Daily News 19

Tag: Arsenal

  • Arsenal’s Kyra Cooney-Cross to Dedicate Emirates Stadium Return to Her Mother

    Arsenal’s Kyra Cooney-Cross to Dedicate Emirates Stadium Return to Her Mother

    Kyra Cooney-Cross Returns to Arsenal After Six-Month Absence

    Australian international Kyra Cooney-Cross has rejoined Arsenal following a six-month hiatus from football, a period defined by personal grief and a determined effort to maintain her fitness. The 22-year-old midfielder, who has earned 63 caps for the Matildas and started all seven matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil, described her time away as emotionally taxing but credited a rigorous training regimen and the club’s support network for a smooth transition back to the squad.

    Training as an Escape During Difficult Times

    While away from the club, Cooney-Cross maintained a demanding schedule to stay sharp. She revealed that the routine served a dual purpose: physical preparation and mental refuge.

    “I was training Monday to Friday on the pitch with a one-on-one coach and then I had a gym facility as well,” she said.

    “I did it because it was also an escape. I felt more free and like I could escape from everything that was going on off the pitch.”

    “I also did it because I knew that’s what mum would want and I wanted to come back this season and be as fit as possible.”

    Arsenal’s Support Network Proves Vital

    The midfielder emphasized the importance of the club’s care during her absence, describing it as “amazing”. Head coach Renee Slegers and director of women’s football Claire Wheatley maintained regular contact, while teammates Alessia Russo and Taylor Hinds provided significant emotional support.

    “That’s when you need people and those that love you and care about you will be there for you,” said Cooney-Cross.

    “I was sad to leave my family, but at the same time, I also felt ready to come back. I had to bite the bullet. I’m so glad I did because honestly everyone has been so amazing.”

    “I’ve been distracted, I’ve been supported and it’s been a really smooth transition. I’ve got good people around me.”

    Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s season opener against Brighton. She now looks ahead to her return to Emirates Stadium, a venue that holds special significance after her mother last watched her play there.

    Playing for a Lasting Legacy

    The Australian star spoke movingly about her mother’s enduring influence, revealing a pre-match ritual built around text messages that now serve as a guiding force.

    “She was always the best at sending messages and I read this one [text] message before every game. The way she writes is so beautiful. I think a lot about how I go about life. I think about what she would say or do.”

    “A lot of my purpose is because of her and my drive, but even more so now. I just want to play and do really well for her and bring joy into the sadness of my family.”

  • Odegaard Strike Earns Arsenal Narrow Victory at Napoli

    Odegaard Strike Earns Arsenal Narrow Victory at Napoli

    Odegaard’s Goal Decides Match in Naples

    Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard continued his excellent start to the season by scoring the only goal of the match against Napoli in Naples.

  • Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Arsenal Make Four Changes for Champions League Opener at Napoli

    Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against a Napoli side searching for form, with Mikel Arteta rotating his squad following Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea.

    Team News: Gyökeres Handed First Start as Arteta Rotates

    The Gunners make four changes to their starting XI. Viktor Gyökeres earns his first start of the season, while Piero Hincapié, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino also come into the side. Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori drop to the bench.

    Napoli’s lineup features several faces familiar to Premier League followers. Billy Gilmour, formerly of Chelsea, Norwich and Brighton, lines up alongside Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne and ex-Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund. Scott McTominay, another Old Trafford alumnus, is unavailable until next month following surgery for an irregular heartbeat.

    Confirmed Lineups

    Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Olivera; Gilmour, Lobotka, De Bruyne; Politano, Højlund, Alisson Santos.
    Substitutes: Contini, Milinkovic-Savic, Favasuli, Badiashile, Neres, Lucca, Vergara, Beukema, Spinazzola.

    Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié; Merino, Rice, Saka; Ødegaard, Eze, Gyökeres.
    Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Meslier, Tzolis, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Salmon.

    Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Kick-off is 8pm BST (9pm local).

    Arteta: “We Are Ready to Be Ourselves and Win the Game”

    Speaking to TNT Sports before kick-off, Mikel Arteta addressed the team’s travel disruption, his selection decisions and the challenge awaiting his side in Naples.

    “We were lucky [regarding the flight over] … I am sure it was much worse for many tourists … [Hincapié, Eze, Gyökeres and Merino] deserve to play … they train really well … every time they have been on the pitch as finishers they have made an impact … they fully deserve to start the game … I could not wait to start playing in the Champions League again … after the last days we had in Budapest, to lift ourselves up and go again … start the journey again … [Napoli] have a lot of experience and quality … a coach with massive experience in the competition … we are ready … to be ourselves and win the game.”

    Fan Reaction: Squad Rotation Questions Raised

    The pre-match correspondence highlighted debate over Arsenal’s squad management. Zach Neeley questioned the decision to rest Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice:

    “Why have such a stacked squad if you can’t make Saka and Rice the ones rested? The fact that it’s early in the season doesn’t really work because their summer was a bunch of extra work.”

