In a case of football banter gone wrong, a Beitbridge man narrowly escaped death after he was stabbed in the stomach with a knife by his colleague while discussing Arsenal Football Club’s performance.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the near-fatal stabbing incident occurred on 9 April 2024.
That was the day Arsenal hosted Bayern Munich in North London in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match that ended 2-2.
It is alleged that Meluleki Ndlovu (40) met the complainant who was returning home from his brother’s residence, presumably to watch the match.
The two reportedly engaged in a discussion about Arsenal which subsequently degenerated into a dispute.
Ndlovu allegedly insulted the complainant, before stabbing him in the stomach with a knife. He then fled from the scene.
Ndlovu was subsequently arrested and arraigned before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on attempted murder charges.
The case was postponed to 26 April 2024.
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Beitbridge Man Stabbed In Dispute Over Arsenal Performance

The UEFA Champions League last-16 draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland. The draw is a long process, with group winners being seeded and drawn against unseeded teams who finished second in other groups. Teams from the same country and those who were in the same group cannot be drawn together.
Seeded teams include Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad. Unseeded teams include Copenhagen, Inter Milan, Lazio, RB Leipzig, Napoli, Paris St-Germain, Porto, and PSV Eindhoven.
Reigning champions, Manchester City, will face FC Copenhagen, the lowest-ranked club remaining in the competition. Below is the full list:
<ul>
<li>FC Porto v Arsenal</li>
<li>Napoli v Barcelona</li>
<li>Paris St-Germain v Real Sociedad</li>
<li>Inter Milan v Atletico Madrid</li>
<li>PSV Eindhoven v Borussia Dortmund</li>
<li>Lazio v Bayern Munich</li>
<li>FC Copenhagen v Manchester City</li>
<li>RB Leipzig v Real Madrid</li>
</ul>
The first legs of the last 16 will be played on 13-14 and 20-21 February, with the second legs on 5-6 and 12-13 March. The draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will be done together on 15 March. The final will be held at Wembley on 1 June. 
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UEFA Champions League Last-16 Draw Results

Arsenal defeated Manchester City in a penalty shootout on Sunday to lift the Football Association’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium. The Gunners beat City 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation. 
The Football Association’s Community Shield traditionally inaugurates the new Premier League season. Typically, this game features the winners of the previous season’s Premier League and FA Cup. However, as City triumphed in both competitions, securing a historic treble alongside the Champions League, Arsenal participated as the league’s runner-up. This circumstance may have provided Arsenal with a psychological advantage as they embarked on the new campaign that commences on Friday.
City took the lead in the 78th minute through Cole Palmer, who scored a superb goal shortly after coming off the bench. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard equalised in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time with a deflected shot, leading the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, Kevin De Bruyne struck the crossbar with a powerful shot, and Rodri’s effort was saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale. Fabio Vieira seized the opportunity to secure victory for Arsenal by curling his penalty high into the corner. Throughout the 90 minutes, Arsenal had the better chances, with off-season signing Kai Havertz, deputizing for the injured Gabriel Jesus, coming close on two occasions in the first half, and Bukayo Saka missing a chance.
City’s defeat in the Community Shield marks their third consecutive loss in this fixture, having previously been vanquished by Leicester in 2021 and Liverpool in 2022.
While City manager Pep Guardiola may be slightly concerned about star striker Erling Haaland’s lacklustre performance, he can take solace in the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who played the final half-hour of the match after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League final in June. The Belgian playmaker is the one who assisted Palmer. Additionally, the emergence of 21-year-old winger Cole Palmer, who scored City’s goal, bodes well for the team’s future prospects following Riyad Mahrez’s departure to Saudi Arabia.
It is worth noting that Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who recently joined City for a significant transfer fee, did not feature in the match. On the other hand, Arsenal has bolstered their squad with the signings of Havertz, midfielder Declan Rice, and versatile defender Jurrien Timber, positioning themselves as one of City’s main contenders for the Premier League title this season. Arsenal finished as runners-up last season, albeit after a late collapse.
Furthermore, the match showcased the enforcement of stricter sanctions against bad behaviour on the pitch, as players and coaches agreed to a “Participant Charter.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a yellow card in the first half for gesturing an imaginary yellow card after Rodri committed a tactical foul to halt a potential breakaway. Additionally, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and City’s Julian Alvarez were both booked for kicking the ball away.
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Arsenal Beat Manchester City To Lift The Community Shield

