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Arteta fury as Premier League issues statement over controversial VAR call in damaging Arsenal draw

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Arteta fury as Premier League issues statement over controversial VAR call in damaging Arsenal draw

Mikel Arteta expressed frustration over the contentious penalty awarded to Brighton during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw on Saturday night, a decision later clarified by the Premier League in an official statement.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Ethan Nwaneri’s early goal, holding their advantage until the final half-hour when Brighton equalized under controversial circumstances.

The incident occurred as Joao Pedro went down following a minimal clash with William Saliba, who attempted to clear the ball with his head.

After a lengthy review, referee Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty, a decision upheld by VAR. The Premier League later explained why Saliba’s actions led to the penalty, a moment that could prove significant in Arsenal’s title ambitions.

“The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty,” a statement published on the Premier League Match Centre’s X account read.

Pedro, who had previously netted the equalizer during their earlier clash at the Emirates, shared his thoughts after the match, expressing his belief that Taylor’s decision was correct.

He said: “I tried to control the ball and then [Saliba] hit me. It’s good that I scored. I always try to be positive with goals and assists.

“I like the feeling [of scoring] and hopefully I’ll score more.”

Arteta disagrees with Taylor call as Ian Wright rants

As expected, Arteta viewed the pivotal moment differently, contending that Saliba should not have been penalized since replays revealed he made slight contact with the ball.

The Gunners boss added: “I’m disappointed because we wanted to win the game. We started the game with good actions and a good goal. We knew it was going to be a challenging game.

“We gave too many balls away in the second half and we’re very disappointed with the penalty.

“I’ve never seen that in my life – and Saliba touches the ball. [It wasn’t one] for me, no.

“We’re playing every three days. I understand how much we want to [win], but in terms of the quality and the consistency and doing the simple things right against a competitive team, we didn’t do enough today.”

Arsenal legend Ian Wright was furious with Taylor’s decision, as the result left the Gunners trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by five points, though Arne Slot’s side still have two games in hand.

Wright told Optus Sport: “I don’t know what to believe anymore. This is ridiculous. We have the worst officials in Europe.

“No way is that a penalty, I’m not having that. I can’t sit with it and I can’t understand it.”

Latest Arsenal news: Gunners pushing for Cunha move / Ferguson deal back on

Arsenal are reportedly making a strong push to secure a deal for Matheus Cunha during the January transfer window, potentially disrupting the plans of their rivals.

Cunha has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout talents, despite playing for relegation-threatened Wolves, who currently sit 17th in the table. The Brazilian striker has been in exceptional form, contributing 10 goals and four assists in 19 league appearances—accounting for nearly half of Wolves’ 31 goals this season.

Several top clubs have expressed interest in Cunha, with Arsenal reportedly leading the charge. According to Football Insider, the Gunners are “exploring a January move” for the forward and are actively working to finalize the deal.

Additionally, Arsenal are said to be back in contention to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s rising star Evan Ferguson, though they’ll need to outmaneuver two London rivals to secure his signature.

Ethan Blake

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Exclusive: Tottenham Want to Sign £135m Duo as Levy Eyes Four Huge Deals

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Exclusive: Tottenham Want to Sign £135m Duo as Levy Eyes Four Huge Deals

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is targeting Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as part of his strategy to bring homegrown talent to Hotspur Way this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs were highly active in the winter transfer window, securing Mathys Tel on an initial loan from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with an option for a permanent £45 million move.

His arrival followed the signings of Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso, the latter joining from Ligue 1 side Lens with a £20.9 million obligation to buy. Postecoglou is working closely with technical director Johan Lange to plan future transfers.

Spurs Set Sights on Dibling and Gittens Deals

Tottenham have earmarked Tyler Dibling and Jamie Gittens as key transfer targets as they refine their strategy to strengthen their homegrown quota for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources report. However, securing both deals may prove challenging when negotiations begin.

