Football Dialogue

By Richard C. Banda  It seems like Mikel Arteta is breaking Arsenal’s records week in week out. A first defeat against Leicester City at Emirates in 76 years along with a record breaking win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arsenal’s first league win at Old Trafford for 14 years was actually more than a remarkable victory for the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. This could be actually the most turning point for Arsenal and a defining moment for Arteta. With a massive pressure going into this fixture, surely Arsenal were the underdogs after back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Leicester City in the league. After running rampant against RB Leipzig finding the back of the net 5 times in midweek Champions League fixture, it’s very flabbergasting that the Red Devils could not find a way through a lethal Arsenal side on Sunday. Surely, you have to give Arteta credit for his tactical masterclass and how he picked up his team. There were lot of questions and argum...

 By Richard C. Banda Arsenal took more than half an hour to test Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers in a 3-0 win at the Emirates on Thursday night Europa League group stage encounter. Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Nicolas Pepe found the back of the net for the Gunners in what proved to be an unconvincing win for Mikel Arteta’s side. Reiss Nelson’s corner kick gave Eddie Nketiah a brilliant chance to step in the box and stamp a simple tap-in from a close range, before Willock put Arsenal on the driving seat with a 2-0 victory before the break. Nicolas Pepe buried the game with a stunning strike to put the Gunners on a firing front. Even though Arsenal found the back of the net three time. Their perfomacne was not really convincing considering the number of shots they had on goal and how they dominated possession. Player ratings Arsenal:  Runarsson (6), Cedric (6), Mustafi (6), Xhaka (6), Kolasinac (7), Maitland-Niles (5), Willock (8), Elneny (6), Pepe (7), Nketiah (6), N...

  Telles, who joined United from Porto on a four-year contract earlier this month, did not feature in the  5-0 Champions League win  over RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The Old Trafford club tweeted: "We wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return to the group." The 27-year-old defender will now self-isolate for a period of 10 days. United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær made Telles one of his new-season signings for a fee of 15m euros (£13.6m), plus 2m euros in add-ons. The Brazilian impressed on his debut for the club in the  2-1 win over Paris-St German  in the Champions League but was left out of the squad for last weekend's  0-0 draw with Chelsea  in the Premier League.

 By Richard C. Banda  Marcus Rashford shines again for Manchester United in the Champions League with a thrilling hat-trick in a 5-0 rampant against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night. Elsewhere, Barcelona managed to revive their momentum after a 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the El Classico. The Catalans put their off-field problems aside as they glide to a 2-0 victory away to Juventus. However, the latter wasn’t the match on everyone’s lip. Rashford continued his form from PSG last week. The Manchester United maestro was brought in as a substitute against a stubborn Leipzig side and he found the best back of the net three times. In addition, Paul Pogba was in a very scintillating form creating a glut of chances with one of them converted by Mason Greenwood to open the scoreline. Antony Martial has been out of form lately, but he managed to find the back of the net from the penalty spot as the Red Devils ruthlessly expose the Bundesliga top side. "We looked dangerous...

By Richard C. Banda  Let’s discuss about Mesut Özil, a World Cup Winner, the King of Assists an exceptional player who deservedly earned a contract at the Emirates. Even though that might be the case, Özil has been on the back foot failing to find the right form and the much needed consistent since.   Amid all the ups and downs in the football world with the global pandemic still with us. The big talking point in European football has been about Özil. Ever since his contract extension at Arsenal, it seems like a lot have changed.   If we look closely at the Mesut Özil situation, his saga started when Unai Emery was still at the man in charge at Arsenal. We can all go all guns blazing at the current manager Mikel Arteta, but Özil was already out of the picture way before Arteta came in.   In November 2018, Arsenal played some dismal and unconvincing 1-1 draw at home to Wolverhampton. The following match Unai Emery switched to a 3 at the back formation, these tac...

By Richard C. Banda  Football has become one of the most fast-paced result oriented sport in the world. And this new normal has not been a piece of cake for many professional footballers across Europe. With the media on the other side, the unremitting scrutiny has proven to be a bit too much to hand for most football players. But just like anybody else, these footballers have performing way below par. And simply because we believe in what they can offer, surely they will bounce back to their prime. Let us share with you some of the players whom we believe they will bring back their A game again.   Ousmane Dembele When he came to the Camp Nou, as one of the most expensive signing of the transfer window there was jubilant in Catalans. But life in Barcelona has been a roller coaster drive for Ousmane Dembele.   The French international has been marred with injuries one after the other. Also he has been given some sticks for lack of discipline. And that has made him to ...

