Sports
Why we couldn’t defeat Leverkusen in our first encounter-Arsenal coach, Arteta
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said his side was affected by Bayer Leverkusen’s goal, as they drew 1-1 in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday night.
Robert Andrich opened the scoring for the hosts from a corner-kick, before a late Kai Havertz penalty ensured the game ended in a draw.
The result brought Arsenal’s perfect run in the competition to an end ahead of the second leg.
Arteta said: “The game had very different periods… we started the game quite well, then they scored and the game changed completely.
“In the 2nd half we had to stay emotionally under control and very composed.
“In the end we found our way to draw the match.
“Football gives us very nice and funny stories… I was impressed by how composed Havertz was when he took the penalty.”
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League.
This follows the completion of the quarter-final second legs on Tuesday.
In the first game, PSG travelled to Liverpool with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
Although there were no goals in the first half, Ousmane Dembele netted twice after the break as the holders progressed into the final four.
At the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico qualified for the semi-final despite losing 2-1.
Diego Simeone’s men had won 2-0 at the Nou Camp and at home, Ademola Lookman’s goal proved crucial after Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres levelled the tie on aggregate/
PSG will face the winner of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid await the winner of Arsenal vs Sporting.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández is set to return to the Chelsea FC squad this week after resolving internal issues with the club.
According to manager Liam Rosenior, the Argentine international has held discussions with the coaching staff, the leadership group, and his teammates following a recent incident that led to his absence.
“Enzo has spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players, and so now we look forward to welcoming him back,” Rosenior said.
He added that Fernández personally requested the meetings as part of efforts to address the situation and move forward with the team.
“He wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group, and he wanted to speak to the players,” the manager explained.
Senior officials at Arsenal have reportedly identified Como head coach and former club captain, Cesc Fabregas, as the ideal candidate to replace Mikel Arteta, amid growing uncertainty over the Spaniard’s future at the Emirates.
According to reports by Mundo Deportivo, Arteta could be in his final days as Arsenal manager if the club’s season ends without major silverware.
The Gunners began 2026 on a great note and in the running for four trophies.
But Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and lost to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Arteta’s men had the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points on Saturday, but ended up losing 2-1 to Bournemouth at home.
The result saw a lot of supporters walk out of the stadium before the full-time whistle, as the fanbase becomes apprehensive of the team bottling the title again.
The poor run of form is also being discussed in the boardroom and the hierarchy believes there might be need to change the manager if the team fails to win any silverware.
Former Arsenal captain, Fabregas, who is leading Como’s charge to qualify for Europe, is a heavy favourite for the role if Arteta leaves.
Iran slams US blockade as ‘grave violation of sovereignty’
El-Rufai distances self from comments on political aspirations attributed to associate
Doris Ogala raises alarm as Lagos police storm her residence without prior invitation
-
News18 hours agoEx-Gov El-rufai to remain in detention until bail condition is fulfilled
-
News23 hours agoWAR: US, Israel ground Iran’s aircraft
-
News22 hours agoSupreme Court to hear appeals on PDP leadership crisis on April 20
-
News20 hours agoGbajabiamila lauds FCT Minister over landmark Hypercity-Carrefour deal(Photos)
-
News19 hours agoAccreditation begins as 3,000 delegates arrive at ADC national convention venue
-
News15 hours agoReps Halt Payments to ZTE Over CCTV Project, Demand Full Accountability
-
News15 hours agoJust in: ADC, fires Bala, Abejide, others as crisis escalates
-
News17 hours agoDe recognition: Supreme Court to hear leadership suit on April 22