Piers Morgan has claimed Pep Guardiola appears “rattled” after a blunt response about Arsenal’s title challenge began circulating online.

The Manchester City manager is locked in a tense Premier League battle with his former assistant Mikel Arteta, whose Arsenal side currently sit five points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played a game more. The two teams are set for a potentially decisive showdown at the Etihad on April 18, while they are also due to meet in the Carabao Cup, adding further spice to an already intense rivalry.

With the title race dominating headlines, Guardiola was asked whether he had any advice for Arteta as the Spaniard looks to secure his first league crown. Guardiola, who has collected major honours throughout his managerial career, offered a short and pointed reply. He said he could not recall the feeling being referenced and made it clear he was not there to offer guidance to Arteta.

The clip quickly gained traction on social media, where outspoken Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan shared it with his 8.7 million followers on X, suggesting Guardiola looked unsettled by the situation. Many fans echoed that sentiment, interpreting the City boss’s tone as a sign that the pressure of the title chase is beginning to show.

The latest chapter in the race unfolds this weekend. Manchester City travel to face Leeds United on Saturday evening, knowing a win would temporarily close the gap. Attention then shifts to the Emirates on Sunday, where Arsenal host Chelsea as they aim to maintain their advantage at the summit.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has picked up a new nickname from supporters — “the Octopus” — a label that perfectly reflects his unique style on the ball.

The tag began trending during the 2025–26 campaign as fans looked for a way to describe his remarkable ability to glide through tight spaces. With sharp close control, rapid footwork and the agility to twist in multiple directions, Anderson has developed a habit of escaping pressure even when surrounded by defenders. Much like an octopus slipping through gaps with its tentacles, he seems to find a way out of situations that appear impossible.

Clips of his standout displays against Fenerbahce, Liverpool and Wolves have frequently circulated online, often captioned with octopus emojis as supporters marvel at how defenders struggle to dispossess him. Time and again, opponents are left lunging at thin air as he weaves away from challenges.

It’s not the first time Anderson has been given a colourful nickname. During his loan spell at Bristol Rovers in 2022, fans affectionately referred to him as “Geordie Maradona” in recognition of his silky technique and tight control. Teammates have also called him “Billy Elliot,” a nod to his graceful, almost dance-like movement when carrying the ball.

However, “the Octopus” has now become the most widely embraced nickname, highlighting his command in midfield and the way he seems to “wrap up” challenges before slithering clear. Since arriving at Nottingham Forest, the England prospect has blossomed into one of the club’s most exciting performers, attracting interest from bigger sides and fuelling speculation that a major move could be on the cards at the end of the season.

Chelsea and West Ham have been hit with substantial fines following the mass confrontation that erupted at the end of their heated London derby last month.

Tensions boiled over in stoppage time after Chelsea completed a dramatic turnaround from 2-0 down to lead 3-2. A clash between Adama Traore and Joao Pedro quickly escalated, prompting players from both sides to rush in and intensify the situation. Jean-Clair Todibo was ultimately shown a red card for grabbing Pedro by the throat.

The Football Association confirmed that both clubs were punished for failing to control their players, citing improper and provocative conduct during the incident. Despite West Ham having a player dismissed, Chelsea received the heavier financial penalty. The Blues have been fined £325,000, while the Hammers must pay £300,000.

Chelsea’s larger fine reflects a pattern of disciplinary issues this season. It marks their third similar breach, following previous charges stemming from matches against Aston Villa in December and Fulham in early January. The repeated offences contributed to the increased sanction.

Discipline has been a recurring concern at Stamford Bridge throughout the campaign. The club has accumulated nine red cards in total — eight for players and one for former head coach Enzo Maresca. Neither Maresca nor his successor Liam Rosenior have been keen on internally fining players, but the growing list of dismissals has drawn scrutiny.

Wesley Fofana became the latest Chelsea player to see red after being sent off in last weekend’s clash with Burnley. At the time, the Blues were leading 1-0, but the dismissal shifted momentum and Burnley snatched an equaliser in injury time. Fofana will now miss the upcoming fixture against Arsenal.

In an official statement, the FA confirmed that an independent Regulatory Commission reviewed the events of the January 31, 2026 Premier League fixture. The commission determined that Chelsea failed to ensure their players refrained from improper or provocative conduct around the 95th minute, while West Ham were found to have similarly failed to prevent improper, provocative, or violent behaviour. Both clubs admitted the charges, and the respective fines were issued following a formal hearing.

With both sides accepting responsibility, attention now turns back to on-field matters — though Chelsea, in particular, will need to address their ongoing discipline concerns as the season progresses.