Arsenal miss out on top 4 for the first time in 21 years despite 3-1 win over Everton

By

Needing slip-ups from either Liverpool or Manchester City on the final day of the season to have any chance of a top-four finish, Arsenal took an eighth-minute lead through Hector Bellerin.

They did suffer a setback when Laurent Koscielny was sent off for a late lunge on Enner Valencia in the 14th minute, ruling him out of the FA Cup final, but doubled their lead through Alexis Sanchez in the 27th minute.

Everton, who started with Ross Barkley on the bench, pulled a goal back through Romelu Lukaku's penalty after Rob Holding handled in the penalty area.

But the Gunners, who lost Alexis Sanchez to injury in the 68th minute, secured victory thanks to Aaron Ramsey's injury-time strike.

Arsenal's victory was in vain though in terms of Champions League qualification as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to relegated Middlesbrough, while Manchester City hammered Watford 5-0.

It means a first finish outside the top four for Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's tenure at the club and Europa League football next season, but attention will now turn to next week's FA Cup final against Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sergio Ramos: 'I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt.

By
Image
Sergio Ramos claims he will be 'back in no time' after the Real Madrid defender broke his nose in their derby draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane's side had to play the whole of the second half without their captain as he was taken off at half-time after breaking his nose in a collision with Atletico's Lucas Hernandez. Following the goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano, Ramos took to Instagram to post some graphic and bloody photos of his nose, as well as showing his devotion to the club. The Spanish international wrote: 'I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt. Thanks for your support. I'll be back in no time #HalaMadrid'. It was another disappointing day at the office for both Madrid clubs on Saturday as the result has left them even further off the pace at the top of the La Liga table.
Read more

Messi doesn't think he can become friends with Ronaldo one day

By
Image
Messi and Ronaldo are two of the best to play football. Easily the two greatest players of their generation. While they respect each others talents, will the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars be friends? They have plenty in common. From guiding their respective sides to domestic and European glory, not to mention holding aloft the most prestigious individual honours. Messi and Ronaldo have nine Ballon d'Or gongs between them, though Messi is unsure whether they can become friends. "I don't know if we will be," the Argentine ace told MARCA. "Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other. We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies and that's the only time we speak. Obviously, they lock horns during the El Clasico and are often seen together at FIFA functions. Messi added: "Everything is fine, but our lives don't cross over very often."
Read more

Peru striker banned by FIFA for failing Drug test

By
Image
PERU striker Paolo Guerrero is out of this countries vital World Cup play-off with New Zealand, after failing a drug test. The Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the news after their captain was selected for a random drugs test following the goalless draw with Argentina last month. Peru striker Paolo Guerrero set for long ban after failing drug test Accoring to Globoesporte the 33-year-old's sample had traces of Benzoylecglonine, the main component of cocaine. However, sorces close to the player have denied he would take drugs. Guerrero has been hit with an initial 30 day suspension by Fifa and will miss the double-header with the Kiwis in the upcoming international break. The Flamengo forward will also miss the Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Columbian side Junior Baranquilla. Guerrero who is the Peruvian all-time leading marksman with 33 goals has seven days to respond. click here for more
Read more

Mourinho worried about the possibility of Fellaini leaving Manchester united

By
Image
Jose Mourinho, the Manchester United manager, has admitted he is worried Marouane Fellaini will leave the club. Fellaini is out of contract at the end of the season and talks over a new deal remain at an impasse. The Belgium international midfielder rejected a new contract offer in September, and while United remain hopeful of persuading the player to stay, he will be free to talk to foreign suitors in January and Mourinho fears he could be tempted to go next summer. Fellaini currently earns about £120,000 a week and is requesting for 170,000. “Yes,” the United manager said when asked if he was worried about Fellaini leaving. Asked what he could do to get Fellaini to stay, Mourinho added: “Nothing. It is a discussion between the player and the board. I’m not involved in contracts, deals. “I respect both. The respect the player because he has the right, he has the right to decide his future. If he has finished his contract he has the right. I respect the boar...
Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo rejects new Real madrid contract; Wants to move away from the club next summer

