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Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has been confirmed as a pundit for ARD-Sportschau show’s coverage of the upcoming Uefa European Championship.

The 34-year-old former Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur man, who currently plays club football for Italian second-tier side Monza, is set to join the likes of former Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger on set for the tournament.

The competition, originally scheduled for last year, is now set to run between June 11 and July 11 this year. The postponement of the championship to 2021 is among the several disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic last year to major sporting events, the Tokyo Olympic Games inclusive.

Unlike in previous editions of the Euros, matches of this year’s championship will be played across multiple cities - 11 cities in seven countries) - with 24 nations set to battle it out for gold, the title currently held by Portugal.

"The biggest station of my career is now waiting for me," Boateng said on his upcoming engagement in an announcement video by the media outfit.

But for a switch of international allegiance to Ghana in 2014, Boateng, perhaps, could have been bracing himself up for a run on the pitch for Germany at the upcoming tournament.

Born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother in the German city of Berlin, the midfielder featured for his country at youth level before opting to play for Ghana after falling out with German football authorities over disciplinary issues.

Ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Boateng, who had earlier turned down a chance to play for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup, made his debut for the West Africans in a pre-tournament friendly tie against Latvia, and went on to feature in all Ghana’s games at the tournament as the team surpassed expectations to make their way to the quarter-final.

He registered his debut goal for the Black Stars in a 2-1 triumph over the United States in the Round of 16.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he did not like the concept of the Super League because sporting merit would be taken away.

United announced they were withdrawing from the league just 48 hours after it had been revealed they were one of the 12 founding members.

It was a concept driven by the owners of the 12 clubs - players and managers were not consulted before the proposals were revealed to the world on Sunday evening.

What was said?

Speaking for the first time since the announcement on Sunday, Solskjaer gave a lengthy three-minute reply as to why he didn’t like the idea.

He said: “First of all I’m very happy that the fans have voiced their opinion and that we’ve listened to them. In a strange way it’s brought the football community and pyramid together and I think that’s very important and I’m very happy. I’m a supporter myself and there will be a day I come back and watch Man Utd, and I want to watch a Man Utd with the fear of failure.

“When I thought about it, I didn’t like the concept anyway, it has to be on sporting merit I want to earn the right to play in Europe.

“We know we’ve been pioneers and we’ve been in Europe for many, many years with the Busby Babes, so that’s one part of it and we want to be part of a successful European campaign again. One of my best matches and best nights have been something we’ve worked really hard towards but then to get that that fear of failure.

“You can’t just be given it because your name is such and such, you have to earn the right to be there and to get the best possible performance. I’ve always felt and I’ve always believed stepping out of your comfort zone and being afraid of failure that spurs you on, living on the edge a little bit. That wasn’t part of this.

“For me, I’m very happy that all the clubs that have admitted their mistake, that this was a bad idea and the way that it came out as well.

“Man Utd is the biggest club in the world and we want to be part of European football, but we want to do that like my players did last season, I think they were excellent. When I talk about this fear of failure they were afraid of not making it to the Champions League because we were so many points behind.

"They pulled themselves together, came together as a team and we achieved third which was a very good achievement.

“This year we’ve worked hard, striving towards trophies and we’re second and I back my team to be in the top in Europe, but I still think that that fear of failure is helping us to do that, and being a sporting competitor as I am and my nature is not being handed things, we can’t be handed a place, that’s my opinion.”

What did Solskjaer say about Ed Woodward?

In the fall out of the announcement of the Super League it was announced executive vice-chair Woodward would be standing down at the end of the year.

Solskjaer said: “Football is emotions and emotions run high in football.  I’ve had a very very good working relationship with Ed. The club will have to move on without him, and I’m sure Man Utd will always move on. I’ll work as long as Man Utd want me to work here and hopefully we can end the season successfully, and Ed is part of that.”

What did Solskjaer say about the Glazer family?

