Viktor Gyokeres names bizarre reason why Arsenal suffered in potential title-defining defeat

Viktor Gyokeres names bizarre reason why Arsenal suffered in potential title-defining defeat:

Viktor Gyokeres claimed part of Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth may have been self-inflicted.

Goals from Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott either side of a Gyokeres penalty helped the Cherries to a surprise 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Gyokeres netted his 12th Premier League goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough

The Gunners huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser after Scott’s 74th-minute strike, but it ultimately remained elusive.

Although Bournemouth were defensively resolute amid the late barrage of red shirts, Gyokeres was reluctant to solely attribute Arsenal’s inability on scoring a second to their opponents’ work at the back.

Life’s a pitch

Instead, the Sweden international attributed some of the blame to the pitch at the Emirates.

“We had some OK chances at the end,” Gyokeres said.

“The pitch was a bit dry there to be honest, so that didn’t help.

“But of course, we all need to do better and we need to take our chances.”

Aside from the result marking Arsenal’s fourth league defeat this season, it has heaped pressure on the Gunners in the title race.

Gunner look forward

Despite the loss, Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

However, that margin could shrink to six on Sunday should second-placed Manchester City beat Chelsea on Sunday.

If that transpires, City could then reduce the gap to just three as they host Arsenal on April 19.

Gyokeres wasn’t a fan of the Emirates Stadium turf late in the match

But Gyokeres remains defiant the Gunners won’t allow lightning to strike an alarming fourth-straight time.

“We are very confident [we can turn things around],” Gyokeres remarked.

“We don’t want to get stuck in what happened today.

“We need to look forward, think positively and look forward to the coming games.

Before Arsenal face City, they must get through the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting on Wednesday.

The Gunners take a 1-0 lead into the clash thanks to Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time strike in the first leg.

1: Premier League Fixtures & Results

Where to watch Chelsea v Manchester City plus kick-off time, team news and head-to-head record

Where to watch Chelsea v Manchester City plus kick-off time, team news and head-to-head record:

Manchester City could heap more pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they face Chelsea on Sunday.

City are nine points behind the league-leading Gunners but could shrink the gap to six should they beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

City are hoping to capitalise on a rare slip-up from Arsenal

That’s because Arsenal slipped to a shock 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

City could then cut the margin to just three points given they will host Arsenal on April 19.

But for all the talk of Pep Guardiola’s side taking Arsenal all the way in the title race, they must handle business against Chelsea.

Chelsea v Manchester City: Kick-off time and how to follow

The clash between Chelsea and City takes place on Sunday April 12.

Proceedings at Stamford Bridge will get underway at 4:30pm.

Fans can watch the action unfold live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 4pm.

Sky Go customers will be able to watch through their laptops and mobile devices.

Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can be purchased that will show the match. Head here for more information on packages.

talkSPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon and talkSPORT.com will have all the action in our dedicated Premier League blog.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Chelsea have lost three of their last four Premier League games

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Chelsea v Manchester City: Team news

Chelsea will be without vice-captain Enzo Fernandez as he serves the final match of his two-game ban for publicly casting doubt over his future at the club.

Also unavailable among Chelsea’s squad for Sunday’s clash are Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Reece James.

Like Chelsea, City will be without a string of defensive stars.

Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones will not be involved against Chelsea.

Chelsea v Manchester City: What has been said?

Speaking at his press conference, Guardiola was under no illusions that his side cannot afford to slip up in any of their final league fixtures if they are to challenge Arsenal for the title.

Guardiola has been left to rue his side dropping points earlier in the season[/caption]

“Hopefully we can get a lot of points,” Guardiola said.

“The situation we are in in the Premier League, we need to get all of them otherwise it will not give us a chance to try until the end.

“We need to get a lot of points. We have not been consistent enough in the season. We have dropped points that we should have taken which is why we are now in the position where we cannot do it differently.”

As for Rosenior, he too knows the Blues desperately need a win to keep pace with Liverpool and Aston Villa for the fifth and final Champions League place on offer.

“Three points, that takes us closer to our objective, which right now is to qualify for the Champions League,” Rosenior said.

“That’s all we can focus on.

Rosenior hopes to lead Chelsea to their first win over City since May 2021

We have teams who fight relegation, teams who are in mid-table, teams who are pushing at the top end of the league. It doesn’t matter, because every game is so difficult in this league.

“And we know it’s going to be a big challenge on Sunday, but one that we’re looking forward to.”

