Sports
Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed plans to discuss the future of midfielder Thomas Partey, acknowledging the Ghanaian international’s vital role in the team.
At 31, Partey has seen a resurgence this season, logging 799 Premier League minutes more than he did in the entire 2023/24 campaign.
Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, Partey has made 13 appearances this season, scoring once and starting 12 matches.
Despite facing some criticism, Arteta praised Partey’s recent form and adaptability, especially as his contract nears expiration next summer.
“The one thing we needed was Thomas to be at the level we wanted,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“He’s working hard and playing really well in different positions, adapting to various demands, and he’s coping excellently. He’s a big player for us,” Arteta said, adding, “He’s in a really good place, and we’ll have these discussions [about his future with Arsenal].”
While Arsenal initially planned to let Partey finish his contract without an extension, his recent performances could lead to a reconsideration.
Partey has also been linked with clubs like Barcelona and Juventus, but his experience may be crucial for the squad’s depth in the 2025/26 season.
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
Sports
NPFL: Musa scores for Kano Pillars, Rivers United falter
Ahmed Musa scored the winning goal as Kano Pillars rallied to beat Plateau United 2-1 on Sunday.
Plateau United took the lead through Gafar Saka on 66 minutes.
Rabiu Ali equalised for Pillars 13 minutes from time, while Musa fired home the winning goal in stoppage time
In Lagos, Rivers United lost for the first time in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, this season, going down to a 2-0 defeat against Ikorodu City.
Ayomide Cole gave Ikorodu City the lead three minutes after the break.
Rivio Ayemnwere doubled the advantage eight minutes later.
Elsewhere, holders Rangers claimed a 2-0 win over Nasarawa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Last season’s top scorer, Godwin Obaje, scored both goals for the Flying Antelopes.
FULL RESULTS
Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
Kano Pillars 1-0 Plateau Utd
Sunshine Stars 1-2 Insurance
Abia Warriors 0-1 Heartland
Bayelsa Utd 1-1 Enyimba
Ikorodu City 2-0 Rivers Utd
Tornadoes 1-0 3SC
Akwa Utd 2-1 Kwara Utd
Remo Stars 1-0 Lobi
FT El-Kanemi 1-0 Katsina Utd
Sports
Man Utd Held By Chelsea In First Post-Ten Hag Premier League Game
Moises Caicedo’s strike denied Manchester United victory in their first Premier League game since sacking Erik ten Hag as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim later his month, sprinted down the touchline in celebration after Bruno Fernandes put United in front from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
Caicedo quickly replied for the Blues, who edge above Arsenal on goal different into fourth.
A point leaves United still down in 13th, six points off the top four.
Amorim was not in attendance as he prepares to take charge of Sporting Lisbon for the one of the final times against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
United were far more competitive than in 3-0 demolitions by Liverpool and Tottenham at home this season, but showed many of the same flaws that cost Ten Hag his job.
Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a 5-2 demolition of an under-strength Leicester in his first match in charge to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.
Still a hero among the United fans from his days as a prolific striker, the Dutchman’s name was chanted in a buoyant pre-match atmosphere.
However, a Chelsea side that have lost once in nine Premier League games, provided a much stiffer test for a United side still short on confidence.
Noni Madueke came closest to opening the scoring for Chelsea in the first-half when he headed Cole Palmer’s corner off the post.
It took United time to find their feet as an attacking force but they were unfortunate not to go in front just before half-time.
Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar with a cushioned volley in the last action of a disappointing first 45 minutes from both sides.
Pedro Neto’s burst of pace nearly gave Chelsea a dream start to the second period but the Portuguese winger’s shot flew just past the far post.
The Blues remain overly reliant on Palmer for inspiration.
The boyhood United fan, who began his career at Manchester City before joining Chelsea last year, was kept quiet by Van Nistelrooy’s pairing of Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
Before kick-off only Southampton had scored fewer than United’s eight Premier League goals in nine games this season.
The lack of efficiency in front of goal that Ten Hag often bemoaned was in evidence again.
Garnacho wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring from Fernandes’ cut-back with a tame effort that looped into the arms of Sanchez.
United were gifted the chance to break the deadlock when Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund inside the box.
Fernandes kept his cool to send the Spanish international goalkeeper the wrong way and spark wild celebrations from Van Nistelrooy.
United’s joy was short-lived as Chelsea hit back within four minutes.
A corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Caicedo connected a sweet strike to fire into the bottom corner.
Chelsea should have struck again moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over with Andre Onana stranded.
It was United who came closest in a frantic finale when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew just over.
AFP
Sports
EPL: Bournemouth stun Manchester City with historic win
Antoine Semenyo and Evanlison scored as Bournemouth sealed their first-ever win against Manchester City at Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries, in good form after picking up four points from their last two games against Aston Villa and Arsenal, started quickly and full of positivity.
Ederson was forced into a double save after just two minutes as he denied Semenyo and Justin Kluivert.
With the tone set, Bournemouth continued to press high and they were rewarded in the ninth minute when Milos Kerkez’s cut-back from the byeline was turned in by Semenyo.
City failed to muster an attempt on target during a largely frustrating first half.
Bournemouth came out for the second period full of confidence and were close to doubling their lead in the first minute, but Ederson was sharply off his line to keep Evanlison’s effort out.
Evanlison made sure with his next opportunity, though, sliding to meet Kerkez’s low ball and nestling it into the bottom corner.
The hosts should have made it three moments later but Adam Smith, presented with an open goal, blazed over the bar after Marcus Tavernier’s shot came back off the post.
City finally registered an attempt on target in the 80th minute, albeit a tame one, with Erling Haaland struggling to get any power on his volley.
And two minutes later, Josko Gvardiol headed beyond a despairing Mark Travers to offer hope but the Premier League champions were unable to grab an equaliser.
The defeat means City slip to second after Liverpool came-from-behind to beat Brighton, while Bournemouth climb up to eighth.
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