The United boss was asked about the owners and the way the club is run, but did not really get into it. 

He replied: "I’ve said what I’ve said about the Super League and I’m so happy all the clubs involved agreed it was a mistake.

"I’ve always had a good relationship with the club and the owners. Behind the walls of the building we speak and they listen to my opinions and we’re working to move Man Utd forward.

"It’s important that we all want to be better and improve and that’s my job to improve the results and performances of the team and this weekend is a good chance and it’s a big game in our history we know that."

Further reading

Chelsea are reconsidering their plans to raise ticket prices amid uproar around them joining the Super League last weekend, which sparked a furious wave of supporter protests.

The Blues informed a small group of supporters at their fans forum meeting that they would raise ticket prices by 5 per cent in the 2022-23 season.

It was met with frustration by some, with the announcement coming just moments after the club chairman Bruce Buck had defended their ESL plans to the working group, and after changing their minds regarding the ESL, Chelsea are now considering doing the same on ticket pricing.

Is it wrong to raise ticket prices at this time?

It could be argued either way, with the Blues having frozen ticket prices since 2011 with season tickets. It allows the most loyal of the club's fans to attend matches at a reduced rate of around £37 per match.

Although Chelsea are said to have lost around £40 million in revenue because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, many supporters will have similarly lost earnings or even jobs.

It leaves Chelsea in a difficult balancing act on whether to capitalise on having a relatively small stadium at Stamford Bridge with high demand, or if they should keep pricing flat not to price out lower-earning fans.

What about the stadium?

Additionally, Chelsea announced upgrades to their Stamford Bridge stadium.

They will install rail seating to the Matthew Harding Lower and Shed End Upper and Lower tiers, with the UK government set to introduce safe standing.

They have also upgraded the West Stand Upper at Stamford Bridge which will see a host of revamped hospitality areas. It is a further indication that the redevelopment plans around Stamford Bridge will not be revisited soon.

What's the fallout from the ESL?

The pressure remains on Chelsea's senior staff over their decision to join a widely unpopular project. Although not a leader in the idea, Chelsea decided to sign up to the breakaway closed competition as they expected it to go ahead and give rivals huge revenues.

The Blues only signed up on Friday before it was announced on Sunday night, where it was met with a furious reaction from supporters, pundits and rival clubs who didn't get an invite.

Ultimately, the Blues scrapped their ESL plans but pressure remains on board members who have had calls to resign. Chelsea are expected to stand by them, while opinion around the owner Roman Abramovich remains largely positive.

A spokesperson for Abramovich said: “Having spoken extensively to fans and stakeholders, we have always worked with the community and we're not going to do anything that goes against them. We listened and we heard.”

UEFA and the Premier League are considering punishment for clubs like Chelsea, although they are not expected to be too heavily sanctioned.

Further reading

Mohamed Elneny has issued a passionate plea for Arsenal supporters to get behind those out on the pitch, as tensions run high off the field, with the midfielder calling for an end to abuse of players.

The Egypt international has been targeted by trolls at times this season, with the 28-year-old failing to win everybody over following his return to north London from a loan spell at Besiktas.

He is now looking for a united front to be established at Emirates Stadium, as fans prepare to protest against owner Stan Kroenke in the wake of a short-lived Super League debacle, with a difficult campaign testing the patience of all concerned.

What has been said?

Elneny told Sky Sports ahead of a Premier League meeting with Everton on Friday: "I need you to support me - not to put me down. Supporter means you have to support.

"Not waiting for me to do one bad pass and then after speak about me, or one bad game.

"You have to support in the bad moments, not the good moments. In the good moments everybody is a supporter.

"I need you when I have a bad game. When I have a bad game I need you next to me saying 'no you are good, keep going, we are next to you'.

"This will make me happy and you will make the world happy. You will make me improve more because I can see the support next to me."

How has Elneny fared this season?

Having been an outcast at Arsenal under Unai Emery, Elneny has been drafted back into the Gunners fold by Mikel Arteta.

