Football
Theo Walcott accuses Arsenal star of ‘being too comfortable’ after Crystal Palace draw
Theo Walcott has raised concerns about Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, suggesting the midfielder might be getting too comfortable in his role and needs more competition to elevate his performance. His comments followed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, a result that further dented the Gunners’ title ambitions.
The match was yet another frustrating chapter in Arsenal’s campaign, with the team now having drawn 13 games in the Premier League this season. Twice taking the lead, Mikel Arteta’s men were pegged back on both occasions.
The second equalizer came after Odegaard’s mistake when he passed to William Saliba under pressure, leading to Jean-Philippe Mateta seizing possession. Mateta then brushed Odegaard off the ball and calmly chipped over David Raya to secure a point for Palace.

This latest lapse means Liverpool can clinch the title with just a draw at home to Tottenham, while Arsenal faces mounting pressure from Manchester City, especially with Champions League fixtures on the horizon. Walcott, a former Arsenal player, believes the team’s struggles might stem from a lack of internal competition, especially for key figures like Odegaard.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Walcott highlighted that although Manchester City have not been at their best this season, they still pose a significant threat.
He expressed disappointment in Arsenal’s failure to capitalize on City’s inconsistency, pointing to disciplinary issues, injuries, and questionable refereeing decisions as factors that have hurt the Gunners’ progress. But above all, he believes some players have become complacent.
Walcott emphasized that while Odegaard remains central to Arsenal’s creativity, there’s a need for him to feel pressure for his place to maintain high standards. He noted a sense of comfort in the team’s performances, suggesting that more competition could bring out stronger displays.
Despite Arsenal’s defensive issues, Walcott refrained from criticizing David Raya too harshly. He acknowledged Raya had an off night but praised the goalkeeper’s overall consistency and mental resilience, confident that he can quickly bounce back from a tough outing.

Mikel Arteta, clearly frustrated, admitted that his team failed to impose themselves against a well-organized Palace side. With a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain coming up, Arteta refused to blame the lackluster performance on looking ahead to that crucial fixture.
He pointed instead to injuries and a depleted squad, with several players missing or unable to train fully in the lead-up to the match.
Arteta admitted that Arsenal has struggled to close out games this season, often allowing opponents back into contests they should have won. He pointed to narrow margins and other factors—like playing with ten men in multiple matches—as contributing to the high number of draws.
The result at the Emirates not only put a dent in Arsenal’s title hopes but also cast doubt on their ability to hold onto second place, especially with a demanding schedule still ahead. As the season winds down, it’s becoming clear that Arsenal must find a way to raise their game in critical moments—or risk being overtaken by rivals once again.
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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