Sports
Substitute Martinelli fires Arsenal to late win over Manchester City
Substitute Martinelli fires Arsenal to late win over Manchester City
ARSENAL substitute Gabriel Martinelli fired a deflected last-gasp winner to earn a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
It was a result that moved Mikel Arteta’s side level on points with North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, atop the Premier League.
The Gunners came into the match having not beaten Manchester City in the league since 2015, a run of 15 games – their longest winless streak against a single opponent in league history.
Ending such a barren run looked unlikely as Manchester City had the better of the chances in the first half, with Arsenal’s Declan Rice clearing off the line to keep the champions at bay.
The hosts did not have a single shot on target in the opening period, but upped the tempo after the break.
Even though Manchester City still created the better openings despite their Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland being kept quiet all afternoon.
The game appeared to be edging towards a stalemate before Martinelli struck four minutes from time, a deflection off City defender Nathan Ake’s head taking the ball past keeper Ederson.
The goal sparked wild celebrations at the Emirates, as Arsenal moved above City into second place on 20 points, two above the champions, and trailing Spurs only on goals scored.
“It is a great feeling. We have not beaten them for so long, but I am in no doubt we have beaten the best team in the world.
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“I am really proud to be part of this team. We have to keep believing in what we are doing,” Arteta said.
Arsenal were dealt a huge blow ahead of kickoff as it was confirmed the injured Bukayo Saka would miss a league game for the first time since May 2021.
This meant Saka ended a run of 87 consecutive appearances, the longest ongoing streak in the competition.
Without the flying forward, Arsenal looked sluggish early on, with City’s Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol denied by Rice’s intervention, while Julian Alvarez almost diverted Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s hesitant clearance into the net.
The crowd did try to rouse a response from Arsenal, cheering every flying tackle with gusto, and it seemed to help matters, with the hosts growing into the contest.
Promising openings fell flat, however, as Arsenal failed to have a shot on target in the opening half of a Premier League home game for the first time since March 2022.
Martinelli’s introduction livened things up though and he soon had the Gunners’ first effort on target in the match, a fierce strike straight at Ederson.
With the international break to follow, the life seemed to be sucked out of the game before Martinelli broke Manchester City hearts.
It was a timely strike, ensuring Arsenal have yet to lose a Premier League game this season, last going on a longer unbeaten run to start a campaign in 2007/2008.
While Manchester City slipped to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since December 2018.
“Congratulations to Arsenal. Now we have two defeats in a row and then we have the internationals.
“Hopefully they (the players) come back fit and then we go again.
“Maybe it’s a little bit better to be there (in the chasing pack) and see what we have to do to catch them and then (we will) when we come back,” Manchester coach Pep Guardiola said.
Substitute Martinelli fires Arsenal to late win over Manchester City
(NAN)
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Sports
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
Former Nigerian international striker Mike Eneramo has died after collapsing during a routine training session in Kaduna on Friday, throwing the football community into mourning.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day at a primary school pitch in the Ungwan Yelwa area, where the 40-year-old was said to be undergoing personal fitness training. According to accounts from local sources, Eneramo suddenly slumped during the session, prompting efforts to rush him to a nearby hospital. However, he was reportedly confirmed dead before arrival, with preliminary reports attributing the incident to a suspected heart attack, though no official medical report has yet been released.
Eneramo enjoyed a successful professional career spanning Nigeria, North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He began his rise in Nigerian football with Lobi Stars before moving abroad, where he made his biggest mark with Espérance Sportive de Tunis. During his time in Tunisia, he won the Tunisian Ligue 1 title five times, finished as the league’s top scorer in two seasons, and also claimed the Tunisian Cup three times. He further distinguished himself as the top scorer in the 2009/2010 CAF Champions League.
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He later moved to Turkey, where he featured for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor, and Manisaspor. Eneramo later returned for a second spell with Espérance before concluding his career at Türk Ocağı Limasol SK in Cyprus, retiring from professional football in 2018.
At the international level, he represented the Nigeria national football team, earning 11 caps and scoring three goals. He made a memorable debut during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tunisia national football team, scoring against the same country that had reportedly tried to persuade him to switch allegiance. Despite that interest, he remained committed to playing for Nigeria throughout his career.