He has made 35 appearances across all competitions this season, with 22 of those outings taken in from the start.

Struggles for consistency have been endured, along with many of his club colleagues, but Elneny is pleased to be in a position where effort is rewarded - with that not always the case under a previous coaching regime.

He has added: "If you are good you will play, if you are not good you will be on the bench, or you will be out of the squad.

"This is what I love from Mikel Arteta because it is fair. If you train good and you train hard and you are ready to play he will give you a chance to play. 

"This is what I missed before with Emery. He wasn’t giving me a chance to play and that’s why I get a chance to go to Turkey and prove myself and I come back and I’m happy about myself now."

Europa League semi-finalists Arsenal will play host to Everton sat ninth in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of north London neighbours Tottenham in sixth and nine back on the top four.

Further reading

Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne have returned to training ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Tottenham, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The City striker, who was out for much of the season after knee surgery and Covid-19, has missed the last five matches with a calf strain.

De Bruyne meanwhile twisted his ankle in last week's FA Cup defeat to Chelsea but the injury was not as bad as first feared.

What's been said

"Both Sergio and Kevin trained today," Pep Guardiola told his pre-match press conference. "Today was [Sergio's] first training session for two weeks. Tomorrow is the last training session and then we’ll decide.

"The Champions League is close and the Premier League is not over, they are more important and we have an eye on them.

"Totenham are looking at qualifying and need a title, their commitment will be tough. They have outstanding quality. Of course it’s a final and once we are there, everyone wants to win it – and we are not an exception."

The bigger picture

Guardiola must balance the demands on his squad with the huge Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. He has already confirmed No 2 goalkeeper Zack Steffen will start the game ahead of Ederson.

De Bruyne could be held back for the crucial clash in France, while John Stones will also miss out on a Wembley final through suspension after being red-carded in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

How important is the Carabao Cup?

City could equal Liverpool's record of eight League Cup triumphs and match the Reds' record of winning the trophy in four successive years, which they did between 1981 and 1984.

The final is normally played in February but was rescheduled with the possibility that fans can attend, and 8,000 spectators are set to be at Wembley.

"At the start of the season it's perfect to rotate and is over quickly, this season you play in the middle of the important part of the season," Guardiola added.

"I would say the Premier League is the first title of the season, then the Champions League to qualify is the second [objective]. The third is Europe, then FA Cup, then after Carabao. The Carabao is nice, we play to win the title, but PSG is there and we have one eye on that."

Further reading:

Gundogan: New UCL format is just the lesser of two evils!

Champions League reforms are sh*t to the power 10 too!

Romeo Lavia: Meet Man City's latest midfield wonderkid

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he had a peaceful chat with the protestors that broke into Manchester United’s training ground as he spoke about the importance of fans having a voice.

Around 20 fans entered the club’s Carrington base on Thursday with banners demanding the Glazer family left the club in the wake of the collapse of the controversial plans for a Super League.

Solskjaer, along with Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Matic, spoke to the group before they left and the United boss detailed what happened.

What has Solskjaer said?

Explaining why it was important for him to address the supporters, Solskjaer said: ”Yeah, I will always listen to the fans and I thought it was the only right thing to do, to listen to them and talk to them and have a nice discussion with them, a peaceful discussion, because it’s important that we respect each other’s views.

“I said a few things about what I think the team will do in the future. What we spoke about, we don’t need to go into that. It was a good 10 minutes and I was happy with that. I gave a fist bump and then we parted.”

What happened with the protests?

On Thursday morning shortly after 9am BST (4am ET) a group of around 20 supporters entered the club’s training base demanding to speak to Solskjaer about the failed European Super League proposal and the way the club is being run by the Glazer family.

It is understood that, while the police were called, the protest was peaceful and they did not need to intervene and no arrests were made.

What else was said?

