Sports update

[Edoman]

Milan 3-2 Lazio: Hernandez ensures Rossoneri end 2020 atop Serie A



23 December 2020, 




Milan ensured they will end 2020 atop Serie A as Theo Hernandez's stoppage-time goal secured a 3-2 win over Lazio at San Siro on Wednesday.


Stefano Pioli's side wasted little time stamping their authority on the game, racing into a two-goal lead inside 17 minutes courtesy of Ante Rebic's header and Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty.


Luis Alberto and Ciro Immobile – who had a spot-kick saved prior to the Spaniard's goal – restored parity by finding the net either side of the interval, but Hernandez powered home from a corner in the 92nd minute to dramatically seal the three points for the Rossoneri.


The result restored Milan's one-point lead at the Serie A summit after neighbours Inter had temporarily leapfrogged them following a 2-1 win over Hellas Verona earlier in the day.


Milan were rewarded for their bright start after 10 minutes when Rebic lost his marker from Calhanoglu's corner and headed home his first goal of the season from six yards.


Calhanoglu added a second seven minutes later, the Turkey international slotting into Pepe Reina's bottom-left corner from 12 yards after Rebic had been fouled in the area by Patric.


Lazio reduced the deficit in the 27th minute when Luis Alberto headed in after Immobile's penalty had been pushed onto the post by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the spot-kick given for a foul by Pierre Kalulu on Joaquin Correa.


Milan's lead was then wiped out in the 59th minute when Immobile's volley from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's lofted ball into the area squirmed past Donnarumma.


Rebic missed two glorious opportunities in the final five minutes, but it mattered little in the end as Hernandez rose highest to head home Calhanoglu's corner and spark delirium on the Milan bench.


What does it mean? Relentless Milan march on
They were pushed all the way by a tough Lazio outfit, but Milan prevailed to register a 10th win in 14 Serie A games this season and reclaim their place at the summit from Inter.


Another two-goal haul, meanwhile, made them only the second team in the history of the top five European leagues to score more than once in 16 consecutive games in a single calendar year, with Barcelona managing 18 in 1948.


Calhanoglu sparkles for hosts

Calhanoglu was at the heart of everything positive for Milan. The 26-year-old scored his first league goal of the season from the spot and assisted the Rossoneri's other two. In total he created four chances for team-mates and completed the most passes of any home player (45).


Calabria endures a game to forget
Davide Calabria struggled for the hosts, losing possession a game-high 20 times and completing just 63.9 per cent of his passes – the second fewest of any Milan player.


Key Opta Facts
- Milan have earned 34 points in 14 Serie A games, exactly twice the points gained by the Rossoneri at this stage of the competition last term (17 in 14 matches).


- The Rossoneri have gained 2.26 points per game in Serie A in 2020, their second-best ratio in a calendar year during the three-points-per-win era after 2004 (2.35).


- Only Crotone (17) have conceded more first-half goals in Serie A this season than Lazio (15).
- Calhanoglu is the first Milan player to have made an assist in four straight Serie A appearances since Opta started collecting such data in 2004-05.


- Immobile has been involved in 10 goals in his past eight Serie A appearances (eight goals and two assists).


What's next?

Both sides return to action following the mid-season break on January 3, with Milan travelling to Benevento and Lazio visiting Genoa.

[Edoman]

Everton 0-2 Manchester United: Cavani magic breaks Goodison hearts



23 December 2020, 23:00





Edinson Cavani fired Manchester United into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup as his superb late goal inspired a 2-0 win over Everton


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been imperious on the road this season and headed to Goodison Park having won all eight of their domestic away games by scoring at least three times on each occasion.


They peppered the Everton goal during the first half but had nothing to show for their efforts before the game became a more physical and fractious affair after the interval.


One such occasion saw Cavani grab at Yerry Mina's throat but the former Paris Saint-Germain star remained on the field to arrow a wonderful left-footed strike into the bottom left corner from 25 yards, with Anthony Martial making sure as Everton left themselves exposed chasing an equaliser.


