Tag: Gabriel

Gabriel delights fans as Arsenal star rubs further salt into Tottenham’s wounds

A cheeky grin from Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes was all it took to rub further salt into Tottenham’s gaping wounds.

After Arsenal‘s dominant 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening, the Brazilian defender decided to wind down by playing FC 25 on his PlayStation.

3

Gabriel was in fine form for the Gunners during their 3-1 win over BrentfordCredit: Getty

Fans were given an insight into Gabriel’s gaming session as he was recorded on Instagram live.

One supporter decided they would try their luck and see if they could get Gabriel to bite on a brutal dig aimed at Tottenham.

In the top right corner of the video, the comment read: “Look at camera if Spurs are s***.”

Within three seconds of seeing the comment, Gabriel turned to the camera and flashed a smile.

If he wasn’t enough of a fan favourite already, Gabriel’s brutal trolling of Tottenham will undoubtedly have endeared him even further to Arsenal supporters.

Gabriel’s thinly-veiled dig is also the last thing Tottenham fans will have wanted to see given their worrying form this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just once in their last seven league fixtures, with the only victory coming against last-placed Southampton.

In that alarming run, Tottenham have shipped 15 goals, with six of those coming in a brutal defeat against Liverpool.

Tottenham have also developed a worrying trend that has filled supporters with a sense of unease.

The north London outfit became the first team in Premier League history to concede the first goal in 15 games across a single calendar year, pointing to a serious defensive issue.

3

Gabriel has irked Tottenham supporters with a simple gesture during a live streamCredit: Instagram

Postecoglou’s second season in charge is also markedly different to his first at Tottenham.

After 18 games last term, Tottenham had 37 points thanks to 11 wins, three draws and just four losses.

At the same point this campaign, Tottenham had seven wins, two draws and nine losses to their name for a total of 23 points.

In Postecoglou’s defence, his side has been ravaged by injuries to key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven to name three.

Making Tottenham’s woes even worse is the fact their north London neighbours continue to excel.

Arsenal’s win over Brentford helped them leapfrog Nottingham Forest and move up to second in the Premier League as they began 2025 in style.

3

Tottenham are in the midst of an alarming run of formCredit: Getty

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli did the business for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Jesus’ strike was his sixth in his last four games across all competitions for the Gunners and helped close the gap to six points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Tottenham will not have to wait terribly long to get revenge on Gabriel over his Instagram live gesture as the north London sides collide on January 15.

Arsenal already hold the bragging rights in the north London derby this season, with Gabriel’s 64th-minute header proving to be the difference on September 15.

Tottenham’s last 10 Premier League games

November 3: Tottenham 4-1 Aston Villa

November 10: Tottenham 1-2 Ipswich Town

November 23: Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham

December 1: Tottenham 1-1 Fulham

December 5: Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham

December 8: Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea

December 15: Southampton 0-5 Tottenham

December 22: Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool

December 26: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham

December 29: Tottenham 2-2 Wolves

Source link

January 2, 2025
Haaland gives six-word response when asked about throwing ball at Gabriel’s head

Erling Haaland was short and sweet with his answer when asked if he regrets throwing a ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head.

The Manchester City striker went back and forth with the Brazilian during his side’s 2-2 draw with the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium last month.

2

Haaland stirred the pot against Arsenal several timesCredit: Getty

It was Gabriel who pulled Mikel Arteta’s side into the lead, after Haaland had opened the scoring early in the ninth minute and Arsenal’s new summer signing Riccardo Calafiori equalised.

John Stones would rescue City in the eighth minute of additional time, prompting the Norway striker to bounce the ball off Gabriel’s head in a game that witnessed multiple heated exchanges.

Even Man City manager Pep Guardiola exchanged words with his former prodigy Arteta, after the latter claimed he had ‘all the information’ on City, who used to employ the Spaniard.

With Martin Odegaard missing through injury, 24-year-old Haaland steps up to captain Norway against Slovenia and Austria this week.

Haaland was asked if he regrets his behaviour against Arsenal, now that he is set to captain his country.

“I don’t regret much in life,” he said.

“It was in the heat of the moment and a lot of stuff happened in that game,” Haaland added, referring to the incident with Gabriel.

