Author: isport

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal remains something of a mystery, but a report from ESPN has shed light on why the striker had to leave the club.

According to the American outlet, Mikel Arteta decided to let Aubameyang leave the club as he felt his attitude was threatening the cultural reset the Spaniard wanted to implement at the Emirates.

While everything seemed to escalate very quickly between Aubameyang and Arteta towards the end of the striker’s time at Arsenal, ESPN are led to believe that there wasn’t a bust-up or a single incident that led to the attacker’s departure. Instead, Arteta simply wasn’t impressed by his general attitude. If it was Aubameyang’s general attitude that was an issue for Arteta, why did it take until December 2021 to make this decision?

Well, we’re not 100 per cent sure, but we can imagine that the striker’s torrid run of form may have had something to do with it. Aubameyang was undroppable for Arsenal for the longest time as he consistently topped the Gunners’ scoring charts, but after scoring just four goals in 14 Premier League appearances to start the season. All of a sudden, Arteta had more than one excuse to leave Aubameyang out of the side and eventually move him on.

Many had been waiting for the details of an explosive argument or one ill-willed incident to emerge, but it looks as though Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal was seemingly on the cards for months before Arteta finally pulled the trigger and let him go.

The Spaniard is striving for a cultural reset at the Emirates, and we’re sure that will once again be reflected in the Gunners’ summer transfer business. The striker has since started life brilliantly in Spain since joining Barcelona some months ago.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to make some changes to his starting XI for the visit of Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal and Leeds United meet at the Emirates Stadium in the fourth round of the competition to determine who will make it through to the next round. The winner will secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Some first team players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thomas Partey could make way from the usual starting XI for the Leeds United game as Arteta gives some of the fringe players an opportunity to shine. Ghanaian international Partey was one of the best players on the pitch as Arsenal beat Aston Villa at home in the first of their two league outings this season.

Partey was responsible for the opening goal of the game via a header from an Emile Smith-Rowe corner kick. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the second Arsenal goal in the first half and the aforementioned Smith-Rowe added the third goal in second half before Villa substitute Jacob Ramsey pulled one back late in the game to give the Gunners a 3-1 win.

Arsenal started their Carabao Cup campaign at the second round stage this season due to their absence on the European football scene. In the second round, Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a treble in the 6-0 thumping of a young West Brom side away from home. In addition to the three goals from the Gunners skipper, Bukayo Saka, Nicholas Pepe and second half substitute Alexandre Lacazette were also on the scoresheet against the Baggies.

Frenchman Lacazette, Englishman Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all scored as Arsenal beat lower league opposition AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at home to progress into the fourth round. Ahead of the Leeds United game, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions.

Bookmakers have designated Manchester City as their favorites to win the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s team is offered at 10/3. This is especially due to the fact that they have obtained an easy draw against Schalke O4.

Manchester City is a team that has been assembled to win the Champions League and Pep Guardiola will be expected to win the trophy after signing so many expensive players.

Bookmakers have designated Manchester City as their favorites to win the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s team is offered at 10/3. This is especially due to the fact that they have obtained an easy draw against Schalke O4.

Manchester City is a team that has been assembled to win the Champions League and Pep Guardiola will be expected to win the trophy after signing so many expensive players.

Barcelona is the second team just behind Manchester City as the favorites to win the Champions League. They are currently offered at 9/2. However, the Spanish team has far from being convincing in recent weeks and their match against Lyon will be the perfect opportunity to judge them.

Paris Saint Germain is the third favorite to win the Champions League and their odds should have been boosted after their win at Old Trafford. The French side is another team that has been assembled to win the Champions League just as Manchester City. The owners have appointed Tuchel as the manager of the team given that he has won the trophy previously and they will be expecting that he can do the same with Paris Saint Germain.

Just behind these three teams, we have Juventus who is being offered at 7/1 across different soccer betting sites. Many will be expecting the Italian side to win the Champions League following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. They will feel that the Portuguese player is the world-class player that Juventus was missing after having reached the Champions League final in the past two seasons.

