Arsenal have gone backwards in the league - Arteta

 Arteta Admits Arsenal Have 'Gone a Step Backwards' in Premier League.

The Gunners boss reflects on a disappointing domestic campaign as Arsenal prepare to face newly crowned champions Liverpool.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has conceded that his side have regressed in the Premier League this season, acknowledging that the Gunners have failed to match the high standards they set in recent years.

Following last season’s intense title race, which saw Arsenal finish just two points behind Manchester City with 89 points, the North London side currently sit 15 points adrift of 2023–24 champions Liverpool. With only three matches remaining, Arsenal can reach a maximum of 76 points—falling short of their previous tallies.

“In the Premier League, we've gone a step backwards,” Arteta admitted.
“It’s clear we have not done as well as last season.”

Despite the dip in form, Arteta emphasized the competitiveness of his squad over the last few campaigns.

“With the amount of points we have generated in the last few seasons, we could have won two Premier League titles,” he said.
“We are providing the numbers that usually win you titles. That shows how close we are.”

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Trophyless Again as Champions League Exit Ends Hopes

Arsenal’s ambitions of ending a five-year trophy drought were dashed earlier this week, following a Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners were eliminated after failing to overturn a first-leg deficit, marking another season without silverware.

Still, Arteta maintained his view that Arsenal have been the strongest overall team in this year’s competition.

“One hundred per cent,” he said when asked if he still believed Arsenal were the best side in the Champions League.
“I’ve been reviewing the game and the statistics. When you look at the key metrics that typically determine success, it’s clear who was better.”

He added:

“But football isn’t about probabilities or stats—it’s about making it count when it matters.”

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Liverpool to Receive Guard of Honour at Anfield

Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Premier League champions Liverpool, who secured the title with three games to spare. Arteta confirmed that his players will perform a traditional guard of honour for Arne Slot’s side.

“They deserve that,” Arteta said.
“They’ve been the best team and the most consistent. What Arne and his staff have achieved is fascinating.”

The Spaniard stressed the importance of humility and sportsmanship in defeat.

“That is sport. When somebody is better, you have to applaud and accept it—and then work to reach that level.”

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Looking Ahead

As Arsenal prepare for their final fixtures of the season, the focus will inevitably shift to the summer transfer window and plans for 2025–26. While this campaign has fallen short in terms of silverware, Arteta’s comments underline a belief that the foundation for future success remains strong.

Haaland 'ready and fit' to make Man City return

 

Haaland Returns from Injury as Man City Eyes Strong Finish to Disappointing Season

Pep Guardiola confirms striker’s fitness ahead of crucial Premier League run-in and FA Cup final showdown.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is ready to return from injury and could feature in this weekend’s clash against Southampton.

The 24-year-old striker has been sidelined since March after suffering an ankle injury during City’s FA Cup tie against Bournemouth. Though named on the bench for last week’s narrow 1–0 win over Wolves, Haaland did not feature. However, Guardiola confirmed on Friday that the Norwegian international is “fit” and available for selection.

“He is ready, he is fit,” Guardiola said. “Whether he will start or not, we will see tomorrow.”

City currently sit third in the Premier League table, just three points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, with only the top five securing Champions League qualification this season. After facing Southampton, City will conclude their domestic campaign with matches against Bournemouth and Fulham, before taking on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 17 May.

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Haaland: "We Lost Our Hunger"

Speaking to ESPN earlier this week, Haaland offered a candid assessment of City’s underwhelming season. The forward admitted that both he and the team have fallen short of expectations.

“You can find excuses—injuries, bad timing—but in the end, we haven’t been good enough,” Haaland said.
“We’ve lost a bit of the hunger. I haven’t been good enough. I haven’t helped the team enough.”

Haaland has still managed to deliver strong numbers, scoring 21 goals in 28 league appearances and 30 goals in all competitions this season, along with four assists. However, he trails Mohamed Salah in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot by seven goals, with just three games remaining.

When asked about Haaland’s remarks, Guardiola responded:

“If that’s how Erling feels, then the players should talk to each other and ask themselves why.”

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Guardiola Reflects on His “Most Difficult” Season

Despite his reputation for domestic dominance, this season marks just the fourth time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career that he has failed to win the league title.

City's campaign has been disrupted by a string of injuries, and a dismal mid-season run—one win in 13 games between October and December—saw them crash out of the Champions League and lose their grip on the Premier League crown.

“This has been the most difficult season in my career,” Guardiola admitted.
“When you don’t win, it’s more emotionally demanding—preparing the team, maintaining the right mood.”

