Arteta: 'Chasing a dream has its ups and downs'
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35 minutes ago
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Newcastle host Liverpool amid Isak stand-off, Spurs test new-look Man City
Liverpool can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak, while Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early examination of their ambitions for the season. Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday when they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium. AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season: Isak future hangs over Newcastle, Liverpool Isak is set to sit out the meeting between his current employers and his preferred destination as a stand-off over the Swede's future rolls into the final week of the transfer window. Newcastle insist the 25-year-old will not move unless they can source an adequate replacement and Liverpool meet their British transfer record price tag of a reported £150 million ($202 million). Liverpool have had one bid worth £110 million rejected with their business not yet concluded despite splashing £300 million on new recruits. Isak broke his silence on Tuesday, saying his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue" after losing trust in the club. However, the early season form of Hugo Ekitike has tempered the need for Premier League champions Liverpool to meet Newcastle's demands. The French forward, who rejected Newcastle's advances to join the Reds, registered a goal and an assist on his Premier League debut in Liverpool's rollercoaster 4-2 win over Bournemouth. The teething problems for Arne Slot's new-look side have been in stopping the flow of counter-attacks against them, but Liverpool should be stronger for the return of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from suspension at St James' Park. Newcastle's lack of firepower without Isak was exposed as they failed to break down 10-man Aston Villa in a goalless draw on the opening weekend. It has been another frustrating week for Eddie Howe in the transfer market as his attempts to land Brentford striker Yoane Wissa have stalled. Spurs a reminder of Man City demons City's 4-0 demolition of Wolves on the opening weekend sent a strong message of intent after a season to forget. The visit of Spurs is a painful reminder of City's fall from grace last season as Tottenham ran riot with a 4-0 victory at the Etihad in November, in the midst of a run of one win in 13 games for Pep Guardiola's men. Guardiola said his squad has been infused with "fresh energy" after new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri impressed at Molineux. But a tougher test lies in wait against City's bogey team of recent years. Spurs have lost only one of their last four league visits to the Etihad and scored at least twice on every occasion. New boss Thomas Frank has already shown his ability to adapt in very nearly masterminding a UEFA Super Cup victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain before a late collapse. Tottenham's Premier League campaign also got off to a flier with a 3-0 win over Burnley. Everton's new era Everton's new season got off to a frustrating start in a late 1-0 defeat by Leeds. But the hope of a bright future is the club's new state-of-the-art home on Liverpool's docklands. After decades in the doldrums for one of England's historically most successful clubs, Everton are banking on the Hill Dickinson Stadium to help bankroll a change in fortunes. But the move from Goodison Park, which had been home of the Toffees since 1892, is also fraught with risk. Goodison's intimidating atmosphere played a big role in helping save Everton from the drop in a series of difficult seasons in recent years. On the evidence of Monday's defeat, the Blues need their new home to be just as much of a fortress to avoid another relegation scrap. Fixtures (all times GMT) Friday West Ham v Chelsea (1900) Saturday Manchester City v Tottenham (1130), Bournemouth v Wolves, Brentford v Aston Villa, Burnley v Sunderland (all 1400), Arsenal v Leeds (1630) Sunday Everton v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (both 1300), Fulham v Manchester United (1530) Monday Newcastle v Liverpool (1900) kca/jdg/mw
Yahoo
3 hours ago
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Arsenal's ruthless Eze coup shows intent
Arsenal's dramatic move to steal Eberechi Eze away from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur is a ruthless statement of intent designed to show this is the season they plan to finally claim the biggest prizes. Spurs were ready to roll out the welcoming carpet for Crystal Palace's England forward on Wednesday, the deal virtually done with every indication the 27-year-old was set on the move. It then filtered out that Arsenal were assessing the seriousness of a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, which could potentially put a dent in their attacking resources - a weakness that played a significant part in manager Mikel Arteta's side ending empty handed for the fifth year in succession last season. Instead of taking the cheaper option of exploring the loan market, as was first expected, Arsenal went for broke in spectacular style by setting up a £60m coup to take Eze to Emirates Stadium from right under the noses of Spurs. Eze's move to Arsenal, which is now fully expected to be successfully concluded, is not simply a devastating psychological blow aimed across north London at Spurs. It is a clear signal that they have no intention of falling short in their stated aim of mounting a serious Premier League title challenge, as well as making inroads deep into the Champions League once more after reaching the semi-final last season. It is strategy in stark contrast to the inertia that gripped Arsenal last season, when their failure to solve an obvious problem - namely sign a recognised striker - cost them dearly. Spurs thought they had Eze wrapped up, the possibility of a cash-plus-Richarlison deal discussed, but Arsenal moved with lightning speed once they were confronted by the possibility of Havertz facing a spell on the sidelines. Arsenal have been