Latest news with #Sarr
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Pre-season Daily Digest: Gyokeres debuts in Gunners derby defeat while Amorim hails Manchester United youngsters
Gyokeres can't save Arsenal from derby defeat as Sarr scores halfway line stunner Viktor Gyokeres made his Arsenal debut from the bench but could not prevent his new side from falling to a pre-season friendly defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Thomas Frank's men took the spoils and the pre-season trophy after Pape Matar Sarr's spectacular strike from the halfway line. Gyokeres only had limited training time with his new club prior to the game in Hong Kong, but Mikel Arteta sent the striker on with 13 minutes remaining. The Swede was unable to make an impact and had one touch inside the box during his cameo, though Arsenal largely struggled to create opportunities and bring their new forward into the game. Gyokeres was one of two new arrivals to make their debut, with centre-back Cristhian Mosquera also coming on after making a £15m move from Valencia. The pair have followed Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga through the door at the Emirates Stadium. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content United youngsters shine as Manchester United optimism grows Ruben Amorim insists his Manchester United players are already 'stronger and faster' than last season, and optimism ahead of the new campaign is high after two wins on the bounce. United saw off West Ham 2-1 on Sunday, before goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams helped them to a convincing 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday morning. 'We are improving,' Amorim said after the victory against the Cherries. 'But, again, it's a pre-season game. The pressure is going to be so much different during the season. 'I think they are playing better also because they are connecting better with each other. Not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. I think they are stronger, they are faster. You can see the intensity is completely different [from last season]. 'I can see the data from the minutes are completely different. It's important for them to understand that the same players can play a different game.' ADVERTISEMENT United have made contact with RB Leipzig over the possibility of signing striker Benjamin Sesko, and while the Portuguese head coach insisted he is 'really happy' with Hojlund, he could not offer any guarantees of how much game time the Dane will get this season. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Isak trains alone as Newcastle target returns to club Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is training alone at Real Sociedad, the Basque club have confirmed. The Sweden international, who is reported to have asked Newcastle executives to explore a move away from St James' Park, has been heavily linked with Liverpool. His former club Sociedad confirmed on Thursday he was "working with his trainers" at the club's Zubieta facility. The player did not travel with the rest of the Newcastle squad earlier this month for their pre-season tour of Asia amid speculation over his future, with the club saying at the time he was absent due to a minor thigh injury. A record bid is expected from Liverpool any day, and if The Magpies are to let him go, they will need a replacement. Yoane Wissa, who was the subject of a £25million bid from Newcastle, left the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal last Tuesday. He returned to London for talks with Brentford director of football Phil Giles, with the forward said to be furious as he believed he was given assurances he could leave the club this summer. The BBC have reported that Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, did not train with his Brentford team-mates on Thursday and that he reiterated his desire to leave before walking out. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Chelsea's spending spree continues as Blues eye Garnacho Chelsea have no concerns over the character of transfer target Alejandro Garnacho after carrying out a series of background checks on the out-of-favour Manchester United winger. Garnacho has been a long-term target of Chelsea, who are understood to be the favoured destination of the Argentine this summer. Chelsea are expected to make an offer for Garnacho before the transfer window shuts, but may have to wait for United's search for a new striker to come to an end with the Old Trafford club hoping to sign Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea have held talks over signing RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, but his arrival would not shut the door on a move for Garnacho if the club can make room for both players. Defender Jorrel Hato is poised to complete his £37m switch from Ajax in time for the start of Chelsea's mini pre-season next week, which will allow the club to focus on outgoings and moves for Simons and Garnacho. Garnacho has been bombed out of the United first team by head coach Ruben Amorim, but Chelsea have not been put off by his Old Trafford fall-out.
