ARTEX-i4232

The administrator of Arsenal’s official Twitter account aimed a cheeky dig at Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this evening, on the back of the Gunners’ victory over the Red Devils.

Arsenal come out on top

Unai Emery’s Arsenal welcomed United to North London earlier today, in a crucial outing for both sides.

Ahead of kick-off at the Emirates, the clubs were separated by just a solitary point in the Premier League table, with the visitors having occupied the final of the English top-flight’s top-4 spots.

As such, with Tottenham having fallen to a shock defeat at Southampton yesterday afternoon, and Chelsea having dropped points at home to Wolves earlier today, both Arsenal and United no doubt headed into proceedings in the English capital aware that a 3-point haul would provide a huge boost to their respective hopes of sealing a Champions League berth for next season.

And, when the 90 minutes at the Emirates were done and dusted, it was Arsenal who emerged with an integral win.

Granit Xhaka notched the game’s opening goal with 12 minutes on the clock, smashing home past the wrong-footed David De Gea with a swerving strike from 20 yards.

And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made sure of the 3 points for hosts Arsenal in the 70th-minute.

After Fred felled Alexandre Lacazette in the United box, Aubameyang stepped up to slot home the ensuing spot-kick in confident fashion.

And a stout defensive performance on the part of the Gunners over the game’s closing 20 minutes eventually saw Arsenal emerge with a deserved clean sheet and 3 points.

⚪ – @SpursOfficial
🔴- @Arsenal
😈 – @ManUtd
🔵 – @ChelseaFC

The race for @ChampionsLeague qualification looks like it is going to go right down to the wire! 🔥@GNev2, @Carra23 and Graeme Souness analyse the run-in and give their verdict… pic.twitter.com/AGHTmtwUn6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2019

‘Unai’s at the wheel’

In the aftermath of Arsenal’s crucial win this evening, the activity of the club’s official Twitter account has since been garnering plenty of attention online.

In a less-than-subtle dig at Manchester United, the Gunners’ admin posted a photo of manager Unai Emery, along with the caption ‘Unai’s at the wheel’, a play on Red Devils’ chant ‘Ole’s at the wheel’:

Unai’s at the wheel… 😉#ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/0nPatIgQyj

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 10, 2019

Why Mauricio Pochettino is happy he’s only in a top 4 battle with Man United, Arsenal & Chelsea

Why Mkhitaryan missed Arsenal vs Manchester United

Fabian Schar targeted by Arsenal & Tottenham-Mirror

---

Liverpool 4- Burnley 2

Liverpool hosted Burnley in Sunday’s early kick-off.

After Man City beat Watford on Saturday, Liverpool needed to pick up a win to reclose the gap at the top of the table to just one point.

Liverpool have not been in the best form of late and had drawn four of their last six league games before Burnley.

Burnley, on the other hand, started the day just two points above the relegation zone.

Trent Alexander-Arnold injured

Liverpool’s day got off to the worst possible start as Ashley Westwood put the Clarets 1-0 up inside six minutes.

The Reds would be quick to respond though. Roberto Firmino equalised in the 19^th minute with Sadio Mane putting Jurgen Klopp’s side in the lead 10 minutes later

Roberto Firmino then added his second and Liverpool’s 3^rd in the 67^th minute.

GOAL Firmino! His second of the match! pic.twitter.com/wHUcbtrLpc

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) 10 March 2019

Burnley had some hope of rescuing a draw with Gudmundsson pulling one back in the 91^st minute.

However, Mane ensured Liverpool came away with all three points, scoring his second in the 93^rd minute.

Despite the win, Liverpool did suffer one big blow on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has only recently returned from injury but the full-back looked to suffer yet another injury late in the Burnley clash.

Liverpool take on Bayern Munich in the coming days in a must-win tie and they could now be without their main right-back.

Worrying for #LFC at end of an important afternoon, with Trent AA clearly unhappy as he limped from the field late in the game. Looks a concern.

— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) March 10, 2019

Related: Adam Lallana shuts up his Liverpool haters vs Burnley

Man United success may leave Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk homeless

---

Newcastle 3 – Everton 2

Newcastle United came from 2-down to beat Everton at St James’ Park on Saturday.

How did Everton manage to throw this game away?

Marco Silva’s side were cruising at the break after goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

But Newcastle staged a remarkable second half turnaround.