“Things that happen on the football pitch stay there and that’s how it is.”

Arsenal’s trip to Manchester was action-packed from start to finish.

Guardiola’s midfield maestro Rodri was forced to come off early due to an ACL injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and Belgium forward Leandro Trossard picked up two yellow cards just before half time.

2

Haaland looks to be on course to win three consecutive Premier League Golden Boot awards

The result left both sides neck and neck in the race for the Premier League title on 17 points.

Both sides have won five of their opening seven Premier League games, drawing the other two.

Man City also dropped points on their visit to Newcastle the week after, while Arsenal had already failed to win their home game against Brighton in August, a match which saw Declan Rice get sent off.

Ian Wright Calls Erling Haaland For His Antics During Manchester City’s 2-2 Draw Vs Arsenal

Liverpool are perched top of the Premier League table having won six of their opening seven games.

New boss Arne Slot has made the best start out of any manager in the club’s history, winning all of his competitive games, aside from the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last month.

Man City travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first game after the international break, while Arsenal go to Bournemouth and Liverpool host Chelsea.

Source link

October 9, 2024
Antonio Rudiger reveals Arsenal star would be his dream transfer to Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger has revealed he would love one of Arsenal’s star men to come join him at Real Madrid.

The two-time Champions League winner showed his admiration for William Saliba and said the French centre-back would be his dream signing for the Spanish giants.

4

William Saliba has been linked as a target for Real Madrid – and Rudiger would love him at the BernabeuCredit: Getty

The 23-year-old has continued to be a rock for Mikel Arteta’s side, exuding confidence and calmness when on the ball and defending one-on-one.

Arsenal have three clean sheets in the Premier League from six games, and have not conceded any in two Champions League matches.

Appearing on the Inside Scoop podcast Rudiger, who joined Los Blancos in 2022 and has won seven trophies, showed his admiration for the Gunners’ rock at the back.

When asked what defender he would sign for Real Madrid, the ex-Chelsea player replied: “I say William Saliba.

“I’m very happy with my centre-back partner [Eder] Militao because he also came from a big injury and he’s getting back to his best, but there’s so many games, so we would rotate.

“To have Saliba… it would be great.”

The Germany international was full of praise for Saliba’s partnership with Gunners teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, naming them as two of his top three centre-backs right now.

“Saliba and Virgil van Dijk and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well,” he continued.

“I just enjoy, for example if you see Arsenal, the two centre-backs playing together for two years and now they’re doing an amazing job.

“The transformation from Arsenal that was before and now, those two are the pillars of it. You have Gabriel, the more aggressive leader and Saliba, this brother plays clean.

4

Rudiger joined the Inside Scoop podcast and revealed his top-three centre-backs playing right nowCredit: Inside Scoop

4

Rudiger helped Real Madrid to the Champions League title last season, and says Saliba would make them even strongerCredit: Getty

“He looks like a silent leader.”

The 2022/23 campaign saw the rise of the duo with Saliba’s injury arguably being the reason why Arsenal’s title challenge derailed.

Last season the Gunners came awfully close to ending their 20-year drought but lost the Premier League on the final day after grinding out 18 clean sheets – the most in the top flight – 15 of which came when Saliba and Gabriel started as a pair.

Darren Bent argues that Kai Havertz has now become Arsenal’s ‘most important’ player

The two have continued to grow and have arguably formed the best defence in the league alongside the likes of Jurrien Timber and Ben White.

Mikel Arteta has formed a side that is well respected defensively across Europe – a reputation that was boosted by their 2-0 victory against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Nabbing Saliba will be a hard and expensive task for any interested clubs, as he signed a four-year deal with Arsenal in July 2023, expiring in 2027.

A move to Madrid would probably break the transfer record for a defender, currently held by Josko Gvardiol who moved from RB Leipzig to Manchester City for £77.6million in 2023.

Yes, Real Madrid have an abundance of money, but Rudiger may be out of luck as Saliba is committed to Arteta’s project.