United had their hosts boxed in during the opening exchanges and only a desperate sliding block from Seamus Coleman denied Donny van de Beek after Paul Pogba's seventh-minute backheel.


An under-siege Robin Olsen made a double save to thwart Cavani from a narrow angle, although the Sweden international was rooted to the spot when Mason Greenwood glanced agonisingly wide from Alex Telles' delicious left-wing cross.

Pogba nodded into Olsen's hands after Mina turned another dangerous delivery by Bruno Fernandes behind.


Everton belatedly found some poise and Dean Henderson was at full stretch to keep out a trademark Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick eight minutes before half-time.


Cavani thrashed into the side-netting amid suspicions of handball early the second period, before the veteran Uruguay striker tangled with Mina and a nasty collision with Fernandes and Eric Bailly forced a groggy Richarlison out of the contest.


A poor touch from Martial let an opportunity slip by and suggested extra-time beckoned before Cavani sensationally had other ideas.


Everton streamed forward but, after Olsen denied Marcus Rashford, Martial had time and space to seal the deal.

[Edoman]

Zidane to ease recovering Hazard back in



23 December 2020, 2



Zinedine Zidane said he did not want to risk rushing Eden Hazard back into action as Real Madrid beat Granada 2-0, but indicated the forward will reclaim his place in the LaLiga champions' starting line-up.


Hazard was an unused substitute as Madrid collected a sixth consecutive win in all competitions on Wednesday courtesy of goals from Casemiro and Karim Benzema.


That is despite Rodrygo Goes suffering a first-half injury, with Zidane choosing to send on Marco Asensio rather than the Belgium international.


A thigh injury sustained in November sidelined Hazard for three weeks before he returned to Zidane's squad to face Granada, but the Los Blancos boss said afterwards that the 29-year-old's return would be staggered.


"I did not consider it appropriate to put Hazard in because it was a difficult game, and that's it," Zidane told reporters.


"You have to do things in the moment and I didn't want to risk it with Eden again.
"He's fine, now we'll get some rest. And Eden will gradually enter the team."


Victory over Granada moved Madrid level on points with cross-city rivals Atletico at the top of LaLiga, having played two games more.


Zidane put his side's recent return to form down to hard work while explaining that he anticipated the difficult first half that transpired against Granada.
"It was a very complicated match," Zidane explained.


"We talked about it beforehand, it was going to be screwed up, complicated. The first half was very complicated, the second much better.
"Six games won in a row, it is not easy. We deserved the victory.


"The players know that there are complicated moments during the games but we have prepared them well and it is what we always have to do. We are going to lose games, but we will try to win them all.


"From time to time losing is inevitable, but we are happy for the six consecutive victories."

[Edoman]

United hero Cavani backed by Solskjaer after Mina tussle



24 December 2020, 





Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed suggestions Edinson Cavani might have been sent off before his game-breaking turn in Manchester United's 2-0 EFL Cup quarter-final win over Everton.


Cavani fired in a fabulous 88th-minute strike from outside the penalty area before Anthony Martial made sure of a repeat of last season's semi-final against holders Manchester City.


Earlier in the second half, Cavani appeared to shove Everton defender Yerry Mina to the floor after grabbing at his throat, but referee Andy Madley opted not to dish out any punishment with VAR not in operation.


Solskjaer told Sky Sports he felt Uruguayan and Colombian rivalries were in play at that point in a keenly fought contest.


"It’s two South Americans that have had a few battles before," he said.


"Not long ago they met [in World Cup qualifying].
"This was a proper game of football, with fans, some tackles, cards, chances at both ends – I enjoyed it.


"[Cavani] is a top striker – movement, quality and the left-foot strike was excellent."


