Sports
Arteta: I failed with Ozil
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he feels he has “failed” with midfielder Mesut Ozil after leaving him out of his 25-man Premier League squad.
The German, who had also been omitted from the Europa League squad, can now only play for Arsenal Under-23s until his deal expires in summer 2021.
The 32-year-old, who joined Arsenal for a then club record £42.4m in 2013, has not played for the club since 7 March.
“My conscience is very calm because I have been really fair,” said Arteta.
“What I can say from my side is that it is just a football decision. My level of communication with him has been really high and we know what to expect with each other.
“Obviously a player of that dimension, with the career he has had, everything that happens around him has a big impact. It has been the case for the last eight years; it is nothing new that is just happening now. A lot of things have happened over these eight years.
“My job is to get the best out of every player, to contribute to the team performance.
“Here I feel at the moment, today, that I have failed. I want the best possible for Mesut and for the team. And in some moments, I was able to get close to that, and at the moment, I have not been able to do it because I have to make the decision to leave him out of the squad.”
‘Loyalty is hard to come by nowadays’ – Ozil
Earlier, in a message to Arsenal fans, Ozil said, “Loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.”
“I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being,” Ozil wrote on social media.
He also said, “Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated.
“I’ve always tried to remain positive from week to week that there’s maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That’s why I kept silent so far.”
Since joining from Real Madrid seven years ago, Ozil has scored 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.
He fell out of favour under previous manager Unai Emery before returning to the side under interim boss Freddie Ljungberg.
After Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, Ozil started all 10 of Arsenal’s Premier League games immediately before the coronavirus pandemic forced a three-month suspension of the top-flight in March.
Earlier in October, he offered to pay the salary of Jerry Quy, the man who plays the role of club mascot Gunnersaurus, who was one of 55 redundancies at the club.
“Before the coronavirus break I was really happy with my development under our new coach Mikel Arteta – we’ve been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level,” Ozil added.
“But then things changed, again, and I was no longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my eighth season at Arsenal end like this.
“I can promise you that this hard decision won’t change anything in my mindset – I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.”
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright said he was “gutted” for Ozil.
“Football will never stop surprising me,” he said on Twitter.
“The fact that whatever has gone on couldn’t be resolved between the club and Mesut is sad. Sad for everyone involved and I can only send him strength for what will be a difficult few months knowing he won’t even have a chance to play.”
Sports
Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes
Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes
Leeds United delivered a stunning performance to defeat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, ending a 45-year wait for a league victory at the iconic ground and significantly boosting their Premier League survival hopes.
The Premier League clash got off to a blistering start as Noah Okafor wasted no time in putting Leeds ahead. The Swiss forward capitalised on defensive lapses to fire home in the fifth minute, setting the tone for what would become a frustrating night for the hosts. Leeds doubled their advantage before halftime when Okafor’s effort deflected off Leny Yoro, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and leaving United with a mountain to climb.
All eyes were on the directors’ box where Jim Ratcliffe looked visibly unimpressed as Manchester United struggled to find rhythm. Under Michael Carrick, the home side produced a disjointed first-half display marked by poor coordination in midfield and defensive vulnerability.
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The game took another dramatic turn early in the second half when Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card after a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The VAR decision left Manchester United down to 10 men, compounding their woes.
Despite the setback, the Red Devils responded with urgency. Casemiro pulled one back with a powerful header from a precise cross by Bruno Fernandes, who notched his 17th assist of the season—bringing him closer to the Premier League assist record.
United piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Benjamin Šeško came agonisingly close twice within moments, but was denied by a brilliant save from Karl Darlow and a crucial goal-line clearance from Calvert-Lewin.
However, Leeds held firm defensively, showing grit and composure to secure all three points. The result marks the first home defeat of Carrick’s tenure and raises fresh concerns over Manchester United’s form as the season enters its decisive phase.
United now face a crucial test away at Chelsea, with Harry Maguire a doubt due to suspension. A loss could see them edge closer to the relegation zone with just five matches remaining.
Meanwhile, Leeds return to Elland Road to face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory there could move them nine points clear of the drop, strengthening their push for Premier League survival.
Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes
Sports
Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack
Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack
Ghanaian football has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Dominic Frimpong, a 20-year-old winger who was fatally shot after gunmen attacked the bus of Berekum Chelsea F.C..
The Ghanaian footballer reportedly died after sustaining gunshot wounds during an ambush by suspected armed robbers on Sunday, as the team returned from a Ghana Premier League match in Samreboi. The club had just secured a 1–0 victory over Samartex before the deadly incident occurred.
According to statements from the club, about six masked gunmen wielding rifles blocked the highway and opened fire on the team bus. As the driver attempted to reverse and escape, the attackers continued shooting, forcing players and officials to flee into nearby bushes for safety. During the chaos, Frimpong was hit by bullets.
Police authorities later confirmed that the young footballer died while receiving treatment, making him the only fatality among the approximately 30 players and officials on board. A manhunt has since been launched, with security operatives and crime scene experts deployed to track down the perpetrators behind the Ghana team bus attack.
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Reacting to the tragedy, the Ghana Football Association expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow,” describing Frimpong as a promising young talent whose dedication and passion reflected the spirit of the league. The association also confirmed it is working closely with authorities and the club to ensure justice is served.
The Ghana Premier League body also pledged its full support to Berekum Chelsea and called on security agencies to take urgent steps to improve safety for clubs travelling across the country. The incident has intensified concerns over security on Ghana highways, particularly for teams moving between match venues.
Similar attacks have been reported in recent years involving clubs such as FC Savannah, Wa All Stars, Legon Cities, and AshantiGold, raising fresh fears about the safety of players and officials. Ghanaian sports journalist Muftawu Abdulai described the national mood as one of shock and concern, questioning whether it remains safe for teams to travel for domestic matches.
Frimpong had only recently joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana FC in January and was expected to stay until the end of the season. Despite his short spell, he made 13 appearances and scored two goals, marking him out as a rising star in Ghanaian football.
Founded in 2000, Berekum Chelsea—originally known as Semereka FC—later rebranded during the rise of Ghanaian football icon Michael Essien, whose success in Europe boosted the club’s profile.
In response to the tragedy, authorities have pledged to review and strengthen football travel security in Ghana to prevent similar incidents. The death of Frimpong has sparked widespread calls for urgent reforms, as fans and stakeholders demand better protection for players and officials.
Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack
Sports
Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal
Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal
Manchester City delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 at Stamford Bridge, tightening the pressure on Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League title race.
The match remained goalless at halftime, but City took full control after the break, punishing Chelsea’s errors in possession and defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.
Chelsea started the game with early intent, creating several openings through Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and João Pedro, but failed to convert their chances. Palmer tested the defence early, Neto forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Cucurella also came close before being flagged offside.
Despite those moments, Chelsea’s overall play was inconsistent, with repeated mistakes in passing, slow transitions, and poor organisation allowing City to gradually take control of the game.
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Manchester City, who needed victory to stay in touch with Arsenal, improved significantly after the restart, increasing their tempo and pressing higher up the pitch.
The breakthrough came when Rayan Cherki delivered a precise cross into the box, which Nico O’Reilly converted with a powerful header past Robert Sánchez to give City a deserved lead.
That goal shifted momentum completely, with Chelsea struggling to respond as City’s attacking movement and midfield control overwhelmed them.
Minutes later, Cherki was again involved, dribbling past defenders before providing a clever assist that led to City’s second goal, further exposing Chelsea’s defensive fragility.
Chelsea’s situation worsened after a costly mistake in their build-up play allowed City to win possession high up the pitch and score a third goal, sealing a comprehensive 3–0 victory.
From that point, Manchester City controlled the game comfortably, managing possession and preventing Chelsea from mounting any meaningful comeback.
The result strengthens City’s position in the Premier League title race, reducing the gap on Arsenal and increasing pressure on the league leaders as the season approaches its decisive stage.
Chelsea, on the other hand, continue to struggle for consistency, with their latest defeat highlighting ongoing issues in defence, structure, and game management.
Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal
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