Chelsea v Manchester City: Head-to-head record

Chelsea wins: 71

Manchester City wins: 68

Draws between Chelsea and Manchester City: 42

Last time they met: Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea (January 4, Premier League)

Last time Manchester City beat Chelsea: January 25, 2025 (Premier League)

Last time Chelsea beat Manchester City: May 29, 2021 (Champions League final)

Roberto De Zerbi told he must ‘lie’ to Tottenham players to save club as they close in on awful 91-year record

Roberto De Zerbi told he must ‘lie’ to Tottenham players to save club as they close in on awful 91-year record:

Roberto De Zerbi has been told he may need to portray a false confidence in his players in order to help Tottenham stay up.

A deflected strike from Nordi Mukiele saw Spurs lose yet again as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

Another week, another Premier League defeat for Spurs

Spurs dropped into the Premier League relegation zone on Friday night when their rivals West Ham thrashed Wolves 4-0.

Defeat at Sunderland has left them two points off safety with just six fixtures remaining in what could be a nightmare season.

It’s marked a difficult start to De Zerbi’s tenure at Spurs, who are on their third manager in ten months.

However, whilst he’ll hope that he has enough quality to stay up, the Italian has been urged to take an unorthodox approach.

Speaking on talkSPORT commentary after full-time, Perry Groves said: “Confidence just sort of drains away and Roberto De Zerbi, he’ll probably be positive about his players after the game.

“Because even if he doesn’t believe it, even if he’s doubting a few of the Spurs players’ characters, he’s got to make them think that he believes in them…

“He’s got to lie to them,” Sam Matterface interjected, to which Groves replied: “Exactly, 100 per cent.”

Matterface added: “And try and tell them that they can get out of it because the evidence of your eyes says they can’t.

“The statistics tell you they can’t. They need to win football matches, they don’t win football matches.”

Spurs are winless in their last 14 league matches, with a run of 16 that ended in April 1935 their worst in history.

De Zerbi has been given some unusual advice on how to help keep Spurs up

De Zerbi ‘positive’ that Spurs will stay up

Relegation to the Championship sounds outrageous for a club the size of Spurs, but it’s not out the realm of possibility.

Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton are their final opponents of the campaign.

Despite making a losing start at Spurs, De Zerbi has belief that they can avoid being relegated during the nervy run-in.

“I’m positive after today,” he told the media. “I’m positive because I normally speak with them, I believe in them as people and players.

“For sure, we are in a tough moment, we are going through a very difficult moment.

“My players are not used to fighting in this position of the table. But I give you my word. They are good people, and they are suffering a lot with this situation.

Spurs have just six matches to secure their Premier League status

“For that, I believe in them. If I have to fight with one player, for me it’s not a problem, just to be honest.

“We don’t need to make any policemen inside the dressing room, but I would like to be a big brother, I would like to be a father, a friend, to help them to show what they are able to do.”

Spurs’ next outing sees them entertain De Zerbi’s former club Brighton on Saturday.

They then go to relegation rivals Wolves seven days later.

1: Premier League Fixtures & Results

Man City fan goes viral for drinking from Arsenal bottle as emphatic title race message sent

Man City fan goes viral for drinking from Arsenal bottle as emphatic title race message sent:

Manchester City are firmly in the Premier League title race, and one fan is majorly poking fun at leaders Arsenal.

City brushed Chelsea aside with a convincing 3-0 win on Sunday in a result that has put them within six points of the summit.

City have strengthened their claim for this season’s title

Nico O’Reilly and former Blue Marc Guehi netted in quick succession at Stamford Bridge to put the visitors in control.

Jeremy Doku then added a third with 68 minutes, and it left one City fan in the away end with a cheeky grin on his face.

Whilst celebrating, the TV cameras showed him pretending to drink out of a bottle that featured the Arsenal badge.

He partook in the ongoing jibe against the Gunners, who many fans believe are set to ‘bottle’ the title race despite their lead at the top.

Arsenal v Manchester City - The run-in

Arsenal – 1st – 70 points

April 19 – Manchester City (A)

April 25 – Newcastle United (H)

May 2 – Fulham (H)

May 10 – West Ham United (A)

May 17 – Burnley (H)

May 24 – Crystal Palace (A)

Manchester City – 2nd – 64 points

April 19 – Arsenal (H)

April 22 – Burnley (A)

May 4 – Everton (A)

May 9 – Brentford (H)

May 17 – Bournemouth (A)

May 24 – Aston Villa (H)

TBA – Crystal Palace (H)

It didn’t take long for clips and images of the fan to go viral on social media, with those nearby even showing him on their feeds.

