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News: Saka named England player of the year

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 For the second year running, Bukayo Saka has been named England men's player of the year. The Arsenal winger, who turned 22 on Tuesday , retained the award he won first in 2021-22. Midfielder Jude Bellingham came second in the ballot, followed by England captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane. Picture credit -  Premier League 2023/24, Matchday 4 - Arsenal 3:1 Mancheste… | Flickr In the past year, Saka has scored seven goals in 10 appearances for England, including a hat-trick against North Macedonia at Old Trafford. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup , he scored three times for the Three Lions, twice against Iran in the opening group stage and once against Senegal in the last 16. He has 11 England goals in 28 caps. The Arsenal fan favourite is again among England boss Gareth Southgate's squad for Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Ukraine and Tuesday's friendly with Scotland.  Saka will once again be an important player for England in what could be a ...

The Big Discussion: Kai Havertz shining for Arsenal

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Kai Havertz benefits from Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side The German forward us leading the line for the Gunners and is now working well with Bukayo Saka. Let's explore the impact that he's having at the moment. As long as Bukayo Saka maintains his remarkable consistency, he’ll remain the standout star at Arsenal. The academy-grown winger notched his sixth and seventh assists of the season during the Gunners’ comeback victory against relegation-threatened Southampton on Saturday afternoon, also netting his second league goal of the campaign. Saka ranks among the Premier League’s top 10 players for shots, key passes and dribbles this season, showcasing the full extent of his attacking prowess. As Arsenal chase their first league title in over two decades, Saka is undoubtedly the main man. However, it would be wrong to say Arsenal are a one-man team. At 23, Saka is clearly Mikel Arteta’s crown jewel, but he is surrounded by other equally brilliant talents. Premier League...

Premier League: Arsenal were ruthless against Burnley

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Burnley 0 - 5 Arsenal Following Liverpool's win in the early game against Brentford, The Gunners knew they had to win this match and they duly obliged.  Following their 6-0 victory at West Ham last week , Arsenal were soon among the goals again, with captain Martin Odegaard opening the scoring after four minutes with a precise strike into the bottom corner following Gabriel Martinelli's pass. Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot to double the lead after Lorenz Assignon fouled Leandro Trossard in the box. Saka secured his second goal just after the restart as Arsenal maintained the pressure, seizing on a clever pass from Odegaard, cutting inside, and firing a shot into the roof of the net. Havertz's scuffed effort was blocked in the box, but Trossard was alert to curl in his third goal in as many league games. Jakub Kiwior's long throw down the line then found an unmarked Havertz, who slipped in behind the defence and drilled past home goalkeeper James Traffor...

Saka inspires Arsenal on return

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Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham Bukayo Saka wasted no time making an impact on his return from injury, scoring just seven minutes after coming on to help Arsenal secure victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. Author - DJ Stadium - Emirates Stadium The England winger had been sidelined for 101 days but came off the bench in the second half with Arsenal leading 1-0. He quickly reminded everyone what they’d been missing, heading in Gabriel Martinelli’s flick at the far post in the 73rd minute. Mikel Merino had earlier put the Gunners in front after 37 minutes, his shot taking a deflection and nestling into the corner following Ethan Nwaneri’s cut-back. Fulham did manage a late consolation, with Rodrigo Muniz’s shot deflecting off William Saliba and wrong-footing David Raya in stoppage time. However, Arsenal held on for a crucial win, moving them to within nine points of league leaders Liverpool. READ MORE:  Premier League: 2024/2025 season READ MORE:  Arsenal score seven against P...

Arsenal eventually ease to win over Monaco

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 Arsenal 3 - 0 Monaco Bukayo Saka shone with a brace as Arsenal secured a crucial win over Monaco, bolstering their chances of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages. Author - DJ The Gunners dominated the first half but squandered several opportunities to make the result more emphatic. Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Myles Lewis-Skelly threaded a pass to Gabriel Jesus, whose low cross set up Saka for an easy finish. In the second half, substitute Kai Havertz capitalised on an error from goalkeeper Radosław Majecki in the 74th minute, allowing Saka to strike from close range for his second of the night. Saka then turned provider in the 88th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross for Havertz, who slotted in Arsenal’s third goal. Click here for more Arsenal news and stories Champions League: 2024/2025 A closer look at what happened Despite the late flurry of goals, Arsenal missed several clear-cut chances earlier in the match. Gabriel Jesus was twice...

Premier League: Title challengers start campaign with a win

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Arsenal 2 - 0 Wolves Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a straightforward win against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, heading in from Bukayo Saka’s cross from the right. After the break, Saka added a second with a powerful left-footed strike into the right corner, capitalising on a quickly taken free-kick that caught the visitors off guard. A closer look at the match Although Arsenal weren't at their best, they were always in control and fully deserved the victory against determined opposition. Wolves debutant Jorgen Strand Larsen had a good chance in the first half, but his header was well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Substitute Matheus Cunha had an opportunity to equalise, but Raya comfortably dealt with his weak effort as Wolves pressed for a goal. Despite their efforts, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil will have few complaints about the result, as his team struggled to create clear chances ...