Juventus, however, face a difficult match against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side is a good team that has reached the final stage of the Champions League in recent years and it will be interesting to see how Juventus play against them.

African footballers made the headlines this week, with Ghana’s boss making accusations of bias against an MLS referee, and DR Congo’s Mabiala set to join the MLS in the summer transfer window.

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah slammed referee Baldomero Toledo for using an indecent word against one of his players and also queried the wisdom of choosing a Mexican-American to whistle a match against Mexico.

Appiah ended up disappointed by several ‘biased’ decisions from the MLS Football referee which led to Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Mexico in a friendly match. The penalty awarded against the Africans was seriously questioned as the striker seemed to have barged into John Boye instead of the Ghana defender, intentionally taking him down.

African footballers made the headlines this week, with Ghana’s boss making accusations of bias against an MLS referee, and DR Congo’s Mabiala set to join the MLS in the summer transfer window.

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah slammed referee Baldomero Toledo for using an indecent word against one of his players and also queried the wisdom of choosing a Mexican-American to whistle a match against Mexico.

Appiah ended up disappointed by several ‘biased’ decisions from the MLS Football referee which led to Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Mexico in a friendly match. The penalty awarded against the Africans was seriously questioned as the striker seemed to have barged into John Boye instead of the Ghana defender, intentionally taking him down.

Ghana had been expected to win, and were the clear favourites on https://sport.netbet.co.uk, but couldn’t break Mexico down after the penalty decision. The referee allegedly took several other controversial decisions denying Ghana of several infringements while highlighting tackles by the Black Stars.

“Concerning the referee, I was very very surprised that in a game like this, a Mexican could be permitted to be the center ref when the match is against Mexico,” Kwesi Appiah complained in his post-match news conference. “It is still a surprise to me. I was not even aware of it until after the match had ended. I heard that he is a Mexican-American. I mean, it does not make any difference.”

The coach also noted that his attitude on the pitch spoke volumes about him, especially considering the use of indecent words against a player.

Baldomero Toledo, who was born and brought up in Mexico but relocated to the United States as a young man. He is recognized as American by FIFA and has decided matches in MLS Football since 2004 and has been a FIFA referee since 2007.

Meanwhile, in slightly more positive news, Portland Timbers have confirmed their signing of Larrys Mabiala, a DR Congo international. With the opening of the transfer window next month, Mabiala who plays at the centre back position will officially become a Timbers player. This would also depend on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

Since back in 2012, Mabiala has plied his trade in Turkey. He was formerly a player for the Karabukspor side before the switch in 2015 to Kayserispor.

The 29 year old has also previously featured for two top flight French clubs, PSG and Nice.

Speaking on the new signing, the general manager and president of Soccer for the Timbers, Gavin Wilkinson noted that the club was pleased with the caliber of player they had acquired.

“We are pleased to acquire a player of Larrys’ quality and experience, and we are excited that he has chosen to join the Portland Timbers,” Gavin Wilkinson said. “Larrys Mabiala is a player that will bring a strong, physical presence to our team. His experience and leadership will be key and we expect him to make an immediate impact once he is fully transitioned.”

Since making his debut back in 2008, Mabiala has won nine caps for the Leopards. He was brought in as a cover after Gbenga Arokoyo tore his Achilles heel in January.

It is hoped that Mabiala’s presence on the field would help in strengthening the Timber’s porous defence that has conceded 28 goals just this season.

Ajdin Hrustic, a surprise package in the Dutch league, was shocked when he got the news that he has been selected in 30-man squad of Ange Postecoglou for crucial World Cup of Australia qualifier against Saudi Arabia which will continue for the Confederations Cup.

If everything goes well, then this Melbourne born 20-year-old Groningen winger will play make his debut in a the team that has 24 overseas players and six domestic A-League, who will take part in the match at Adelaide Oval that is scheduled to take place on June 8.

Ajdin Hrustic, a surprise package in the Dutch league, was shocked when he got the news that he has been selected in 30-man squad of Ange Postecoglou for crucial World Cup of Australia qualifier against Saudi Arabia which will continue for the Confederations Cup.