City make title race statement

They may still be trailing Arsenal with just six weeks of the season left to go, but City, who have a game in hand on the Gunners, have taken a giant step towards a potential title.

Their victory at Chelsea came just a day after their rivals were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth in a worrying home performance.

Arsenal have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, and appear to be showing their nerves.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second in the past three seasons and to do so for a fourth consecutive year would be gut-wrenching.

They will also be aware that their next Premier League fixture could make or break their season, with a trip to City coming on Sunday.

One City fan joked about their title rivals with a bottle jibe He quickly became a viral star for his antics

City hosted Arsenal in similar circumstances towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Erling Haaland all scored as their north London opponents collapsed at the Etihad Stadium.

Their most recent meeting came less than a month ago, with City winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.

It could give them a huge psychological boost ahead of their clash next weekend.

City will also have a full week to prepare, with Arsenal at home to Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Both sets of fans face an anxious wait for kick-off at the Etihad, as the winners could have one hand on the trophy at full-time.

Furious Tottenham fan Abbi Summers slams ‘arrogant’ board and crying players in epic rant as embarrassing run continues

Furious Tottenham fan Abbi Summers slams ‘arrogant’ board and crying players in epic rant as embarrassing run continues:

Tottenham Hotspur have been called out for their ‘arrogance’ after their relegation fears worsened on Sunday.

The north London side remain in the Premier League bottom three with their latest setback seeing them suffer a 1-0 loss at Sunderland.

Spurs’ crying stars have been slammed by Abbi Summers after their latest Premier League defeat

Nordi Mukiele’s second-half strike deflected in off Micky van de Ven to inflict defeat on Roberto De Zerbi in his first match as Spurs boss.

Van de Ven was in tears at full-time as his side were left 18th in the Premier League.

Spurs are two points from safety with six matches remaining as they aim to avoid a first relegation for 49 years.

Cristian Romero had earlier been spotted crying as he left the pitch injured after colliding with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Romero was replaced by Kevin Danso in the 70th minute.

Abbi Summers’ furious Spurs rant

However, talkSPORT’s Abbi Summers was less than impressed with the Spurs centre-backs at full-time as she called out her beloved club.

Reacting on talkSPORT Goals, she unleashed a furious rant aimed at Romero, Van de Ven and the Tottenham board.

Summers began by explaining: “This is what is annoying me. I’ve seen Romero cry, I’ve seen Micky van de Ven cry. Where has that been all season?

“Has it just occurred to you, with seven games to go, now six games to go, that you are sending this football club down?

“The captain, now you’re crying. You weren’t doing that when you were getting yourself sent off and missing seven games this season.

“Micky van de Ven couldn’t one-on-one defend for weeks on end we sat here and watched. Now you’re crying because what? You realise you’re going to get relegated? Is that what I’m watching here?

Summers unleashed on Romero and Van de Ven as she fumed at Spurs’ ‘arrogance’

“When none of you have given one ounce of a toss the entire season. They’ve looked like they’ve been so arrogant about it when they were walking off and dismissing Thomas Frank. Didn’t care.

“Showing up late to training, which has been well documented from my club captain.

“Now you’re sitting there crying because now it’s hit you that your backs are really against the wall boys and you’ve got absolutely no quality in you.”

Romero has missed six Premier League matches through suspensions this season after two red cards and nine yellows.

Meanwhile, Van de Ven has been criticised for his attitude, including after appearing to snub Thomas Frank earlier in the campaign.

The Dutchman later seemed to ignore instructions from interim boss Igor Tudor during his brief tenure.

Spurs ‘arrogance’ is ‘disgraceful’

As Summers continued, she turned her attention to the Spurs board.

The talkSPORT co-host added: “This is what is infuriating to me. It’s now fully hit you that arrogance about them is disgraceful.

“When people have sat there and said, ‘well Tottenham are too good to go down, you won’t get pulled into it.’

“We’ve slept-walked into this situation, the board have slept-walked into it and have the arrogance about it not bringing anyone in in January, not trying to help Thomas Frank when they could.

“I will always stand by the fact that Thomas Frank was never, ever, ever the right coach for Tottenham Hotspur. You could see that.

“You could see that the way he set up against Chelsea, the way he set up against Arsenal and that was a sackable offence to me back in November.”

Spurs’ board, including sporting director Johan Lange, were also criticised by Summers

She continued: “Chose to keep him, shouldn’t have kept him, he should have been gone before Christmas when we lost to Nottingham Forest.