Salomon Rondon started the fightback, while Ayoze Perez was the Newcastle hero with a late brace.

Ayoze Perez’s winner vs Everton shouldn’t have counted

There was just one big problem with Newcastle’s winner against Everton.

The goal should have been chalked off as several Newcastle players were caught offside in the build-up.

Newcastle’s third goal came followed a corner.

After Everton repelled the initial delivery, DeAndre Yedlin skewed a forward pass back into the Everton danger area.

Yet, when Yedlin connected with the ball, there were five Newcastle players in an offside position.

Incredibly the linesman kept his flag down.

Seconds later, Perez had the ball in Jordan Pickford’s net.

Five Newcastle players offside vs Everton

Marco Silva’s reaction

After the game, Everton manager Marco Silva raged about Newcastle’s winner:

When they scored the third goal it was a big mistake by the assistant, nothing more to say.

It was a clear offside. If you see the image it’s not just one player or two players in offside positions, there were five Newcastle players in the same line in offside positions. It was a clear offside, five players in offside positions.

If 2-2 for us at that moment was a big frustration, imagine when they scored the third goal in a clear offside position?

“I cannot understand.”

Marco Silva is not a happy man.#MOTD pic.twitter.com/kuN5ICVxsT

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 9, 2019

Also see: Fabian Schar banned vs Arsenal & Crystal Palace while Jamaal Lascelles is injured.

Arsenal vs Manchester United betting tips: Premier League match preview & predictions.

---

Barcelona 3 – Rayo Vallecano 1

Barcelona took another step towards landing the La Liga title on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalans beat Rayo 3-1 at the Camp Nou.

Raul De Tomas fired Rayo into a 24th minute lead, but Gerard Pique levelled for Barca before the break.

A Leo Messi penalty put Barcelona ahead, while Luis Suarez scored the killer third.

Barcelona are now seven points clear of Atletico Madrid.

Alexis Sanchez returned to FC Barcelona

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez was spotted at the Camp Nou for the Barcelona vs Rayo game.

TV cameras showed an image of Sanchez sitting in the crowd.

The United attacker was sat alone wearing a baseball cap.

Of course, Sanchez previously played for Barcelona in his career.

💭 Maybe I should’ve never left pic.twitter.com/dxc35TvsYJ

— Alex Truica (@AlexTruica) March 9, 2019

📸 Alexis Sánchez al Camp Nou #frac1 @FCBRAC1 pic.twitter.com/mhw1K16OZo

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) March 9, 2019

Why the Man United star was at the Camp Nou

There’s no need to start thinking Alexis is about to leave Old Trafford to rejoin Barcelona.

Sanchez is back in Spain with respect to his injury problems.

He is consulting with knee specialist Dr Ramon Cugat.

Sanchez is facing up to an eight-week spell on the sidelines due to a knee ligament injury.

He’ll miss Sunday’s match against former club Arsenal. Will he miss the rest of the season?

Over the weekend, the Man United star uploaded videos onto his Instagram account of his rehab.

Also see: Mason Greenwood & Anthony Martial: Man United’s squad vs Arsenal.

Arsenal vs Manchester United betting tips: Premier League match preview & predictions.

---

Viewers of the clash between Southampton and Tottenham have taken to social media in numbers this evening to highlight James Ward-Prowse’s celebration, after the Saints’ midfielder netted the game’s winning goal.

Southampton vs Tottenham

Southampton welcomed Spurs to St. Mary’s a short time ago, for a Premier League clash.

The hosts headed into proceedings on the back of just a solitary win from their last 6 league outings, a run which left Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men just 2 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of kick-off this afternoon.

Tottenham, meanwhile, secured their advancement to the quarter-finals of the Champions League during the week, after putting Borussia Dortmund to the sword by a goal to nil to seal a hugely-impressive 4-0 aggregate victory.

The North Londoners, though, were winless across their last 3 Premier League fixtures before today.

Southampton turn it around

And Spurs’ recent struggles on the domestic front showed no sign of slowing this afternoon, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men fell to a potentially-crucial 2-1 defeat.

The capital giants actually took the lead in the clash, when Harry Kane found the net with 26 minutes on the clock.

However, Southampton emerged following the interval reinvigorated, before deservedly bagging an equaliser through Yan Valery 15 minutes from time.

