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Arsenal play party poopers
Arsenal made Liverpool face an annoying wait to be crowned Premier League champions as Leandro Trossard inspired them to a 4-0 win that pushed Ipswich to the brink of relegation on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to their first victory in three league games thanks to Trossard’s double and goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri at Portman Road. Ipswich played more than half the match with 10 men after Leif Davis was sent off for a crude lunge on Bukayo Saka. Also Read: Anger-fuelled Watkins fires Villa to 4-1 win over Newcastle Second-placed Arsenal are 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, who need six points from their remaining six games to be crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time. Liverpool could have won the title at Leicester on Sunday if Arsenal had lost to Ipswich, but Arne Slot’s men will have to wait a little while longer. Ipswich had lost all six of their home league games in 2025 and Arsenal preyed on their myriad weaknesses by monopolising 89 per cent of the early possession. It was no surprise when the Gunners took the lead in the 14th minute as Trossard converted a low cross from Saka. They didn’t have to wait long for a second goal as Martinelli struck in the 28th minute with Mikel Merino setting him up with a deft back-heel. Saka was proving unplayable and Davis responded with an ugly foul that left the Arsenal winger writhing in pain and triggered the latter’s 32nd minute dismissal. Trossard scored his second of the night in the 69th minute with a clinical finish into the far corner from within the Ipswich box. Nwaneri then punished the home side’s woeful marking in 88th minute, to cap a commanding performance from the Gunners. Other results >> Man Utd 0-1 Wolves>> Fulham 1-2 Chelsea This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 April,2025 08:06 AM IST | Ipswich | AFP
Anger-fuelled Watkins fires Villa to 4-1 win over Newcastle
Ollie Watkins revealed his dynamic display in Aston Villa’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday was inspired by his desire to prove boss Unai Emery wrong after his Champions League snub. Watkins had to make do with a pair of substitute appearances as his side succumbed 4-5 on aggregate to Paris Saint Germain in the UCL quarter-final. Also Read: Injured Lewandowski likely to miss cup final vs Real Madrid “I was angry I wasn’t playing and you have got to use that as motivation rather than let it hinder you,” he said. He wasted no time in proving his point, scoring within 33 seconds. He also provided a deft pass to Ian Maatsen (64th minute), who put Villa back in front after Newcastle’s Fabian Schar had equalised. Dan Burn’s own goal (73’) and Amadou Onana’s strike (75’) helped Villa climbed to sixth place in the Premier League table. They remain in the hunt to qualify for next season’s UCL via a top five finish. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 April,2025 08:04 AM IST | Birmingham | AFP
Injured Lewandowski likely to miss cup final vs Real Madrid
Robert Lewandowski was diagnosed with a hamstring injury on Sunday and is set to miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final clash with Real Madrid on April 27. The Polish striker is also in serious doubt for their Champions League semi-final tie with Inter Milan in early May. Also Read: Verstappen on pole for Saudi Arabia Grand Prix Lewandowski, 36, came off the field during his team’s 4-3 La Liga win over Celta Vigo on Saturday. “Tests carried out on Sunday have confirmed that Robert Lewandowski has a semitendinosus injury in his left thigh,” read a statement by Barcelona , without specifying when he would return to action. Spanish media reported Lewandowski could be out for three weeks. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 April,2025 08:01 AM IST | Barcelona | AFP
Liverpool look to lock-in core
Arne Slot believes that keeping hold of the Liverpool squad that is romping towards the Premier League title is more important than major new signings. The Reds’ could seal the title today if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich, but Slot already has one eye on the future. “It would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I’ve said this for a year, I’m happy with the team we have,” Slot told reporters. “If we can keep the core of the team, it will already be a big summer,” he added. Also Read: O’Reilly, Kovacic strike late to help City beat Everton 2-0 No real need for fresh legs While not averse to signing new talent, the Dutchman believes his squad already covers all bases. “It is also in general good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players. But it isn’t really a necessity when you look at the quality [of players] we have,” Slot said. Arne Slot His plans have already borne fruit, to an extent, as they recently extended the contracts of star players Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. However, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is still reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season. Alexander-Arnold returns Alexander-Arnold is back in contention to feature against Leicester City following an ankle injury. Slot hailed the right-back’s ‘incredible’ quality and refused to give up hope of retaining him next season. “The moment he is on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is and how hard he is trying to achieve our goals. Everyone knows he is an incredible full-back. Let’s see what the future brings,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 April,2025 08:17 AM IST | Liverpool | AFP
O’Reilly, Kovacic strike late to help City beat Everton 2-0