Evening Standard
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Evening Standard
Arsenal XX-XX Tottenham: HEADLINE HEADLINE HEADLINE
Tottenham were the much better side in the first half and led through Sarr shortly before the break as the Senegalese spotted David Raya off his line, hitting a perfectly weighted lob to net what proved to be the winner. The Gunners pushed hard for an equaliser in the second period but could not find a breakthrough as Spurs defended admirably into the late stages.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal 0 Tottenham 1: Sarr's wonder strike wins early North London bragging rights and spoils Gyokeres debut
TOTTENHAM spoiled Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres party thanks to a 45-YARD screamer from Pape Matar Sarr in the very first overseas North London Derby. The Gunners handed a long-awaited debut to their £63.5m marquee summer signing in the 77th minute during the final outing of their Asia tour. 5 Tottenham ran out 1-0 winners over Arsenal in their pre-season north London derby match in Hong Kong Credit: GETTY 5 Pape Sarr scored the only goal of the game Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK 5 Sarr lobbed David Raya from close to the halfway line just before half-time Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK But by then, Mikel Arteta's men were already desperate for a winner in Hong Kong – trailing to a stunning Sarr opener on the brink of half-time that left Arsenal's players and coaching staff fuming. Myles Lewis-Skelly looked to have been clearly fouled by Richarlison just inside Arsenal's half, but the referee waved it away, allowing Sarr to notice David Raya was way off his line and lob into an empty net. Arteta was raging in the technical area, sarcastically clapping the fourth official. Assistant Gabriel Heinze also had harsh words for the officials while Lewis-Skelly and skipper Martin Odegaard angrily gestured to the ref as they came off the pitch at half-time. Frustrations came close to boiling over as Arteta had a mini-shoving match with Pedro Porro over a throw-in near the Arsenal dugout, but Thomas Frank's Spurs held on for a morale-boosting victory ahead of the new season. READ MORE ON ARSENAL SARR BLIMEY Spurs star Pape Matar Sarr lobs Arsenal's David Raya 'playing as a centre back' Gyokeres barely got a sniff with Arsenal struggling to test Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario in both halves, and there was more bad news for Arteta as second-half sub Leandro Trossard limped off with a muscular injury after just 15 minutes of action. New signing Kepa Arrizabalaga was also missing from the Arsenal squad, reportedly due to an injury also. The atmosphere before kick-off was electric inside the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium – with a record 49,975 inside – and it carried on throughout an intense and entertaining first half, one that could have been mistaken for a Premier League clash. Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice had spent the end of their open training on Wednesday night rehearsing corner routines with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 5 The Swede failed to make any impact in his cameo appearance Credit: GETTY And they earned several chances to put it into practice in the opening few minutes as William Saliba headed just wide from one delivery. With Gyokeres in mind, Arteta is likely to go more direct from back to front with the ball this season, and this was on show too with Raya going long to pick out Gabriel Martinelli through the middle only for Kai Havertz to dither in the box and waste an opportunity to shoot. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry The German's blushes were spared as the offside flag finally went up – to Frank's dismay – but you have to imagine Gyokeres would have hit that first time given the same chance… Spurs battled their way back into the game, ironically through set-pieces. Ex-boss Ange Postecoglou refused to put any emphasis on them, in attack or defence, during his reign. But Frank – after huge success with Brentford from dead-ball situations – has done the opposite, and it is already paying off as Pedro Porro's corner went all the way through to hit the far post with Raya blocked off in the box. Arteta's Arsenal were being given a taste of their own medicine, and it happened again in the 28th minute, only for Richarlison to somehow fail to tap it in from less than a yard out and with an open goal gaping, looping it over the bar with an out-stretched arm. Just before that, Jakub Kiwior had lost an aerial duel to Richarlison allowing Wilson Odobert to drive forward and strike Raya's right-hand post with a low shot. Three times Arsenal's woodwork had been struck, twice from corners. Not for the first time, Frank was getting one over Arteta, leaving the Spaniard in a fidgety, agitated mood in his technical area, pointing fingers and screaming at any official he could lay his hands on. 5 To the surprise of pretty much everyone, Arteta made no changes at the break, keeping faith with his frustrated starting XI and keeping Gyokeres bibbed up, patiently waiting. Arsenal started the second like they did the first: on top but without really creating any chances or worrying Guglielmo Vicario. Havertz had little to no service, but was not holding the ball up well enough either. In the 68th minute, with Gyokeres still waiting, Norgaard and Martinelli were subbed off for Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi – the latter firing a deflected volley onto the roof of the net seconds after coming on. A flurry of openings followed. Havertz cut inside and fired one straight at Vicario and Odegaard should have hit the target with a Ben White cut-back. But enough was enough with 13 minutes of normal time remaining. On came Gyokeres, as well as 15-year-old Max Dowman, Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Cristhian Mosquera. Not that it made much difference. Just like last season, Arsenal struggled to break down a low block, and Frank proved yet again he more often than not has Arteta's number. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Spurs star Pape Matar Sarr lobs Arsenal's David Raya ‘playing as a centre back' from half-way line in pre-season clash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PAPE MATAR SARR scored from near the HALFWAY LINE to break the deadlock in the North London derby friendly in Hong Kong. The Senegal star, 22, robbed possession from England man Myles Lewis-Skelly just inside Arsenal's half shortly before half-time. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Pape Matar Sarr netted from the halfway line against Arsenal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 He won the ball off Myles Lewis-Skelly 4 The midfielder spotted Raya off his line and went for goal 4 The ball looped over the goalkeeper and into the net Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! Sarr then had the presence of mind to drill a shot over helpless Gunners goalkeeper David Raya. Arsenal tried to claim a foul from Richarlison on Lewis-Skelly just before Sarr won the ball, but the referee saw it differently. It was a truly staggering strike to make it 1-0 at the Kai Tak Stadium out in the Far East. The effort backed up the nickname of 'Roberto Carlos' Sarr was given as a youngster, due to his shooting ability from long range. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Wrex bomb ITV confirm first free-to-air matches of new season including Wrexham opener Former Arsenal and Spurs striker Clive Allen said: 'It's so difficult in terms of how he's driven the ball over the goalkeeper. 'It's a drilled ball, not looped, not giving the goalkeeper a chance to backpeddle. It's fired over with great precision.' Fans were left stunned by the effort on social media while others pointed to the error by Raya. One posted: "Fair enough Pape Sarr, fair enough. Not sure why Raya playing as a centre back though." SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN A second wrote: "This might be the year I call for a new keeper if Raya keeps this up." A third commented: "It beats me why David Raya is always up way above his line. A very silly thing he does always. Awful sight." Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry A fourth said: "Raya should not be that far out in that situation. He's done this too much recently." Another added: "David Raya you can't be doing that next season. You did that last season numerous times. Let this be the last one in pre-season. Don't leave your post empty." Sarr's wonder strike capped an excellent first-half display from Spurs, who hit the woodwork three times. Two of them came direct from corners, showing the hard work new boss Thomas Frank has done already on set-pieces appears to be paying off already.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Spurs star Pape Matar Sarr lobs Arsenal's David Raya ‘playing as a centre back' from half-way line in pre-season clash
PAPE MATAR SARR scored from near the HALFWAY LINE to break the deadlock in the North London derby friendly in Hong Kong. The Senegal star, 22, robbed possession from Advertisement 4 Pape Matar Sarr netted from the halfway line against Arsenal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 He won the ball off Myles Lewis-Skelly 4 The midfielder spotted Raya off his line and went for goal 4 The ball looped over the goalkeeper and into the net Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Sarr then had the presence of mind to drill a shot over helpless Gunners goalkeeper It was a truly staggering strike to make it 1-0 at the Kai Tak Stadium out in the Far East. The effort backed up the nickname of 'Roberto Carlos' Sarr was given as a youngster, due to his shooting ability from long range. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Former 'It's a drilled ball, not looped, not giving the goalkeeper a chance to backpeddle. It's fired over with great precision.' Fans were left stunned by the effort on social media while others pointed to the error by Raya. One posted: "Fair enough Advertisement Most read in Football Latest Exclusive SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN A second wrote: "This might be the year I call for a new keeper if Raya keeps this up." A third commented: "It beats me why David Raya is always up way above his line. A very silly thing he does always. Awful sight." Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry A fourth said: "Raya should not be that far out in that situation. He's done this too much recently." Advertisement Another added: "David Raya you can't be doing that next season. You did that last season numerous times. Let this be the last one in pre-season. Don't leave your post empty." Sarr's wonder strike capped an excellent first-half display from Spurs, who hit the woodwork three times. Two of them came direct from corners, showing the hard work new boss
