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Arne Slot hits back at Mikel Arteta criticism ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal

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Arne Slot has praised Mikel Arteta for building what he describes as a “special” Arsenal team, even as the Gunners prepare for a tough Premier League clash against Liverpool this Sunday.

Arsenal, who were eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, face the reality of another season without silverware.

Despite their disappointment in Europe, Slot believes Arteta’s work deserves recognition, highlighting the tactical flexibility and identity Arteta has instilled in the squad.

The Gunners were outclassed by PSG over two legs, resulting in heavy criticism of Arteta’s approach, particularly regarding their inability to break down the French side’s defensive setup.

The results have compounded a difficult spell in the Premier League, where Arsenal have slipped 15 points behind Liverpool, who have already secured the league title.

To add to the challenge, Arsenal will give Liverpool a guard of honour before kick-off at Anfield, a gesture that underscores the gap between the two clubs this season.

Nevertheless, Slot was clear in his admiration for Arteta’s coaching. He emphasized that Arsenal are one of the few sides capable of adapting their game plan to different opponents and situations.

According to Slot, Arsenal have proven their ability to press high, defend deep, exploit set-pieces, and build from the back or play directly. This versatility, he says, makes Arsenal difficult to analyze and prepare for, a testament to the depth and quality of Arteta’s training methods.

Slot also pointed out that not many managers are able to develop such a multi-dimensional style, even with years at the same club. He believes this makes Arteta’s Arsenal stand out in the modern game.

His comments suggest that the absence of trophies doesn’t fully reflect the progress the club has made under Arteta’s leadership since their last major success, the FA Cup in 2020.

Arteta, for his part, acknowledged Liverpool’s remarkable consistency this season, attributing much of their success to keeping key players fit and maintaining a stable tactical setup.

He noted that Liverpool’s ability to sustain a high level across competitions has been vital in their title charge. Arteta praised the Merseyside club’s infrastructure and atmosphere at Anfield, which has helped them stay at the top level throughout the campaign.

Reflecting on Arsenal’s season, Arteta admitted they lacked the consistency needed to compete for top honors. He stressed that while injuries and other issues played a role, he doesn’t want to use those as excuses.

He also pointed out that Arsenal were the only Premier League side to reach the Champions League semi-finals this season, highlighting the strength of the competition in Europe and the challenge of balancing domestic and international demands.

As Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool, the focus will be on salvaging pride and regaining momentum. While silverware may have slipped away this year, the groundwork laid by Arteta suggests a promising foundation for the future.

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REVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham

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Manchester United host West Ham United at Old Trafford this Super Sunday with momentum on their side.

After securing a spot in the Europa League final by dispatching Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on Thursday night, the Red Devils are looking to continue their winning form in the Premier League.

They had already established dominance in the first leg with a 3-0 away win, and their emphatic performance in the return leg sealed the tie with authority.

Their upcoming final will be an all-English clash against Tottenham Hotspur, setting up one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season.

This weekend, however, fans will notice a subtle but meaningful change on the pitch. Manchester United’s players will not be wearing their usual kits with Snapdragon’s branding across the front.

Instead, their jerseys will feature the logo of (Red), a charitable organization focused on fighting health inequality and supporting life-saving initiatives in vulnerable communities.

The partnership is part of a wider campaign and has the backing of United’s principal shirt sponsor, Qualcomm Technologies, which holds a £60 million-per-year deal with the club.

The decision to highlight (Red) during Sunday’s match underscores the club’s commitment to global causes. (Red) was founded in 2006 by U2 frontman Bono and activist Bobby Shriver, with a mission to combat AIDS and address health injustice in some of the world’s most at-risk regions.

United’s women’s team also showcased the (Red) logo during their recent Women’s Super League match against Arsenal, aligning both men’s and women’s squads with the initiative.

In addition to raising awareness, the kits worn in these fixtures will be auctioned off on MatchWornShirt, an online platform dedicated to selling match-worn memorabilia.

Proceeds from the auction will go directly to (Red)’s campaign efforts. Jennifer Lotito, president and COO of (Red), expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting how collaborations like this one help drive meaningful change.

She emphasized that the jerseys are more than collectible items—they are symbols of solidarity and tools for impact.

As United push toward the end of the season with silverware in sight, their collaboration with (Red) brings additional purpose to their performance.

Supporters not only get to watch their team chase European glory but also participate in a campaign that reaches far beyond the pitch. The combination of high-stakes football and meaningful advocacy makes Sunday’s fixture one to watch—for both sport and humanity.

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Two Premier League clubs line up moves for ex-Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood

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Former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood is attracting fresh attention from Premier League clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.