“(You had) plenty of opportunities, you didn’t sack him until mid-February. You left it too late.

“Then you go and bring in Igor Tudor. I told you at the time, ‘why?’ What was the point? It was going to go absolutely nowhere.

“Tottenham have had such an arrogance about them that is like, ‘oh, we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine cause we’re Tottenham.’”

1: Premier League Fixtures & Results

Spurs near record low

Spurs are now onto their third manager of the season but remain winless in the Premier League this year.

They have not won a league match since beating Crystal Palace on December 28.

Their 14-match winless run in the competition is now their second-longest in history.

A further two matches without victory would equal their all-time winless record in the league of 16 between December 1934 and April 1935.

Spurs’ next outing sees them entertain De Zerbi’s former club Brighton on Saturday before travelling to bottom side Wolves seven days later.

Danny Murphy issues bold Arne Slot claim amid potential summer upheaval at Liverpool

Danny Murphy issues bold Arne Slot claim amid potential summer upheaval at Liverpool:

Danny Murphy can’t see Arne Slot being given any say in a summer rebuild at Liverpool this year.

After romping to the Premier League title last season, the Reds haven’t come close to defending their crown, and the pressure has steadily mounted on the Dutchman.

Slot has looked increasingly short of ideas

Liverpool have no chance of winning the top-flight, are struggling in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, out of the FA Cup and didn’t win the Carabao Cup.

They are still likely to seal Champions League football with a fifth-place finish, but ahead of a huge summer, Murphy can’t see Slot still being in place.

Despite spending the best part of £450million last summer on players including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, there appears to be another big summer on the horizon.

Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have announced they will be departing as that famous Jurgen Klopp side starts to slowly be dismantled.

Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Alexis Mac Allister are among the players who face uncertain futures on Merseyside as well.

But for Murphy, it is over for Liverpool head coach Slot.

When asked by Simon Jordan if he feels Slot has reached the end of his time at Anfield, Murphy responded: “Yeah, I do.

“There are mitigating circumstances, but when the majority of Liverpool fans are on the same page, it is very difficult to come back from.

“I do feel for him because normally when you win a league, even if you have a bad season after, you get to go again, but it is the level of performance that’s really disgruntling the fans.”

Specifically on if Slot will be given the responsibility to reshape the squad, he said: “No chance. The hierarchy aren’t daft. They’re not stupid.

“Finishing fifth for Liverpool isn’t acceptable, irrelevant of the mitigating circumstances.

“They are nowhere near it and will probably only get fifth due to other teams falling below them.”

Not getting easier

Liverpool face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League on Tuesday with the Reds trailing the defending champions 2-0 following the first leg in Paris.

It could have been so much worse for Liverpool as they were opened up several times at the Parc des Princes, and they also survived a penalty scare in the final moments after Konate pushed Nuno Mendes in the back inside Liverpool’s box.

Liverpool last chance of silverware rests in them turning around their Champions League tie

Anfield is known for famous comeback triumphs with Liverpool’s semi-final victory in 2018/19 against Barcelona which saw them overturn a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate still fresh in the memory.

But Murphy has zero optimism, adding: “There is no confidence at all as they got absolutely battered. You always want to believe with the history of Anfield can create this atmosphere that elevates players performances – we’ve seen it time and time again.

“The reality is this team looks short on confidence and energy. If you go after PSG really hard, which they are going to have to do, they tear you apart because they’ve got some wonderful players.

“I think the big thing is the level of performance and being in the game and showing some fight and grit and some determination. The fans will get behind that.

“There are a few selection headaches he’s got to make. The Rio Ngumoha decision is going to be big because fans are desperate to see him.

“But I’d be amazed if they turn it around.”

It was an evening to forget for Liverpool in Paris, but they’ll hope Anfield can inspire a turnaround

Dare to dream

Slot has insisted that Liverpool can make it into the Champions League semi-finals.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “Remind me what the score was? It was 2-0. It felt completely different, but it was 2-0.

“Second of all, we’ve shown so many times this season in games we are able to get a great performance.

“We have also shown different things, I’m aware of that, but many of our games have been very good as well.

“The ones who have been with me the 18 months, 49 games we have scored two goals or more. They weren’t all against PSG, I know that, but the opponents are strong.

“There is a belief we can do special things tomorrow, but we have to be very very very special tomorrow, as we are playing against the European champions.

“It’s going to be very difficult but not impossible.”