During his pre-Leeds press conference, the United manager also spoke about why it is vital that fans continue to have a voice in football.

Solskjaer said: “I think football without fans is nothing and that’s why we have to listen to them and I’m happy that the voice of the fans, and players and managers were heard. They’ve all been voicing opinions this week and it’s important.

“It’s part of my job to speak to the Man Utd supporters and fans, showing them that we want to be a better team and that’s my job, to get us up the table and start challenging for trophies.”

Further reading

Zinedine Zidane says it would be "illogical and absurd" for Real Madrid to be kicked out of the Champions League as a result of their involvement in Super League proposals.

The Blancos, led by club president Florentino Perez, figured prominently in plans to form a breakaway competition that left the rest of European and world football up in arms.

A divisive project was eventually shelved within 48 hours of coming into existence, with the fallout still rumbling on as UEFA and domestic governing bodies mull over possible sanctions for those that threatened to disrupt the establishment.

What has been said?

When it was put to him that Real could be removed from European competition this season, where they are due to face Chelsea in the semi-finals, Zidane said: “We have the right to play in the Champions League. 

"It’s illogical and absurd [that we might be disqualified]. No, I don’t have any worries [about the refereeing]. We’ll play our semi-final, as is our right.”

Any other business for Zidane?

The Blancos boss is eager to put the Super League debacle behind him and keep focus at Santiago Bernabeu locked on the immediate future.

Real will be back in La Liga action on Saturday when they play host to Real Betis.

As has become the norm for the Spanish heavyweights this season, mixed news has been delivered on the availability front.

Zidane has ruled Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Ferland Mendy out of his plans, but does have Luka Modric and the injury-ravaged Eden Hazard ready to return.

The Frenchman said when delivering that update: “So, there’s some good news and some bad news."

The bigger picture

Real are due to welcome Chelsea to Madrid on Tuesday, but must try and maintain momentum against Betis before entertaining Premier League foes.

A 3-0 win over Cadiz in midweek briefly had the Blancos back at the top of the table, before victory for Atletico Madrid pushed them three points off the pace again.

Zidane is determined to get over the line in first place, but is aware that Real face a tough task through their remaining six fixtures as they have failed to claim the Spanish top-flight crown in successive seasons since 20007 and 2008.

"That has always been difficult," he added. "I’ve said many times that the Spanish league is very competitive. For me, it’s one of the very best leagues. But, we’ll try."

Further reading

Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny could both play at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer after being included in Egypt's preliminary squad for the men's football tournament.

The Liverpool and Arsenal stars have been selected as overage players for the tournament, with the north African nation having been drawn against Spain, Argentina and Australia in the group stage.

Their inclusion in the squad could provide a headache for Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, with the competition scheduled to continue until August 7 - one week before the start of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

What has been said?

Although the men's Olympic football tournament is primarily a competition for Under-23 players, nations are allowed to pick three footballers over the age of 23, allowing them to select some of their biggest stars to participate at the games.

Shawki Gharib, head coach for Egypt's U23s, said he intended to pick Premier League stars for his squad after they were handed a tough draw.

He told Egyptian radio station On Sport FM: "We chose 14 from a list of 80 [above age players], it included names like Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Elneny, Ahmed Hegazi, and Mohamed El Shenawi. I'm really sorry about Trezeguet's injury."

Aston Villa winger Trezeguet suffered a knee injury earlier this month in a Premier League game against Liverpool, requiring surgery and ruling him out of the Olympics.

On Salah, Gharib said: "I need to use the benefit of choosing three players over the age of 23,  and we have a player considered to be among the best three in the world, so I have to consider him. Salah is a big star and all the players want him around."

On the difficulty of getting Salah released by Liverpool for what is generally regarded, in men's football, as a second-tier international event, Gharib said: "We sent a letter to Liverpool directly after the draw where we explained all the details and Egypt's schedule."

Will Salah and Elneny play at the Olympics?