Manchester City’s chances of Champions League football next season were given a huge boost as two late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic helped the Citizens beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to move up to fourth in the Premier League. O’Reilly turned in Matheus Nunes’ inviting cross in the 84th minute before Kovacic blasted in from the edge of the box to turn an uninspired performance from Pep Guardiola’s men into a priceless three points. A defeat for Everton meant they will have to wait to mathematically guarantee survival in the English top-flight. Also Read: Arteta hopes Arsenal can delay Liverpool’s title celebrations A top-five finish will be enough for City to qualify for the Champions League for a 15th consecutive season. Guadiola’s side still have little margin for error in the last five games, but have opened up a four-point lead on sixth-placed Chelsea. Sunday’s results >> Brentford 4 - 2 Brighton>> West Ham 1 - 1 S’hampton>> Palace 0 - 0 Bournemouth This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 April,2025 08:14 AM IST | Liverpool | AFP
Arteta hopes Arsenal can delay Liverpool’s title celebrations
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urged his team to delay Liverpool’s title celebration when they take on relegation contenders Ipswich tonight. Arne Slot’s side could be crowned Premier League champions if they beat Leicester City tonight while Arsenal succumb to Ipswich. Despite being 13 point behind Liverpool, Arteta appears keen on delaying what appears to be the inevitable. Also Read: India bag three golds, qualify for World C’ships “For us, it’s a big game, we need to start winning matches in the EPL to at least maintain the position that we are in and to push into the last few games with some hope,” he said. However, despite battering Real Madrid 5-1 across two legs in the Champions League, the Spanish coach is not expecting an easy game at Portman Road. “We know how tough it’s going to be. They’re playing at home and it’s one of the few chances that they have [to survive],” said the Gunners’ manager. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 April,2025 08:12 AM IST | London | Agencies
Now is not a good time to discuss the future: Xabi Alonso on Real Madrid links
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, who is said to be the lead candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, refused to discuss the links on Friday and said it is not a good time to discuss the future with his club’s hopes of defending the Bundesliga on the ropes. With Real’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and the La Liga title also slipping away, Spanish outlets are reporting that the Italian will part ways with the club at the end of the season and Alonso, who previously played in Real’s midfield, is the Los Blancos’ first choice to replace him. "It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season. I don't want to talk about speculation and rumours. [I understand] that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now," said Alonso in the pre-game press conference. After having gone the entire 2023-24 domestic season unbeaten, which saw them win the first league title in club history, Leverkusen have not been up to their best self and were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the UCL Round of 16. To follow it up, they were shockingly defeated by Arminia Bielefeld, a side playing in Germany’s third tier, in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and lost the chance to gain ground on Bayern when they drew 0-0 against Union Berlin last weekend. "There are still five games to play. The desire remains the same. After last Saturday's goalless draw against Union Berlin, there was a whole week to train and speak with all the players. "It wasn't our best game against Union, we know that. That's why we want to show on Sunday that we can do it better. I know it's always easy to say that. So we want to and have to show that on the pitch,” he added. With a six-point gap to Bayern Munich, and just five league games remaining, Alonso was asked about the gap to the league leaders and if the club can still hope to overcome the deficit. "It's not easy, and we're realistic, but anything can happen in football, and as long as there is hope, we want to try everything. They also have to play five games, but we are focusing on ourselves and things that we can improve and influence. And I feel the team will give their all right to the end,” Alonso replied. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 06:17 PM IST | Leverkusen | IANS
EPL: Harvey Barnes brace routs Man Utd as Newcastle rise to fourth place
Harvey Barnes struck twice as Newcastle thrashed troubled Manchester United 4-1 to climb into fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday. Newcastle were without manager Eddie Howe, who was admitted to hospital on Friday after feeling unwell for several days. But Barnes provided a welcome tonic for Howe as his second-half brace at St James' Park boosted Newcastle's bid to qualify for the Champions League. With Howe's assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones in charge of the League Cup winners, Sandro Tonali put Newcastle ahead before Alejandro Garnacho equalised late in the first half. Barnes stole the spotlight after the interval, becoming the first Newcastle player to score twice in one league game against United since Alan Shearer in 2000. Bruno Guimaraes punished a blunder from United keeper Altay Bayindir, who started in place of the dropped Andre Onana, to seal Newcastle's first four-goal haul against United since 2001. In the race to reach the Champions League via a top five finish, Newcastle are just one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest. They have a game in hand on Forest, as well as fifth-placed Manchester City and sixth-placed Chelsea, who are two points adrift of the Magpies. United have now gone four games without a win in all competitions, leaving them languishing in 14th place with just six games left to avoid their lowest finish since 1973-74, when they came 21st and were relegated. They are already certain to suffer their worst points total in the Premier League era, with the previous low 58 in 2021-22. Ruben Amorim made five changes with an eye on Lyon's visit to Old Trafford