4

Rudiger says Arsenal have two of the best three centre-backs in world football in Saliba and GabrielCredit: Getty

Speaking in an interview with Arsenal in September he said: “I still have goals and ambition because I haven’t won anything. I’ve had some good seasons, but you need to win some trophies and that’s what I want to do with Arsenal and the national team.”

When asked for the secret of his partnership with Gabriel, he replied: “There’s no secret, I’m good, he’s good. We both speak French and we play now in our third season together.

“We know each other so well and it’s a pleasure to play every game with him. We grow together because he’s young as well, so it’s really good to have him by my side.”

Premier League Match Odds with talkSPORT BET

Saturday, October 5

Sunday, October 6

*odds subject to change, 18+ gambleaware.org

Offer of the day – Place a £10 bet on the PL and get £30 in free bets – CLAIM HERE

18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Check out all the best free bets and betting offers from talkSPORT and our partners.

Source link

October 4, 2024
Haaland throws ball at Gabriel’s head after Man City snatch late-ditch equaliser

Erling Haaland was spotted throwing the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel after Manchester City’s last-ditch equaliser.

Arsenal were seconds away from a statement win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium having played the entire second half with ten men.

4

Haaland ran to scoop the ball out the net for the restart

4

And appeared to aim the ball at Gabriel’s head

But substitute John Stones stole a point at the death to make it 2-2, firing home in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

But as focus went to Stones wheeling away celebrating, Haaland – who bagged his 100th City goal this afternoon – went unnoticed as he ran to retrieve the ball from the net.

The striker picked the ball up, but instead of running to the centre circle, proceeded to throw it at Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head.

The Brazilian had his back turned to the Norwegian at the time, with his shirt over his head in frustration.

Whether the lob was deliberate or not, tempers flared after the goal and beyond the final whistle, with the pair seen fuming at each other.

Fans on social media noticed Haaland’s move after the game, with one writing with a laughing face: “As if that’s Haaland’s reaction to the equaliser.”

“Haaland is a menace,” another wrote.

A third joked: “He could’ve been killed!”

From the kick off after the equaliser, Haaland was then spotted clattering into Thomas Partey as he chased the ball down.

He then argued with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Myles Lewis-Skelly, rounding off a feisty clash between last season’s Premier League title rivals that saw even Pep Guardiola boot his dug out seat in frustration.

The Gunners had gone behind after just five minutes, as City’s superstar forward Haaland netted his Cristiano Ronaldo recording-levelling goal.

4

Gabriel and Haaland clashed throughout the gameCredit: Getty

Riccardo Califiori then bagged a long-ranger, marking his first start in style, before the Gunners unleashed their cheat code Gabriel as he scored from another corner with a towering header.

Arsenal’s first victory at the Etihad since 2015 looked in doubt when Leandro Trossard was sent off just before half time for a second booking after kicking the ball away after shoving Bernardo Silva in the back.

The Gunners defended for their lives, so much so that Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz didn’t complete a single pass throughout the entire match.

But Stones stepped up to save the day for City who struggled for 45 minutes to break down Arsenal’s wall.

4

It’s tight at the top, and Arsenal will be wishing they could have taken all three points

His equaliser was City’s latest goal scored on record in a Premier League match since the 2006/07 season.

It came from Pep Guardiola’s side’s 28th shot in the second half.

That’s the joint-second highest ever number of shots by a side in a second half of a Premier League game on record since the 2003/04 campaign.

Man City remain top of the Premier League, three points ahead of fourth-place Arsenal.

Source link

September 22, 2024
Arsenal fans love Wright’s celebration for Gabriel goal in front of Spurs icon

Gabriel’s north London derby winner for Arsenal caused Ian Wright to celebrate wildly in front of Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle.

The centre-back headed in for the Gunners with 64 minutes on the clock to beat Spurs 1-0 away from home on Sunday.

5

Gabriel’s goal was enough for Arsenal to beat SpursCredit: Getty

Arsenal had the lesser share of the possession but took their chance against their bitter rivals and establish their rivalry dominance.

Former Gunners striker Wright scored four north London derby goals against Spurs during his career, so certainly knows what it means to win their battles.

And in their latest matchup, Gabriel’s goal sparked joyful scenes from the fan favourite as legendary Spurs midfielder Hoddle watched on.