If everything goes well, then this Melbourne born 20-year-old Groningen winger will play make his debut in a the team that has 24 overseas players and six domestic A-League, who will take part in the match at Adelaide Oval that is scheduled to take place on June 8.

Postecoglou carefully choose six uncapped players and a brother set in Dylan McGowan and Ryan among his main group of European-based stalwarts — Tom Rogic, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Mathew Leckie and Aaron Mooy. Name of former star of Everton Tim Cahill, who is now 37 years old, and presently chasing a 97th cap, is also included in the list.

The team, which is now 30 in size, will be shortened to 23 players on 31 of May. This team will play a friendly match on 31 of June with Brazil in Melbourne before taking part in the Confederations Cup, which is going to take place in Russia. Tickets for matches are available on http://www.livefootballtickets.com, where you can also get Premiership and Champions League tickets.

In the Cup, the Socceroos will face Cameroon, Chile and Germany in the group stage.

Postecoglou shared his view and said “I am really happy that we have chosen the best of 30-man squad who will be seen competing with teams in the upcoming June international window. However, as if now our focus and energy is concentrated on the qualifying match of the World Cup, which is against the team in Saudi Arabia in Adelaide,”

He further added that “The qualifier match is the most important game that we will play in the period. The team is working hard to give tough competition to Saudi Arabia.”

Diogo Kotscho, one of the spokesmen of Orlando City SC, has hit back at the previous Selecao manager Dunga who had blamed the soft training regime of the MLS sides for the fragility of their players.

Dunga picked Kaka, who is an MLS player, twice for Selecao duty, but, both times the veteran broke down within a couple of days in his camp and Dunga said the reason was that he had been playing in a league like Major League Soccer where the training system was not quite up there.

Diogo Kotscho, one of the spokesmen of Orlando City SC, has hit back at the previous Selecao manager Dunga who had blamed the soft training regime of the MLS sides for the fragility of their players.

Dunga picked Kaka, who is an MLS player, twice for Selecao duty, but, both times the veteran broke down within a couple of days in his camp and Dunga said the reason was that he had been playing in a league like Major League Soccer where the training system was not quite up there.

But, Kotscho has asked Dunga to stop saying anything without ‘proper knowledge’. As per Kotscho, right now MLS might not be matching other leagues in the world in other aspects, but, it is definitely not behind them in the physical aspect. The players train relentlessly as the Football played in the league is high-intensity.

Kotscho was quoted as, “It seems Dunga has not watched too much of MLS and his views are preconceived because MLS demands high level of fitness and the way the sides train in this competition is an example for the sides all over the world. It’s not as though we are letting all of our players stay at home all day, and then expect them to play a full 0 mintes at the weekend – this is a full time job!”

“I admit we still don’t stand in level terms with the top tier competitions of other countries, but, it’s not because of any kind of drawback in our training system. That aspect is fine.”

“Kaka was not the only man unfit in his squad that week, there were four more players if I am not wrong and they had come from different leagues. So, that makes his comment totally illogical. I am actually saddened about it. It is not expected from an international coach. You have no right to assume something and make a comment when you don’t have proper knowledge about it.”

Lionel Messi recently returned from a few months on the sidelines to make a minor impact in the El Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday.

He was not made to wait any longer for a start after manager Luis Enrique gave him the opportunity against Roma in the Champions League. Messi did what he does best – scoring goals – without making it look very difficult indeed.

Lionel Messi recently returned from a few months on the sidelines to make a minor impact in the El Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday.

He was not made to wait any longer for a start after manager Luis Enrique gave him the opportunity against Roma in the Champions League. Messi did what he does best – scoring goals – without making it look very difficult indeed.

Players who have spent a couple of months on the sidelines take some time to hit top form, but it was not necessary for Messi who scored twice. The Argentine could have easily secured a hat-trick upon his return, but he allowed Neymar to take a penalty against the Italian club.

Barcelona managed a comprehensive 6-1 win over the Italian outfit, thus qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition in impressive fashion. When the Catalan club drew their opening game of the group stages, an upset seemed like on the cards.