By
Image
An 'angry' Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly rejected a new contract at Real Madrid and demanded a transfer away from the Spanish giants at the end of the season. Ronaldo, who has previously made it clear he didn't want to extend his current deal which runs out in 2021, was believed to have wanted to quit the club last summer. The Portuguese superstar opted to remain at the Bernabeu but reports in Spain on Tuesday have now suggested he doesn't want to play for the club beyond this term. Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, who works for TV station El Chiringuito, claimed Ronaldo has told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his decision. Aguirre adds that the 32-year-old former Manchester United star wants to leave on June 30 — and for a 'reasonable price'. However, Real Madrid are understood to have rejected his demand — which has further angered the wantaway star. It is believed Ronaldo doesn't feel appreciated at Real, and the offer on the t...
Read more

Conte is Italian first choice to replace sacked Ventura

By
Image
Italy are keen to take back former manager Antonio Conte following their dismissal of Gian Piero Ventura, the Italian Football Federation have confirmed. The Azzurri are still in a period of mourning after failing to qualify for next year's World Cup - only the second time in their history they have failed to do so. Ventura's days were soon numbered after Italy lost to Sweden over a two-legged play-off, failing to beat their opposition in Milan and in doing so shocking the football world. After parting ways with the manager, the Azzurri are now firmly on the hunt for a fresh replacement at the helm, and many within the country's FA are keen to see Conte reinstalled as national boss. Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio has gone as far as to confirm Conte is a wanted man, addressing speculation this week regarding Ventura's successor. Tavecchio told media, when asked about potential candidates such as Massimiliano Allegri or Roberto Mancini: ...
Read more

Real Madrid to listen to offers for Gareth Bale

By
Image
Gareth Bale has been linked to Manchester United almost every summer since he joined Real Madrid, but reports in the British press claim that this time he really is going to move to Old Trafford. Despite the injuries which have seen him miss 40 of the past 60 Real Madrid games, Jose Mourinho's club are reportedly willing to take a chance on the Welshman. This is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim that Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old, while hoping to recoup the 99 million euros spent on him.
Read more

Barcelona captures Nelson Semedo from Benfica

By
Image
According to Marca , Nelson Semedo has signed a deal to join Barcelona this Thursday afternoon, with the right-back to move from Benfica to the tune of 30 million euros, plus a potential 5m euros in add-ons. Marca reported that a group of Blaugrana directors - led by Jordi Bordas, Robert Fernandez and Raul Sanllehi - travelled to Lisbon on Thursday to finalise the deal, one which ticks off one of the club's transfer market priorities, that of signing a right-back. Given this price tag, Semedo will become the second most-expensive defender in Barcelona's history, following Dani Alves and the 36m euros - 30m plus 6m euros in variables - that Sevilla received for his move to the Camp Nou.
Read more

Mignolet: The return of Coutinho, Mane and Lallana will boost Liverpool a lot

By
Image
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the squad have handled the absence of key players Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana well and their impending comeback after the international break provides a chance to kick on. Mane played 77 minutes in Sunday’s 4-1 win over West Ham, his first appearance in a month after a hamstring injury, while Lallana is due to play a behind-closed-doors friendly next week as he steps up his preparation for his first game of the season after a thigh problem. Coutinho has joined up with the Brazil squad, despite an adductor problem forcing him to miss the club’s last three matches, and Mignolet is looking forward to seeing the trio all out on the pitch together again. “I think we’ve been a bit unfortunate with the injuries and the suspensions,” he told liverpoolfc.com. “If you have three of those kind of players injured at the same time then it’s obviously a tough thing to deal with, but at the same time the squad’s stayed calm undern...
Read more

Good news: Gareth Bale back to Real Madrid training

By
Image
Gareth Bale was back in Real Madrid training on Friday  as Los Blancos continued their preparations for their weekend LaLiga clash at home to Las Palmas Bale, who has been named in Wales squad for the November friendlies against France and Panama,  now appears to have recovered from a calf injury and could return against the Canary Islanders . The winger has not played for Real since their Champions League win away to Borussia Dortmund in late September . click here for more news
Read more