Sports

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

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2026

Editor

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

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.