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Arsenal fans target Henrikh Mkhitaryan after Watford showing

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Arsenal’s supporters have flooded to social media this evening to take aim at Henrikh Mkhitaryan, following the former Manchester United man’s disappointing performance versus Watford.

Watford 0-1 Arsenal

Unai Emery’s men travelled to Vicarage Road a short time ago, in the Gunners’ latest crucial outing in their bid to secure a Champions League berth for next season.

Ahead of kick-off, Arsenal sat in 6th-place in the Premier League table.

However, the North Londoners headed into proceedings aware that a victory would see them leapfrog both Chelsea and Manchester United into 4th.

And, when all was said and done at Vicarage Road, secure a vital 3 points was exactly what the capital giants managed.

The only goal of the game came with 10 minutes gone, as a moment to forget for Watford shot-stopper Ben Foster saw the former English international take far too long on the ball, leading to his attempted clearance being deflected home by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Hornets’ captain Troy Deeney was given his marching orders just moments after the restart for a needless elbow on Lucas Torreira, with Arsenal, despite failing to take advantage of their extra man, having eventually held on to secure victory.

Mkhi disappoints

While the Gunners’ result proved exactly what was required, the performance of Unai Emery’s men left a lot to be desired.

A number of the visitors’ stars simply failed to perform, though one player in particular has since been singled out for heavy criticism by the club’s supporters.

The individual in question is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, after the Armenian struggled to make any sort of positive impact on proceedings tonight.

In addition, ‘Mkhi’ left his shooting boots very much at home, with a number of wayward strikes on the part of the 30-year-old, particularly during the second-half, having left the Gunners’ faithful utterly bemused.

‘Rather play with ten men’

Check out the best of the social media reaction to Mkhitaryan’s underwhelming performance below:

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Liverpool can ‘close the slipping book’ after Chelsea win

Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk

Jurgen Klopp has this evening suggested that Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea should see talk surrounding Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip versus the Blues in 2014 come to a close.

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

The Reds welcomed Maurizio Sarri’s men to Anfield earlier today, for a crunch Premier League matchup.

The fixture marked a crucial one in the race for both the English top-flight title, and a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Manchester City’s victory over Crystal Palace this afternoon had seen the Citizens leapfrog Liverpool back to the summit of the Premier League table, while Tottenham’s win versus Huddersfield yesterday saw Mauricio Pochettino’s men climb above Chelsea into 3rd.

Moussa Sissoko

Moussa Sissoko passes the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

As such, ahead of kick-off on Merseyside, both sides were absolutely desperate to secure all 3 points.

And, when the 90 minutes were said and done this evening, it was hosts Liverpool who emerged victorious.

On the back a tightly-contested first-half, during which clear-cut chances were few and far between, Sadio Mane got on the end of a dinked Jordan Henderson delivery to the back-post to open the game’s shortly after the interval.

And Mohamed Salah rounded out the day’s scoring just 2 minutes later, cutting inside from the right to unleash an unstoppable drive beyond Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa from 25 yards.

‘Close the slipping book’

While Liverpool, in the end, kept a clean sheet, their victory was not without its nervy moments, with Eden Hazard having missed a gilt-edged pair of second-half opportunities, one of which came back off the upright.

Another Chelsea breakaway in the game’s closing stages, meanwhile, came on the back of an Andrew Robertson slip near the halfway-line, with the Scot’s heart-in-the-mouth moment having inevitably been likened to Steven Gerrard’s infamous loss of footing in the same fixture 5 years ago.

As such, Jurgen Klopp was unsurprisingly questioned on the incident during a post-match press conference this evening.

However, with Chelsea having failed to capitalize on the situation this time around, the German tactician revealed his opinion that ‘the slipping book’ should now be definitively closed:

‘By the way, on this point, we can finally close the slipping book. Robbo slipped and nothing happened. So it’s not a Liverpool thing. Done.’

Quotes via Goal

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Man United to offer captaincy to Pogba to ward off Madrid interest

Paul Pogba Manchester United

As per a report from the Mirror, Manchester United are ready to offer the club’s captaincy to Paul Pogba, in a bid to refocus the midfielder amid mounting links with Real Madrid.

Zidane returns

Zinedine Zidane made his return to the bench at the Bernabeu on the 11th of March.