Spurs could benefit if Southampton face relegation to the Championship in their pursuit of Dibling. However, the south coast club rejected bids below £55 million during the winter window, determined to retain the 19-year-old winger.

Sources indicate Tottenham nearly reached an agreement for Dibling in January but backed away due to Southampton’s high demands and doubts over the player’s willingness to move mid-season. Gittens is also expected to command a hefty transfer fee.

England U21 international Jamie Gittens carries an £80 million price tag ahead of the summer, having become a key figure in Borussia Dortmund’s plans during a challenging season. Securing his signature would require Tottenham to break their club-record transfer fee.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs ruled out signing Gittens during the winter transfer window, deeming a deal unfeasible at the time. However, their pursuit could face further complications as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for the highly-rated winger.

Postecoglou Remains Interested in Guehi Move

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a key target for Tottenham, despite the club’s frustration in their attempts to secure a deal mid-season. However, Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature, with additional interest emerging from abroad.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs made a £70 million bid for the 24-year-old in the final days of the winter transfer window, but Palace stood firm. Ange Postecoglou now faces a decision on whether to revisit negotiations in the summer.

The high valuations of Dibling, Gittens, and Guehi present challenges for Tottenham as they look to bolster their homegrown quota. Spurs have been monitoring the situation since last summer and are under pressure to balance their squad.

Additionally, GMS sources recently disclosed that Tottenham explored signing Angel Gomes last month or securing him on a pre-contract agreement before he becomes a free agent from Lille in the summer, as they continue their pursuit of homegrown talent.

Ethan Blake

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Arsenal ‘agree summer transfer’ to ease Mikel Arteta’s pain after double Man Utd swoop

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Arsenal's expected XI vs Monaco as Mikel Arteta recalls forgotten man amid injury crisis

Arsenal have secured a deal to sign Scottish prospect Callan Hamill from St Johnstone, according to reports.

The 15-year-old, regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents, reportedly turned down offers from Celtic and Rangers in favor of joining the Gunners.

Having previously trained with Arsenal’s youth teams, Hamill will officially make the move on July 1, after his 16th birthday.

As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal and St Johnstone have agreed on a six-figure transfer fee, with additional clauses that could increase the final amount based on performance-based triggers.

Hamill, who can play both in defense and midfield, is a promising addition to Arsenal’s academy, particularly after the club lost two emerging talents to Manchester United.

Last October, United secured striker Chido Obi, who had broken multiple scoring records in Arsenal’s youth system but was reportedly uncertain about his pathway to Mikel Arteta’s first team. Obi, now 17, has already made his senior debut for the Red Devils.

United also signed 18-year-old center-back Ayden Heaven during the January transfer window. Though his chances of breaking into Arsenal’s first team were slim, he has already been named on United’s bench twice and could soon feature due to injuries in the squad.

Despite these departures, Arsenal’s academy remains strong, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri making significant strides this season.

Lewis-Skelly has logged 631 Premier League minutes in the 2024/25 season and is reportedly on the radar of England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of his debut matches in charge.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Nwaneri has impressed Arteta, contributing to a goal every 94 minutes in the league and delivering standout performances in the Carabao Cup before Arsenal’s exit.

With these young talents paving the way, Hamill can take confidence in Arsenal’s commitment to developing prospects, as he aims to carve out his own future in North London.

Raheem Sterling or Mikel Merino? Paul Merson makes prediction for Arsenal’s clash with West Ham

Paul Merson expects Mikel Arteta to keep faith in Raheem Sterling for Arsenal’s crucial clash against West Ham, despite the forward’s underwhelming display against Leicester.

With Kai Havertz ruled out for the season due to injury, Arteta was forced to adjust his attack at the King Power Stadium. While some speculated that Merino could be deployed as a false nine, the Arsenal boss instead opted for a front three of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Sterling.

