Football
Michael Owen says Arsenal star ‘will be screaming in dressing room’ after Crystal Palace draw
Michael Owen has expressed his belief that William Saliba will be livid with David Raya after Crystal Palace earned a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Tuesday night. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s squad on the edge of missing out on the Premier League title, with Liverpool now needing just a point against Tottenham at Anfield this Sunday to seal the trophy.
Arsenal twice went ahead through Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard, but Crystal Palace responded with goals from Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who capitalized on a costly error by Saliba.
https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/23/liverpool-can-win-premier-league-title-arsenal-play-crystal-palace-22960128/ The French defender lost possession under pressure, allowing Mateta to produce a clever chipped finish past Raya, who was off his line and failed to provide a reliable passing option.

Despite the obvious mistake from Saliba, Owen defended the centre-back during his analysis for Premier League Productions. He argued that Raya’s poor positioning left Saliba without a viable outlet during a crucial moment of the match.
Owen emphasized that while Raya typically positions himself with wide angles to help in the build-up play, on this occasion he failed to adjust when Saliba was forced to look for a safety outlet. According to Owen, Raya should have sprinted to create a better angle once Saliba’s path to Jurrien Timber was cut off.
Owen added that if he were in Saliba’s position, he’d have been furious in the dressing room, saying a goalkeeper must always be available for a pass when the defender is under pressure. He sympathized with Saliba, calling it a rare lapse and insisting the defender was let down by his keeper.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also weighed in on the situation. He pointed out that Saliba has shown signs of losing focus in recent matches, referencing a similar error made during a game against Real Madrid.
Keown suggested this drop in sharpness stems from a broader issue of sloppiness creeping into Arsenal’s play, possibly due to the players conserving energy ahead of bigger fixtures.
Keown urged Saliba to stay switched on at all times and stay mentally alert, especially during critical moments when the team is managing a narrow lead or trying to close out a game. He noted that lapses in concentration at this stage of the season can be costly, particularly when the Premier League title is on the line.
The draw with Crystal Palace not only damages Arsenal’s hopes of claiming the title but also raises questions about the team’s recent composure under pressure. With just a few games left, every moment counts—and as this match showed, one small mistake can have major consequences.
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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