Egypt would love to have arguably their two best players available for the tournament, with their opening fixture against Spain on July 22 in Sapporo.

The issue comes with scheduling - both Liverpool and Arsenal have had packed seasons, with the calendar compressed due to coronavirus, and they would much rather their players had a summer of rest rather than flying to Japan for a tournament.

Should Egypt spring a surprise and reach the final, that would be played on August 7. The opening day of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign is August 14.

Further Reading

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has hailed Hakim Ziyech’s recent impact at the club after overcoming his "difficult" start to life in England.

Ziyech joined the Blues from Ajax last July, but he struggled with injuries in his first few months in London.

Last month, the Morocco international inspired Thomas Tuchel's men to a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid with his opener in the second leg of their Uefa Champions League Round of 16 encounter.

The 28-year-old led Chelsea to their second FA Cup final in a row after he scored the match-winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

Following his heroics at Wembley, Chilwell said the entire squad is happy for Ziyech who has now contributed five goals and three assists in all competitions this campaign.

“He has had a few niggles this season that unfortunately have not allowed him to get that rhythm, that flow of games,” Chilwell told the club website.

“But he has scored some important goals for us in the Champions League, and another important goal which has got us to the cup final.

“Just seeing how much it meant to him after the semi-final was amazing. Everyone was buzzing for him to get that goal because he has had a difficult season with injuries, but he has come up trumps for us and played very well.”

Chilwell and Ziyech were among the new faces who moved to London last summer, which also includes Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

However, the England star believes it is a matter of time for their new players to adapt to the Premier League with Chelsea "blessed" in the attacking area.

He continued: “When they come to England everyone says the Premier League is so different to all the other top leagues in Europe, much more physical over here. It doesn’t just happen straight away for anyone. You have to get used to the league because it is so different.

“But we are blessed, the attacking players we have signed are all exceptionally talented and can win you a game. So we have got that, it is starting to gel together nicely now, and that is promising for the years ahead, because it is a young squad and it is very exciting.”

Chelsea visit West Ham United for their next Premier League match on Saturday with fourth place at stake.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi said he is "very proud" of his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho’s scoring feat after he grabbed a goal in their 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Iheanacho’s 36th-minute strike wrapped up the Foxes’ victory at the King Power Stadium following Johnny Evans and Jamie Vardy’s goals.

The effort made it 16 goals for the Super Eagles striker across all competitions this season, including nine Premier League goals – a new personal record.

In his reaction, Ndidi - who played from start to finish alongside Iheanacho on Thursday night - said the 24-year-old is full of confidence and belief in himself at the moment.

“He just can't stop scoring at the moment, so I'm very happy for him,” Ndidi told LCFC TV. “Very proud. I just want him to keep doing the things and keep scoring to help the team, so it is good for us.

“The gaffer also speaks to us about being confident with the ball and being confident about our play.

“It’s just one of those things where you, as a player, you just need to believe in yourself and I see it in him now. He really believes in himself now and the confidence is there.”

It was a nervy start in Leicester for both teams until Vardy broke the deadlock with his 23rd-minute opener which ended his seven-game goal drought in the English top-flight.

Ndidi suggested that the Englishman's effort threw the game open as Brendan Rodgers' men extended their tally in the third position to 59 points.

“It’s just one of those games. The team was brilliant and I’m happy we’ve got the points, so it's good for us,” the Nigeria international added.

“We knew what was coming, them being in their position in the league, so we knew they were going to come all out from the first minute, but we kept our game and then the goal actually made it open for us, we kept going and the goals came.

“Jamie [Vardy[ is just a goal machine. So, I don't know why, it’s just one of those games. He doesn’t have to score [in] every game, but when he gets the chances, he does put the ball in the net, so I'm very happy for him, very pleased, so he will just keep going, Jamie, for sure.”

Boubacar Kamara will consider his future at Marseille in the summer, amid reports of interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.