And, incredibly, after Kyle Walker-Peters was lucky not to have been given his marching orders for a last-ditch challenge on the edge of the Tottenham box, James Ward-Prowse stepped up to bend the ensuing free-kick beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris in absolutely sumptuous style, in the process securing all 3 points for the hosts.

4 – Only Matt Le Tissier (7) has scored more direct free-kick goals for Southampton in the Premier League than James Ward-Prowse (4). Stunning.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 9, 2019

Ward-Prowse channels his inner Ronaldo

Ward-Prowse’s subsequent celebration on the back of his stunning match-winning strike, meanwhile, has since been the talk of social media.

The Saints’ standout, who’s goal this afternoon came as his second from a set-piece in as many matches, sprinted towards the corner flag, before jumping in the air, rotating, and landing with his back to the crowd, in the fashion of Portuguese legend and 5-time Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

🐐🐐 @Prowsey16 🐐🐐 #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/DQOrJDd4zj

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 9, 2019

And viewers of the clash certainly appeared to enjoy Ward-Prowse’s Ronaldo tribute, as showcased by the reaction across social media since:

Ward-prowse doing ronaldo’s celebration is so fulfilling

— mαturє gαmвínσ (@ohenzyko) March 9, 2019

James Ward-Prowse channelling his inner peak Cristiano Ronaldo, blasting the freekick in the top corner, and then doing the trademark CR7 celebration. Legends only.

— CHIEF (@ChiefPunter) March 9, 2019

Ward Prowse..scoring back to back Free kicks. He earned that Ronaldo celebration

— david ❇♣ (@jst_dubem) March 9, 2019

James Ward Prowse did a C. Ronaldo trademark celebration

— nazifi (@nazif_ningi) March 9, 2019

Ward Prowse did a Ronaldo Siu celebration there. Master’s recognition.

— QUATTRO (@Alamin__MS) March 9, 2019

love how Ward-Prowse did the Ronaldo celebration SIIIIUUU

— standoffish naïvegatari¹³ (@AkiyukiTakehara) March 9, 2019

Ward-Prowse >/= Ronaldo

— Albert Ireeta (@aireeta) March 9, 2019

Ward Prowse celebrating like Ronaldo unreal

— Akan (@Etuk11) March 9, 2019

Ward-Prowse channels his inner Ronaldo with that free kick and celebration. Highlight of the weekend. What a hit

— Michael Adams (@_boneflex_) March 9, 2019

Tottenham and Man City among clubs interested in Real Betis star Giovani Lo Celso

How Mauricio Pochettino reacted to Real Madrid links

---

Neil Critchley, the manager of Liverpool’s U23s, last night provided an update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fitness, after the midfielder was forced off early during his long-awaited return to the pitch.

Derby 1-3 Liverpool

The Reds’ development outfit travelled to the Moor Farm Training Centre yesterday afternoon, for a Premier League 2 clash with Derby County.

Liverpool eventually emerged with a comfortable 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Curtis Jones (2) and Rafael Camacho.

The win took Critchley’s men to within a point of 3rd-placed Derby in the Premier League 2 table.

Chamberlain update

However, on an otherwise positive day for the Merseysiders, there was also a concerning development on the injury-front.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was making his first appearance in a competitive fixture since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last April, was forced off 5 minutes before half-time.

The English international was due to see out the opening 45 minutes at Derby, but, after signalling to the bench that he had picked up a problem, seemingly in his left hamstring, he was quickly replaced as a precautionary measure.

And Liverpool U23s manager Neil Critchley last night provided a brief update on Chamberlain’s wellbeing, confirming that the 25-year-old’s concern was not in his previously-injured knee, before revealing his hope that ‘it’s not as bad as it first looked’.

As per LiverpoolFC.com, Critchley explained:

‘He obviously had a bit of an issue but hopefully it’s nothing major. The bonus for him is that it’s not his knee, so he’s delighted there are no problems with that.’

‘He was enjoying himself, he was happy to be back playing. Hopefully when he wakes up in the morning, fingers crossed it’s nothing and only a precaution.’

‘The idea was only ever to play him for 45 minutes at most anyway. He nearly got that, as well.’

‘Hopefully it’s not as bad as it first looked. He was looking over (to the bench) and we weren’t sure. It’s maybe some kind of muscle problem and maybe one to assess tomorrow.’