A 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium was not enough to avert a 3-2 aggregate loss in last season's semi-final and defeats at the same stage of the FA Cup and Europa League to Chelsea and Sevilla respectively meant 2019-20 was a tale of what might have been for Solskjaer and his players.


"It’s a worse game to lose, a semi-final, because when you get to a final you get that feeling, the build-up. So we’re going to do everything we can to get to the semi-final in a good state," he added, with City set to make the short trip to Old Trafford on the week of January 4 for what will be a one-off game this time around,
Shortly after the Cavani-Mina incident, Richarlison suffered a nasty blow to the head in an aerial challenge with Bruno Fernandes and Eric Bailly.


The Everton forward was substituted and manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he had followed the advice of medical staff amid concerns over concussion.


"Richarlison is fine, fortunately," he told Sky Sports.
"He had a bad knock to the head, but we will see in the next few days [how he recovers].

"Of course the doctor [made the decision]. Now he is okay."

[Edoman]

Solskjaer hails Cavani's 'big impact' at Man Utd



24 December 2020,


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Edinson Cavani's "big impact" at Manchester United after reaching the EFL Cup semi-finals.


Cavani drilled in a brilliant 88th-minute goal before Anthony Martial sealed United's 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
The Uruguay international's goal came from his fourth shot on target in the match, which was one more than Everton managed as a team.


Cavani has scored four goals in 12 games for United this season and Solskjaer praised the striker while dismissing any suggestions the 33-year-old had made a slow start at the club.
"I think you're wrong, I don't think he has had a slow start. I think he has done really well, he's been excellent," the United manager told a news conference.


"He's obviously been injured, anyone can be injured. He came late [in the transfer window] so I'm really pleased with his influence. In the dressing room, his habits that he brings to training, his attitude to the game. You can see how well he looks after himself.


"He's scored some very important goals for us and it gives us experience, he gives a lot. He's just going to be here, better and better of course because he was out for seven months. We've been patient with him and I think he's made a big impact."


As Cavani and Martial fired United into a semi-final against Manchester City, Paul Pogba produced a fine performance.


No player on the pitch had more key passes (three) or gained possession more often (eight) than the midfielder.


"Paul is getting fitter and fitter and that's the biggest thing with Paul because his last year and a half have been marred with injuries, and COVID, another injury in the international break," Solskjaer said.


"I'm very pleased with his performance, very pleased with his contribution to the team. He's playing better and better and probably will just improve and improve."

Sitting third in the Premier League table, United make the trip to Leicester City on Saturday.

[Edoman]

Thomas Tuchel is sacked by PSG with ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino 'set to replace him'







Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain and is set to be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino.
 
The former Borussia Dortmund boss, 47, who joined the club at the beginning of the 2018-19 season, won six trophies with Les Parisiens, including back-to-back Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue in 2020.
 
But Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over Strasbourg was the end of the road for Tuchel despite PSG being third in the French league, just one point off top spot.
 
Before the game, Tuchel had given an interview in his homeland in which he was quoted as saying he had, at times, felt more like "a sports politician or sports minister than a coach" during his tenure.
 
After the win over Strasbourg, he attempted to clarify those comments to Canal+, saying: "I didn't say it's more about politics than sport, nor that I lost the fun of training. This is not true... It is possible they translated incorrectly.
 
"Watch the video interview. I just said that PSG are unique and that it's a big challenge for me. It's always been like that. I like this challenge and nothing has changed."
 
Asked for a second time about the remark, he added: "I gave a video interview to a journalist who told me to do a story about German coaches.
 
"It is not an interview for him. It is not allowed. I was making a joke in German. The translation is not correct. We cannot translate word for word.
 
"It was a joke while we were talking and it is not allowed."
 
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is being lined up to take over from Tuchel with an announcement expected to be made soon. 
 
 

[Edoman]

[b]Kyril Louis-Dreyfus To Buy Sunderland Football Club

An agreement has been reached for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to buy Stewart Donald's controlling interest in Sunderland, paving the way for a takeover.

