Sports
Nwaneri scores first league goal as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest
Arsenal ended their four-game Premier League winless streak in emphatic fashion, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Saturday to mark Mikel Arteta’s 250th game in charge.
Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri found the back of the net as the Gunners achieved a historic milestone of 2,000 top-flight victories—becoming just the second team in English football history to do so.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Bukayo Saka lit up the Emirates Stadium with a stunning goal.
Collecting a lofted pass from Jorginho, Saka combined cleverly with Martin Odegaard, surged past three defenders on the edge of the area, and rifled a superb shot past Matz Sels. The strike marked his third consecutive goal against Forest in as many meetings.
Arsenal nearly had a dream start just four minutes into the game when Jurrien Timber appeared to have scored from a rebound after Mikel Merino’s header, but the celebrations were cut short by a VAR-backed offside decision.
Nevertheless, Saka’s opener set the tone for a dominant performance as the Gunners controlled the game against Forest, who came into the match unbeaten in five away trips this season.
Thomas Partey, introduced at the break, doubled Arsenal’s lead just six minutes into the second half.
Once again, Saka was the architect, finding Partey in acres of space on the edge of the box. The Ghanaian took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike that sailed past Sels into the back of the net.
Forest struggled to trouble Arsenal’s defence, failing to register a shot on target as the Gunners maintained their dominance.
The victory was crucial for a team that had seen leads slip in recent weeks, most notably against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Nwaneri scores first EPL goal
In the 81st minute, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri replaced Gabriel Jesus, and just four minutes later, he made his mark.
Fellow substitute Raheem Sterling advanced down the right flank and cut the ball back to the teenager, who steered it expertly into the bottom corner. It was a moment of brilliance and composure from Nwaneri, who continues to showcase his immense potential.
The Gunners nearly conceded a late consolation goal when Jota Silva tucked home a Chris Wood knockdown, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal’s clean sheet and commanding performance were a fitting conclusion to a historic afternoon.
What’s next?
Arsenal turn their attention to European competition with a Champions League trip to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.
They’ll return to Premier League action next Sunday with a trip to West Ham United before hosting Manchester United at the Emirates on 4 December.
This victory not only ends Arsenal’s recent struggles but also signals their intent to push for the top spots in the league as the busy winter schedule approaches.
Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament and qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.
The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time, with both teams unable to find the back of the net.
Ultimately, it was Nigeria who triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.
The match, held in the knockout stage of the continental youth championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.
Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty decider.
Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.
The result not only sends Nigeria into the semifinals of the U-20 AFCON but also confirms their place in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Brazil’s national football team, according to reports by sports journalist David Ornstein. The 65-year-old will take over the role on May 26, immediately after overseeing his final match with Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreigner to manage Brazil’s senior men’s team. Ornstein confirmed that all agreements have been finalized and contracts signed, with the transition negotiated amicably between Ancelotti, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The deal was led by Diego Fernandes on behalf of the CBF.
One of the most decorated coaches in football history, Ancelotti will be tasked with leading Brazil through their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, aiming for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Athletic previously reported that Ancelotti had agreed to take charge through the 2026 World Cup. He will succeed Dorival Júnior, who was dismissed in March after 14 months at the helm.
Ancelotti’s debut on the Brazil touchline is expected on June 6, in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
Since returning to Real Madrid in 2021, Ancelotti has added two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy to his illustrious resume, which includes eight major European finals. However, recent performances by Madrid have been underwhelming, including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, and trailing Hansi Flick’s side by seven points in La Liga with three games to go.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was named the Ligue 1 player of the year on Sunday, after leading the club to a 13th French title and the Champions League final.
Dembele is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 21 goals and has struck 33 times in 46 matches across all competitions, including eight goals in Europe.
He succeeds Kylian Mbappe who won the prize five times in a row before departing for Real Madrid at the end of last season.
Luis Enrique earned coach of the year honours at the UNFP (French players’ union) Trophies gala, while Desire Doue took home the prize for the best young player in Ligue 1.
Lille’s Lucas Chevalier denied PSG a clean sweep of the accolades as he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the best goalkeeper award.
PSG are on course for a treble after easing to an 11th Ligue 1 title in 13 years. They will play Inter Milan in the Champions League final on May 31, a week after facing Reims in the French Cup showpiece.
AFP
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