Eneramo is remembered for his strength, work rate, and goal-scoring ability, particularly during his successful years in Tunisia. His sudden death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, former teammates, and football stakeholders, many of whom have described him as a dedicated professional and a respected figure in Nigerian football.
The incident has also reignited discussions around health monitoring for retired athletes, especially concerning cardiovascular risks that may persist beyond active playing years. Experts continue to advocate for regular medical check-ups and improved emergency response systems during both training and recreational sports activities.
Further details, including funeral arrangements and official medical findings, are expected to be announced by his family and relevant authorities in due course.
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
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Sports
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table after a narrow 1–0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, with Erling Haaland’s early goal proving decisive in a match that also confirmed Burnley’s relegation.
Striker Erling Haaland struck in the fifth minute, finishing clinically after a fast start from City, as Pep Guardiola’s side immediately seized control of the game. The goal was enough to separate both sides in a contest where City dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into additional goals.
The result lifted Manchester City above Arsenal on goal difference, with five matches remaining in what has become a tightly contested Premier League title race. It also marked the first time City have topped the table since the opening weeks of the season.
City created several chances throughout the match, with sustained pressure pinning Burnley deep in their own half. However, missed opportunities and strong defensive organisation from the hosts kept the scoreline tight, ensuring a tense finish.
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Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, showed brief resilience after conceding early, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite a few promising openings, they were unable to find the finishing touch needed to rescue their survival hopes.
The defeat confirmed Burnley’s relegation to the Championship after a difficult campaign marked by inconsistency and a lack of attacking efficiency, with just one win recorded in their last 25 league matches.
Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola said the focus remains on maintaining momentum in the title race, emphasising control and consistency in the remaining fixtures.
Burnley boss Scott Parker admitted his side were punished for failing to take their chances, acknowledging that missed opportunities across the season ultimately cost them their Premier League status.
Manchester City now turn their attention to an upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Southampton, while Burnley begin planning for a return to the Championship and rebuilding ahead of next season.
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
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Sports
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a scathing assessment of his team after their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, describing the performance as both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” amid growing unrest among supporters.
The loss at the Amex Stadium marked another low point for Chelsea FC, with fans audibly voicing their frustration as early as the first half. Boos and chants rang out when Brighton took a 1-0 lead, reflecting mounting dissatisfaction during what has become a troubling run of form.
Chelsea’s display raised serious concerns. The Blues failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal until the 40th minute, looked disjointed in attack, and repeatedly made costly defensive errors. Brighton, by contrast, controlled proceedings with composure, capitalizing on Chelsea’s lack of intensity to secure a comfortable victory.
The defeat extended Chelsea’s alarming streak to five consecutive losses without scoring, their worst run in over a century, dating back to 1912. The statistic underscores the scale of the crisis currently engulfing the club.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior did not shield his players from criticism. He pointed to a lack of effort, desire, and basic fundamentals as the root of the collapse.
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“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,” he said. “That’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team—something needs to change drastically right now.”
The manager revealed that Chelsea lost around 80% of duels and failed to win a single header—figures he described as unacceptable at any level, let alone for a club of Chelsea’s stature. He emphasized that the issues went beyond tactics, instead pointing to a deeper problem with mentality and commitment.
“This wasn’t about tactics,” Rosenior added. “This was about desire, spirit, courage—and I did not see enough of that tonight.”
Despite previously defending his squad during difficult moments, the coach admitted this performance could not be excused. He called on both players and himself to reflect, stressing the need for accountability across the board.
“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror… and I need to look in the mirror as well. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four players. That is nowhere near enough for this club.”
The defeat unfolded in front of influential club figures, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, adding further scrutiny to the team’s struggles. With Chelsea now sitting seven points behind Liverpool FC in the race for European qualification—having played a game more—their Champions League hopes are rapidly fading.
Attention now turns to a crucial FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley against Leeds United. The match is widely seen as a defining moment in Chelsea’s season—and potentially for Rosenior’s future.
While the manager dismissed suggestions of a disconnect with his players, he acknowledged that results and performances inevitably shape perception. “There is a lack of spirit and belief,” he admitted, conceding that the current run has made criticism unavoidable.
The coming days could prove decisive for Chelsea, as pressure intensifies from fans, club leadership, and the broader football community. With morale low and expectations high, Rosenior and his squad face a critical test of character to salvage their season.
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
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