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  • Feb, Sun, 2020
Sport

Lacazette ends goal drought as Arsenal crush Newcastle United 4-0

Arsenal

London, Feb. 16, 2020 (Reuters/NAN) Substitute, Alexandre Lacazette ended his goal drought as Arsenal secured their first Premier League win since New Year’s Day with a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Lacazette had gone nine games in all competitions without a goal before he found the target with a mis-hit shot in the final moments of the game.

The win moves Arsenal up to 10th position and will give them hope they can make a late push towards European qualification for next season.

After a goalless first half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the Gunners in front with a powerful header from a Nicolas Pepe cross.

Pepe himself added the second, from close range after good work from the impressive Bukayo Saka.

Newcastle had opportunities to get back in the game with Allan Saint-Maximin hitting the post and Ciaran Clark missing a great chance from close range.

But Mesut Ozil put the game beyond the Magpies with his first goal of the season with a tap-in after a flowing Arsenal move involving 35 passes and touches from all 11 players.

It was the most passes for any goal in the league this season.

Lacazette, left on the bench with youngster Eddie Nketiah, finished off a smart move for Mikel Arteta’s side, who recorded just their second win since the Spaniard took over at the club.

“We wanted to put draws into wins and the home form is going to be vital.

“It was a little bit slow and you can get frustrated but we started to manage the game better after 25 minutes, had a talk at halftime and improved in the second half.

“In the final third we were poor in the first 25 minutes,” Arteta said.

The defeat ended an eight-game unbeaten run for Newcastle and left manager Steve Bruce surprised with their defending.

“I didn’t see that coming in the second half. We gave bad goals away which isn’t like us.

“We usually don’t give much away. When that fourth goal happens you think it wasn’t our day,” Bruce said. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/DOE/MZA

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Edite by Dianabasi Effiong/Maharazu Ahmed

Sport

Kanu says Arsenal FC need an experienced coach for revival

Arsenal
By Babajide Awoyinfa
Lagos, Dec. 17, 2019 (NAN) Nwankwo Kanu, an Arsenal FC legend, says the management of the English Premier League (EPL) clubside need to look for an experienced coach capable of handling players.

Kanu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that Arsenal’s recent poor performances can be improved.

“The recent poor performances of Arsenal FC can improve with experienced management.

“I know every fan is disappointed with the games the club have been playing of recent. This is not the same Arsenal people used to know. But, all the same, we can still turn it around.

“We have a new interim coach, Freddie Ljungberg, but things are not really going on well for him. When you have players, they should always tell themselves the truth.

“The players alone cannot be blamed, but the entire management also. But it is clear that Arsenal are not where they are supposed to be, they have to change a lot of things and ensure that they return to the basics,” he said.

Kanu said every one involved with the club should be blamed for the slide, advising that they should also all endeavour to improve themselves.

“We need a strong hand to bring back the glory days of Arsenal,’’ he said.

The former Super Eagles forward added that he was convinced a coach with a strong will and experience would help to improve the team’s performances.(NAN)
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(Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Europa League: Arsenal held as Guimaraes grab last -gasp equaliser

 

Draw

Guimaraes (Portugal), Nov. 6, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Arsenal conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Portugal’s Vitoria Guimaraes in Europa League Group F on Wednesday.

The Premier League club looked to be on course for victory when defender Shkodran Mustafi headed home Nicolas Pepe’s 80th-minute free kick.

However, Bruno Duarte struck from close range to end Arsenal’s 100 per cent record in the group.

Arsenal’s fourth consecutive draw in all competitions will increase the pressure on Manager, Unai Emery, following a difficult week in which Granit Xhaka was also stripped of the captaincy.

The English team still top the group standings on 10 points and will qualify for the last 32 of Europe’s second-tier club competition if Standard Liege lose to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/DOE/AFA

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Felix Ajide

 

Sport

Sheffield United end Arsenal’s unbeaten run with impressive home win

End
Sheffield (UK), Oct. 21, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Lys Mousset’s first half strike earned Sheffield United a 1-0 English Premier League (EPL) win over Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday to end the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run.

Unai Emery’s side had not been beaten in any competition since their 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Aug 24, but they missed out on the chance to move up to third as the hosts earned a deserved victory.

Mousset poked home the winner from close range on 30 minutes after Nicolas Pepe wasted a gilt-edged chance for Arsenal earlier in the first half.

The result leaves Arsenal in fifth place on 15 points, two behind Leicester City and Chelsea, while Sheffield United moved into ninth on 12 points.(Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

EPL: Manchester United held by Arsenal as both struggle to shine

Draw

Manchester (UK), Sept. 30, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Arsenal on Monday in a Premier League game which was a poor imitation of some of the past clashes between the clubs.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 58th minute goal, given after VAR review, cancelled out Scott McTominay’s well-struck opener on the stroke of halftime, but it was a game which highlighted the weaknesses of the two teams.

The result leaves United in 10th place with just nine points, their worst start after seven games for 30 years and they have won just one of their last six league games.

Arsenal are in fourth spot on 12 points but their nine-point gap with leaders Liverpool illustrates just how far away they are from being real contenders.

