Football
Arsenal hold on to claim hard-fought win against Man Utd (HIGHLIGHTS)
Arsenal began their 100th consecutive season in England’s top flight with a gritty 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The decisive moment came when Riccardo Calafiori rose highest to nod home from close range after Declan Rice’s inswinging corner unsettled Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
After taking the lead, the Gunners were forced to absorb sustained pressure from the home side. Patrick Dorgu rattled the post with a driven effort, while Matheus Cunha frequently tested the backline with his powerful runs.
David Raya remained composed in goal, producing important saves, and William Saliba executed a vital last-ditch challenge on Cunha in the closing stages to protect Arsenal’s advantage.
The early exchanges were intense, with both sides flying into tackles and looking to impose themselves. Bryan Mbeumo registered the first real attempt, drawing a routine stop from Raya, before Viktor Gyökeres showed his physical edge in the duels.
Arsenal then struck just before the 15-minute mark, capitalising on their set-piece strength from last season. Rice’s curling delivery from the left caused havoc, Bayindir failed to clear, and Calafiori made no mistake from inside the six-yard box.
Falling behind sparked United into action, and they found space on the break. Dorgu’s strike skimmed the upright, while Cunha bulldozed his way through midfield only to see his shot roll harmlessly into Raya’s arms.
Martin Ødegaard tried his luck from the edge of the area but couldn’t generate enough power to trouble Bayindir. Cunha remained United’s most dangerous outlet, forcing Raya into a smart save from a tight angle.
The second half continued with United pressing forward. Mason Mount saw an effort blocked and Raya tipped over a threatening free-kick. Mikel Arteta introduced Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke, the latter making his debut, to wrestle back some control. United countered with Benjamin Šeško, and Cunha created a chance for Mbeumo, only for Gabriel to produce an excellent block. Soon after, Raya was called upon again, diving low to claw away Mbeumo’s header.
As the match edged towards stoppage time, Saliba produced one final defensive masterclass, sliding in to deny Cunha just yards from goal. That intervention proved decisive, sealing a hard-earned three points and ensuring Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign opened with a statement win at Old Trafford.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal Highlights
Football
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.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
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.
Football
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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