MORE ON TOTTENHAM VS ARSENAL

“Yeahhhhh! Gabiiiii!” shouted Wright in a video from the Premier League as Arsenal went 1-0 up.

“Wahoo, wahoohoo! Yes Gabi, set-pieces again baby! Come on! Come on the Gooners, come on the Gooners! Hahahahaha, we’re back!”

Arsenal fans on social media were loving Wright’s celebration, with one on X saying: “He is an Arsenal man through and through.”

“Ian Wright’s reaction to Gabriel’s winner against Spurs was priceless!” added a second.

A third said: “I had missed these celebrations from Wrighty.”

“I will keep loving this man until the day I die,” added a fourth.

Hoddle could only watch in silence as he reflected on Spurs’ failure to keep their rivals at bay at their home ground.

5

Wright cut an animated figure when the Gunners defender scoredCredit: @premierleague X

5

The former striker kept screaming ‘Wahoo!’ when celebratingCredit: @premierleague X

5

Ex-Spurs man Hoddle sat in silence as Wright remained gleefulCredit: @premierleague X

Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just once in four games this season and have now suffered back-to-back defeats after losing 2-1 at Newcastle.

Gabriel Celebrates With Arsenal Fans After Beating Tottenham 1-0 In The North London Derby

Despite their latest setback, the Spurs boss insisted he always wins a trophy in his second year at the club during a spiky interview.

Arsenal on the other hand bounced back from their disappointing 1-1 draw to Brighton with a huge win thanks to Gabriel’s goal.

The Gunners are two points behind leaders Manchester City, with both teams still unbeaten along with Newcastle, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

5

Here’s how the table looks after Arsenal’s win

Mikel Arteta‘s side look set to go toe-to-toe with City for the Premier League title again this season, with both sides clashing next weekend.

However, Arsenal will first travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night.

Source link

September 15, 2024
The stunning Arsenal XI that Julian Alvarez could offer Arteta in title charge

Arsenal could boast two different yet equally excellent starting XIs next season if they continue their impressive summer business.

The Gunners have already welcomed David Raya on a permanent deal and the new signing of Riccardo Calafiori so far this transfer window.

7

Julian Alvarez is being targeted by Man City’s title rivals ArsenalCredit: Getty

7

Arteta could finally help bring the Premier League title back to Arsenal next seasonCredit: Getty

Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT understands Mikel Arteta’s side are in talks with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino.

We also reported earlier on Saturday that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Julian Alvarez from their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.

Alvarez, who was part of his nation’s Copa America-winning squad this summer, revealed that he’d be considering his City future, saying: “I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do.

“Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.

“But it’s true: in the end, in some important games, it’s not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.

“I haven’t stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself.

“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games; players always want to help on the pitch.”

The north London outfit will surely challenge for the crown yet again if they’re able to sign both, and talkSPORT.com has looked at two ways in which they could line-up with the potential new additions.

Raya is set to retain his spot as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper after keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions last season on loan from Brentford.

Coming in as the new left-back could be Calafiori, who has joined in a deal from Bologna that could reach £38million with add-ons.

7

Calafiori’s arrival has come as a huge boost to ArsenalCredit: Getty

7

Merino could be set to add further quality to the GunnersCredit: Getty

Although the Italian international is most notably a centre-back, he has previously played as a full-back during his career.

One of the key reasons as to why Arsenal conceded the least goals in the Premier League last season – 29 – was their centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.

The Brazilian and French duo have proven incredibly difficult to face on various occasions and are one of the best partnerships in football.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits he’s happy with the current Gunners squad when asked if the club will make any new signings after bringing in Ricardo Calafiori

Ben White will likely become the fourth centre-back to feature in the Arsenal backline having successfully moved into the right-back role under Arteta.

Sitting ahead of the defence to operate as their defensive midfielder will most certainly be Declan Rice.

He featured in all 38 of their league games last season, scoring an impressive seven goals and assisting a further nine.

Arsenal’s could be set to start two players in the no.8 role in front of Rice, with Sociedad star Merino possibly one of those included.

The 28-year-old, who previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle, starred for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph and has a great eye for a pass in the middle of the park.