The 21-year-old versatile midfielder has been a bright spark in a turbulent season for OM, however, his contract expires in summer 2022, leading to clubs around Europe reportedly taking an interest.

Kamara, however, is in no rush to decide on his future, and will sit down with Marseille and his representatives in the summer to decide on their next move.

What did Kamara say?

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Marseille's Ligue 1 clash with Reims this weekend, Kamara said: "Since I was little, I have been at OM. I have never known anything else. I have never felt the sensation of leaving. With everything I have lived at OM, I think I'm ready to go anywhere. 

"It's more the sporting project that can convince me to stay. I have lived a bit here. It's four years that I've been here so it's the project that will make me make the decision, but I remain focused on the end of the season, then we will all sit down and think."

Will Kamara move on?

Marseille are currently fifth in Ligue 1 under Jorge Sampaoli, and face a fight to reach the Champions League next season. Failure to qualify for the top rank of European competition could be the catalyst to force Kamara out the door.

Having moved into midfield after starting his professional career as a defender, Kamara's skill and versatility make him an enticing target for any Champions League side looking to add quality - and with Liverpool seeking reinforcements amid uncertainty over the futures of Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, he could be an ideal fit at Anfield.

Kamara has been a key figure for Marseille this season, making 38 appearances in all competitions.

Capable of playing at centre-back or defensive midfield, he has kept his first-team place under Sampaoli, who replaced Andre Villas-Boas at the Ligue 1 club midway through the campaign.

Further Reading

Express FC coach Wasswa Bbosa has insisted his charges have to win their Ugandan Premier League game against reigning champions Vipers SC on Friday if they are to stay in contention for the league title.

The Red Eagles have been struggling for consistency, and have not won any of their last three top-tier outings. They drew 0-0 with SC Villa before being held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Mbarara City.

Their latest game ended in a 2-1 loss away to Bright Stars.

The tactician now believes the game against the Venoms is a good opportunity for his charges to make their intent clear.

"After playing three games without a win, we think Friday's game is a must-win, for us to remain in the title race, we have to win against our closest challengers and the boys know we have to win," Bbosa said ahead of the match.

"Also, we hope some players will be available both from suspensions and injury so we’re set."

Experienced defender Murushid Juuko, who will be playing against his former team, conceded they are disappointed with their last outing against Bright Stars but remained optimistic it will change at St Mary's Kitende.

"We have prepared very well in the defence, midfield, and attacking side of the team so that we go to Kitende and get the three points," the experienced defender stated.

"We were disappointed with the result of the last game but [on Friday] the boys are ready. If we follow the coach’s tactics we shall surely win. It is also a great opportunity to face my former team but I want to win and it will be a great motivation for me as a player."

This is going to be the 23rd meeting between the sides in all competitions. The Venoms have a better record, having won 10 matches as compared to Express' three with the remaining nine matches ending in draws.

The two teams settled in a 1-1 draw in the last meeting.

Express are placed third on the log with 37 points, six behind the Venoms who are on top alongside Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC.

Has anyone actually benefitted from Alex Iwobi’s sale to Everton in summer 2019?

The former prodigy left Arsenal for Merseyside almost two years ago after several years at the Emirates Stadium, but the transfer hasn’t truly aided his career. Admittedly, the Nigerian is probably more rounded now than he was before the switch, but be that as it may, moonlighting in wide defence and wing-back probably wasn’t what the Super Eagle envisioned when he moved less than two years ago.

Typically featuring in either wide playmaking role in North London, the 24-year-old has been moved around all too often this year under Carlo Ancelotti. While the initial excitement meant the Italian could trust the ex-Arsenal man in his side, the fact he could be utilised in multiple roles was meant to be an alternative solution for the Italian manager if need be.

However, what ought to be an alternate plan has largely been made the West African’s primary usefulness to the side.

The player’s frustration probably peaked in March when he made a hash of what was intended to be a cryptic tweet saying: “Always an honour to get a call up for my national team. Hopefully, I get to play in my preferred position,” Iwobi posted on his Instagram story in March.