linked with Eze all summer, but it was thought their interest had cooled once Ethan Nwaneri agreed a new five-year contract, on top of signing Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a £48.5m deal. Havertz's injury, and its potential consequences, reignited that interest to leave Spurs stunned. Arsenal move ahead of Spurs in race for £60m Eze Football Daily: Isak's social statement & who else is on the move? Arteta knows this is the season he must land a major prize, and to do this he has been heavily backed by Arsenal's hierarchy. As well as Madueke, the Gunners have concluded moves to sign Spain's outstanding midfield man Martin Zubimendi in a deal worth up to £60m and, at least 12 months too late, a recognised striker in Viktor Gyokeres, signed from Sporting Lisbon for £64m. In Eze, who had two years left on his Palace contract, Arsenal will get a versatile forward rich in natural talent who is a match-winner - as he proved when scoring the winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May. This was a follow-up to the spectacular right-foot finish that set Palace on their way to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley in the semi-final. Eze also scored the Eagles' opener when they beat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage in the quarter-final. Eze has demonstrated he has the temperament and talent for the big occasion when inspiring Palace to the first major trophy in their history. Arsenal will hope he has plenty of those occasions ahead. He is a scorer and creator of goals, adding real threat to Arsenal's front line, with 14 goals in all competitions last season. Eze was a boyhood Arsenal fan and was part of the club's academy until he was 13. He may have been initially keen on a move to Spurs, but once the Gunners showed their hand was only one part of north London he was heading to. He has achieved his goals the hard way, spending time at Fulham, Reading and Millwall before signing for Queen's Park Rangers. He left Loftus Road for Palace in a £19.5m deal in August 2020. Spurs believe they did all they could to conclude a deal - apart from actually concluding it - but it is a hammer blow to chairman Daniel Levy and manager Thomas Frank, who also thought they had a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White in the bag only for him to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest. Arsenal will revel in the local rivalry of snatching away a prime transfer target for Spurs, but the wider context demonstrates the Gunners are deadly serious about ending the wait for success that now stretches back to 2020. Eze has previously admitted to "crying for a week" when he was let go by Arsenal in 2011, but this gifted forward has now been given a golden opportunity to make up for lost time. Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know?
Yahoo
4 hours ago
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Arsenal Lose Forward to Injury Ahead of Crucial Liverpool Fixture
Arsenal Injury Concerns Ahead of Liverpool Clash Havertz setback raises questions Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury concern ahead of their Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on 30 August. The Gunners, tipped to be the Reds' closest challengers for the title alongside Manchester City, will travel to Merseyside without one of their key attacking options. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, 'Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Assessments are at an early stage so the prognosis and duration of any lay-off is unclear.' The German international, who endured a hamstring injury during last season's title run-in, now faces another frustrating spell. Ornstein added: 'Arsenal are, however, actively exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack and cover the absence of Havertz.' Such a statement indicates that Mikel Arteta and his staff are already considering reinforcements before the window closes. Photo: IMAGO Title race implications Liverpool's Anfield fixture with Arsenal is set to carry huge weight in the title picture. Both sides opened the season strongly, with Arteta's men grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory away at Manchester United last weekend. Many observers felt United had performed better overall, but Arsenal's ability to secure three points regardless highlighted the resilience that makes them a serious contender. Havertz's absence, however, reduces their attacking depth at a critical moment. With Gabriel Jesus also sidelined and new signing Christian Nørgaard missing the United match due to 'a little issue' picked up in training, Arsenal suddenly appear stretched in forward areas. Salah's surprising admission At the PFA Awards, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah added further intrigue by unexpectedly naming Arsenal as his favourites for this year's title. He remarked: 'I think Arsenal have a great team this season as you did last season. So, you have really good chance. I think you are the favourite now because you players who have been together for five years.' With a smile, Salah added: 'I can't say I'll wish you luck – hopefully we do it again.' His words will be read as both a respectful nod to Arsenal's progress under Arteta and a reminder of Liverpool's determination to remain champions. Photo: IMAGO Liverpool opportunity and Arsenal challenge For Arne Slot and his Liverpool side, Arsenal's injury concerns may provide a slight advantage going into the Anfield clash. The reigning champions, buoyed by their title triumph last season, will view this fixture as an early marker in their defence of the crown. For Arsenal, the challenge is stark. Losing Havertz, coupled with other absentees, threatens to disrupt their rhythm at a time when consistency is essential. Arteta's ability to adapt and potentially secure late reinforcements in the market could shape not only their result at Anfield but their wider ambitions this season. This match already carried the weight of a potential title decider. Havertz's injury and Salah's candid comments only add further intrigue as two of the league's elite prepare to collide.
