Sports

Arteta urges Arsenal fans to turn up volume in Premier League title push

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3 years ago

February 23, 2024

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Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to produce “full energy” as they chase a sixth straight Premier League win against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

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The third-placed Gunners, five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, have scored 21 goals in their five league games so far in 2024, conceding just twice.

But they are licking their wounds after losing the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Porto 1-0 on Wednesday, courtesy of a stoppage-time strike.

Arteta said the team were hungry to put that defeat behind them.

“What happened in another competition is there,” he told his pre-match press conference on Friday(today).

“What you cannot deny is what is in your tummy after a defeat and we have to use it in a really powerful way to do even better.”

The Spaniard, whose team finished second in the Premier League last year despite leading for most of the campaign, wants a crackling atmosphere in the 2000 GMT kick-off.

“We want to create an atmosphere in the stadium from the beginning,” he said. “I ask everybody to go there tomorrow night with full energy because the team is going to need it.

“We are in a really good moment in the Premier League and we want to continue to be there, and tomorrow’s game is vital to achieve that.”

“We can be better,” he added. “The most important thing is that we continue to believe, to perform at the level that we are doing and that we have the squad available.

“If we have those two things we are going to give them a real go.”

Liverpool’s title challenge could be threatened by a lengthy list of injuries and a demanding schedule as they go for four trophies.

Arsenal, by contrast, were dumped out early in both domestic cups and Arteta said his players had plenty left in the tank for the title run-in.

“And the other ones because after what happened last year, we want to make sure that this season is very different and that brings a lot of energy because we know what we are facing.”

“A lot of players haven’t played significant minutes this season, and some important players as well, so I can sense that there are still five or six that still have a lot to offer to the team,” he added.

The Gunners, who have not been crowned league champions since 2004, faltered in the home stretch last season, allowing Manchester City to overtake them, but Arteta said his team were “where we want to be”.

Sports

Mourinho Reacts To Ronaldo’s Retirement, Says CR7 Still Has Goals

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3 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.

Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.

Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.

“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid

However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.

“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.

While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.

“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.

Sports

Iheanacho Sustains Scoring Form, Hits Target In Bursaspor’s Draw At Antalyaspor

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3 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.

The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend

Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.

However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.

The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.

Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points

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Palmer Left Out Of England Squad As Jobe Bellingham, Josh King Earn Maiden Call-Ups

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1 day ago

November 6, 2026

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England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.

Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.

Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.

King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.

Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.

Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.

England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.

Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.