Aged just 22, Louis-Dreyfus, the son of former Marseille owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus, would become the youngest chairman in English football.[/b]

The Frenchman will become chairman in the new year, subject to approval by the English Football League.

Donald, who stepped down as chairman in July, holds a 74% stake in the club.

"It's been no secret that I have been looking for some time to find the right person to take Sunderland forward," Donald told the club website.

"During the course of the last year there have been a lot of different people wanting to take over.

"However, even though it is a matter of public record that some of those bidders offered me more money, I felt that they offered less to the club and to the community.

"Whereas from the early meetings with Kyril, his family and advisers, I have been greatly impressed with their knowledge and understanding, learned over a long period as owners of major football clubs in Belgium and France.

"I believe that experience, combined with a good plan, will provide a platform for the club to progress and I look forward to watching that progress from afar."

Former Eastleigh owner Donald has been Sunderland's majority shareholder since May 2018, when he took over from previous owner Ellis Short.

He has been trying to sell the Black Cats for the past 12 months and said he was "desperate to get out" of the League One club in the summer.

"We respectfully await the EFL's approval for this transaction," Louis-Dreyfus said.

"Nonetheless it would be remiss of me at this stage not to emphasise what an enormous honour it would be for me to become involved with such a historic club, in a city renowned for its rich football culture going back to 1879.

"Many will be aware of my family connections to the industry and, in acquiring Sunderland AFC, I understand the responsibility that's placed upon me as the custodian of the club's future.

"If we all play our parts, I firmly believe we can restore Sunderland AFC to the top tier of English football and I can't wait to get started."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55441731

[Edoman]

SPORT
FIFA cancels World Cups in 2021
 
on
 December 25, 2020



FIFA has cancelled the U-17 and U-20 World Cups that were to hold in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U-17 World Cup was scheduled to take place in Peru and the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.


FIFA, in a statement has confirmed both countries will now host the respective competitions in 2023.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel.

“FIFA has therefore regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021.


“In doing so, it became clear that the global situation has failed to normalize to a sufficient level to address the challenges associated with hosting both tournaments, including the feasibility of the relevant qualification pathways,” the statement read.

[Edoman]

EPL: Ebere Eze admits he was in tears after Arsenal rejected him

 
on
 December 25, 2020




Crystal Palace midfielder, Ebere Eze, has revealed he was left in tears after Arsenal rejected him as a youngster.


Eze was let go by the Gunners when he was 13.
Now 22, he has impressed since making a £17million move to Palace from Queens Park Rangers in August.
However, success did not come easy for Eze, who thought he would make it big with the Gunners when he signed for them before his 16th birthday.

“I got scouted by a few clubs and that’s when I first went to Arsenal,” he told Premier League Productions.
“At a young age, it was hard, especially being released. Me and my mum cried, everyone was so upset – that’s all you know at that age.


“But looking back at it now, that’s the start of my journey and I’m grateful to God that’s how it went. If it wasn’t for that, I may not have got the resilience, bravery, to go and be who I want to be elsewhere. It’s shaped me to be who I am today.”

Eze played for Reading, Fulham and Millwall before joining QPR having left north London.

[Edoman]

Kylian Mbappe reacts to sack of Tuchel as PSG manager
 
on
 December 25, 2020



Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, has paid tribute to manager, Thomas Tuchel, after he was sacked by the club on Thursday.


Mbappe thanked Tuchel for writing a wonderful part of PSG’s history, adding that nobody will forget the German’s time in charge at the Le Parc des Princes.


DAILY POST recalls that PSG sacked Tuchel on Thursday following the club’s 4-0 win over Racing Strasbourg on Wednesday.


Tuchel won four domestic trophies last season and led PSG to the Champions League final where they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

The 47-year-old is set to be replaced by former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino.


