Premier League
TODAY’S NORTH LONDON DERBY; SPURS VS. ARSENAL IS MORE THAN JUST BRAGGING RIGHTS
The North London Derby has been on for decades. But today’s clash of Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal is just more than mere bragging rights for the two neighbouring clubs. It could be crucial in deciding which team qualifies for the Europa League.
It is the first North London derby for Tottenham manager, Jose Mourinho, who according, to AFP reports, has said that the Premier League is not a match that will decide “big things”, but he knows the importance of bragging rights for fans.
With Spurs in ninth place on 49 points before yesterday’s round of fixtures and Arsenal one place and one point better off, both clubs are not where they would like to be, although Europa League qualification is still possible.
Mourinho is used to battling for silverware and, while there is no medal for finishing as the top club in north London, today’s home clash could prove crucial in deciding that issue.
“This moment we are both in a very similar situation,” he said.
“It’s not that incredible emotion where we are fighting for something really big, more than just to finish above the other one.
“It’s not a match that will decide big things. Both of us, realistically, are not fighting for a Champions League position. But it’s a big match for the table, and on top of that, there is a rivalry.”
Spurs have finished above Arsenal in each of the past three seasons but it could be different this term.
With four games remaining, the Gunners have been more impressive than Tottenham since the Premier League’s restart last month following the Covid-enforced hiatus, especially in an attacking sense.
Spurs have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, but have scored only five goals in five games, compared to Arsenal’s 10.
“To defend better, to concede less, to keep some clean sheets is obviously important but we want to be attack-minded,” Mourinho said of his team, who held Bournemouth to a 0-0 draw on Thursday but did not have a single shot on target.
“We arrive in very dangerous positions, we have good percentages of ball possession, spend the majority of the time in the opponents’ half – but no sharpness, no objective, always one more touch, not clear aggressive, sharp, killer decisions to go direct to goal.”
Mourinho also said Dele Alli would miss the game, as the player is still struggling with a hamstring injury while Eric Dier is suspended.
Looking ahead, he is confident that he can deliver trophies at Spurs if he is given time like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Mourinho, who took over from the sacked Mauricio Pochettino in November, pointed to Klopp – who joined Liverpool in 2015 and guided them to the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup last year, before ending their 30-year wait for an English league crown this season.
Spurs have not won a trophy since the 2008 League Cup.
“How long it took for Jurgen and Liverpool? Four years, four seasons,” he insisted. “I’m focused on my three-year contract. I believe that in my three-year contract we can win trophies.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also believes that Mourinho could be the right man to end Tottenham’s title drought, saying: “They have had some ups and downs, but you can clearly see what he wants to bring to the club.
“He makes sure he wins, he has won in every single club he has been, I am sure he’ll be successful.”
Arteta also said that form is irrelevant in the derby today, despite his side playing well of late.
While Spurs have eight points in five games since the season’s restart, Arsenal have won 10 points in four matches.
“A derby has a completely different context to what is happening with the current form,” he said.
“I’m expecting a really tough game. We’re going to have to do everything really, really well.”
Eddie Nketiah is suspended for today, while Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli, Bernd Leno and Calum Chambers are injured.
– AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season, bringing to a close one of the most successful and iconic eras in the club’s modern history.
The 33-year-old forward announced his decision in an emotional video shared on social media on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the club, the city and its supporters.
“Unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said. “I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
“I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life,” he added. “Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit.”
A Legendary Anfield Career
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017, leaves as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
During his time at Anfield, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League twice, the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, The FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.
He scored 255 goals in 435 appearances, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, while also claiming the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions.
His 2024/25 season stands out as one of the finest individual campaigns in league history, with 29 goals and 18 assists, earning him the Player of the Season award alongside both the Golden Boot and Playmaker honours.
However, Salah’s final campaign has been marked by inconsistency and tension.
He endured a prolonged dip in form, struggling for goals and being left out of several key matches, including fixtures in the UEFA Champions League. His reduced influence on the pitch was compounded by a public disagreement with Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
After being benched for consecutive matches in December, Salah criticised the club, accusing it of “throwing me under the bus” and hinting at a breakdown in his relationship with the coach.
Although Slot later attempted to play down the incident, it highlighted a difficult period for a player who had long been central to Liverpool’s success.
Despite the struggles, Salah has shown flashes of his brilliance, including a stunning goal in Liverpool’s recent 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League, marking his 50th goal in Europe’s elite club competition.
Nicknamed the “Egyptian King,” Salah remains deeply adored by Liverpool supporters, with murals of his image and signature celebrations adorning streets around Anfield.
“Leaving is never easy,” Salah said in his farewell. “You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you. This club will always be my home.
“Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Salah’s departure will mark the end of an era at Liverpool—one defined by goals, trophies and a lasting bond between player and supporters.