The result: being played in the hole from the off against Burnley but this was quickly abandoned after the Clarets ambushed the Toffees at Goodison Park in the opening half-hour, a game they won 2-1.

That was the second defeat in a row at the time and Ancelotti’s team have failed to win in the next three Premier League games, taking their run without a league win to five. The upshot of that unwanted streak has put Everton’s hopes of ending above Arsenal for the first time in PL history under threat, with Mikel Arteta’s team three points back having played a game more.

Even though both clubs seem to have gone in opposite directions in the last year or thereabouts, Gunners icon Nwankwo Kanu believes the switch was ill-advised.

“I was surprised they let Alex Iwobi go when they did. He was supposed to be a part of this team,” Kanu said, as per Metro. “I think they’d be a better team with him in it. He’s Arsenal blood and he’s always given his all for the team.

“He plays at an international level. I believe he’d be much more comfortable in this Arsenal team than he is in the Everton team.”

The conclusion of Kanu’s assessment of his countryman’s time at Goodison was quite revealing, especially as Arteta’s team looked to lack a useful link-up player for a while until Emile Smith-Rowe and Martin Odegaard (on loan from Real Madrid) became key players under the former Manchester City assistant manager.

It’s also safe to assume the Nigeria playmaker was never going to feature in so many wide-ranging positions in North London had Unai Emery opted against letting the nutmeg prince leave in 2019.

The Super Eagles icon, though, remains unsure of his old team’s direction under the former Arsenal captain, questioning their decline in domestic competition pointing to their position in the standings.

“It’s a difficult one to assess as far as Arsenal’s season is concerned because domestically, they aren’t anywhere near what we’re used to seeing, but in Europe, they look really strong,” he continued. “The coach did a good job in winning the FA Cup last season, but this is a big club, and the expectation of a big club is to win the league.

“As things stand, you can’t rate Arsenal highly in terms of performances in the Premier League, but if they can win the Europa League, it gives them a good balance, knowing they have struggled in the league.”

In truth, Iwobi hasn’t had things go all his way since leaving the Emirates, with the jury still out on his personal growth.

Still, if he helps Everton end above Arsenal for the first time since the advent of the PL, it’ll be a small victory for a player who has enjoyed limited joy in the last 24 months.

Ronald Koeman has admitted his angry reaction to a defensive mistake by Oscar Mingueza on Thursday vs Getafe was "a bit exaggerated".

When Mingueza pushed up from the back with Barcelona clinging to a 3-2 advantage, Koeman screamed at him from the touchline before subbing him off and refusing to look at him as he walked past. The Blaugranes went on to win 5-2 and move into third place in La Liga.

With time to cool down, Koeman said Mingueza is "having a great season" and claimed the defender's early exit from the match did not have to do with his lapse.

What has been said?

"Maybe I was a bit exaggerated, because he's having a great season," Koeman said of Mingueza. "The youngsters have to learn that with Barcelona you have to always be 100 per cent focused in every game. His substitution had no relation with my anger".

"[Gerard] Pique's substitution was planned because he was a little tired after the Copa final. We decided to play with him for 45 minutes".

La Liga title race

Despite the victory, Barcelona are in a difficult position with seven matches remaining. They sit two points behind Real Madrid and five points behind Atletico Madrid, though they have a game in hand over both sides.

A May 8 clash with Atletico could prove the deciding factor in the title race, however Koeman does not anticipate a winner being crowned before the final matchday.

"I don't think we are stronger than the other three teams (Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Sevilla)," Koeman told reporters. "Now we will have complicated matches. It will be a fight that will not be decided before the last match".

Further reading

Enyimba suffered a 1-0 defeat to Al-Ahly Benghazi in Thursday’s Caf Confederation Cup Group A game at Martyrs of February Stadium.  