Reacting, Mbappe, who had a fiery touchline bust-up with Tuchel during PSG’s clash with Montpellier in February 2020, wrote on Instagram: “It is sadly the law of football.


“Nobody will forget your time here.

“You wrote a wonderful part of the club’s history, and I say to you thank you, coach.”

[Edoman]

Djokovic withdraws from ATP Player Council elections due to 'conflict of interest'



21 December 2020, 


Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Player Council elections with a "very heavy heart" after it was deemed his role in the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) was a conflict of interest.


The world number one quit as president of the ATP Player Council in August as he co-founded the PTPA with Canadian Vasek Pospisil.


Djokovic then last month surprisingly announced he had been nominated for a return to the council for the 2021 season, but on Monday revealed he would not be eligible due to a new ATP rule.


"I would like to give you an update with regards to my notification for the next ATP Player Council elections," Djokovic posted on Instagram and Twitter.


"I would like to first say, as always, I am honoured by the continued support and confidence shown by those who nominated me to once again serve our collective player interests on the council.


"My first reaction to this nomination was to accept it with the intention that, if elected, I would do my best to protect players' interests within the ATP.
"However, a few days after my nomination the ATP passed a new rule which has put me in a difficult position. This new rule specifies that all members of the newly formed Professional Tennis Players' Association or any association that is deemed as having a 'conflict of interest' cannot be elected as a member of the Players Council.


"As you know, I am part of the PTPA, an organisation that was recently created with no intention of being in conflict with the ATP.


"The PTPA has yet to be structured with its strategy and long-term vision yet to be clearly defined, and although the PTPA has made it clear it does not intend to be combative, it is unclear how the ATP will view the association in the future.


"Unfortunately, given these latest developments I feel it is now necessary to remove my name from the list of candidates. I do not wish to create conflict or uncertainty around the player elections or create any issues that may arise.


"I do this reluctantly and with a very heavy heart. I am, and always have been, very passionate when it comes to representing my peers on the council.
"I truly believe there is a path forward that will greatly improve the lives of many players, especially the lower ranked, and have a powerful and positive impact on the sport of tennis as a whole. I am confident that the PTPA will achieve this in the near future.


“Before concluding, I wish to communicate that it is extremely important that we do not have conflicts of interest in our sport.

"I hope that, going forward, this is not only applied to the formation of new associations at the player level but further applied to all levels within the ATP structure."

[Edoman]

[b]Kyle Walker And Gabriel Jesus, Test Positive For COVID-19 

Manchester City FC can confirm that Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, and two members of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.[/b]

All four personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.

Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery over the Christmas period ahead of their return to work, training and competition.

https://amp.mancity.com/news/mens/gabriel-jesus-kyle-walker-covid-test-63744488?__twitter_impression=true

[Edoman]

Pochettino set to reunite Messi, Neymar at PSG

 
on
 December 26, 2020



Mauricio Pochettino will be the manager to finally re-unite Lionel Messi and Neymar on the football pitch, according to Le Parisien.


Pochettino will make his return to management after over one year out following his sacking from Tottenham, replacing Thomas Tuchel at the Parc Des Princes.


And he will make the bold move to lure Messi from Barcelona and pair him in attack to rekindle a frightening strike partnership with his close friend Neymar.

Messi is able to leave Barca as a free agent at the end of this season and is widely expected to call time on his career at the Nou Camp.


The 33-year-old tried to engineer a move away from Barcelona in the summer.


He sent a burofax to the club, hoping to exercise a clause in his contract to leave for free.


But the Spanish giants stood firm and Messi remained at the club.

[Edoman]

Cristiano Ronaldo rated best Premier League transfer ahead of Henry, Aguero [Top 20]

 
on
 December 26, 2020



Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the best ever Premier League transfer ahead of Thierry Henry and Eric Cantona.


Ronaldo came out on top in a countdown that the Transfer Show panel chose on a special Christmas Day programme.


