Premier League
Arsenal’s Arteta looks ahead to Manchester United test with confidence
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Manchester United’s character and legacy ahead of Sunday’s clash while highlighting the boost his side got from their midweek 7-1 Champions League win at PSV Eindhoven as the key to maintaining momentum.
Arteta’s second-placed side are 13 points adrift of Liverpool with a game in hand in the Premier League standings and six points ahead of Nottingham Forest in third.
Despite their 21-point lead over 14th-placed United, the Spaniard is not taking Ruben Amorim’s side for granted.
“The history of United speaks for itself,” Arteta said in the press conference on Friday.
“The players they have, the club they are – there’s a legacy of overcoming difficult situations and they’re always a dangerous opponent, especially when you least expect it.
“Watching their recent games, you can see the character in their squad. They are more than capable of putting in a strong performance and beating you on the day.”
Arteta added that Arsenal would try to carry on the positive momentum from their stunning demolition of PSV on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
“What happened was we were super effective in the box and that’s a massive strength, especially in the Champions League, and that’s why we won the game with that margin,” he said.
“The manner of the way we did it lifted everybody but that is in the past unfortunately. It is about what we do today, the preparation for tomorrow and trying to replicate a great performance again on Sunday.
“But (against PSV) things were coming at the right moment, at the right time, in the right way and that’s very helpful, but every game is different.”
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Premier League
Premier League, Fulham condemn online abuse faced by Bassey after win over Man United
Fulham and the Premier League have condemned racist and homophobic abuse faced by their defender Calvin Bassey online after he scored in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Manchester United.
Nigeria international Bassey gave his side the lead before halftime in the match that ended 1-1 at Old Trafford before Fulham overcame the hosts on penalties to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
“Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United,” Fulham said in a statement on Monday.
“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.
The club said they are working with the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and take the “strongest form of action against them.”
“We will offer our full support to Calvin and the club. We work with social media companies and authorities to help ensure any individuals found guilty of discrimination face the strongest possible consequences,” the Premier League said in a statement.
Manchester City’s Kyle Walker also faced online racist abuse after their loss to Juventus in the Champions League in December.
Last month, City forward Khadija Shaw missed a match for mental health reasons after facing racist abuse following a loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
“Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion,” Fulham added.
Fulham host Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 29.
-Reuters
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot was handed a two-match suspension following the chaotic Merseyside derby with Everton earlier this month, while both clubs have been fined, the Football Association said on Wednesday.
Slot was shown a red card after the final whistle and admitted to the charge of acting in an improper manner and using insulting or abusive words or behaviour towards the referee and an assistant referee.
The manager also received a 70,000 pounds ($88,522.00) fine, while his assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, also sent off after the final whistle, has also received a two-match suspension and a 7,000 pound fine.
Everton were fined 65,000 pounds and Liverpool 50,000 pounds after both clubs admitted to charges of failing to ensure their players did not behave improperly or provocatively after the final whistle.
Liverpool substitute Curtis Jones and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure were also shown red cards after the game, and the final whistle sparked a scuffle between both sets of players.
Everton’s James Tarkowski equalised late in stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations and Jones took umbrage at Doucoure celebrating in front of the visiting fans after a 2-2 draw in the final derby at Goodison Park on February 12.
Premier League leaders Liverpool host Newcastle United later on Wednesday while Everton are at Brentford.
-Reuters
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Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock welcomed 10,000 fans for a test event featuring an under-18 friendly match against Wigan Athletic. The Premier League club is preparing to say goodbye to Goodison Park at the end of this season.
“Whoever’s designed it has done a fantastic job because the stands are on top of you,” Everton under-18 coach Keith Southern told Everton TV.
“When this is full next season, it’s going to be a hell of a place to play.”
Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer became the first to score at the Everton Stadium in the 12th minute. Everton lost 2-1 with Ray Robert scoring for the hosts.
Goodison Park, Everton’s home since 1892, hosted its final derby on Wednesday as David Moyes’s side held leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw. The stadium’s last competitive game will take place on May 18 when Everton host Southampton.
The stadium will then be demolished with the land set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme with housing and offices.
Construction of the new 52,888-seater arena took four years and cost close to 800 million pounds ($1.01 billion), according to British media reports, and is also set to host matches at Euro 2028.
-Reuters
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