The 23-year-old has been in strong form for Marseille this season, netting 20 goals in 35 appearances, marking an impressive comeback after his high-profile departure from English football.

Greenwood left Manchester United in 2023 following a lengthy six-month internal investigation prompted by his arrest in January 2022. The arrest stemmed from allegations after disturbing content appeared online.

He was initially charged with rape and assault, though those charges were later dropped in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence that no longer supported a realistic prospect of conviction.

Despite his on-pitch performances in Ligue 1, Greenwood’s time in France has had its challenges. Some Marseille fans and even head coach Roberto De Zerbi have expressed concerns about his work ethic.

A recent incident saw supporters unveil a large banner at the Stade Vélodrome urging the young forward to improve his efforts during games. Nonetheless, Greenwood remains a significant attacking asset for the French club.

According to reports from The Telegraph, a move away from Marseille could be on the cards as early as this summer or in the January window. While interest from Spanish and Italian clubs, and even Saudi Arabian sides, has been mentioned, a return to England seems to be his preferred option.

However, such a move would be controversial given the nature of his exit from Manchester United and the public scrutiny surrounding his case. Campaigners in the UK, including domestic abuse advocacy groups, have openly criticized the idea of Greenwood returning to English football.

Manchester United issued a statement last year confirming Greenwood’s departure, stating that both the club and the player agreed it would be best for him to continue his career elsewhere.

The club also said the online material that led to public concern did not offer a complete picture and concluded that Greenwood did not commit the crimes he was initially charged with. Still, United acknowledged Greenwood’s admission of personal mistakes and his responsibility for them.

Following the club’s decision, Women’s Aid, a leading UK charity working to end domestic violence, welcomed the outcome, noting that it would offer some relief to survivors of abuse.

They also emphasized how football clubs’ handling of such cases can influence broader societal attitudes about what is deemed acceptable behavior.

Greenwood made 129 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 35 goals. At one point, he was considered one of the brightest prospects in English football and had earned a call-up to the national team under Gareth Southgate.

However, a return to the England squad is no longer in the cards after Greenwood switched his international allegiance to Jamaica.

While Barcelona’s rumored interest in the forward has faded, at least two unnamed Premier League clubs are reportedly evaluating a move despite concerns over public backlash. Greenwood remains under contract with Marseille, but if the right offer arrives, a transfer could soon become reality.

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Chelsea star Cole Palmer hits back at journalist over Reggie Walsh question

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Cole Palmer had a lively exchange with a reporter following Chelsea’s convincing semi-final victory in the UEFA Conference League.

After the Blues secured their spot in the final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgårdens IF, the spotlight wasn’t just on the result, but also on the club’s youngest star, Reggie Walsh.

The 16-year-old midfielder made headlines by becoming Chelsea’s youngest-ever starter in European competition during the second leg, just days after making his senior debut in the first leg.

Walsh, already turning heads in the England U17 setup, has made an impressive leap, joining a select list of teenagers trusted on the European stage by Chelsea’s coaching staff.

Palmer, who turned 23 this week, found himself being playfully compared to the teenage sensation.

When a journalist commented that Palmer must feel like an “old man” next to Walsh, the former Manchester City forward quickly replied with a laugh, saying, “F***ing hell, what are you then compared to Reggie?” He followed up by praising the young talent, stating, “He’s a very good player.

I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m still young myself, so I have to keep growing and growing.”

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca echoed Palmer’s sentiments after the dominant win over the Swedish side. Maresca expressed delight at Walsh’s performance and potential, saying, “You can see that he is a good player.

He is the kind of player we like—very good. He’s young and has a lot of room to grow. We’re very happy for him and his family.

He has to enjoy this moment.” The coach’s confidence in Walsh suggests that more first-team opportunities could be on the horizon.

Captain Reece James also shared his thoughts after seeing Walsh in action during an official match. “I’ve seen him in training, but games are different. This is the first time I’ve watched him play properly and I didn’t realise how good he actually was,” James admitted.

That admiration was shared by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored the only goal in the second leg. The midfielder emphasized the importance of guiding younger players, noting, “Reggie is 16 and he was fantastic—composed.

My job is just to tell them to play the game that got them here. What you saw was composure and calmness, and that’s a credit to the academy.”

Walsh, who joined Chelsea at the age of seven, has grown through the club’s ranks with patience and maturity. Remarkably, he was born just five months after the infamous moment when Chelsea legend John Terry missed his penalty in the 2008 Champions League final.

Now, over 16 years later, the next generation is making its mark, and Walsh appears ready to carry the club’s future hopes. His recent appearances suggest that Chelsea’s long-term investment in their youth system is continuing to bear fruit.

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