The Portugal captain was one of four Manchester United players in the top 10 along with Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney.


United signed Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon for £12m in August 2003. During six seasons at Old Trafford, he won eight major trophies including three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

During a stellar career, he has scored more than 750 goals, won 30 major trophies, five Ballon d’Ors and two Best FIFA men’s player of the year awards.


Thierry Henry came second. Arsenal signed him in the summer of 1999 for £11m from Juventus. During eight seasons at Highbury, he became an Invincible, won two titles and broke the club’s goalscoring record.


Some star names were controversially left out of the list including Manchester United defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Top 20:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Thierry Henry
Eric Cantona
Frank Lampard
Roy Keane
Didier Drogba
Sol Campbell
Wayne Rooney
Vincent Company
Alan Shearer
Mohamed Salah
N’Golo Kante
Dennis Bergkamp
Virgil van Dijk
Gianfranco Zola
David Silva
Patrick Vieira
Eden Hazard
Sergio Aguero
Petr Cech

[Edoman]

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Arteta under fire for selecting three players


 
on
 December 26, 2020



Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, has questioned why Mikel Arteta is keeping faith in the same players despite the club’s poor form this season.


The Gunners spent Christmas Day in 15th place and they face a tough Boxing Day clash against Chelsea.
Wright has now said Arteta isn’t making life easier for himself ahead of a crunch period of matches...


After Chelsea, the Gunners face crunch away games at Brighton and West Brom, which could either see them move away from the danger zone or sink deeper.

Wright has called Arteta to change his approach for the forthcoming matches, starting by dropping some big names.


“I have to say, from my point of view, with the manager and the players he’s picking now, I think people like Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock and those guys, I’d like to see them have a chance,” he said on Optus Sport’s The Kelly and Wrighty Show.


“That’s simply because you’re looking at the Willians, it’s not happening and he’s not playing well. Why are you playing people like Kolasinac? Why are you playing someone like Mustafi?

“I’d rather see [William] Saliba who is playing in the Under-23s, I’d rather see Smith Rowe and I’d rather see something different.”

[Edoman]

Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea: Jorginho penalty miss helps Arteta clinch vital win



26 December 2020, 


Arsenal survived a late scare to end their winless run in the Premier League as Mikel Arteta's much-maligned side claimed a thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory over Chelsea.


The Gunners headed into the Boxing Day clash at Emirates Stadium having lost five of their last seven Premier League matches, yet were worthy winners against Frank Lampard's hapless team to mark the one-year anniversary of Arteta's first game in charge in style.


Alexandre Lacazette's penalty put Arsenal ahead in a league game for the first time since a win over Manchester United on November 1, and a stunning Granit Xhaka free-kick doubled their tally.


Bukayo Saka then embarrassed Edouard Mendy early in the second half though, after Tammy Abraham's VAR-awarded goal, Arsenal ultimately had to rely on Bernd Leno's save from Jorginho's penalty to prevent a nervy finish.


That meant Chelsea were condemned to a third defeat in four league games.

[Edoman]

Werner goes 10th game without a goal for Chelsea



26 December 2020, 


Chelsea striker Timo Werner's dismal run in front of goal continued in their Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.


The Germany international was substituted by head coach Frank Lampard at half-time against the Gunners which took his run of matches without scoring to 10 games in all competitions.


That drought is his longest since a run of 12 matches between March and September 2016 across spells at Stuttgart and RB Leipzig.


Werner failed to register a shot on target against Arsenal and had just two touches inside the penalty area before he was replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi during the 3-1 defeat.


Signed for a reported £47.5million from RB Leipzig ahead of the 2020-21 season, Werner has scored just four goals in 15 Premier League games.
Werner's last goal for Chelsea came in a 4-1 win over Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 7.


Lampard defended the 24-year-old's record ahead of the fixture with Arsenal despite his lack of goals and said he was "scaring teams" and "giving them a problem".