Chris Smalling and Simon Kjaer have been linked with a move to Arsenal. With Arsene Wenger signing  a new two year deal to stay at Arsenal the Frenchman is in the transfer market to bolster his squad for the 2017/18 Premier League season. However with the current Arsenal squad, where are these two defenders going to fit in if the news are true? The central defense position in the Gunners squad seemed to be too heavy and occupied for any addition. With players like Rob Holding who has been in a scintillating form, Laurent Koscielny, Mustafi,  Gabriel, Per Mertsacker. If this kind of deal is going to pull through Arsene Wenger is going to be in a selection dilemma and not only that he will be in trouble with the fans. Arsenal fans are not looking forward for the gaffer to strengthen in that position. With news linking Arsenal with Lyon striker Alexander Lacazette Arsenal fans are gazing closely to many media reports linking to the deal of lacazette. With Lyon President ...

By Richard Banda Riyah Mahrez expect Leicester City to show respect and honour the agreement they struck last season and let him leave this transfer window. After winning the title with the Foxes last season and scooping the player of the season award after some astonishing performances, the Algerian national received lucrative offers to join big clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. But however all those offer struck the brick wall as bid from all the club were rejected. Claudio Ranieri negotiated that Mahrez stay one more season and thereafter he will be given green light to leave the former Premier league Champions. However with Leicester City's primitive performance throughout the season, with Claudia Ranieri being sacked. Riyad Mahrez seemed to be more frustrated and desperately want to head to the exit door as the club's day to day running are in turmoil.   Now Mahrez will tell the club that he want to leave and stick to Ranieri's word and let him make a big ...

Ex-Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann has agreed a new five-year contract at Atletico Madrid. Crystal Palace missed out on hiring Marco Silva partly because chairman Steve Parish was on holiday. Arsenal will not sell Alexis Sanchez to a Premier League rival, ruling out Chelsea or Manchester City. Manchester United have lodged a bid for Alvaro Morata, with Real Madrid holding out for £70m.   Source: Daily Mail Arsenal are ready to block Alexis Sanchez from joining Manchester City. Chelsea deals for Romelu Lukaku and Tiemoue Bakayoko are close while Antonio Conte wants Marco Verratti. Manchester United are favourites to sign Alvaro Morata after his agent ruled out a switch to AC Milan. Everton are closing in on deals for Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Joe Hart will have to lower his wages by £75,000 to seal a loan move to West Ham. Juventus have joined the race for Leicester  want away  winger Riyad Mahrez. Aleksandar Mitrovic expects to leave New...

#PSG agree a deal worth   €70m with Dortmund for Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng  

Richard c banda Athletico Madrid planning a derisive offer for Diego Costa to lure him back to Spain Chamberlain considering Anfield switch? Alex Oxlade-chamberlain says ''I've always wanted to be Steven Gerrad'' in front of Robbie Savage. Does this mean Alex is considering a move to Anfield after Klopp showed interest? source: givemesport Aubameyang to leave BVB Aubameyang tell BVB he want to leave the German giant. After his arrival in 2013 Aubameyang has captivated most of European club with his moreish displays. And in his 189 appearances  he has scored 120 goals for Borrusia Dortmund. However the Gabonese maestro feels it is right time for him to explore and experience something new for his career. However his likely destination is still uncertain. source: givemesport Bonucci IN, Pepe Out Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci. The Los Blancos are eager to bolster their defense for next...

Richard C. Banda After claiming the FA cup for the seventh time when Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday , Arsene Wenger is yet to sign a new two year deal to remain on the dugout for the Gunners. Wenger and the majority board member Sten Kroenke held a meeting on Monday and details of the Frenchman contract were revealed and a formal announcement yet to be announced between Wednesday and Thursday. Winning the FA cup seemed to be not enough for the Arsenal fans as they have held protest for the Frenchman to step down as he has failed to deliver some of their expectations after the gunners slipped to fifth on  Premier League table and thus led the Gunners to lose the plot for  champions league spot and also poor transfer business. However Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are yet to commit to Arsenal as they are set to sign new contracts to remain at  North London. But Manchester City are confident to lure the former to Manchester after talks were held ove...

Serie A champions Juventus have completed the permanent  signing of former Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado with the player signing a deal until 2020. The Italian club initially acquired Cuadrado in 2015 before they agreed to sign him on a three year loan last summer. The club were obligated under thee previous agreement according to Monday's press release. The fee will be payable in three annual installments and the deal comes as a massive boost ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid at the start of June. The club said in a statement on Monday : ''Juventus Football Club SpA announces that, following the occurrence of the pre-contract terms, has triggered the obligation to buy outright from Chelsea Football Club Limited of the registration rights of the player Juan Guillermo Cuadrado Bello. The consideration under the agreement is €20m payable in three annual installments starting from the next financial year of 2017/2018. Juventus have signed the player...

