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Premier League flops of the season featuring Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea stars

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While Liverpool and Mohamed Salah claimed the spotlight at the summit of the Premier League, the season painted a much grimmer picture for others in the division.

The three sides promoted last year all dropped back down to the Championship, with Southampton’s performances at one stage appearing close to eclipsing Derby County’s infamous 11-point season.

For Manchester United, a historically disastrous campaign ended with a 16th-place finish and disappointment in a European final, leaving the club at a crossroads.

On a player level, several individuals had seasons to forget. One of them was Arijanet Muric at Ipswich Town.

The goalkeeper struggled with form and consistency, committing five errors directly leading to goals in just 18 appearances—matching Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez for the most such mistakes in the league.

His season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury after losing his starting spot earlier in the campaign.

Vladimir Coufal’s time at West Ham came to an end after a season that highlighted a decline in the full-back’s performances. With just 11 league starts, the veteran was clearly no longer the reliable figure fans had grown used to.

Meanwhile, his teammate Konstantinos Mavropanos endured a difficult season in central defense, with frequent criticism of his form. The Greek defender started only two of West Ham’s final seven matches and may face more competition for his place as the club reshapes its squad under new management.

Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin was brought in to provide depth at center-back, but he failed to impress when given the opportunity. After stepping in during injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Dragusin looked vulnerable and error-prone.

A serious ACL injury cut his campaign short and leaves questions about his role going forward.

At Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko found himself increasingly out of favor. Having made just four Premier League starts—compared to 20 the year before—the Ukrainian looks set for a summer exit, especially with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly pushing him down the pecking order.

Kalvin Phillips hoped a move to Ipswich would offer a fresh start after a disastrous loan spell at West Ham. Instead, his season was marked by further setbacks, including frequent injuries and erratic form.

The midfielder started just 14 games and was unable to help Ipswich avoid the drop. With a return to Manchester City on the horizon, another transfer looks likely.

Oliver Skipp was a £20 million signing for Leicester City, but the former Tottenham midfielder struggled to find rhythm in his new environment.

Across two managers—Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy—Skipp managed only nine league starts and failed to establish himself in the Foxes’ midfield.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden entered the season fresh from winning Player of the Year but experienced a dramatic drop-off.

Scoring just seven league goals compared to 19 the season prior, Foden also found himself relegated to the bench, starting only once in City’s last ten matches across all competitions.

At Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku’s second season was little better than his injury-hit first. While he recorded 14 goals across all competitions, only three came in the Premier League.

With limited game time and reduced impact under Enzo Maresca, Nkunku’s future at Stamford Bridge appears uncertain, especially as Chelsea eyes another striker to challenge Nicolas Jackson.

Raheem Sterling spent the season on loan at Arsenal but made little impression. Despite injuries to several key attackers, Sterling was rarely used and found the net just once—a goal that came in a September win over Bolton in the League Cup.

His return to Chelsea seems inevitable, though his long-term future remains unclear.

Finally, Rasmus Hojlund endured a frustrating campaign at Manchester United. The young striker’s goal tally dropped from 10 in his debut season to just four this year.

A 21-game goalless stretch underlined his struggles, and with potential new arrivals like Matheus Cunha and possibly Liam Delap, Hojlund’s role in the squad could diminish significantly.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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