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
Bruno Fernandes Sends Message to Man United Fans After Back-to-Back Red Cards
Bruno Fernandes has expressed that Manchester United‘s current struggles rank among the “toughest moments” he’s faced since joining the club nearly five years ago.
This marks his first message to fans following his red card in the dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto.
The United captain was sent off for the second consecutive game, receiving his marching orders in the final 10 minutes as the Red Devils sought to claw back after surrendering a 2-0 lead.
This dismissal followed a red card he received just days earlier during the team’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford for a late tackle on James Maddison—a decision that was eventually overturned by the Premier League.
However, Fernandes will still face a suspension in European competition.
Taking to Instagram to break his silence, Fernandes wrote: “Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest. Almost 5 years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments.”
He continued, “Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges and adversities, but one thing that has never changed is my willingness to step up and take responsibility, even in difficult moments.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, and many of you United fans are probably tired of hearing it, but no one is more disappointed with my performances than I am.”
Despite his disappointment, Fernandes took a moment to thank supporters for their positive messages, saying, “Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you who have sent encouraging words of belief in me and the team.”
Before these recent incidents, Fernandes had never been sent off in his Manchester United career. However, his challenge at the Estadio do Dragao was deemed reckless, as he jumped with his studs up to reach the ball, clashing with Porto’s Perez, who had lowered his head to clear the ball.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson weighed in on the incident: “Bruno Fernandes was not happy.
He went in high, and it was dangerous. He may have been focused on the ball, but in doing so, he left the referee with no choice.”
Despite Fernandes’ sending-off, United managed to salvage a point thanks to Harry Maguire’s 91st-minute header.
United boss Erik ten Hag, currently under pressure due to a string of poor results, will hope to avoid further setbacks when his side visits Aston Villa this Sunday.
While Fernandes will be available for the Premier League clash, he will miss United’s upcoming European fixture against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce if Ten Hag remains in charge by then.
EPL
Marcus Rashford Breaks Silence on Brutal Half-Time Sub During Porto Draw
Marcus Rashford Speaks Out After Half-Time Substitution in Man Utd‘s Dramatic Draw with Porto
Marcus Rashford has addressed his surprising substitution at halftime during Manchester United’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Porto.
The forward ended a brief goal drought with a first-half goal, showcasing his talent at the Estadio do Dragao.
Rashford opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match, cutting in from the left and slotting a low shot past Porto’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa.
He continued to be a significant threat, later assisting Rasmus Hojlund for United’s second goal. However, fans were left puzzled when he was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho at the break, especially after Porto managed to equalize at 2-2.
Despite the baffling decision, United salvaged a late point thanks to Harry Maguire’s goal. Following the match, Rashford took to Instagram to share his mixed feelings, writing: “Bitter Sweet. I’m happy to learn that I have broken into the top five scorers in Europe for United. But I’m gutted that we never managed to win tonight.”
Fans flooded the comments section, expressing their support. One wrote, “Proud of you, Rashy; you deserve better,” while another said, “You were a beast tonight; more of that, boy.” A third fan added, “Should’ve never been subbed.”
United manager Erik ten Hag explained the rationale behind the substitution, stating it was part of a “squad rotation.” He noted, “We had to rotate. Garnacho didn’t start, but he had a great game, not only on Sunday but the whole season. We have another tough game on Sunday, so we need players who are fit and fresh.”
Rashford has not played more than 75 minutes since United’s defeat to Liverpool on September 1, completing a full 90 minutes only twice this season.
As Manchester United prepares to face Aston Villa on Sunday, they will encounter a side riding high after defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag as he strives to turn around United’s fortunes following a series of disappointing results.
Maguire’s late equalizer came just hours after he learned he had been excluded from Lee Carsley’s England squad, adding further drama to the match.
EPL
Man Utd ‘Do Stupid Things & Kill Stars, Someone Should be Arrested’, says Journo
MANCHESTER UNITED has come under fire following Scott McTominay’s impressive start at Napoli, where the midfielder has quickly made his mark since his summer move.
McTominay, who joined the Serie A champions for just £25 million, has hit the ground running, delivering strong performances and remaining unbeaten in his first four appearances. He has also found the back of the net once in the cup competition.
The 27-year-old’s form has earned praise from the Italian media, with one journalist, Riccardo Trevisani, openly criticizing Manchester United for letting McTominay go.
Trevisani accused the club of mishandling talent and questioned their decision-making.
Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, Trevisani didn’t hold back: “McTominay scored goals, showed determination, and carried the team, yet they kicked him out! Manchester United is a club that only makes poor decisions. They’ve killed the potential of players like Højlund, De Ligt, Antony, Rashford, Zirkzee, and even Casemiro. It’s a joke. They’ve mismanaged everything—they should be arrested for it. PSG looks like geniuses in comparison.”
Trevisani also slammed the club’s handling of managers, noting the frequent turnover of coaches and players in recent years.
While McTominay has flourished in Italy, Manchester United’s recent signings have struggled to make an impact. New striker Joshua Zirkzee has scored just once in nine appearances, and Manuel Ugarte faced criticism following his full debut against Tottenham last weekend.
United fans have voiced their concerns over Erik ten Hag’s transfer decisions, especially in light of how well players like Dean Henderson and Jadon Sancho have performed since leaving Old Trafford.
Reflecting on his time in Italy, McTominay attributed his success to the tactical demands of Serie A, which he believes has helped elevate his game. “In Serie A, there is much more tactical knowledge required. You need to understand your role within the team and work well with your teammates,” he said.
He also acknowledged the physical differences between the Premier League and Serie A but emphasized the intensity of the tactical preparation in Italy. “The tactical work is more intense here. I was really impressed by the level of the Italian league, something I didn’t fully appreciate while I was in England.”
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