Club captain Martin Odegaard will likely play alongside him, with the Norwegian one of the best playmakers in the league.

He scored 11 goals and assisted another 11 in all competitions last season, with his creativity proving influential when the Gunners go forward.

Despite a difficult final few weeks in the previous campaign, Gabriel Martinelli could still be given the nod at left-wing by Arteta.

7

Alvarez knows what it takes to win Premier League titlesCredit: Getty

7

Here is one way that Arsenal could line-up for next season…

However, should Arsenal complete the signing of two-time Premier League champion Alvarez from City, the boss’ thinking could change.

Although an appearance of the left of the attack with the reigning champions isn’t the go-to, he has played there for Argentina.

Alvarez also boasts a strong right foot, so he would be able cut inside and fire towards goal should the opportunity arise.

The 24-year-old could also find himself starting in a central attacking role in Arsenal’s front three given his success there for City and his country.

7

This is an alternative way that Arteta could organise his side…

Kai Havertz would likely be his strongest competition for that spot as he ended the 2023/24 campaign with 14 goals in all competitions despite his slow start.

Completing the line-up is their star man Bukayo Saka, whose 20 goals and 14 assists last season make him worthy of starting for any top club across Europe.

Arsenal start their season with a home clash with Wolves on Saturday, August 17.

Source link

August 3, 2024
Gabriel appears to tell Onana to shut up for penalty shootout gesture

Gabriel appeared to have a message for Andre Onana after smashing home a penalty against the Manchester United goalkeeper.

Arsenal and Man United played a friendly at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles overnight, with the Gunners winning 2-1.

2

Onana tried, and failed, with his psychological games

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were on target after Rasmus Hojlund had put the Red Devils ahead.

Despite there being a winner in the 90 minutes, the two teams went on to play a pre-arranged penalty shootout.

Defender Gabriel was one of the Arsenal players to step up and take a spot-kick.

Onana was spotted pointing at the direction where he thought the Brazilian would go.

Gabriel did indeed go that way, only for the Man United goalkeeper to jump in the opposite direction.

The Arsenal defender approached Onana after the spot-kick and made a gesture with his hand, seemingly telling him to shut up.

United went on to win the shootout 4-3, with Jadon Sancho sealing the winning kick.

After the game, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “It was a really good test for us. Playing in a different stadium, different pitch conditions, four metres narrower and five metres shorter against a top opponent and we’re 1-0 down.

“To play in this kind of context is really, really good for us to see the level and the capacity we have to adapt and win in any context, so I’m really pleased.

“It’s a test. There are not three points but there are a lot of things on the table and you could see that. I think both teams were the same.

2

Gabriel had a message for Onana

“Man United competed at the highest level as well and that’s what you want, you want to get well-prepared for the matches we have in the league and in the Champions League.

“You need to have a good understanding of where your team is as quickly as possible.”

Jesus was one of the players who impressed in the pre-season friendly as he looks to hit the ground running in the new season.

Simon Jordan is left stunned by Arsenal’s £50 million price tag for Eddie Nketiah and claims he would be ‘lucky’ to be worth £30 million

Arteta added: “He looks really good, he looks really sharp. He’s changed a lot of things over the summer and he’s come back in top condition again.

“When you have that baseline, other things can be built but without that foundation we don’t have a player and he needs to be in that condition to get the best out of him.

“He’s realised that and I’m really happy with what he’s shown today again. You can see by the way he looks, the way he’s moving and you can see in his eyes that there’s a spark there.”

Arsenal are next in action against Liverpool on Thursday.

Source link

July 28, 2024
Arsenal dominate but no Man City stars – Mark Goldbridge’s Team of the Season

Manchester City currently top the Premier League but none of their stars make it into Mark Goldbridge’s Team of the Season.

With just a month of top-flight action left to play, clubs and players will be giving their final pushes for their respective goals.

10

Arsenal are second in the league and their players make up most of Goldbridge’s XICredit: Getty

A number of stars have consistently been at the top of their game, others also emerging as surprise packages during what has been a thoroughly enjoyable season.

talkSPORT’s Goldbridge has named his Team of the Season and it’s Arsenal who dominate his selections, with no Manchester City players making the cut despite sitting top.