UCL: Havertz and Saka sink PSG

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Arsenal 2 - 0 PSG Arsenal claimed their first victory in the revamped Champions League, defeating Paris St-Germain in North London. Mikel Arteta's men built on their initial draw with Atalanta by taking charge early, thanks to two first-half goals: Kai Havertz's well-timed header and a cleverly placed free-kick from Bukayo Saka that slipped past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Although PSG had their chances, most notably when Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves struck the woodwork either side of the break, Arsenal's dominance in the first half set the stage for their triumph. Havertz opened the scoring after 20 minutes, beating Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross and nodding it home. Saka added a second, catching the PSG keeper off guard with a long-range free-kick that found its way into the net through a crowded penalty box. PSG, now in a period of transition without their former stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, applied more pressure in the...

Premier League: Arsenal thrash West Ham

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 West Ham United 0 - 6 Arsenal It was a disastrous afternoon for West Ham as they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Arsenal. The match kicked off with Arsenal dictating the pace, applying high pressure and keeping the West Ham players pinned in their own half. Arteta's unexpected tactical changes paid off from the get-go. Although the game was evenly poised for the first thirty minutes, Arsenal dominated possession.  More Premier League news can be found here Transfer News: Rice signs for Arsenal  In the 32nd minute, Rice delivered a corner kick, finding Saliba in the box who leapt and headed the ball into the net, putting Arsenal ahead 1-0. In the 41st minute, Saka was fouled in the box by Areola while advancing towards goal. Initially flagged offside, VAR intervened, confirming Saka's perfectly timed run and awarding Arsenal a penalty. Saka confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the left side of the net, making it 2-0. Just three minutes later, Arsenal ea...

Euro 2024: England fight back yet again

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England 1 - 1 Switzerland England win 5-3 on penalties Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the winning penalty after Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney had all kept their composure.  Jordan Pickford had previously set the tone by saving Switzerland's first penalty from Akanji, securing a tense shoot-out victory. England, who will now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday, had been at risk of a premature exit from the tournament in normal time. Breel Embolo had put Switzerland ahead in the 75th minute, sneaking past Kyle Walker to tap in Dan Ndoye's deflected cross from close range. Saka equalised shortly afterwards with a superb curling finish in off the post from outside the box, marking England's first shot on target. Gareth Southgate's side struggled during extra-time, enduring nerve-wracking moments as Xherdan Shaqiri hit the woodwork directly from a corner and Zeki Amdouni's shot was parried. The Three Lions find a way ag...

Chaotic match at the London Stadium

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West Ham United 2 - 5 Arsenal Arsenal climbed to second place in the Premier League with a thrilling victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, where an astonishing seven goals were scored in the first half. Author - DJ The Gunners took the lead just 10 minutes in when centre-back Gabriel flicked Bukayo Saka’s corner into the net at the near post, capitalising on some slack West Ham marking. Their advantage was doubled in the 27th minute through Leandro Trossard, who finished off a flowing team move. Saka, once again the architect, was played in by Martin Odegaard’s clever chipped-through ball before squaring it perfectly for Trossard to tap home. What followed was a chaotic six-minute spell that saw four goals fly in. Odegaard made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Lucas Paquetá brought down Saka in the box. Just minutes later, Kai Havertz pounced on a defensive error by Max Kilman, racing through to slot past a stranded Łukasz Fabiański and put Arsenal 4-0 up. More news from t...

Euro 2024: England battle to win against Serbia

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England 1 - 0 Serbia Jude Bellingham inspired England to the start they hoped for at Euro 2024, netting the winning goal and delivering a stellar performance in their victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Bellingham's dream season continued, after clinching the Champions League in his debut campaign with Real Madrid, he showcased why he’s seen as England's latest superstar. The 20-year-old rose magnificently to meet Bukayo Saka 's deflected cross with a powerful header after 13 minutes, earning Gareth Southgate's side an early lead. Despite starting strongly with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, England fell into familiar patterns after the break, sitting back and allowing Serbia to press. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial late save from Dusan Vlahovic to maintain their lead. Harry Kane nearly doubled England’s tally when his header from Jarrod Bowen's cross was superbly tipped onto the bar by Serbia's keeper, Predrag Rajkovic. Wh...

Ipswich suffer narrow defeat against Arsenal

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Arsenal 1 - 0 Ipswich Town Kai Havertz netted the decisive goal as Arsenal edged past Ipswich Town with a narrow 1-0 win, moving up to second in the Premier League table. Author - DJ The German's seventh goal of the season proved crucial for the hosts, who were playing their first game without star winger Bukayo Saka, sidelined now for many weeks. The result handed Ipswich their fifth defeat in six matches. Arsenal broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Havertz was perfectly positioned to slot home Leandro Trossard's pinpoint cross. Gabriel Magalhães squandered a chance to extend the lead, heading wide from a corner just after the hour mark. However, the Gunners comfortably managed their slim advantage to secure the win. Mikel Arteta's team leapfrogged Chelsea and Nottingham Forest into second place, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer. Meanwhile, Ipswich remain stuck in 19th, three points away from safety and 17th-placed W...