This fixture is part of the folklore of the Premier League era, producing some epic battles between Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger’s title-winning sides.

And while there is certainly a retrospective feel to Old Trafford under the lights and in the rain, the only throwback on the field was some of the heavy and late challenges.

There are multiple weaknesses in both teams but what stood out when they faced each other was the utter lack of class and quality in midfield.

Arsenal look lightweight and lacking any real spine while United, despite having Paul Pogba back from injury, were short of attacking options and creativity.

United keeper David De Gea pulled off a fine double-save in the 44th minute, pushing out a low shot from Bukayo Saka and then doing well to keep out Matteo Guendouzi’s follow-up.

Moments later, United had the lead when Marcus Rashford found McTominay on the edge of the box and his slightly deflected shot towards the top corner beat the motionless Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.

Arsenal got back on level terms in controversial circumstances in the 58th minute with a goal from Aubameyang.

United left-back Axel Tuanzebe gave the ball away to Saka who threaded through to Aubameyang but the linesman raised his flag well before the Gunners striker put the ball past De Gea.

VAR review correctly showed that Harry Maguire had played Aubameyang onside and the goal was then given.

However, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared furious that the linesman had flagged when recent practice has been for the flag not to be shown until the end of a move.

McTominay then missed a glorious chance to secure the three points and his growing reputation when, from an Ashley Young corner, he headed over the bar from close range.

Leno then made two good saves to keep Unai Emery’s side on level terms.

First he dived to deny Maguire’s effort from the edge of the box and then reacted well to keep out Rashford’s stoppage time free kick. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Sport

Arsenal fight back against Tottenham Hotspur to draw London derby

Derby
London, Sept. 1, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Arsenal striking duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette scored as their side roared back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It was a thrilling north London derby in the English Premier League (EPL) but it was the away team who drew first blood.

Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen nudged the ball into an empty net on the rebound to give the visitors an early lead.

The goal came after a superb piece of hold-up play from Son Heung-min allowed Erik Lamela to fire at goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Arsenal had most of the ball but Spurs were far more threatening on the break and Leno was forced to keep out stinging efforts from Kane and Eriksen.

Tottenham were then awarded a penalty kick for a clumsy foul by Granit Xhaka on Son.

Kane scored it from the spot in the 40th minute to put Spurs on track for a first league win on enemy territory in nine years.

However, Lacazette halved the deficit right before half-time with an emphatic strike after an exquisite pass from Nicolas Pepe.

Kane came close to sealing the points for Tottenham when he struck the post but Arsenal became galvanised when Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos came off the bench.

He smashed a shot which goalkeeper Hugo Lloris did well to tip over.

An equaliser looked ever likelier and duly arrived when Gabon striker Aubameyang prodded a lofted pass from Matteo Guendouzi into the net in the 71st minute.

It was his third goal in four Premier League games this season.

Arsenal’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos had a goal ruled out for offside while Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko spurned a last-gasp chance in a thrilling finale by blasting over the bar.

Arsenal have seven points while Spurs are on five from four games each. (Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Salah at the double as Liverpool dispatch Arsenal at Anfield

Salah

Liverpool (UK), Aug. 24, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Liverpool made it three wins out of three as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a convincing 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday to take control at the top of the Premier League.

Salah turned on the style after the break at the expense of Arsenal’s close-season signing David Luiz.

The Brazilian’s decision to pull the shirt of the Egyptian gifted Liverpool a penalty to make it 2-0 and turn the game decisively in favour of the hosts.

It was the 12th consecutive Premier League victory for Juergen Klopp’s side.

And it was also their best winning streak in the competition and equalling their record run in the league, matching the streak of victories under Kenny Dalglish in 1990.

“It was a brilliant game from my side so early in the season. It was outstanding,” said Klopp.

“It was a performance full of power, energy, greed and passion, which I think you need to have against a team like Arsenal,” he said.

It was not the mauling Arsenal suffered in their 5-1 loss at Anfield in December.

However, it was certainly an indicator that Unai Emery’s side remain in construction mode and are still a good way behind the elite.

“We are disappointed we lost 3-1 but watching some (of our) players we can be optimistic,” said Gunners manager Unai Emery.

“We have to be realistic but we could fight closer to them. For me today, without the result there were some good periods we showed,” he added.

Emery’s team arrived in positive mood after winning their opening two games and the Gunners’ record signing, winger Nicolas Pepe, could have opened the scoring three times.

After Adrian had raced out of his area and failed to clear, Pepe’s attempted lob from distance fell just wide and shortly after the former Lille winger’s curling shot was not far away.

The Ivory Coast international robbed Jordan Henderson and showed his pace to race goalwards but his shot was well saved by Liverpool’s Spanish keeper.

Four minutes after the re-start however, and not for the first time in his career, Luiz pressed the self-destruct button, blatantly and needlessly pulling Salah’s shirt in the box.

There was little need for VAR to be activated even though the Egyptian didn’t go down under the challenge.

With little protest Salah got up and hammered home the resulting spot-kick.

