EPL
Arteta tells Rice how many points they need to win title
Mikel Arteta has set a high bar for his Arsenal team, stating that they will likely need to amass at least 90 points to clinch the Premier League title.
Currently sitting five points behind leaders Liverpool in third place with 58 points, Arsenal face a challenging run-in with away fixtures against tough opponents such as the champions, Brighton, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
Last season, Arsenal led Manchester City by five points with 63 points after 26 games but faltered in the final stretch, losing three of their last 12 games and finishing five points behind the champions on 84 points. Arteta is keen to avoid a similar slip-up this season and believes that aiming for 90 points or more is essential for their title aspirations.
Asked how many points his side will need to win a first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta said: “The demands, you might have to win every game.
“There are a lot of games and we are all going to have crazy schedules and this league might be different to last season. Anything under 90 points I think would be very difficult.”
After suffering consecutive London derby defeats to West Ham and Fulham after Christmas, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noticed a renewed focus among his players. This renewed determination has been evident as Arsenal have started the year with six consecutive Premier League wins.
“Yes and the target is clear,” Arteta said. “It’s to be better every day so that when it comes to the weekend, earn the right to win and do everything you possibly can to win the game.
“This is the focus and the way I see them training every day gives me more confidence and more reasons to believe that we have a good chance because they really want it.”
Against Sheffield United, Mikel Arteta could pair Declan Rice and Thomas Partey together in midfield for the first time since the Community Shield.
“I think they only played in the Community Shield together in midfield,” said the Spaniard. “That tells you how much we have missed Thomas. To play the whole season and a player like him who has not played much with us. The impact he can have for the next 3 months can be really big.
“He can also help Declan as well. I will have to see that chemistry on the pitch and those qualities and the things we have to treat around to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better.
“But I think that will be a very powerful midfield.”
EPL
Arsenal supporters MOCK Old Trafford’s leaking roof as they celebrate returning to top
Manchester United faced another setback on Sunday as rain poured through Old Trafford’s leaky roof after a home defeat to Arsenal.
Despite improvements from their previous match, Erik ten Hag’s side couldn’t find the net, succumbing to a 1-0 loss.
The sudden thunderstorms exposed issues with the roof, leading to a torrent of water cascading onto the pitch.
Fans had to seek cover, highlighting the sorry state of the iconic stadium.
Many supporters expressed frustration on social media, criticizing the Glazers for neglecting Old Trafford’s upkeep and maintenance.
Some fans called for immediate action to fix the roof and address other stadium issues, pointing out that the neglect has left the club trailing behind others.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, following his purchase of the club, planned significant upgrades, including addressing the roof and other infrastructure problems.
The decline of Old Trafford, once a premier stadium, has become symbolic of the Glazers’ neglect over the past 18 years.
As rivals enjoy modern facilities, Manchester United’s stadium woes have become a target for mockery, with even opposing fans singing about its deterioration.
REACTIONS
EPL
Mbappé makes first announcement about his PSG exit
Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will be departing Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of the current season.
The announcement, made through a video posted on social media, puts an end to the speculation surrounding the World Cup winner’s future with the Parisians.
Mbappe, 25, has decided not to sign an extension with the Ligue 1 club after a prolonged period of uncertainty about his contract situation.
More to follow…
EPL
Man Utd’s entire squad ‘is up for sale’ – with just 3 names ‘off limits’ (Details)
Manchester United are reportedly considering a significant squad overhaul this summer, with only three players considered off-limits.
The club’s new leadership, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, is said to be prepared to make bold decisions regarding player sales, especially with United facing restrictions due to Premier League spending rules.
The absence of Champions League football next season has dealt a blow to INEOS’ plans for a squad revamp, and the futures of many players, including manager Erik ten Hag, remain uncertain.
Agents and recruitment figures at rival clubs believe United’s management is open to most bids, indicating a potentially extensive shake-up of the squad.
Even Marcus Rashford, a key figure at United, could be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in. Reports suggest that United would seriously consider offers for the forward, particularly if he expresses a desire to move on.
Paris Saint-Germain is one of the clubs that could realistically meet Rashford’s valuation and wage demands.
While United still believe in Rashford and want him to succeed, his recent drop in form has been concerning. The club’s financial situation, with profits from homegrown player sales going towards Financial Fair Play regulations, could influence their decision to sell him.
United’s transfer plans include the desire to sign a new striker, central midfielder, and right-sided center back, but financial constraints may limit their ability to make big-money signings. The club may need to adopt a sell-to-buy strategy, especially if they miss out on European football next season.
Despite the potential for a squad overhaul, three young players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund – are reportedly seen as key to United’s future plans.
Rashford’s form has been compared unfavorably to Garnacho’s, who has impressed since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
Rashford has faced criticism from fans and has struggled this season after signing a new contract. Manager Ten Hag has called for support for Rashford, acknowledging his past achievements and urging him to rediscover his best form.
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