[Edoman]

Arsenal reinvigorated by Arteta's young Gunners in win over Chelsea



26 December 2020, 



On Boxing Day 2019, there was an undeniable sense of optimism around Arsenal – the Mikel Arteta era was beginning and simultaneously the club looked to be trying to implement a long-term plan based on entertaining football.


While Arteta's very first match was by no means outstanding, a 1-1 draw away to a Bournemouth side that went on to be relegated, there were certainly signs of promise during the early months.


Much of that positivity seemed to have vanished in the last few weeks, their 1-0 win at Manchester United on November 1 followed by a chastening run of five defeats and no wins in seven Premier League matches.


So bad have Arsenal been at times that Arteta's future had been put in doubt, with many supporters becoming convinced his appointment was nothing more than a hopeful punt that backfired spectacularly. Some pundits have even suggested they could get sucked into a relegation battle – after all, they were 15th on Christmas Day.


But a year on from his first match at the helm, Arteta came out swinging – not only were the odds against him and Arsenal, having three players ruled out so close to kick-off against Chelsea will have further increased the heat.


All of a sudden, on the back of Saturday's 3-1 win, the outlook at Emirates Stadium seems a lot less bleak.


SMITH ROWE ANSWERS THE CALL
Arteta's starting XI will have set off alarm bells among many fans – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was only fit enough for a place on the bench; Willian, David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes were all ruled out; Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli were handed first league starts since June; for Emile Smith Rowe it was a first line-up appearance in the top flight since December 21 last year.


But as it happened, Arsenal barely put a foot wrong all evening.


The presence of Smith Rowe was a particularly curious one. Undoubtedly talented, the 20-year-old has struggled to really build on his early promise and some might suggest he was being pushed in at the deep end here.


Yet, credit to Arteta, the youngster was a breath of fresh air in Arsenal's midfield. Not only did he offer composure in possession, as he laid on two key passes (one to release Bukayo Saka for the third goal), Smith Rowe also showed urgency when not in possession.


His 5.8 kilometres covered in the first half beat everyone else on the pitch, as did his average speed of 7.5km/h.


Additionally, the youngster's use of the ball was positive. Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka and Martinelli were Arsenal's most threatening players, and they were also the individuals Smith Rowe passed to most frequently.


So often this term, Arsenal have been crying out for a body to operate in the hole behind the main striker, and on Saturday's evidence Smith Rowe might just be the answer with his effective blend of technical competence and energy.


SAKA AND MARTINELLI PEG CHELSEA BACK
Martinelli had been a big miss for the Gunners. A promising first season was cut short by injury when he looked set to become a potentially important player in 2020-21.


Back in the starting XI for the first time this season, the Brazilian helped keep Reece James occupied and his four shots was more than any other Arsenal player managed.


It would have been unfair to expect him to maintain his first-half level throughout, so it was unsurprising to see Martinelli withdrawn before the end given his recent injury problems.


But his relentless approach in the first 45 was in keeping with the effort desired by Arteta but often missing – his 14 sprints was more than anyone else achieved, and his top speed of 33.1km/h was the quickest in the first half. He also chipped in with an Arsenal-high three tackles. James certainly had his hands full.


Saka did a similar job on the right flank but arguably even more impressively, with Ben Chilwell unable to get forward as often as he likes and therefore limited to just four crosses.


Though there was obviously more to Saka's performance than just limiting Chilwell's attacks – his wonderful goal, although perhaps fortuitous, was a deserved reward.


The 19-year-old's work rate was notable, covering more ground (11.5km) than anyone else over the 90 minutes, and he was frequently looking to test the Chelsea defence with his seven crosses, more than double any other Arsenal player.


He took home the Man of the Match award, and while debates may rage about whether he meant his goal or not, there's no doubt what an asset he is to Arteta.


EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER FOR ARTETA
To say a 3-1 Arsenal win was on the cards before this match would be a complete lie – few would have given them a chance, with a draw arguably the best they could have expected, particularly given the depleted nature of their squad.


But in such trying circumstances, Arteta had little choice but to throw caution to the wind and trust his youngsters, and they certainly repaid his faith.


Of course, Arsenal got a little fortunate towards the end, with Bernd Leno's save from Jorginho's penalty crucial. But, given their issues of late, the Gunners were almost due a rub of the green.


Ill-discipline, questionable commitment and underperforming 'star players' have marred Arsenal in recent times.


But when Arteta had to turn to the kids, Arsenal suddenly clicked once again. A year on from the coach's first game, has the penny finally dropped?

[Edoman]

EPL: Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Leicester, reveals how Fernandes annoys him


 
on
 December 26, 2020



Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has said they dropped points against Leicester City, because his players switched off.


The Red Devils missed the chance to go into second place, following a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United, before Harvey Barnes slammed in the equalizer.


Although Bruno Fernandes made it 2-1 late in the second half, there was still time for Jamie Vardy’s effort to come off Axel Tuanzebe into the net.

“We feel disappointed. The boys are flat in the dressing room.


“We created chances to score more goals.
“Apparently, Jamie Vardy got a bit lucky, but you can’t switch off against quality players,” Solskjaer told the media after the match.


Fernandes was partly at fault for Leicester City’s first goal and Solskjaer has admitted that some of the risks he takes, leaves him pulling his hair out.


He said: “He is definitely a player that impacts results. He takes risks. He sees the pass and takes the moments.

“Sometimes I tear my hair out and say there is an easier pass. But you want that X Factor. He has been great.”

[Edoman]

Wrestling star, Brodie Lee dies at 41 after battle with 'non-COVID related lung issue'








The wrestling world has been thrown into mourning following the loss of WWE and AEW star, Brodie Lee. 
 
The Professional wrestler Jon Huber, better known by his stage name Brodie Lee, died at the age of 41 on Sunday morning, December 27. 
 
According to his wife Amanda Huber, the wrestler died "surrounded by loved ones after a hard fought battle with a non-[COVID-19] related lung issue," she said in a post on Instagram.
 
She wrote: 
 

My best friend died today.
 
I never wanted to write out those words. My heart is broken. The world saw him as the amazing @brodielee (fka Luke Harper) but he was my best friend, my husband, and the greatest father you would ever meet. No words can express the love I feel or how broken I am right now. He passed surrounded by love ones after a hard-fought battle with a non-Covid related lung issue. The @mayoclinic is literally the best team of doctors and nurses in the world who surrounded me with constant love.
 
On top of that, I can’t express my love and admiration for the way @allelitewrestling has treated not only my husband but myself and my kids. @margaret.stalvey @meghalegalgirl10 @americannightmarecody @thebrandirhodes @nickjacksonyb @mattjackson13 @kennyomegamanx @tonyrkhan and the rest of the team at AEW have helped keep me standing and pick up all the broken pieces.
 
I’ve been surrounded by so much love and incredible people I can’t tag them all but they know who they are and I don’t think they will ever know how thankful I am for them.

 
All Elite Wrestling, which he wrestled for, also confirmed his death in an official statement over social media.

 
Huber, a Rochester, New York, native, wrestled for WWE from 2012 to 2019. He was a regular on WWE television, notably as a member of the Wyatt Family and in a long-term tag team with wrestler Erick Rowan.
 
WWE granted him his release last December before he signed with AEW and made his debut there in March 2020.
 
In AEW, Huber was made the leader of a faction called The Dark Order and wrestled Jon Moxley for the AEW title at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in May. Huber's last match was a Dog Collar match for the AEW TNT title against Cody Rhodes on Oct. 7. The bout was rated 4.5 (out of 5) stars by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, tied for the highest star rating of Lee's career.
 
Huber is survived by his wife, Amanda, and children, Brodie and Nolan.