He added:

“I’m disappointed in myself when things don’t go well. But when I look back at my career, I’ll ask, ‘Was I good or bad? Could I have done better?’ Right now, it’s about proving myself every week.”

City won the Community Shield in August with a victory over rivals Manchester United, but with just the FA Cup final and a top-five league finish to play for, Guardiola acknowledges the standards have slipped.

“It’s a business—we have to win games. If not, you can’t stay. This season, we dropped from our highest standards. But even then, we didn’t give up.”

Xabi Alonso Confirms Bayer Leverkusen Exit Amid Reports of Real Madrid Move

Leverkusen manager set to step down at season’s end, with strong links to Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

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Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, amid widespread reports that he is poised to take over at Real Madrid.

The 43-year-old Spaniard, who guided Leverkusen to a historic domestic double and an unbeaten Bundesliga title this season, is widely expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu. While no formal announcement has been made, BBC Sport columnist and Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué reports Alonso will indeed succeed Ancelotti.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Alonso announced:

“This week the club and I have agreed that these two games are going to be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach.
It is not the moment to talk too much about the future—we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday for some players, for myself.
It’s emotional. I spoke this morning with the players and staff—so many people who helped me during an unbelievable, fantastic three years.”

Leverkusen, who recently relinquished their Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich, will host Borussia Dortmund this Sunday before concluding their season away at Mainz on May 17.

Alonso, a former midfielder for Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s U14 side in 2018. He went on to manage Real Sociedad B before taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022, when the club sat second from bottom in the Bundesliga.

In his debut season, he guided Leverkusen to a sixth-place finish. A year later, he delivered the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title—without a single defeat—and won the DFB-Pokal. The only blemish on their record-setting 2023–24 campaign was a Europa League final loss to Atalanta, marking their sole defeat in 53 matches across all competitions.

Despite his success, Alonso had previously played down links to top clubs. In March 2024, he stated his intention to remain at Leverkusen following discussions with the club’s hierarchy. CEO Fernando Carro echoed those sentiments in April, noting that Alonso appeared “comfortable” and was planning for the future.

However, speculation surrounding Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid continues to intensify. The veteran Italian coach is reportedly in talks to become Brazil’s head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ancelotti has led Real Madrid since 2021 in his second stint and has three Champions League titles with the club. However, an early UCL exit this season and a tight La Liga title race have prompted speculation about a change.

Alonso’s potential appointment would mark a full-circle return to Madrid, where he played from 2009 to 2014. Given his rapid rise as one of Europe’s most exciting managerial prospects, all eyes will be on when Real Madrid decide to make the next move official.

Manchester United's Pursuit of Vanja Milinković-Savić Sends Shockwaves Through Torino Camp

Manchester United have identified Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić as a potential replacement for under-fire shot-stopper André Onana ahead of the summer transfer window.

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The Premier League giants have reportedly initiated preliminary talks to explore a deal for the Serbian international, who has impressed with consistent performances in Serie A this season. United are said to be seriously considering changes in the goalkeeping department following a turbulent season for current first-choice Onana.

According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have made initial enquiries about Milinković-Savić and are looking to capitalise on a €20 million (£17 million) release clause in his contract—an option that is only valid for clubs outside of Italy. The clause has reportedly triggered alarm at Torino, with club president Urbano Cairo now seeking to accelerate talks over a new contract in an effort to revise or eliminate the buyout option.

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 Milinković-Savić, standing at an imposing 6ft 8in, has emerged as a serious candidate amid growing concerns over United’s current goalkeeping options. Onana, who joined the club with high expectations, has endured a challenging campaign, marked by several high-profile errors—including a costly performance in the UEFA Europa League tie against Lyon. His inconsistency has seen him dropped by manager Rúben Amorim, while backup goalkeeper Altay Bayındır has failed to convincingly stake his claim for the No. 1 spot.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano outlined United’s wider transfer strategy:

“Manchester United are preparing for an important summer window, with several moves anticipated. While Matheus Cunha is among the targets, the club has also begun reaching out to explore other potential signings.”
He added: “The goalkeeper position isn’t the most urgent priority, but it’s certainly an area United are aiming to strengthen. Torino’s Vanja Milinković-Savić has recently been added to the list, and initial contact has been made to assess the feasibility of a summer transfer, including the financial terms being considered by the Italian side.”

As United continue their preparations for a crucial summer, Torino now face pressure to secure their goalkeeper’s future or risk losing him for below market value. Failure to reach a new agreement could open the door for United to make a decisive move.

Meanwhile, United are gearing up for the UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, following a hard-fought semi-final victory over Athletic Club. A win would not only secure Champions League qualification but also provide a financial and reputational boost ahead of what promises to be a pivotal transfer window for the club.