for the Europa League quarter-final, second leg next Thursday, but United were blown away with embarrassing ease. United in disarray Bayindir had replaced Onana after the Cameroon keeper's latest error-strewn display in United's 2-2 draw at Lyon last Thursday. But the 26-year-old, signed from Fenerbahce in 2023, endured a woeful first Premier League start. Newcastle's opening goal arrived at the climax of a flowing move after United midfielder Manuel Ugarte gave the ball way in the 24th minute. Kieran Trippier surged forward and found Alexander Isak, who astutely lifted his pass over the defence for Tonali to drive a clinical finish into the far corner from an acute angle 10 yards out. It was the 19th time United had conceded the opening goal in a league game this season -- their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition. With United out of sync once again, Tonali almost doubled the lead as the Italy midfielder curled just wide from distance. Bayindir looked nervous when he punched Tino Livramento's cross straight to Isak, but he redeemed himself with a good save from the Swede's volley. United equalised completely against the run of play in the 37th minute. Diogo Dalot was the catalyst with a buccaneering burst that carried him to the edge of the Newcastle area, where he slipped a precise pass to Garnacho and the Argentine winger fired past Nick Pope. Having scored for just the second time in 2025, Garnacho went close to another when Pope palmed away his blast on the stroke of half-time. But Newcastle regained the lead four minutes after half-time as United's leaky defence was breached again. Livramento's low cross was alertly kept in by Murphy beyond the far post and his pass into the six-yard box found Barnes unmarked for a clinical finish. Zirkzee limped off to add to United's woes after crumpling to the turf with an apparent hamstring injury. United were in disarray and Barnes delivered the knockout blow in the 64th minute, dispossessing Noussair Mazraoui and racing clear to drill a fierce strike past Bayindir. In the 77th minute, Bayindir's wayward pass went straight to Joelinton, who nodded the ball onto Guimaraes for a composed finish that rubbed salt into United's gaping wounds. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 05:59 PM IST | Newcastle | AFP
Real Madrid icon Luka Modric Madrid joins Swansea City as co-owner
Swansea City has announced that Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric has joined the club as an investor and co-owner. Luka is one of the most decorated player in Real Madrid history, winning six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups. “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level. Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future,” said Modric. He has also won the The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, The Ballon d’Or, and played in the 2018 World Cup Final. He is Croatia’s most capped player of all time and, at the age of 39, has made 45 appearances for Real Madrid already this season, scoring four goals. Luka will play a key role in helping the Championship club garner global attention and progress both on and off the pitch. “I am excited that Luka has come on board as an investor and co-owner. There is no better role model in the game for our players, from the academy right through to the first team. His endorsement of our ambition and willingness to support us on our journey will be instrumental as we aim to continue to improve our results on and off the pitch. In our conversations, he has demonstrated his passion for the club, his knowledge of how we are performing, and a genuine passion to help us improve. I am really looking forward to working with him more closely to drive us forward,” read the statement by Tom Gorringe, CEO. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 05:59 PM IST | Swansea | IANS
Barcelona through to Champions League semis despite Guirassy hat-trick
Barcelona are through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with Serhou Guirassy hitting a hat-trick. Holding a 4-0 lead after a dominant performance in Catalonia, the visitors were made to sweat as Dortmund and Guirassy nearly pulled off a stunning turnaround. Guirassy put Dortmund in front with a Panenka from the spot with 11 minutes gone and headed them two goals clear early in the second half. Dortmund sensed a sensation but Barcelona hit back, Fermin Lopez forcing Ramy Bensebaini into an own goal with just over half an hour remaining. Guirassy reignited Dortmund's belief with a third on the 76th-minute mark and the final stages may have been different had Julian Brandt not been offside before scoring with 11 minutes remaining. Despite losing their first competitive game in 2025, Barcelona are through to the semis, keeping their dream of a remarkable treble alive, 10 years after last completing the feat by winning the Champions League in Berlin. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Dortmund's performance and said his side "need to focus on the positive, not the negatives". "What the team has shown in the past few weeks is incredible. We've got a lot ahead of us this season. We're a step further but we're not even close to the end," added the German. Barcelona, considered title favourites, will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the final four. Barcelona's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (R) celebrates with Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Pablo Gavi after Dortmund's Algerian defender Ramy Bensebaini (not pictured) scored an own goal, 2-1, during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between BVB Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona in Dortmund, western Germany. Pic/AFP 'Fought until the death' Clearly outclassed in the first leg, Dortmund will take inspiration from Tuesday's performance, not least the goalscoring form of Guirassy. The 29-year-old Guinean, who has spent most of his career bouncing between the first and second divisions in Germany and France, now