Muttasem El Taib scored the goal that made the difference in the encounter as the Butchers edged closer to qualifying for the next round of the competition.

Enyimba started the group stage of the tournament with a victory over Al-Ahly in Aba, before losing to Orlando Pirates.

They bounced back to the winning ways against ES Setif on their home soil but suffered a defeat in the reversed fixture of the encounter.

The Peoples’ Elephant, thus, headed into the match at Martyrs of February Stadium with a target of securing victory in order to boost their chances of making it into the knockout stages of the tournament.

Coach Fatai Osho handed starting roles to John Noble, Emmanuel Ampiah, Timothy Danladi, Augustine Oladapo, Obi Samson Bossa, Stanley Okorom and Tosin Omoyele in the encounter.

The Nigeria representative started the game impressively and came close to opening the scoring in the 32nd minute through Omoyele, but the forward missed his effort.

The Butchers got their best chance in the 40th minute when El Taib found himself in a scoring position and did not fail to hit the back of the net.

Enyimba continued to push for a possible equalizing goal after the restart of the second half but Al-Ahly Benghazi held on their lead, frustrating the effort of the Nigerians side.

The Peoples’ Elephant suffered a further blow when they were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes left to play after Danladi was shown a straight red card for a serious foul play.

The defeat ensured Enyimba dropped to the third spot on the Group A table with six points from five games while Al-Ahly climbed to the second spot with seven points and Orlando Pirates are top of the group.

Enyimba must now win their last group game against Orlando Pirates on April 28 to boost their chances of reaching the next stage of the continental tournament.

Nigeria's best performances in Caf continental tournaments were in 2003 and 2004 when the Peoples’ Elephant won the Caf Champions League titles back-to-back.

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal deserved their invite to the much-debated Super League because of their history and long-held values.

Arsenal were named as one of the 12 founding Super League clubs last Sunday alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, despite the fact they have not competed in the Champions League since 2017.

Amid the intense backlash against the proposed breakaway it was suggested that the Gunners and fellow north London outfit Tottenham had no right to be named alongside Europe's elite, but Arteta is adamant that they fully merited their inclusion.

What's been said?

Asked what his response would be to the critics that claim Arsenal should never have been considered for the Super League, the Spanish head coach told reporters on Friday: “That we are one of the best clubs in the world, and we could not be any prouder to represent this club, its history, and we totally understand the demands and the excellence that we have to be pursuing.

“You cannot deny the history, and that history is attached to results, it’s attached to a certain way of doing things, to certain values, to representing those in the right manner, to having the amount of support and love that we have around the world. 

“And that’s not a coincidence, that’s been earned over years and years with merit to a lot of people who have been involved in the history of the football club.”

Arsenal's stance on the Super League

Arsenal and the rest of the English clubs that had originally signed up to the Super League performed a U-turn in midweek after the universal condemnation of the plans in the media.

The Gunners confirmed their withdrawal and issued an apology in an official statement, but supporters have since been calling for the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) group that owns the club to resign.

Although Emirates Stadium board member Josh Kroenke subsequently admitted wrongdoing at a fans forum event, he also insisted that there will be no change of ownership at Arsenal in the wake of this week's controversy.

What else has Arteta said?

Arteta has also expressed his belief that the decision-makers at the highest level of the sport will have learnt some tough lessons after witnessing the effect supporters from across the continent can have when united against the same cause.

“I think this has given big lessons and it shows the importance of football in the world," he said.

“And it shows that the soul of this sport belongs to the fans - and that’s it. During this pandemic, for a year, we have been trying to sustain this industry with no fans in the stadium.

“But, when the fans have to come out and talk, they’ve done it really loud and clear, and they sent probably the strongest message that has ever been sent in the football world.

“And every club, leaving their interests apart, has done the right thing - which is, they are the ones (the fans), we have to listen to them, we put it aside and in 24 hours we kill the project.

“So that is a massive statement for the history of football."

Further reading