Sports

Raheem Sterling scores first Gunners goal in league cup defeat of Bolton

Published

5 months ago

September 26, 2024

Raheem Sterling scored his first Gunners goal and Jack Porter became the club’s youngest-ever starter in a 5-1 demolition of Bolton in the League Cup on Wednesday, while Liverpool reached the last 16 with a 5-1 win against troubled West Ham.

Sterling marked his maiden Arsenal start following his transfer deadline day move from Chelsea with a second-half strike in the third-round tie at the Emirates Stadium.

The 29-year-old will hope his goal marks the start of a career revival after a disappointing two-year spell at Chelsea.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had made seven changes from Sunday’s stormy 2-2 draw at Premier League champions Manchester City, including giving goalkeeper Porter his record-breaking debut in place of the injured David Raya.

Aged 16 years and 72 days old, Porter was the youngest player ever to start for Arsenal, surpassing the previous record holder Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years and 177 days when he played against Rotherham in 2003.

Porter was Arsenal’s second youngest ever player overall after Ethan Nwaneri, who was 15 years and 181 days, when he made his debut in 2022.

Declan Rice put Arsenal ahead in north London after 16 minutes with a clinical finish from the edge of the area for his first goal this season.

Fittingly on Porter’s record-setting day, it was Nwaneri who doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 37th minute with his first goal for the club.

Sports

End of road for Arsenal, may not win any shield this season – Report

Published

2 minutes ago

February 23, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.

Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.

He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.

“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.

I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.

“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.

They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.

The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Sports

Brighton humble Chelsea on Valentine’s day

Published

1 week ago

February 15, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.

A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.

Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.

Sports

Just in: Aston Villa send Tottenham packing out of FA Cup

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Aston Villa has sent Tottenham Hotspur packing from the FA Cup, securing a 2-1 victory in their fourth-round clash at Villa Park.

The win marks a significant upset, given Tottenham’s eight FA Cup titles, and comes on the heels of their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Aston Villa’s triumph was fueled by their strong home form, which has seen them deliver impressive wins in the Champions League this season.

Despite entering the match on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Wolves, Unai Emery’s side demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome their opponents.

Tottenham, plagued by injuries, with a dozen first-team players sidelined, struggled to find their footing. Their task was further complicated by the absence of key players, including Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and James Maddison.

The victory is a significant boost for Aston Villa, who will now advance to the next round of the FA Cup.

For Tottenham, the loss marks a disappointing exit from the competition, adding to the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.