EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool – Newstrends
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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.

But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.

It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.

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Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.

But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.

Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.

Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.

EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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Salah confirms 2025 as his final Liverpool season

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Mohamed Salah

Salah confirms 2025 as his final Liverpool season

Mohamed Salah has hinted that this season will be his last at Liverpool, vowing to end his time at the club on a high by winning the Premier League.

The 32-year-old forward is in exceptional form, with Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and holding a game in hand ahead of their upcoming clash with Manchester United. Salah currently leads the league in both goals (17) and assists (13), underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah revealed his primary ambition for the season – to deliver Liverpool’s second Premier League title.

Reflecting on his targets, which he had written down during a summer holiday, he shared, “The first thing on my list was to win the Premier League with Liverpool. For years, I’ve always talked about wanting to win the Champions League, but this time, my focus is on the league. It feels like the right goal for my final season here.”

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When asked why he views this as his last campaign at Anfield, Salah candidly explained, “I can’t really explain it, but something about this year feels different. Maybe it’s because we didn’t get to celebrate the last Premier League win properly due to the pandemic. That title meant so much to the club, the fans, and the city, but the moment wasn’t what we dreamed it would be. I want to leave here having given Liverpool another moment to remember.”

Under previous manager Jürgen Klopp, Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s golden era, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, European Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Now, with many of his former teammates still in the squad, Salah believes this team has one more triumph in them.

“My motivation this season is clear—to win another trophy, especially the Premier League,” Salah said.

“This team has achieved so much, but winning the league for a second time would solidify our legacy. Players like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Virgil [van Dijk], Alisson, and Robbo [Andy Robertson] are still here, and we owe it to ourselves and the fans to go out on a high.”

When asked whether he believes a second title is necessary to cement the team’s place among the Premier League greats, he said, “Absolutely. We’ve won almost everything, but one league title isn’t enough for a team of our quality. Winning it twice would make a real statement, and that’s what I’m working toward.”

As Salah enters the final six months of his contract, speculation over his future is certain to intensify. However, for now, the Egyptian forward remains laser-focused on achieving his goals with Liverpool before bidding farewell.

 

Salah confirms 2025 as his final Liverpool season

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Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen

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Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen

Marcus Rashford’s potential exit from Manchester United could open the door to Victor Osimhen making the move to Old Trafford, according to a new report.

The 27-year-old has been dropped from the side in recent weeks by head coach Ruben Amorim. In fact, he has not featured in a minute of football since his side’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest on 7 December.

Reports by Goal.com suggested on Thursday, December 2 that Rashford is keen to see out his career in Europe, having turned down three offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia. He reportedly turned down the chance to secure a contract worth £ 675,000 per week in a bid to reclaim a spot back in the England side.

As such, a move to Napoli has now been mooted according to several media agencies in the UK and Italy. Antonio Conte’s men are currently in second place in the Italian top flight and are looking to bring in another forward to secure the league title, reports The Sun.
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They are keen on Rashford and it’s thought that this could open the door for the Red Devils to sign Victor Osimhen, as part of a sensational swap deal.

Osimhen was close to making a move to Chelsea during the summer window, but the proposed move collapsed as they could not agree personal terms. During the window, the striker instead made the loan move to Galatasaray for the 2024/25 season. So far in Turkey, he has scored 12 goals and made five assists in 15 outings.

Osimhen netted 76 times for Napoli in 133 appearances, even helping them win a scudetto during the 2022/23 season.

United have scored just 21 league goals this season, with Rasmus Hojlund, particularly Joshua Zirkzee, particularly under-fire. It could be that the Old Trafford club is looking to bring in another forward in the winter window ahead of the second half of the season.

Osimhen reportedly has a £62 million release clause in his contract and any move involving Rashford would see the Manchester-born attacker reunited with former United player Scott McTominay at the Italian city.

 

Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen

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This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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Stanley Nwabali

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.

Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.

In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.

Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.

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His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) extended heartfelt condolences to Nwabali following the devastating loss of his mother.
In a message shared on social media, the NFF expressed solidarity with Nwabali during this extremely difficult time, offering strength and support.
“Stay strong, Stanley. You are not alone; we are all with you,” the NFF wrote, demonstrating the collective support of the football community as he navigates through his grief.

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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