He said: “I want to do this a little bit differently than maybe a combined Premier League title race XI, because I want to give it to players I think have exceeded expectations and been really, really good.”

Starting with his goalkeeper, he said: “I’m tempted to say [Guglielmo] Vicario in goal actually. Alisson is very obvious but he’s had an injury and he is the best goalkeeper in the world, whereas I think Vicario deserves it.

READ MORE ON MARK GOLDBRIDGE

“Yeah he’s been a bit shaky on crosses but Spurs are fifth in the league, probably going to finish fourth, which is amazing. He’s made some big saves and he came in from nowhere, so Vicario for me.”

At full-back, Goldbridge said: “I would put Ben White at right-back. I think Trent’s [Alexander-Arnold] a better right-back but across the whole season, I think he’s gone unnoticed Ben White by a lot of people, he’s been absolutely incredible.

“I think it [left-back] would have to be, for me, [Destiny] Udogie at Spurs. When I saw him against Chelsea and he got the second yellow, I was like, ‘Here we go, Spurs have bought another undisciplined, inconsistent player.’ But actually he’s been really consistent and he’s been a massive part of Spurs’ success this season.”

“I think because it’s a partnership, I wanted a partnership so I’m going to go Gabriel and [William] Saliba,” he said on his centre-back choices.

10

Vicario and Udogie are Tottenham’s representatives in the teamCredit: Getty

10

Gabriel, Saliba and White form part of a rock solid defenceCredit: Getty

“Saliba obviously gets a lot of plaudits as a fantastic European world-class sort of centre-back, he’s moving in that area.

“Gabriel, I think if you speak to Arsenal fans, they would say in some ways he’s had a better season. He’s a goal threat, he’s getting the most out of his abilities. I think he deserves to play next to Saliba.”

Mark Goldbridge name his title race combined XI with stars from Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool

When selecting his midfield, Goldbridge said: “I’d start off with Declan Rice as the holding midfielder. Even though I think Rodri is better, I think being bought for £100million and how good Arsenal have been, you’ve got to acknowledge that in a team of the season.

“So Declan Rice would be the sort of no.6, no.8 I would use [Alexis] Mac Allister even though I think he’s suitable a little bit deeper, he can play that role. He’s scored some big goals, I think he’s signing of the season.

“And then I probably would drop no.10, it wouldn’t be [Kevin] De Bruyne because he’s been out for a long time, so it would have to be Foden or Cole Palmer for me for that spot.

“I think Palmer from Man City to Chelsea has been brilliant. In a terrible Chelsea team, he has been unbelievable. At such a young age to come down to London from Man City and to deliver the way that he has consistently, the mentality on young shoulders.”

10

Rice has been excellent for Arsenal since his summer move from West HamCredit: AFP

10

Mac Allister has scored some vital goals for Liverpool in his debut seasonCredit: AFP

10

Palmer has amazingly contributed to 29 goals in the league in for ChelseaCredit: Getty

And for his front three, Goldbridge said: “I think [Bukayo] Saka, [Mohamed] Salah and [Erling] Haaland are the best three in the Premier League as a front three, but do they deserve to be in a team of the season?

“I don’t think they do. So I’m going to go Anthony Gordon off the left, I think he’s had an amazing season for Newcastle and really justified that price tag that I thought was over the top. In a poor Newcastle side, I think his numbers have been fantastic.

“I think Ollie Watkins has to be in there, goals and assists all season for Aston Villa and they’re in a race for Champions League football. He can score and also provide, I think he’s only second to Salah in relation to that so I’ve put Watkins there.

10

Newcastle’s Gordon has emerged as one of the best wingers of the campaignCredit: Getty

10

Watkins’ goal against Arsenal took him to 19 in the top-flightCredit: Getty

10

Saka has 14 goals and eight assists to his name in the league this seasonCredit: Getty

“And then right-wing is probably the hardest one of the lot because you could make a case for Jarrod Bowen. You could certainly make an outside case for someone like [Alejandro] Garnacho but I still think it has to be Saka in that place.

“I’m just going to put Saka there because people still think he’s not had a good season for Arsenal… He’s had a couple of dips but I still think he’s had a very good season for Arsenal.”