“Yes, it will be emotional. "It’s not as if I like to play against Arsenal, because they are a club which is in my heart and they will always be. But this is football, and this is what we have to do. It can happen and hopefully we can win the Double. That would be a fantastic season for us. “I have to put those feelings aside. You have to be professional. Of course it means a lot to me, it’s not an ordinary game for me. Fàbregas came through  Barcelona's youth academy, leaving at 16 when he was signed by English Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003. Following injuries to key midfielders in the early part of the 2004-5 season he went on establish himself in the team.  He won the FA Cup in 2005. After a prolonged transfer saga on August 15 2011 Fabregas signed a 3 year deal worth  £35 million and return to his boyhood club FC Barcelona. However things didn't work out for the former Arsenal captain as he did not get eno...

DONE DEAL:  Arsenal pursuit of Sead Kolasinac has been accomplished. The Gunners have completed the signing of Bosnia Herzegovina international after he has penned 5 year deal according to Raphael Wiesweg Schalke 04 reporter, This seemed to be a huge bargain for Arsene Wenger as Sead was available as a free agent. The Gunners boss was in the market for a left back as his current ones Gibbs and Monreal are not playing at the level best. Wiesweg stated that Kolasinac will join the London club for free and has agreed a five year deal with the Gunners who are also in chase for a Champions League spot with Liverpool likely to scoop the position come the end of the season.

Much-anticipated London derby pitting Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur kicked off at the Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup semi final clash. With both teams eyeing to book a place in the final to face either Arsenal or Manchester City who are yet to play tomorrow. Chelsea kicked off the encounter on a higher tempo with a lot of desire and anxiety as Pedro find a free-kick at  a dangerous area and it was an opportunity for a goal. Skillful Willian took the free-kick for the Blues, as always the Brazilian international scored a delicious goal to break the deadlock between the two teams.  Conte's men kept on pushing as humble Kante's cross found Batshuayi in the penalty area unmarked, unfortunately the latter was ruled offside. However Spurs did not put themselves on the back-foot as they managed to get back into the game. The  North London club managed to create chances, as Erikisen dashed into Chelsea's defense from the right flank to curl a beautiful cross into th...

West Ham welcomed on-form Everton at their newly native Queen Elizabeth Park Olympic stadium.  West Ham buoyed to be in the top half showed  not enough character to find a breakthrough in the Everton defense. The Hammers kept on knocking and bombarding at the visitors half but the Toffies defended stoutly to salvage a point as the match ended 0-0.  Kouyate should have done better as he found a great opportunity to find the back of the net unfortunately and fortunately his shot went to the woodwork. However with all eyes gazing at the Premier League top scorer Romelu Lukaku, the Everton talisman was in doldrums as he was barely involved in the attack as the visitors created less chances and shot on goal to keep Adrian on his toes. The Hammers ran riot as they keep on inciting higher tempo as skillful Masuaka dribble past from the flanks to put in a great cross inside the penalty area, but Ashley William was quick to deal with it. The second half elapsed with the differ...

West Ham and Everton have battled 41 times with the Toffies coming out as victors on 23 occasions, losing seven and drawing 11. Everton have not lost away to West Ham in Premier League since April 2007, winning six of the last eight. West Ham Line Up Adrian, Jose Fonte,Winston Reid,James Collins,Havard Nordtveit,Edimilson Fernandes.Cheikhou Kouyate,Arthur Masuaku, Manuel Lanzini, Andre Ayew, Jonathan Calleri Subs: \Barry, Kone, Robles, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Kenny Everton Line Up Maarten Stekelenburg,Mason Holgate, Phil jagielka, Ashely Williams, Leighton Baines, Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin, Tom Davies, Ross Barkely., Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Millaras Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman,Pennington, Kenny.     

Who Is Sead Kolasinac? Reports in London are buzzing that Arsenal football club conclude Sead Kolasinac transfer as the player has passed medical tests and agreed terms on a free transfer from Schalke04. Arsenal appeared to have throbbed competition from other clubs which were interested in signing the 23 year old left back Bosnia and Herzegovina international However the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied reports at his press conference, but the Arsenal fans are confident that Sead would be a great free signing for the summer after he put out an astonishing performance when they were knocked out of the Europa quarter final on Thursday night with Ajax. BY Richard C. Banda