has 13 Champions League goals this season -- more than any other player. "I'm proud of what we were able to do. Barcelona are a strong team but we fought until the death. We showed what we can do," Guirassy said to Amazon Prime. Despite a big first-leg lead, Hansi Flick made good on his pre-match pledge to continue attacking, opting against resting any of his attacking trident of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal or Raphinha. With coach Niko Kovac admitting Dortmund needed a "miracle" to reach the semis after the debacle in Catalonia, the hosts' task got a little harder when captain and centre-back Emre Can was ruled out with injury just before the match. But Dortmund raced out of the blocks, Guirassy and strike partner Maximilian Beier going close inside the opening 10 minutes before Pascal Gross was the victim of a clumsy foul in the box by Wojciech Szczesny. Guirassy stepped up to the spot and was nerveless, calmly unleashing a Panenka to get the hosts underway. Dortmund sliced Barcelona open repeatedly without reward until half-time but made it count four minutes into the second-half, Guirassy heading in a Ramy Bensebaini assist from a corner. With Dortmund's 81,355-strong Westfalenstadion smelling blood, Barcelona's familiar response was to send their attack down the right and the move paid off almost immediately. After Yamal's cross was half-cleared, Fermin Lopez found himself in the teenager's channel, whipping a pass towards Lewandowski which Bensebaini hit into his own net. With Barcelona content to control possession as the clock wound down, Guirassy relit the hosts' hopes when he scored his third in the final quarter of an hour, blasting in from close range after some delightful dribbling from teenage winger Julian Duranville. The home fans erupted when Brandt scored three minutes later, but the midfielder was offside, allowing Barcelona a breather. Barcelona managed to hold on despite waves of energetic Dortmund attacks in the final stages to remain on track for the treble. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 05:56 PM IST | Dortmund, Germany | AFP
PSG survive Aston Villa scare to reach Champions League semis
Paris Saint-Germain survived a second half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and reach the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday. The French champions were cruising towards the last four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 first leg lead. Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back for the English side before half-time and two goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa transformed the tie early in the second period. PSG were thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping Unai Emery's men at bay and preventing another famous collapse in the Champions League knockout stages. "At the end, we got them suffering like we did," said Emery. "To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa." Villa boss Emery was in charge of PSG when Luis Enrique's Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit with a dramatic 6-1 win in 2017. Luis Enrique again emerged victorious over his compatriot but this time was the one who watched his team almost blow a seemingly unassailable lead. "I have to say that match for us is something that allows us to grow up and try to compete even better," said Luis Enrique. "On the whole two matches we deserved to win and we are very happy because it's the second year in a row in the semi-finals." Villa had not experienced a European night like this since 1983 and there was an embarrassing moment for the hosts before a ball was kicked as the Europa League anthem was played instead of the famous pre-match hymn of the Champions League. Luis Enrique's surprise decision to start Bradley Barcola ahead of Desire Doue was justified just 11 minutes in when he sprinted down the left and Emiliano Martinez spilled his cross into the path of Hakimi, who fired home the opener. Another blistering break from the visitors cut Villa open as Ousmane Dembele squared for left-back Mendes to stroke in his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second of the tie. Royals in raptures Villa's refusal to give up the fight was rewarded when Tielemans' deflected effort pulled a goal back before half-time. Villa fanatic Prince William and his son George were among the home support that were in raptures as what seemed an impossible fightback came closer to reality. McGinn's deflected effort flew into the top corner to restore parity on the night at 2-2. Emery's decision to start with Marcus Rashford up front ahead of top scorer Ollie Watkins was a controversial one before kick-off. Rashford has been reborn since a January loan move from Manchester United. The England international was denied a goal by a stunning save from Donnarumma. But from the resulting corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, skipped past Vitinha and cut the ball back for Konsa to slot in at the near post. A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes were suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time. Donnarumma produced more brilliant saves to deny Tielemans and then Marco Asensio against his parent club. Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen's goalbound effort in stoppage time to deny Villa at the death. But they have surpassed expectations in their first experience of the elite level of European football for over four decades. For PSG, their quest to win the competition for the first time goes on and they have rarely had a better opportunity to end that wait. Arsenal are their likely semi-final opponents as the Gunners take a 3-0 quarter-final, first leg advantage away to holders Real Madrid on Wednesday. On the other half of the draw Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash. But PSG are arguably the continent's form side and with the Ligue 1 title long since sewn up, can focus entirely on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 05:56 PM IST | Birmingham | AFP