The former Real midfielder was reinstalled following failed stints on the part of both Julen Lopetegui and Santi Solari, which led to the capital giants relinquishing their title as European champions for the first time in 4 years, and failing to mount any kind of serious La Liga title challenge to Clasico rivals Barcelona.

And, on the back of Zidane’s return, Los Merengues have since been linked with a massive summer spending spree.

Numerous outlets across Europe have run similar stories, suggesting that Real are ready to break the bank on a number of high-profile additions.

Pogba targeted

Chief among the names linked with a Bernabeu switch have been Premier League duo Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba.

Chelsea attacker Hazard is known to be a long-time target of the soon-to-be dethroned Champions League holders, though the rumours of a potential Blancos’ swoop for Manchester United midfield standout Pogba have majorly ramped up since Zidane’s reappointment last month.

Paul Pogba during the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 First-Leg match between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Zidane is said to have identified Pogba as the ideal addition to his side’s midfield, with Luka Modric set to turn 34 in the summer, and both Toni Kroos and Casemiro having struggled for form this season.

And the Real boss did little to play down the rumours linking Los Merengues with a swoop for his fellow countryman during a press conference late last month, when he explained:

‘I really like Pogba and you know that.’

‘I know him very well. He’s a different kind of player and he can provide many things because of his skills. He knows how to attack and defend.’

‘However, he’s not my player. He plays for United and we have to respect that. He’s always said that he likes Madrid.’

New United captain?

Pogba himself has also admitted that it would mark a ‘dream for anyone’ to line out in the colours of Madrid, leading to ever-growing claims that the 26-year-old has his sights firmly set on an Old Trafford departure.

As per the aforementioned report from the Mirror, though, Manchester United have a plan firmly in place in their bid to hold onto the club’s star midfielder.

The Red Devils are said to be ready to offer the captain’s armband to Pogba for next season.

Current United captain Antonio Valencia is set to depart Manchester this summer, following the expiration of his contract.

And Pogba could well be the man set to replace the Ecuadorian as skipper, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen ‘to show the French midfielder how much they value him’.

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Pep Guardiola provides Sergio Aguero update ahead of Spurs

Sergio Aguero

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola this evening eased fears over the fitness of striker Sergio Aguero, following his side’s win at Crystal Palace.

Sterling at the double

The Citizens travelled to Selhurst Park earlier today, as Guardiola’s men continue their pursuit of a 2nd-straight Premier League crown.

City headed into proceedings a point adrift of table-toppers Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand.

The Sky Blues had, though, fallen to their first defeat since the end of January during the week, at the hands of Tottenham in the first-leg of the all-English Champions League quarter-final tie between the clubs.

But, when all was said and done at Selhurst Park, the visitors got their form firmly back on track.

After opening the scoring with 15 minutes gone, Raheem Sterling doubled City’s advantage just past the hour-mark, following a typically-sumptuous team move.

Crystal Palace, though, set up a nervy close to proceedings with 10 minutes remaining, as Luka Milivojević’s pinpoint free-kick found the corner of Ederson’s goal.

But City, in the end, held their nerve, making sure of victory in the 90th-minute through substitute Gabriel Jesus.

Aguero boost

While it proved a largely-satisfying outing for the Sky Blues at Selhurst Park, however, one source of concern for City was the performance, and general lack of sharpness of Sergio Aguero.

The Argentine hitman looked off the pace throughout the 90 minutes in London, much like he did versus Tottenham on Tuesday night.

As such, when Aguero headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Gabriel Jesus 15 minutes from time, fears quickly spread that the 30-year-old may be carrying an injury:

Pep Guardiola, though, has this evening moved to dispel such fears, ahead of his side’s Champions League return clash with Spurs in 3 days’ time:

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Chelsea label fans who abused Mo Salah ’embarrassment’ to supporters

Chelsea to take strongest action possible

Chelsea have responded after a video emerged on social media of fans singing racially abusive songs about Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

The Blues have had several problems with their own fans during the current campaign.

One of the biggest problems came when fans supposedly sang anti-Semitic chants during their Europa League clash with MOL Vidi back in December.

While UEFA did not charge Chelsea due to a lack of sufficient evidence, the Blues had already released a statement condemning their own supporters just hours after the game.

The second offence came in the same month when Raheem Sterling was seemingly racially abused during a game at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking following the game, Sterling claimed: “I just had to laugh because I don’t expect no better.”