Luiz’s bad day continued when he was left for dead by Salah on Liverpool’s right flank, and he watched the forward burst goalwards and superbly bury the ball in the far bottom corner.

Substitute Lucas Torreira pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 85th minute, but the damage had been done. (Reuters/NAN)
KIA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Sport

Aubameyang help Arsenal sink stubborn Burnley

Arsenal

London, Aug. 17, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed the winner as Arsenal overcame a stubborn Burnley to maintain their winning start in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Alexandre Lacazette put the Gunners ahead in the 13th minute.

The French player collected a low corner from Dani Ceballos and showed great strength to turn marker Erik Pieters before driving through the legs of Burnley keeper Nick Pope.

Burnley responded well, however, and drew level two minutes before the break.

A low effort from Dwight McNeil fell to Ashley Barnes in the box and the Clarets striker kept his composure to claim his third goal of the season.

Unai Emery brought on club record signing, 72 million pound winger Nicolas Pepe at the break and the home side put Burnley under real pressure.

Pope did well to keep out efforts from Aubameyang and the hugely impressive Ceballos and it was that pair who combined for the winner.

Ceballos won the ball in the Burnley half and fed the Gabonese forward who burst goalwards before cutting inside and beating Pope with a fine drive. (Reuters/NAN)
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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Felix Ajide

 

Sport

Former Arsenal and Sevilla player Reyes dies in car accident

Accident
Madrid, June 1, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Former Sevilla and Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic accident, aged 35, several of his former clubs said on Saturday.

“We couldn’t be announcing any worse news. Our beloved former youth player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic accident. Rest in peace,” said a statement on Sevilla’s official Twitter account.

Reyes was under contract at Spanish second tier side Extremadura.

Seven second tier games due to be played on Sunday, including Extremadura’s match against Cadiz, were postponed until Tuesday.

Reyes’ last match was a 1-0 win at Alcorcon on May 18.

“With a shrunken soul and a broken heart Extremadura reports the death of our player Jose Antonio Reyes in a traffic accident. We ask everyone to pray for his soul,” said a club statement.

The left winger also played for Arsenal, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, among other sides, and made 21 appearances for the Spain national team.

Spanish media said the accident occurred at 11.40am (0940 GMT) on Saturday morning on the road connecting his home city of Utrera and Seville.

Sevilla’s statement said his cousin Jonathan Reyes also died in the accident.

Reyes made his professional debut with Sevilla at the age of 16, moving to Arsenal in January 2004 for 17 million pounds.

He was part of the famous “Invincibles” which won the English Premier League (EPL) that season without losing a game.

“Jose, who was part of the Invincibles team, was a hugely popular figure at our club and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts are with all his family, friends and team-mates,” said Arsenal on Twitter.

He joined Real Madrid on loan in the 2006/2007 season, winning the La Liga title and later joined neighbours Atletico before returning to boyhood club Sevilla in 2012.

He went on to lift three consecutive Europa League titles between 2014 and 2016.

He later played for Espanyol and then Chinese club Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard before returning to Spain to join Extremadura in January.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos, a former team mate of Reyes at Sevilla, said on social media: “I’m broken, destroyed. I have no words. All my love to his family. We’ll always remember him. Rest in peace brother.”

Reyes’ death comes 12 years after Sevilla left back Antonio Puerta died from a heart attack during a match.

The club’s sporting director Monchi added: “It’s impossible to believe this news, it’s impossible to take in, how cruel. Rest in peace Jose Antonio Reyes…what a left wing you and Antonio are going to form up there in heaven.”

Governing body UEFA and the Spanish football federation also issued their condolences.(Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Arsenal’s top-4 hopes hit in 3-0 defeat at Leicester City

Arsenal’s top-4 hopes hit in 3-0 defeat at Leicester City

Leicester (England), April 28, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) A 10-man Arsenal suffered a 3-0 Premier League defeat at Leicester City on Sunday in another blow to their hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.

Unai Emery’s side were reduced to 10 men in the first half when defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles received his second booking in the 36th minute for a late challenge on James Maddison.

He had been cautioned earlier for a foul on Ben Chilwell.

Goals from Youri Tielemans and a Jamie Vardy double ensured Arsenal suffered a fourth loss in their last five league games, three of which have now come on the road.

They remain in fifth on 66 points, with top-four rivals Manchester United in sixth place (64 points) playing fourth-placed Chelsea (67) later on Sunday.

Arsenal had goalkeeper Bernd Leno to thank as the German made a string of saves to keep the visitors in the contest.

But he had no chance when Tielemans sneaked past the defence to head home Maddison’s cross in the 59th minute.

Leicester doubled their lead through Vardy who latched on to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s long ball to first hit the crossbar and then head home the rebound with Leno in no-man’s land.

Vardy grabbed another in stoppage time when Ricardo Pereira dribbled past the defence and squared the ball for the English striker who scored his 18th league goal of the season.

Leicester moved up to eighth and now have a chance of finishing seventh, potentially qualifying for the Europa League next season.

Brendan Rodgers’ side sit three points behind seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers with two games to go. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/SN

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Edited by Silas Nwoha