FOOTBALL
Will Arsenal sack Arteta?
It was the first time in 18 months since the Emirates welcomed a match-day crowd.
But Arsenal fans can’t say they liked what they saw on the pitch on their return to their home ground.
The scenes were eerily similar to those at Brentford a week ago.
Even the vocal support of a red and white sea failed to save them from another dismal 2-0 defeat.
It would be harsh on Mikel Arteta if you specifically blame him for the Chelsea defeat.
The Gunners took on the defending European champions with a number of key absentees, including their new £50m center-back Ben White.
Covid and injuries had drastically limited Arteta’s selection pool.
Therefore, Arteta can ask for some sympathy in this regard.
But, the air of malaise that you can sense around the Emirates today didn’t stem from a single defeat.
Too many games lost
The home defeat to Chelsea was Arsenal’s 20th loss under Arteta.
Pep Guardiola’s apprentice had managed the North London outfit in 60 matches.
That means he has lost one-third of the matches in his managerial career. Not an impressive stat, by any means.
The sweet memories of beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final seem like a far distant memory these days.
Winning a trophy within a few months of his appointment earned the Spaniard huge credibility among the fans and the Arsenal hierarchy.
But, a lacklustre 8th place finish has incredibly dwindled Arteta’s stock, especially to fans.
After a chaotic start to the 2020/21 season, Arsenal showed signs of resurgence in the second half of the season.
Post-Christmas, Mikel Arteta’s men won more points than all other teams in the division bar champions Manchester City.
Even such a tremendous upturn in form could take them as far as 8th. This highlights how poor Arsenal had been on the first half of the campaign.
The ultimate insult
The biggest insult for Arteta was perhaps losing to his predecessor Unai Emery in the Europa League semifinal.
Emery, who was sacked mid-season because of Arsenal’s poor run of form, knocked out Arsenal with Villarreal.
Then, they went on to win the competition. Europa League elimination closed the door on European football for the Gunners.
Arteta cited the lack of pre-season preparation time and proper personnel for implementing his philosophy.
The owners decided to back him in the transfer window, and as of now, Arsenal have spent £129 million in the current summer window, which is more than all other clubs in England. However, their fortunes are yet to be changed.
Arteta has been drilling Arsenal to play out from the back since day one, but the team still feels uncomfortable in doing so.
The midfielders continuously struggle to play the ball into pockets of space so that the forwards can run into them.
Also, the persistence on trying to create more 1v1 situations throughout the pitch didn’t pay off yet.
It’s safe to assume that the Arsenal board won’t be as patient as they were last season if Arsenal goes on a similar run under Arteta again.
So, Arteta would be hoping for his star players to deliver once the fixture list takes a favourable turn.
Apart from individual brilliance, the former Arsenal midfielder would also need to find a more flexible tactical approach to reverse Arsenal’s misery.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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