    Dr Jordan Pickering offered a lighter take on the unused Kai Havertz:

    “Although Kai won’t feature among the starters, your chosen pic does offer plenty of food for thought, prompting one to wonder how much expert consideration has gone into crafting all the various hair zones on his head, or how it is that someone with a bag can have so many loose items on his person?”

    Contrasting Form Sets Up Intriguing Contest

    Arsenal arrive in southern Italy with supreme confidence. The Gunners’ 2024-25 European campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain, but the underlying numbers were formidable: a 100% record in the league phase, unbeaten in regular time across 15 matches (W11 D4), and the competition’s best defensive record with just seven goals conceded and nine clean sheets.

    Domestically, Arteta’s side have opened the new Premier League season thrillingly, suggesting a team that has shed the psychological weight of near-misses.

    Napoli present a stark contrast. Gli Azzurri have won only two of their last ten Champions League matches and failed to progress beyond the league phase last season. They have lost their last three European fixtures against English opposition and three of four previous meetings with Arsenal. Their Serie A campaign has begun miserably — a home defeat to Como followed by surrendering a two-goal lead against Inter Milan.

    History Adds Personal Edge for Arteta

    The Arsenal manager has personal experience of defeat in Naples. As a player, Arteta was sent off during a previous visit to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona — a memory that ensures he will take nothing for granted despite the form disparity.

    With both sides seeking an opening statement in Europe’s elite competition, the stage is set for a compelling Group Stage curtain-raiser under the Neapolitan lights.

  • Martin Odegaard named Premier League Player of the Matchweek after match-winning goal vs Chelsea

    Martin Odegaard named Premier League Player of the Matchweek after match-winning goal vs Chelsea

    Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard Named Premier League Player of the Matchweek

    The official Premier League website has announced Martin Ødegaard as the Player of the Matchweek following an outstanding performance in last weekend’s London derby.

    Ødegaard Leads Arsenal to Vital Victory Over Chelsea

    The Arsenal captain was instrumental in his side’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, controlling the midfield and delivering the decisive goal that secured all three points at Stamford Bridge. His leadership and technical quality were on full display as the Gunners strengthened their position in the title race.

    Key Contributions in the London Derby

    • Match-winning goal: Ødegaard’s strike proved the difference in a tightly contested fixture.
    • Midfield dominance: He dictated tempo, created chances, and linked play effectively throughout the 90 minutes.
    • Captain’s performance: The Norwegian international led by example in one of the season’s most high-pressure matches.

    Premier League Recognition for Consistent Excellence

    This latest accolade underscores Ødegaard’s growing influence in the Premier League. Since joining Arsenal permanently in 2021, he has evolved into one of the division’s most creative and reliable playmakers, combining vision, composure, and an increasing goal threat.

    The Player of the Matchweek award reflects not only his individual brilliance against Chelsea but also his sustained impact across the campaign, reinforcing his status as a leading contender for end-of-season honors.

  • Arsenal’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed

    Arsenal’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Revealed

    Arsenal Trio Nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or After Historic Premier League Triumph

    Arsenal’s landmark Premier League title victory has earned three of their star players nominations for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d’Or award. Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been recognized following the club’s remarkable campaign that ended a 22-year wait for domestic glory.

    Historic Season Drives Individual Recognition

    The Gunners’ extraordinary 2024-25 season saw Mikel Arteta’s side clinch their first Premier League crown since the legendary “Invincibles” campaign of 2003-04. Beyond domestic dominance, Arsenal also reached the UEFA Champions League final, marking their deepest European run since 2006.

    This dual success on the biggest stages has naturally placed Arsenal’s core performers in the conversation for football’s most coveted individual prize.

    Midfield Maestro Declan Rice

    Since his British record transfer from West Ham United, Rice has transformed Arsenal’s midfield with his defensive authority, progressive passing, and leadership qualities. The England international played every minute of the Premier League campaign, providing the platform that allowed Arsenal’s attacking talents to flourish while maintaining the league’s most resilient defensive structure.

    Defensive Partnership of Saliba and Gabriel

    The centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes formed the bedrock of Arsenal’s title charge. Their combination of physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and aerial supremacy helped the team concede the fewest goals in the division. Saliba’s elegance on the ball and Gabriel’s aggressive defending created a perfectly balanced partnership that neutralized the league’s most potent attacks week after week.

    Ballon d’Or Contention in Context

    While the trio faces stiff competition from Champions League winners and international tournament stars, their inclusion signals a shift in how Ballon d’Or voters evaluate defensive and midfield contributions. Historically biased toward attacking players, the award has increasingly recognized all-around excellence — a trend that benefits Rice’s complete midfield game and the defensive mastery of Saliba and Gabriel.

    The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place later this year, where Arsenal’s representatives will hope to follow in the footsteps of past Premier League winners like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri.

