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Arsenal Beat Luton To Top Premier League Table

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Arsenal coasted to a 2-0 win over struggling Luton on Wednesday to dislodge Liverpool from the top of the Premier League table, once again edging ahead in a thrilling three-way title tussle.

Gunners captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring midway through the first half and an own goal just before the break gave the home side a cushion.

The result lifts Arsenal to 68 points – one ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who host Sheffield United on Thursday.

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Defending champions Manchester City, playing fourth-placed Aston Villa on Wednesday, started the evening in third place, a point behind Arsenal.

READ ALSO: Liverpool Stage Late Show To Stun Arsenal In FA Cup Third Round

Mikel Arteta’s men dominated possession in the opening stages at the Emirates but created few clear-cut openings in front of an expectant crowd.

But they broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, courtesy of a sweet left-footed strike by Odegaard.

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Emile Smith-Rowe, a peripheral figure this season, stole possession and fed Odegaard, who played a one-two with Kai Havertz before stroking the ball home.

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 44th minute thanks to an own goal from Luton defender Daiki Hashioka, who turned into his own net following more good work down the left by Smith-Rowe.

The home side, playing in second gear, had just three shots on target in the first half but were well worth their lead.

READ ALSO: Peace Pact: Fubara Talks Tough Against Critics

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The bulk of the second half was largely flat, although Luton came into the game more, probing for an opening to haul themselves back into the contest.

Arteta brought on midfielder Declan Rice and forward Eddie Nketiah, adding Gabriel Martinelli with 15 minutes to play.

Arsenal substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu went close, bending one just wide, and Nketiah forced a save from the scrambling Thomas Kaminski in the closing minutes.

They were unable to score a third but saw the game out with few alarms.

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The Gunners, who have not been crowned English champions since 2004, set the pace for the bulk of last season before flagging as the finishing line approached.

READ ALSO: Father Sets Two Daughters Ablaze After Argument With Wife

But, adding steel to their style, they have now won nine of their past 10 league games, with the only blip in that sequence a goalless draw against City on Sunday.

Arsenal, who have conceded just four goals in the league in 2024, travel to Brighton on Saturday before hosting Villa on April 14.

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Defeat for depleted Luton leaves Rob Edwards’ side third from bottom of the English top flight, three points from safety, and facing an immediate return to the Championship.

In the other 1830 GMT kick-off on Wednesday, Brentford drew 0-0 with Brighton.

On Sunday, Manchester City failed to break down Arsenal as a highly-anticipated clash at the top of the Premier League failed to live up to the hype in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad.

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JUST IN: Oshoala Benched As Ajibade Leads Super Falcons Against Brazil In Olympics Opener

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The lineup for the highly anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Brazil has been announced.

The Super Falcons will face Brazil in their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament game at 6 pm Nigerian time at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.

Rasheedat Ajibade is leading the team as captain while Asisat Oshoala is on the bench.

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READ ALSO: Court Fixes Date To Hear Edo Govt Suit Challenging Shaibu’s Reinstatement

Here is the official lineup:
16.
2.
3.
5.
14.
7.
11.
15.
10.
13.
17.
1.
4.
6.
8.
9.
12.
18.
Randy WALDRUM (M)

READ ALSO: Police Officer Shot, 3 Others Arrested Over Destruction Of Property In Delta

1. Lorena
2.
3.
4.
6.
5.
8.
10. MARTA (C)
14. LUDMILA
16. GABI NUNES
18. GABRIELLE
12. TAINA
13. YASMIM
15. THAIS
17. ANA VITORIA
7. KEROLIN
9. ADRIANA
11. JHENIFFER

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UEFA Sanctions Seven Nations For Racist Chants

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European governing body UEFA has sanctioned seven of the 24 competing countries at Euro 2024 because of racist or discriminatory behaviour by their fans.

The Serbian, Croatian, Romanian, Slovenian, Austrian, Hungarian and Albanian Football Associationss have all been sanctioned.

The punishments range from a 50,000 euros (£41,970) fine and a ban from selling tickets to its next Uefa away match (a Nations League game in Portugal on 5 September) for Croatia, to a 20,000 euros (£16,790) fine and a ban on selling tickets to its next Uefa away match – suspended for two years – for Austria.

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READ ALSO: Church Members Protest, Disown Faction Promoting LGBTQ Rights

In total, 17 games were identified as being affected, including three involving Slovenia, Romania, Croatia and Serbia.

The move comes a day after Uefa charged Spain players Rodri and Alvaro Morata for violating “basic rules of conduct” in the aftermath of their final victory over England when they sang offensive songs about Gibraltar, whose FA lodged a formal complaint.

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PICTORIAL: Nigeria, Other Countries’ Official Uniforms For Paris 2024 Olympics

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The Paris 2024 Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.

In anticipation of the grand event, countries around the world have unveiled their official uniforms, showcasing a blend of tradition, innovation, and national pride.

READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo Tops List Of Highest Earners In Saudi Arabia Pro League [Top 10]

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Nigeria will be competing in 11 sports at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Here’s a visual journey through some of the stunning uniforms, starting with Nigeria’s unique design:

NIGERIA – Designed by Actively Black

Sierra Leonne – Designed by LABRUM

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Mongolia – Designed by Michel & Amazonka

Brazil – Designed by Riachuelo

USA – Designed by Ralph Lauren

South Korea – Designed by Musinsa Standard

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Czech Republic – Designed by DECENIO

Great Britain – Designed by Ben Sherman

France – Designed by  LVMH

Germany – Designed by Adidas

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