Sports

London is Red: Arsenal reclaim top spot with Chelsea win as Aubameyang struggles

Published

4 years ago

November 6, 2022

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Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League as they beat Chelsea and denied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a dream reunion with his former side.

The Gunners had fallen behind Manchester City following their dramatic win over Fulham on Saturday but underlined their title credentials with a mature display at Stamford Bridge. Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes gave the Gunners a deserved second-half lead as he converted from close range following Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Heading into the showdown at Stamford Bridge, there was of course plenty of talk surrounding Aubameyang’s reunion with his former club. The Gabonese attempted to stir the tension ahead of the clash with a few choice words. That – coupled with his somewhat acrimonious exit from the Emirates Stadium – saw him receive loud boos from the away end.

Unfortunately for Aubameyang, he really struggled to have an impact on the game and display the lethal goalscoring instincts that were regularly on dissplay across the capital. He was eventually withdrawn midway through the second-half in place of Armando Broja.

Loser Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang endured a miserable time of things against Arsenal ( Image: Getty Images)
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Whilst Arsenal boss Arteta assured reporters that he only wanted to focus on his side instead of Aubameyang ahead of the game, he had no choice but to put his focus on the Gabonese midway during the first-half. The former Barcelona striker produced a crunching tackled on Gunners’ defender Ben White – leaving him sprawled on the floor.

Referee Michael Oliver very quickly brandished a yellow card for Aubameyang but that did nothing to cool Arteta’s mood as he was left apopleptic at the tackle.

The Spaniard continued to cut a stormy figure throughout the game and remonstrated with the fourth official after Bukayo Saka was booked for a foul on Marc Cucurella. His mood will no doubt have improved after seeing his side hit the front after the break and hold onto what could be a vital three points.

In all honesty, there was a real lack of goal-mouth action throughout the game but that does not mean there was a lack of competitiveness.

During the 90 minutes, a vast number of heavy challenges were flying in from both sides – potentially indicating how much of an evenkeel both sides are currently on. Throughout the match, there was 31 free-kicks awarded with all of Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Saka and Aubameyang all receiving bookings.

The stop-start nature of the game certainly made it tough for each side to build momentum so Arsenal must be credited for finding a route through to goal in an extremely bitty affair.

Chelsea are currently in the doldrums of a defensive injury crisis with the likes of Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana all restricted to the sidelines – and that appears to be a major reason behind their struggles.

After shipping four at Brighton last time out, the Blues’ backline did not cover itself in glory for Gabriel’s opener. Saka’s cross somehow managed to find its way through a clutch of Chelsea players before finding its way to the unmarked Brazilian – who had the simple task of firing home unchallenged.

Graham Potter certainly has his work cut out in tightening up a defence that has looked lost at sea for weeks.

Sports

Lionel Messi retires from international football

Published

3 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

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Argentina football legend, Lionel Messi, has drawn the curtain on his international football with Argentina after an illustrious career with the South American nation.

The 39-year-old made a total of 207 appearances, announced his retirement on Monday.

He won the World Cup in 2022, and was a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.

Messi wrote in a statement, “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

Messi, who made 207 appearances and reached three World Cup finals, is widely regarded by fans worldwide as the greatest footballer ever.

Sports

Tinubu orders comprehensive reform of Nigerian football after resignation of NFF board

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football to ensure the national football team overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.

“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” he said.

Tinubu, according to a statement on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, made the decision to help the country “overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments”.

“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” the president said.

The President noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress since the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses within the system.

He stressed that Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration and facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.

The process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.

The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.

Sports

Ibrahim Gusau confirms resignation as NFF president, Mohammed Sanusi steps down as general secretary

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

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Ibrahim Gusau has confirmed his resignation as the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The former chairman officially announced his resignation at a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday.

He said: “After consultation with family, friends and stakeholders, I just want to tell you that I have decided to resign from my position.

“As Nigerians, nobody is greater than this country. We all love our country and its progress. And as people who have been in football and managing football, we need to look at ourselves and ask, ‘What next?’ so we made a lot of consultations.”

Gusau added that he also advised members of the NFF board to follow his footsteps. He clarified, however, that he cannot say whether they would heed his advice.

A few minutes after Gusau’s announcement, the NFF, on its X page, confirmed the resignation of Mohammed Sanusi as the federation’s general secretary.

The mass resignation comes a few weeks after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition’s inception. The disappointment triggered backlash for the NFF board members.

According to rumours, the NFF leadership was pressured to step down after intervention from top brass of the Federal Government, from the National Sports Commission (NSC) to the presidency.

Gusau was elected NFF president in 2022, and his tenure was supposed to end next month, with an elective congress scheduled for September 27.

The fate of the congress is uncertain as reports claim that a normalisation committee will be set up to oversee the federation’s affairs until further notice.

Under Gusau’s leadership, the Super Eagles, like the Falcons, also failed to qualify for the men’s 2026 World Cup, despite Africa getting 10 slots for the first time. The failure also extended to age-grade football, with the men’s U-17 and U-20 teams missing out on World Cups.