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Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi underlined his growing importance to Nottingham Forest’s survival push, coming off the bench to score in a crucial 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
In a match loaded with relegation implications, Awoniyi’s late strike capped a disciplined and clinical performance from Forest, who secured their first league win under manager Vitor Pereira and climbed out of immediate danger.
Forest took the lead on the stroke of halftime through Igor Jesus, who headed home from a corner delivered by Neco Williams. Despite Tottenham’s bright start, they failed to convert early dominance into goals, with Richarlison missing their clearest opportunity.
The hosts tightened their grip on the contest in the second half when Morgan Gibbs-White doubled the advantage just after the hour mark, finishing calmly to punish Spurs’ defensive lapses.
Awoniyi then delivered the final blow in the 87th minute, tapping in from close range to seal a comprehensive win and ignite celebrations among the Forest faithful. The goal marked another timely contribution from the Nigerian striker, whose physical presence and composure have proven vital in the club’s fight against relegation.
The result lifts Nottingham Forest to 16th place with 32 points from 31 matches, two points clear of Tottenham, who drop to 17th and remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
For Awoniyi, the goal not only adds to his season tally but also reinforces his reputation as a decisive figure in high-pressure moments. Introduced late in the game, his impact highlighted Forest’s improved attacking depth and ability to finish off opponents—qualities that could prove decisive in the final stretch of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi scores their third goal REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Tottenham, meanwhile, saw their struggles continue despite recent signs of improvement. Even with Mathys Tel forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Matz Sels, they lacked cutting edge, failing to register a shot on target before conceding.
The defeat leaves Spurs just one point above 18th-placed West Ham United, who also slipped to a 2-0 loss against Aston Villa, deepening the tension at the bottom of the table.
While Forest manager Pereira cautioned that more work lies ahead, Awoniyi’s contribution offered a timely reminder that the club possesses the firepower needed to steer clear of relegation.
With the battle for survival intensifying, Forest will look to build on this momentum—and if Awoniyi continues to deliver at crucial moments, their chances of staying in the Premier League will receive a significant boost.
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Premier League
Manchester United tighten hold on third in the Premier League with win over Aston Villa
Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha buried a second‑half strike off a pinpoint through ball from Bruno Fernandes for a club-record 16th Premier League assist in a season to lift the hosts to a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Casemiro and substitute Benjamin Sesko scored United’s other goals in a result that tightened United’s grip on third place in the standings on 54 points after 30 games, while fourth-placed Villa have 51 points.
United, who were playing their first game in 11 days, were keen for a victory after interim boss Michael Carrick’s seven-game unbeaten run ended in a 2-1 loss to 10-man Newcastle United on March 4.
With 22 points from a possible 27 under Carrick’s leadership, Sunday’s win will invariably lead to more questions about his chances of becoming United’s permanent manager.
“It was a slightly different game today going into it being so close in the league and making the small jump we could if we won, off the back of a defeat,” Carrick said. “It was a small test and we haven’t really had that.
“The boys dealt with it really well, had a really good week and applied themselves well. Everything is so so encouraging. We’ve got a lot to play for.”
The game looked headed for a draw before Cunha scored from the left side of the box in the 71st minute, with Fernandes recording his 100th assist for the club across all competitions.
With eight games left, Fernandes is also four shy of matching the Premier League record for assists in one season of 20 held by Thierry Henry (2002-03) and Kevin de Bruyne (2019-20).
“He’s had so many big moments, to score a goal, to make a pass,” Carrick said of Fernandes. “Training or games, he’s always there. Really good with the corner. The pass to Matheus was fantastic to cap off a good performance all around.”
Sesko put the game out of reach 10 minutes later with a blistering shot from the centre of the box.
Casemiro put United ahead in the 53rd minute with a glancing header from a Fernandes corner.
Ross Barkley levelled in the 64th with a shot from the middle of the area. After a lengthy VAR check to determine whether the ball glanced off an offside Amadou Onana, the goal stood.
A better second half salvaged a decent game after a dreary first 45 minutes plagued by errant passes and slipping players.
United did have some decent first-half chances including a header from Amad Diallo that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stretched backwards to keep out of the net. Diogo Dalot had a terrific chance inside the box that he launched over the bar.
Leny Yoro’s block spoiled one of Villa’s best chances and led to a long-range shot from Fernandes at the other end that he sent just wide of the post.
Villa have not won a league game since February 11, and an animated manager Unai Emery spent much of the afternoon stomping his feet and waving his arms in frustration.
“How we are progressing after we did fantastic months in October, November, December, the last two months we are struggling,” Emery said. “It’s Manchester United here at home, and they are now in good moment. And of course, they played a very intelligent match.
“I think we can get better. The result at the end was a bad result for us. We must accept it and try to analyse now to get better for the next challenge.”
-Reuters
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