale boost for Manchester City, especially during a season where they have faced unexpected struggles on the pitch. The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points. Haaland’s decision to commit his future comes at a critical time when City is also awaiting the outcome of an independent disciplinary case concerning over 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations—charges the club has consistently denied.

Outgoing director of football, Txiki Begiristain, hailed the contract extension, saying: “Everyone at the club is overjoyed that Erling has signed this new deal. His commitment reflects both our faith in him and his love for Manchester City. His achievements so far have been extraordinary, and his professionalism, humility, and dedication set a standard for all.”

Aiming for Records and Legacy

With this extended tenure, Haaland has a golden opportunity to chase down some of football’s most prestigious records, including Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League scoring record of 260 goals. Haaland has already accumulated 79 Premier League goals in just 87 games and boasts a total of 111 goals in 126 matches for Manchester City in all competitions.

Begiristain added: “Under Pep’s guidance, Erling will continue to grow and achieve even more. He has the potential to create an incredible legacy here, and this long-term commitment allows him to focus entirely on his football and helping us reach new heights.”

A Busy Transfer Window

The announcement of Haaland’s renewal coincided with reports that Manchester City has reached a verbal agreement to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egyptian forward, who has been in sensational form with 20 goals in 26 appearances this season, is expected to add versatility and depth to City’s attack.

The Longest Contract in European Football

Haaland’s new deal, reportedly worth £500,000 per week, is among the longest active contracts in European football. It eliminates a release clause included in his original agreement and positions Haaland to cement his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. Long-term contracts of this nature are rare in football but are more commonly seen in American sports.

As Haaland continues to shine on the pitch, his extended commitment provides Manchester City with a stable foundation for sustained success in the years to come.