  • Arteta Hails Arsenal’s Amazing Reaction

    Arteta Hails Arsenal’s Amazing Reaction

    Mikel Arteta Thrilled as Arsenal Complete Comeback Victory Over Chelsea

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight after his team fought back to beat Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

    The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Gunners in front of their home crowd.

  • Alonso: Chelsea Defeat to Arsenal Hurts

    Alonso: Chelsea Defeat to Arsenal Hurts

    Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has responded to his side’s 2-1 loss against Arsenal in a dramatic London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

  • Baum Scores on Debut as Arsenal Edge Brighton

    Baum Scores on Debut as Arsenal Edge Brighton

    Lisa Baum Scores on Debut as Arsenal Edge Brighton

    Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton in the Women’s Super League, with new signing Lisa Baum marking her debut with the decisive goal.

  • Arsenal Had Over 20 Players on Summer Transfer Shortlist

    Arsenal Had Over 20 Players on Summer Transfer Shortlist

    Arsenal’s Attacker Search Ends in Disappointment as Berta’s Strategy Questioned

    Arsenal strengthened in defence and midfield during the summer transfer window, yet the club’s push to secure an elite attacker under sporting director Andrea Berta ended in a series of high-profile failures. The inability to land a top-class left-sided forward has raised questions over recruitment strategy and the influence of agent networks on decision-making.

    Rogers Pursuit Collapses Amid Valuation Dispute

    Morgan Rogers emerged as Arsenal’s primary target early in the window. Internal confidence was high that the forward wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium. Initially, Aston Villa valued Rogers at £100 million while Arsenal’s valuation stood at £80 million. Berta believed he could negotiate the price down to a level that would get the deal done.

    While negotiations dragged on, the club explored alternatives including Bradley Barcola, Kenan Yildiz, Yan Diomande and Nico Paz. Anthony Gordon had been a long-term target but had already agreed to join Barcelona before the World Cup. Yildiz and Paz remain realistic targets for future windows, while Eli Junior Kroupi will be monitored following his return from injury at Bournemouth.

    The transfer landscape shifted dramatically when Elliot Anderson moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for £116 million. That deal prompted Villa to increase their valuation of Rogers to £120 million. Chelsea ultimately secured the attacker for £117 million. Arsenal were given the opportunity to match the offer but declined, maintaining that their £80 million valuation was fair. The decision has sparked debate over whether acting sooner could have secured Rogers for the Gunners.

    Vinicius Jr and Alvarez Chases Prove Futile

    The failure to sign Rogers was the first in a string of setbacks. Arsenal genuinely believed they had a realistic chance of signing Vinicius Jr before he committed to a new contract at Real Madrid. Both Berta and manager Mikel Arteta were fully committed to the pursuit, and the club was prepared to finance a deal that would have broken the British transfer record and created one of the most lucrative remuneration packages in Premier League history. The potential commercial value of the Brazil international was seen as justification for the outlay.

    However, well-placed sources informed BBC Sport over the summer that Vinicius had no intention of leaving Madrid. Concerns also arose that Arsenal were being used as leverage to secure a more lucrative contract at the Bernabeu. Those fears materialized when Vinicius signed a new long-term deal in Spain.

    Similar reservations surrounded the pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid forward showed little indication of willingness to join Arsenal; his preference for a move to Barcelona was an open secret. Atletico’s refusal to sell to their city rivals was deemed sufficient reason for Berta and Arteta to persist until the final days of the window. Ultimately, Alvarez chose to remain at Atletico despite a deteriorated relationship with the club.

    Agent Network Influence Raises Questions

    When Alvarez became unattainable, Berta explored further options. Arsenal held an interest in Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, though he was deemed not for sale and there were concerns over his fit in Arteta’s system.

    It is claimed that Berta relies heavily on his extensive network of agent connections rather than the club’s existing scouting database when analysing the market. Last summer, scouting information pointed towards a move for Benjamin Sesko, yet Berta’s arrival precipitated a pivot to Viktor Gyokeres, who currently serves as a second-choice striker.

    This summer’s late interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana provided another example. The opportunity to sign the Belgium international was presented to Arsenal by management agency Roc Nation. Berta’s relationship with Roc Nation was particularly prominent this window given the agency represents both Vinicius Jr and Gabriel Martinelli, the latter of whom was sold by Arsenal.

    Impact on Season Uncertain After Key Departures

    It remains to be seen how much Arsenal’s failure to sign a recognised top-level attacker will impact their season, especially following the departures of Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The club’s recruitment strategy and the weight given to agent-driven opportunities versus scouting data will likely face continued scrutiny as the campaign progresses.

  • Everton Close In on Deadline-Day Move for Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles

    Everton Close In on Deadline-Day Move for Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles

    Everton are closing in on a deadline-day deal to sign Lyon midfielder and former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

    The 29-year-old is expected on Merseyside for a medical on Tuesday, with Everton prioritising the transfer as they seek to resolve their long-standing need for a new right-back.

    Source: tribuna.com