Sports

EPL: ‘He’s Contributing Nothing’ – Steve Nicol Names Arsenal Star Arteta Must Drop From XI

Published

4 months ago

February 4, 2026

Mikel Arteta has been advised to place Viktor Gyokeres at the “bottom of the pile” following his “embarrassing” contribution to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea.

The Gunners secured their spot in the March Carabao Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate victory against Club World Cup winners and London rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal held a one-goal lead in the tie after beating Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and limiting them at home.

A goalless stalemate seemed inevitable before Arsenal sealed the tie in injury time with a counterattack goal by ex-Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

Havertz began the match on the bench but was introduced for Gyokeres in the 20th minute following a quiet performance from the £64 million summer signing at Arsenal.

Gyokeres had scored four goals in six games before Wednesday’s match against Chelsea, but this game marked another step backward, according to Steve Nicol.

He told ESPN, “Mikel Arteta has given him six months to distance himself from Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino. I was trying to defend him at first because the way Arsenal play isn’t really good for a center forward, but I still thought he was skilled enough to score goals.

“I thought he was capable of scoring goals without much effort, but so far he hasn’t managed to do that. Also, he hasn’t been able to stand out from players like Jesus, Havertz, or Merino.

“So if you’re Mikel Arteta before every game, you’ve got a decision to make. Gyokeres should probably move to the back of the line right now because someone needs to contribute, and he’s not doing that at the moment.

“With Jesus and Havertz, they definitely contribute in ways that go beyond the ordinary. He hasn’t distanced himself from the other forwards; he might actually be at the bottom of the pile right now.”

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.