However, they have managed to put aside those worries to win the next four games quite easily. The la Liga table leaders are expected to rest a few players for the final game against Bayer Leverkusen away from home. The two goals scored by Messi were set by Luis Suarez, who later claimed the Argentine to be the best player in the world. If you had stuck £10 on the StanJames live odds next goalscorer market you would have won £40 back for each goal!?

“Messi is the best. It makes you happy just to see him out on the pitch. None of the rest of us would say that we can be the best in the world because he is,” said Suarez.

“Suarez looks like someone who has been playing for Barcelona for years when the reality is that he has not been here that long. As a player he is like a magnet he attracts the ball and team-mates and his attitude is infectious,” said the manager in praise of the Uruguayan.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud has been one of Premier League’s silent assassins in the last few months. He has slowly become one of leading goal scorer of the Premier League despite having missed much of the action during the early part of the campaign.

When Giroud was on the sidelines, almost all the attention was on summer signing Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean was brought to the Emirates stadium for £ 35 million and he proved to be the missing link in the jigsaw.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud has been one of Premier League’s silent assassins in the last few months. He has slowly become one of leading goal scorer of the Premier League despite having missed much of the action during the early part of the campaign.

When Giroud was on the sidelines, almost all the attention was on summer signing Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean was brought to the Emirates stadium for £ 35 million and he proved to be the missing link in the jigsaw.

It is not surprising that the former Barcelona player still remains as the club’s top goalscorer in all competitions, even if he did start off the year as the fourth-favourite – according to the sports betting (Link for online betting for UK customers) markets.

Giroud recently moved level with Sanchez, who has 13 goals in the league, and he has set the target of overcoming the Chilean by becoming the club’s leading scorer this season. Giroud’s goals have been a major positive behind Arsenal’s good run of form.

He has provided winning goals against the likes of West Ham and many others when Arsenal seemed desperate for scores. Giroud took his season’s tally to 16 with his two goals against Newcastle just before the international break. She proved his worth with the national team by scoring the winner in the friendly match against Denmark.

“I’m not going to say something silly because it’ll be reported, but why not finish ahead of Alexis?” he told sports betting (Link for online betting for non-UK customers).

“We push each other, we’re on 13 goals, and I would like to score some more to help the team achieve its objectives. I have no demand to make. It’s not me who picks the team. I get the impression I’m repeating myself, but it’s the truth. What’s important for me is to be called up and to contribute as soon as I can. Sometimes I’m criticised for being too honest in what I say, so I am trying to be more considered,” said Giroud.

Samir Nasri reckons Manchester City will fail in their Premier League title defence if they keep committing faults like they did the other day in the home game versus Hull City.

The Sky Blues could only draw that game and as a result of that, Chelsea managed to stretch their lead to 7 points at the top of the table. Manchester City have overcome leads before, but, Nasri knows it doesn’t happen in every season.

Samir Nasri reckons Manchester City will fail in their Premier League title defence if they keep committing faults like they did the other day in the home game versus Hull City.

The Sky Blues could only draw that game and as a result of that, Chelsea managed to stretch their lead to 7 points at the top of the table. Manchester City have overcome leads before, but, Nasri knows it doesn’t happen in every season.

According to Nasri, if you are competing with a club like Liverpool, you know they are going to lose points somewhere down the line and you would get the opportunity to be back in the race, but, with Chelsea, it’s different – they’re such a strong unit and they always play with a lot of purpose.

It’s important that City gets close to them in terms of points sooner rather than later as time is starting to run out fast, and the latest Paddy Power football betting makes Chelsea firm, firm favourites at the moment.

Speaking to the press at the end of the Hull encounter, Nasri said, “We can’t allow the situation to go out of our hands. We must keep in mind that this time around, we are not up against Liverpool who, with all due respect, can loosen their grip and give you a sniff. Chelsea would not let that happen. They need to be caught soon; otherwise, they would just run away with the title.”

“In the recent times, we have seen that things can change quickly in the death, but, for that to happen, we’ve got to keep ourselves in the race. We can’t be making as any mistakes as today and that too while playing at home.”

Manchester City’s next game is against Newcastle United on 21st of this month.