Premier League: Fulham dent Arsenal's title bid

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Fulham 2 - 1 Arsenal Arsenal missed an opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League on New Year's Day, experiencing a disappointing loss against Fulham. The Gunners took the lead early on, with Bukayo Saka scoring within the first five minutes. However, Raul Jimenez, returning from suspension, equalised, and Bobby Decordova-Reid secured the victory for Fulham in the 60th minute. Explore Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) More Fulham news can be found here (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) How the game unfolded from start to finish Arsenal's promising start saw them take the lead in the fifth minute through a swift break. Gabriel Martinelli's shot from the left was parried by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, and Saka extended his right leg to loop the ball into the net from six yards . Despite Arsenal's early success, Fulham responded effectively and equalised in the 29th minute. Willian, another former Arsenal...

Arsenal held by determined Everton

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Arsenal 0 - 0 Everton Arteta side were held by a determined Everton side resulting in another dent in their title bid.  Author - DJ Arsenal controlled 76% of the possession and registered 13 shots but failed to break down a resolute Everton defence, which managed just two shots all game. Everton's first chance came as early as the sixth minute and arguably presented the best opportunity of the match. Abdoulaye Doucoure broke through on goal but hesitated, allowing Gabriel to block his angled effort. From then on, Arsenal monopolised the ball but struggled to carve out clear chances. Captain Martin Ødegaard dragged one shot wide and saw another deflected effort clawed away by Jordan Pickford. England's number one was in inspired form, making a brilliant reflex save to deny Bukayo Saka early in the second half. Despite Arsenal's relentless efforts, they couldn’t find the winning goal. Click here for more Premier League news from European Super Football Arsenal lack a kill...

Premier League: Arsenal prove title credentials again

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Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 3 Arsenal Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table (potentially only for one day) after a convincing away victory over Brighton, keeping their hope for their first title in 20 years alive. The returning Bukayo Saka, absent for Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Luton with a minor injury, kept his composure under pressure to slam in a first-half penalty awarded for Tariq Lamptey's foul on Gabriel Jesus. David Raya jumped to save Julio Enciso's long-range shot, which was Brighton's first on-target attempt, securing Arsenal's lead before halftime. It was the in-form Kai Havertz who gave the Gunners breathing space, slotting in from Jorginho's cut-back to settle nerves among the travelling Arsenal support after the hour mark. Leandro Trossard initially failed to score against Bart Verbruggen, but later on, he calmly lifted the ball over the Seagulls goalkeeper to seal the victory after being played through by Havertz. Tro...

Brighton dent Arsenal's title hopes

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Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Arsenal João Pedro’s second-half penalty dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions as Brighton held them to a frustrating draw. Author - Ajay  Arsenal started brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri, making just his second Premier League start. The 17-year-old combined cleverly with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice before unleashing a shot that slipped past Bart Verbruggen and nestled in the far corner. The Gunners dominated the first half and looked poised to extend their advantage. However, missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Pedro equalised from the spot just after the hour mark. Click here for more Premier League news and stories The penalty stemmed from an unusual incident as Pedro flicked the ball up, and William Saliba, attempting to clear with his head, made contact with Pedro, who went down. After a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision, and Pedro confidently sent David Raya the wrong way to...

Premier League: North London is red

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Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Arsenal Gabriel was Arsenal's North London derby day hero as he headed home the only goal to secure a third-straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brazilian defender towered over the Spurs defence on 64 minutes to divert home a Bukayo Saka corner and settle a game of few chances. You'd have to say that Arsenal enjoyed the better of throughout the contest and ultimately deserved their hard-fought victory. The result ensured that Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League this campaign, but more importantly for all Gooners, saw them claim a hat-trick of wins at the home of their neighbours for the first time since 1988 as their fantastic away record in 2024 continues. A closer look at what happened Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, shone in the early moments, making crucial saves to deny Dejan Kulusevski and keeping Spurs at bay. At the other end, Guglielmo Vicario was equally impressive, pulling off a fine stop to keep out a Kai...

Arsenal’s Champions League adventure ends in Paris

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PSG 2 - 1 Arsenal (PSG won 3-1 on aggregate) Arsenal’s hopes of reaching a first Champions League final since 2006 came to an end in Paris Author - DJ Stadium - Parc des Princes Mikel Arteta’s side arrived needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg, but once again ran into the formidable presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper, outstanding in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium, delivered another superb performance with a series of saves that kept Arsenal at bay during a frenetic opening spell. Donnarumma was alert to block Gabriel Martinelli's close-range effort, then produced an even more impressive stop to push away a low, driven shot from Martin Ødegaard as the visitors looked to strike early. Against the run of play, PSG took the lead on the night after 27 minutes. Fabian Ruiz collected a loose clearance from Thomas Partey and unleashed a speculative effort from 20 yards that deflected past David Raya and into the net. READ MORE: Rea...