‘What was good is that he was sensible. He came off quite quick. He has handled that situation quite well.’

Everton & Liverpool linked with move for Real Sociedad’s Diego Llorente

Bayern dealt fresh Arjen Robben injury blow ahead of Liverpool/Kingsley Coman update

---

Liverpool throw away a seven-point lead

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Everton on Sunday in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City, on the other hand, beat Bournemouth 1-0 this past weekend.

As a result, Liverpool have fallen to second in the Premier League, one point behind City.

Given that Liverpool were at one point in the season, seven points clear at the top of the table, being one point behind is somewhat embarrassing.

Liverpool have lost just once in the league this campaign but they have drawn seven times already this season.

Four of those draws have come in Liverpool’s last six league outings.

Despite the draw, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes his side are very much in the title race.

Mourinho offers Klopp advice

However, if Liverpool keep putting in performances similar to the one against Everton, it is hard to see them winning the league.

Man City, on the other hand, have come through their dip in form and look as good as always.

City have won their last five league games and are the top scorers in the PL.

With City now top of the table, former Man United boss Jose Mourinho has told Klopp how his side can regain their form and win the title:

“I think he’s going to make them believe what we also believe: that’s it’s open. It’s not closed.

“City is not champions: it’s open. He’s trying to prepare them and I think the best way to prepare sometimes is to be really honest. To be honest.

“It’s not to try sometimes to sell dreams. To be honest is to say we’re not in our best moment. They are not in their best moment.

“Salah would score this opportunities, a rebound would go in their favour.

“I think the best way is to be honest. ;By  being honest maybe they can think about, I don’t say their bad qualities, but the little things that aren’t going so well and try to focus on that and go for it.”As quoted by the Metro.

---

One-time Liverpool star Phil Babb has this evening revealed his opinion that, on current form, even ‘average centre-halves’ would not be worried by the prospect of facing Mohamed Salah.

Everton 0-0 Liverpool

The latest edition of the Merseyside derby took place at Goodison Park yesterday evening.

Ahead of the clash, visitors Liverpool had seen a frustrating recent run of 3 draws from their last 5 outings allow Manchester City firmly back into the Premier League title race.

And the struggles of the Merseyside giants continued at Goodison, as a stout defensive showing from Everton eventually saw the two sides forced to make do with a point apiece.

Mohamed Salah had the best chance of the clash just before the half-hour mark, but the Egyptian’s effort in a 1-on-1 showdown with Jordan Pickford was well saved by the latter.

Pickford stays big, Salah doesn’t hit the back of the net.

Everton 0-0 Liverpool#EVELIV #Everton #Liverpool #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/DAnOb71bVJ

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 3, 2019

The second-half saw little change in terms of clear-cut chances, with Salah’s wastefulness in front of goal having seen the Liverpool attacker spurn a couple of further promising opportunities.

As such, when all was said and done, Everton stood firm, leaving Manchester City a point clear of Liverpool atop the Premier League table.

Salah’s struggles

As outlined above, amid the latest in a string of underwhelming performances from Jurgen Klopp’s Reds yesterday evening, none of Liverpool’s stars disappointed more-so than Mo Salah.

The former Roma man, who has looked some way short of his scintillating best over recent weeks, once again appeared to be lacking in confidence in front of goal, with his finished product having left a lot to be desired.

Mohamed Salah has failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since joining Liverpool:

❌ vs. Man Utd
❌ vs. Watford
❌ vs. Everton

He had his fair share of chances today… pic.twitter.com/GDq7LveohK

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 3, 2019

‘Quite easy to mark’

And one former Liverpool star has this evening discussed the poor run of form being endured by the Merseysiders’ attacking talisman, revealing his opinion that Salah, as things stand, would cause few problems for ‘some of the average centre-halves in the Premier League’.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, former stopper Phil Babb, who lined out at Anfield from 1994 to 2000, explained:

‘The fact your talisman is not performing well can have an effect on the rest of the squad.’

‘He’s had chances but doesn’t seem to have the confidence in front of goal at the moment.’

‘He’s been playing through the middle and he doesn’t really know that role too well.’

‘He’s been quite easy to mark by some of the average centre-halves in the Premier League.’

Everton ballboy’s dad explains what happened with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp

Lose to Bayern Munich & Liverpool can beat Man City – Gary Neville

---