Arsenal therefore have five players in the XI and Spurs make up two of the spots, with the others all coming from Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Selections will be subject to wide debate, but there’s no doubt that Goldbridge’s squad is stacked with talent.

10

Here’s how Goldbridge’s Team of the Season could line up…

Source link

April 18, 2024
Guardiola dresses down Grealish before breaking up Haaland confrontation

Pep Guardiola gave Jack Grealish a public dressing down moments before keeping Erling Haaland and Gabriel apart.

Manchester City could not claim all three points in a bore 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and Guardiola had some choice words for his players on the pitch at full-time.

2

Guardiola was engaged in a lenghty chat with Grealish at full-timeCredit: sky sports

That included Grealish, who was brought on from the bench in the second half but made very little impact as Arsenal defended brilliantly.

And at full-time, Guardiola found the England international on the pitch and was engaged in a very animated conversation with the winger, who appeared to agree with his coach.

It is not the first time that the City boss has delivered such speeches to his players after a match and Jeremy Doku also had his ear bent moments before.

However, this animated chat stretched on for a few couple of minutes while Grealish looked locked in and listened.

But there was further drama as moments later, Guardiola had to keep the peace as Haaland and Gabriel looked set to clash with one another.

The two had been nibbling at each other all game and Guardiola kept the Brazilian at bay as they exchanged unpleasantries.

However, both Haaland and Gabriel made up in the end with a handshake and a hug with the two nullifying each other on the pitch.

Asked what he said to Grealish at full-time by talkSPORT, Guardiola was keen to play the incident down, simply replying that the £100m midfielder played really well.

2

Guardiola was forced to step in before his player and the Arsenal defender came to blowsCredit: Sky Sports

Grealish similarly did not acknowledge the heated conversation when posting on social media afterwards. He wrote: “So good to be back and playing again in front of our fans. Now for a strong end to the season.”

With both sides looking to land a telling punch in the title race, neither side could truly break down the other.

In truth, neither goalkeeper was tested too much with both defences well on top – as Guardiola and Mikel Arteta named four central defenders each in their backlines.

The draw has kept Liverpool at the top of the table, who leapfrogged Arsenal earlier in the day after coming from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield.

Three points separate the top three – with City sitting third after failing to beat Arsenal at home.

Both sides have had to contend with key injuries, with Ederson and Kyle Walker missing for the hosts while Nathan Ake went off injured.

City play Real Madrid in two weeks in the Champions League while Arsenal lost Bukayo Saka late into the contest.

Source link

April 1, 2024
Brazil announce Gabriel withdraws from duty in Arsenal injury blow

Brazil have announced that Arsenal defender Gabriel has left their squad with an injury.

The centre-back has been a defensive rock for the Gunners this season, with he and William Saliba forming a reliable duo.

2

Gabriel is now set for a quiet international break due to injuryCredit: Getty

Gabriel played the entirety of their Champions League last 16 win against Porto last Tuesday.

He was named in Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendlies against England and Spain but has now been omitted.

Head coach Dorival Junior made the announcement on Monday, with the injury not yet known.

“Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhaes is uncalled. In his place, we are calling [Gleison] Bremer, from Juventus Turin, from Italy,” he said.

Gabriel has made just six appearances for Brazil, with his debut coming as recently as last September.

He has played in all of their World Cup qualification games for the 2026 tournament, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Venezuela.

With Arsenal, Gabriel has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, with starts coming in 36 of those matches.

He is one of the first names on the team sheet for Mikel Arteta given his dominant presence in the backline.

2

It remains to be seen how long he will be out of action forCredit: Getty

Gabriel has sustained his fitness for much of the campaign and has been named on the bench in the Premier League just four times.

However, he is now set for a period of recovery as the Gunners pause action ahead of the final weeks of the season.

Thomas Muller calls out Arsenal star and German teammate Kai Havertz after Bayern Munich pulled the Gunners in the Champions League draw

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table and level on points with Liverpool, although sit ahead of them via goal difference.

Their first game back after the international break comes away at Manchester City, who are just one point behind them in third.

Source link

March 18, 2024