Sports
Arteta Maintains Belief In Arsenal’s Potential To Secure The League Title
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the Premier League title race, emphasizing that there is still a mathematical possibility for them to clinch the trophy.
Throughout the season, the Gunners had consistently held the top position in the league, aiming to break their 19-year drought and secure the championship.
In the face of relentless pressure from Manchester City, who have achieved an impressive 11-game winning streak, Arsenal has struggled in recent months.
Mikel Arteta’s team, unfortunately, has experienced a downturn in form, managing to secure victories in only two out of their last seven matches.
Arteta told Sky Sports “We have to apologise because the performance we had in the second-half is not acceptable.
“Mathematically (winning the league) it’s still possible and this is football but today it is impossible to be thinking about it. We have to first digest the result, the performance that we had in the second half, and understand why and have a very different reaction in the next game.”
In the upcoming match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a loss for Arsenal would result in Manchester City clinching the title for the fifth time in six seasons and securing a third consecutive title.
Even if Arsenal manages to respond positively with a victory at Forest, City can still secure the title by winning their match against Chelsea on May 21 or by earning three points in their remaining fixtures against Brighton and Brentford.
It is worth noting that Arsenal’s involvement in the title race has exceeded expectations, and their achievement of securing Champions League qualification for the first time in seven seasons is commendable.
According to Arteta, Arsenal’s inability to bounce back after conceding Julio Enciso’s header early in the second half serves as a warning sign for the team as they look ahead to the next season.
In the closing stages of the match, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan further compounded Arsenal’s disappointment by adding to their lead, intensifying the agony for the Gunners. Brighton’s victory in that match marked a significant milestone for the club, as it propelled them closer to securing European qualification for the first time in their history.
Arteta added “We concede a goal and from there the team had no reaction. When you give away the silly goal we gave away, the second one, the team collapsed and had no answers. If the team is able to do that there is something we have to address.”
Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, has acknowledged that the title race is essentially concluded
He said “Yeah it feels like that. It is going to be very difficult now we have to be honest. It is tough to take.
“It is not a good feeling at the moment. The way we played, particularly in the second half, I don’t know what happened to be honest. It feels like there is no hope now.”
Despite their late collapse, Odegaard insisted his young teammates had been mentally tough enough for the pressure of the title race.
He said “We wanted to come here and continue like we have in the last two games, get a good result and keep pushing. It is a big disappointment.
“In the first half we did a lot of good things and had moments to create big chances but we gave them more and more momentum in the second half.
“I don’t think mentality was an issue. We were good going into the game but in the game was a different story and we have to accept it and learn from it.” he added.
Belgium have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup Group G clash against Iran after star winger Jeremy Doku was ruled out of the match due to illness.
The Belgian Football Association confirmed on Saturday that the Manchester City forward would not be available for selection when the Red Devils take on Iran at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
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“Due to illness, Jeremy Doku will not be part of the squad for our upcoming game against Iran,” Belgium announced in a statement on social media.
Doku featured in Belgium’s opening World Cup fixture against Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the 24-year-old struggled to make a significant impact and was replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo late in the game.
His absence comes as Belgium seek their first victory of the tournament and attempt to strengthen their chances of progressing from Group G.
With the Red Devils under pressure to deliver after dropping points in their opener, Doku’s unavailability is expected to be a significant blow to coach Rudi Garcia’s plans.
The Manchester City star is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest talents and a key figure in the country’s efforts to rebuild following the disappointing group-stage exit of their famed “golden generation” at the 2022 World Cup.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding his tournament participation, Doku could also miss a potential knockout-stage fixture, as his wife is expected to give birth to their first child during the second week of July.
Belgium will now look to overcome Iran without one of their most dangerous attacking players as they aim to get their World Cup campaign back on track.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reportedly agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF, in a stunning move that will see him team up with football legend Lionel Messi.
The 34-year-old is set to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract, bringing an end to his spell in the English Premier League.
According to transfer reports from football journalist Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a verbal agreement, with only final paperwork and official announcement remaining to complete the move.
ALSO READ: Chaos In Kolkata As Fans React To Messi’s Sudden Exit
Casemiro, who previously enjoyed a highly successful career at Real Madrid, is expected to bring experience and stability to Inter Miami’s midfield as the club continues to build a star-studded squad around Messi.
Despite a challenging spell at Old Trafford, the Brazilian regained form toward the end of the season, helping Manchester United push for European qualification.
However, both player and club reportedly agreed not to extend his contract, paving the way for a fresh challenge in the United States.
Inter Miami are believed to have beaten interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East to secure the midfielder’s signature, with the opportunity to play alongside Messi seen as a major factor in his decision.
If completed, the move will further strengthen Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer, adding another high-profile name to their growing list of global stars.
Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France over a rape allegation linked to a 2023 incident, after a French appeals court confirmed on Friday that the case will proceed to a criminal court.
The ruling represents a major legal development for the Paris Saint-Germain defender, although no date has yet been fixed for the start of the trial.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Morocco Eye Top Spot As Hakimi Makes First Appearance
Hakimi, who has consistently denied all allegations, remains one of the most high-profile African players in world football and a key figure for both club and country.
Allegation dates back to 2023
The case began in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that she was raped at Hakimi’s residence.
Investigators say the woman claimed she met Hakimi on Instagram and later visited his home in a taxi allegedly arranged by him.
She further alleged that unwanted advances were made before the situation escalated, adding that she managed to push him away and later contacted a friend who came to pick her up.
Hakimi maintains innocence
Following the court ruling on Friday, Hakimi insisted he is ready to defend himself, saying:
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. At last, I’ll be able to speak.”
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, also stressed that the decision does not indicate guilt, stating: “Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything, he remains steadfast in his defence.”
Complainant speaks out
The complainant, identified as “Jeanne,” told French media outlet Mediapart that she is seeking justice and wants her voice heard in court: “I want to defend myself, to be heard. I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, described the ruling as bringing “relief and hope” to her client.
A trial date has not yet been announced as the case moves forward in the French judicial system.
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