Manager Maurizio Sarri also came out to slam the individuals involved, labelling the abuse as ‘disgusting’.

Now, the club have had to condemn their fans yet again following racist abuse of Mohamed Salah.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: The Chelsea corner flag with club badge lies on the pitch before the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on September 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

‘Such individuals are an embarrassment to the vast majority of Chelsea supporters who won’t tolerate them in their club.”

That is after a video appeared on social media of Chelsea fans in Prague chanting ‘Salah is a bomber’. 

The disgusting video has now been met with a statement by Chelsea, labelling individuals as ‘an embarrassment to the vast majority of Chelsea supporters who won’t tolerate them in their club.’

Their statement read:

‘Chelsea FC finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent and where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season ticket holders or members involved in such behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action against them. 

‘Such individuals are an embarrassment to the vast majority of Chelsea supporters who won’t tolerate them in their club.’

Sky Sports later confirmed that Chelsea had denied entry to fans who were suspected of the abusive chants.

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Danny Rose gives his opinion on VAR handball penalty drama vs Man City

Was it a penalty or not?

Tottenham defender Danny Rose has spoken out over VAR’s decision to award a penalty to Manchester City after the ball hit his hand in the box.

Rose and Spurs took on City in a crunch Champions League clash at their new stadium on Tuesday.

While the game was brilliant, it was overshadowed by another controversial decision by VAR.

Danny Rose was adjudged to have handballed in the area after flying into a block.

Though, a fair few suggested that the player’s hand was not that far from his body and therefore, a penalty was harsh.

While Hugo Lloris went on to save Sergio Aguero’s penalty, a goal could have led to a completely different result.

Now, Danny Rose has given his opinion on the decision to award a penalty.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 20: The score board is seen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Schalke 04 and Manchester City at Veltins-Arena on February 20, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)

“It’s unnatural to try to defend a shot with your arms behind your back”

Speaking following the game, Rose explained that while the ball did hit his arm, he didn’t feel his arm was away from his body.

He also went on to explain that it would be ‘unnatural’ for players to defend a shot with their arms behind their back.

“It did hit my arm and I didn’t think my arm was outside my body,” he explained, as quoted by the Mirror.

“But the referee said it was and if VAR wasn’t there I would have got away with it. But he’s given it and luckily Hugo got me out of trouble.

“Even though it was after 13 minutes, it was a game-changing save. Sometimes they go for us, and tonight it went against us. I’m not sure I can complain.

“It’s unnatural to try to defend a shot with your arms behind your back and I’m not sure that’s something the manager would be promoting.

“But there’s not much I can do, I have to learn from it.”

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Stefan Savic slams Jordan Henderson after Montenegro 1-England 5

Montenegro 1-England 5

England’s final game of the current international break saw them travel to Montenegro on Monday.

After smashing Czech Republic 5-0 just a few days before, the Three Lions will have been full of confidence heading into the tie.

Things did not get off to a great start though as Montenegro took the lead inside 17 minutes.

Gareth Southgate’s side responded well as Michael Keane headed home in the 30th minute to draw England level.

Ross Barkley then put the visitors 2-1 up in the 39th minute.

The second half would then see Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Barkley once again getting on the scoresheet.

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO – MARCH 25: Ross Barkley of England (8) celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with team mates during the 2020 UEFA European Championships Group A qualifying match between Montenegro and England at Podgorica City Stadium on March 25, 2019 in Podgorica, Montenegro. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Savic unhappy with Henderson

After the game, Atletico Madrid and Montenegro centre-back Stefan Savic has been criticising Jordan Henderson.

Savic took issue with an incident late in the game that saw Henderson and one of Savic’s teammates exchange words after a tackle.

Savic claims Henderson was sarcastic and disrespectful towards the Montenegro player:

“We all know they are a much bigger team than us but sometimes I feel very bad to be playing the same sport as some players.

“Jordan Henderson, for example, sarcastically told our player after one normal clash he would give him a jersey after the match.

“It is ugly and disrespectful. I told him he was good enough not to act like that.

“We are proud and I’d rather play with this team and concede five goals and not with some arrogant players from England.”As quoted by Football365.