However, Sterling struggled to make an impact and was eventually substituted in the second half. His replacement, Merino, made an immediate difference—breaking the deadlock with a well-placed header from a pinpoint Nwaneri cross before sealing Arsenal’s victory with a composed finish in stoppage time.

Merino’s match-winning performance has sparked calls for him to start in the upcoming London derby, but Merson believes Arteta will resist the temptation to alter his frontline.

Given the importance of the match, the Arsenal manager is likely to back Sterling once again, trusting in his experience and ability to deliver in high-stakes fixtures.

‘Arsenal have an advantage this week since they are playing before Liverpool. If they beat West Ham, they close the gap at the top to just five points,’ ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Merson said in his Sportskeeda column.

‘If Liverpool lose to City on Sunday, the title race is wide open! This will still be a hard game for Arsenal, though.

‘West Ham were decent against Chelsea, I liked how they played even though they lost.’

Merson added: ‘Arsenal were poor in the first 70 minutes against Leicester. The football wasn’t free-flowing at all. I was gutted for Raheem Sterling because for some reason he just can’t seem to get going at Arsenal.

‘Despite his goal in the last game, I think Merino will be left on the bench here. I expect Mikel Arteta to use the same front three he used against Leicester.

‘If it doesn’t work out he can always bring Merino on and hope for the same result.’

‘West Ham will come out and frustrate Arsenal in this game, plus the Hammers have the firepower in the form of players who can pick you off,’ he continued.

‘They are also a better team in games where they are forced to rely on counter-attack.

‘Arsenal have a tricky run of fixtures after this game. This is a must-win clash and they must look at one game at a time rather than getting too ahead of themselves. This title is still well out of their hands, though.’

Asked whether the Chelsea loanee may need more game-time to build up his confidence, Arteta responded: ‘Yeah… and, as well, I think from everybody, to step up their game.

‘In the first half, especially in the first 20 to 25 minutes, we weren’t at our standards and it’s very difficult for our front players.’

Ethan Blake

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New Erling Haaland injury update as Man City could be without five for Liverpool clash

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New Erling Haaland injury update as Man City could be without five for Liverpool clash

With Liverpool set to face Manchester City this Sunday, Erling Haaland is racing to regain full fitness.

The star striker is among five players Pep Guardiola could be missing for a crucial clash that has become a must-win for the Reds.

On Wednesday, Arne Slot’s side had their match against Aston Villa moved forward due to their upcoming Carabao Cup final. Villa Park is always a tough place to visit, and Liverpool managed only a draw, leaving them eight points behind Arsenal at the top, having played an extra game.

A victory at the Etihad Stadium—where Liverpool hasn’t won since 2018—now feels essential. Fortunately, City are dealing with their own struggles, and Haaland’s availability remains uncertain.

The Norwegian striker picked up a knee issue late in last weekend’s win over Newcastle United, preventing him from making an appearance in City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

Via our colleagues at MEN Sport, Guardiola explained: “I believe the images we have done are fine but it hurt when he walked, when he went down the stairs. Yesterday, this morning he told me that he wasn’t ready, that he didn’t feel well.”

Now trailing Mohamed Salah by five goals in the Golden Boot race, Erling Haaland’s potential absence would be a relief for a Liverpool defense that has managed just two clean sheets in their last nine games.

Adding to Manchester City’s concerns, John Stones lasted only eight minutes in Wednesday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The England defender went down without contact while under pressure from Vinicius Jr and appeared emotional as he left the pitch, making him a major doubt for Sunday’s showdown.

Meanwhile, midfield anchor Rodri, sidelined since last September with an ACL injury, has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will play no part against Arne Slot’s side.

Youngster Oscar Bobb remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a leg fracture suffered early in the season, while Manuel Akanji is also a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury earlier this month.

The only positive news for Manchester City on the injury front is Jack Grealish’s return to the bench. The winger had been out since sustaining a hamstring issue in the first leg against Real Madrid but could now be in contention to feature against Liverpool.

Ethan Blake

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