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Man United confident of keeping PSG & Arsenal target Ander Herrera

Herrera’s contract situation

Ander Herrera’s current Manchester United contract runs out in July of 2019.

As a result, the Spaniard has been linked with a number of clubs.

The two sides at the forefront of the Herrera hunt appear to be Arsenal and Ligue 1 giants, PSG.

Herrera himself has recently spoken out about his contract and being linked with other clubs.

Although, it doesn’t really seem like he has much incline into what United are planning for him:

“I do not go crazy with what will happen in four months, so I do not know if my stage (at Man United) is over.

“I enjoy being at the biggest club in England, the fans love me, they have treated me phenomenally and my duty is to listen to them, although I honestly do not know what is going to happen.”As quoted by El Periodico.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Ander Herrera of Manchester United tackles Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on February 24, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Man United to keep hold of Herrera

Despite all of the uncertainty surrounding Herrera’s future at Old Trafford, the Metro are reporting that United are confident of keeping hold of the 29-year-old.

Herrera has made 25 appearances across all competitions this season for United, scoring two and assisting three.

The midfielder has also begun to feature a lot more under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who the Metro claim wants to keep him around.

The report from the Metro also suggests that United have offered Herrera a new deal that could see his salary rise to £170,000-a-week.

He currently is believed to earn around £100,000-a-week.

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Manchester United & Barcelona ‘join transfer race’ for Hudson-Odoi

Summer transfer battle incoming

Manchester United and Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi after his impressive displays this season.

Hudson-Odoi has made waves in European football this campaign.

The 18-year-old continues to go from strength to strength after bursting onto the scene with Chelsea.

Though, Hudson-Odoi has rarely been used in the Premier League.

Instead, he’s predominantly featured in the Europa League.

The Englishman has scored four goals and assisted two during his eight appearances in Europe.

Despite that, Hudson-Odoi is still very much considered to be a squad player.

That lack of first-team chances left Hudson-Odoi wanting to leave the club in January.

Bayern Munich came calling but despite several bids and a transfer request, Chelsea stood very firm on their stance that their talented youngster is not for sale.

However, it looks as though there will be movement for Hudson-Odoi in the summer window and two new clubs have joined the race to sign him.

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO – MARCH 25: Ross Barkley of England (L) celebrates with Callum Hudson-Odoi after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships Group A qualifying match between Montenegro and England at Podgorica City Stadium on March 25, 2019 in Podgorica, Montenegro. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Where will Hudson-Odoi be next season?

After his impressive performances with the England senior team this week, Manchester United and Barcelona are now said to have joined the race to sign him.

That is according to the Mirror.

They claim his performances showed ‘he is not just an exciting prospect for the future but ready to make an impact at the top level now.’

They say Chelsea’s determination to keep him ‘is set to be even stronger in the summer’.

However, how many minutes he gets on the pitch before the end of the season will ‘be key’ as to whether he pushes for a move or not.

Safe to say, Sarri needs to find a place for him in his side and soon.

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Gary McAllister to return to dugout for Rangers vs Celtic

Rangers vs Celtic

Celtic and Rangers will go head-to-head once again this coming Sunday.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side came out on top the last time the two sides met earlier this season.

Ryan Jack scored the only goal of the game as Rangers came away victorious in December of 2018.

While Ranger’s may have got the upper hand in their last meeting, it is Celtic who have once again dominated the SPL.

With the 2018/19 season drawing to a close, Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premier League on 70 points.

Rangers, on the other hand, sit 2nd in the league, 10 points adrift of Celtic.

Heading into the game, Celtic are the more inform side, winning four of their last five while Rangers have won just two of their last five outings.

Steven Gerrard

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 29: Rangers Manager, Steven Gerrard looks on during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premier League between Celtic and at Ibrox Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Gary McAllister to be in the dugout vs Celtic

Prior to the game, it has been revealed by the Scottish Sun, that Ranger’s assistant coach Gary McAllister will be alongside Gerrard for the tie.

McAllister was recently attacked while on a night out in Leeds, waiting for a taxi with his wife.

After the attack, it is believed that he lost three teeth and needed 12 stitches.

McAllister is said to have returned to Ranger’s training ground for the first time on Wednesday.

Alfredo Morelos on international duty

Related: Celtic vs Rangers live stream: Watch the Scotland Premiership match

Rangers Goal Of The Month | February 2019 | Alfredo Morelos