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka has extended his stay at Emirates to at least the summer of 2027 after signing a new four-year contract with the Gunners.
Saka’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of next season. He has been a standout player for Arsenal in the last two seasons, scoring 14 goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions this season.
He was also the club’s top scorer last term with 11 goals. Saka’s new deal is a boost for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, and he joins Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli in committing their futures to the club. Saka told the Arsenal official website:
<blockquote>
I’m just really happy. There’s been a lot of talking and it’s been a while, but I’m here now. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It’s a beautiful club – look where we are.
For me, it’s about achieving my personal ambitions; how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out. Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my teammates, the coaching staff.
I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be, and that’s why I’m happy to stay here and be here for the future, because I really believe that we can achieve big things.
</blockquote>
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta congratulated winger Bukayo Saka on his new contract and thanked everyone who worked to make it happen. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Arteta praised Saka’s character and how he represents the club in the best possible way. He said:
<blockquote>
He represents this club in the best possible way and he has merited this contract with his contributions to the team, the club and how he is. Now we have to move again.
He’s a very special person. He’s really likeable, really humble and loved by everybody here. The way he talks to people, he really takes time to understand how people are feeling and what they need.
It’s not something he does because of his role, he’s genuine. That’s his biggest attribute, that he cares for people.
</blockquote>
Arteta hopes more young talent will commit to the club after Bukayo Saka signed a new four-year contract, along with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal’s next targets for contract renewals could be Martin Odegaard and William Saliba.
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Saka Extends His Stay At Arsenal To At Least 2027

Former Real Madrid, Germany and Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has announced his immediate retirement at the age of 34 citing injuries.
The World Cup Winner wrote on Instagram saying that it was becoming “more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football”, with injuries playing a part in his decision.
Ozil’s final game came on February 2, when he was substituted at half-time during Istanbul Basaksehir’s 1-0 defeat at Kayserispor in the Turkish Super Lig. It was one of just two starts he made for the club after signing from Fenerbahce last summer.
 Ozil’s statement read: 
<blockquote>
After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.
But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.
It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Basaksehir – and the coaches who supported me, plus teammates who have become friends.
Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.
Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.
Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels.
</blockquote>
Ozil was hampered by fitness problems during his 18-month spell at Fenerbahce before he joined their Turkish rivals at the start of the season.
Ozil played 37 times for Fenerbahce, scoring nine goals, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12840082/mesut-ozil-former-arsenal-real-madrid-and-germany-midfielder-announces-retirement-aged-34">Sky Sports</a> reported.
Mesut Ozil’s Career in Brief:
<blockquote>
i). Mesut Ozil played 254 times for Arsenal and won four FA Cups with the Gunners, 
ii). He made 159 appearances for Real Madrid, winning LaLiga and the Copa del Rey; 
iii). He won 92 caps for Germany, scoring 23 goals and lifting the World Cup in 2014.
</blockquote>
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Injuries Force Former Real Madrid, Arsenal Midfielder Mesut Ozil Into Retirement

Arsenal FC legend, Thierry Henry, believes Harry Kane should leave Tottenham this summer if he has to win a trophy in his life.
Kane will go a 13th successive season at Spurs without a trophy after the club’s deflating Champions League football exit on Wednesday night.
Antonio Conte’s side was beaten 1-0 by AC Milan over two legs to crash out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage.
Tottenham’s exit looks set to spark fresh speculation over Kane’s future, with the 29-year-old linked with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City in recent years.
Henry Thierry believes Kane should leave Tottenham and says the “outstanding’’ England striker is too good to finish his career without any trophies. Henry told CBS Sports:
<blockquote>
If I was him I would go. It’s up for him to choose where but I would go, he has to know where he wants to go. A player like that, a player of his calibre, should not talk about just his goals at the end of his career. If I was him, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if all I could talk about is my goals.
Listen, it’s a great achievement and I have massive respect for him — I think he’s outstanding. But if that’s the only thing you can bring to the table at the end of your career, that’s tough for me.
</blockquote>
Speaking after the Champions League exit, <a href="https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/we-should-be-winning-trophies-frustrated-harry-kane-hints-at-his-tottenham-future-42377533.html">Kane said</a>:
<blockquote>
Where we’re at as a club, we should be winning trophies. That’s always the aim.
The top four [being our only target] is a consequence of not playing as well as we want to play. Now that’s all we can fight for so that’s going to be the goal and hopefully we can achieve that come the end of the season.
</blockquote>
Kane has scored a record 268 goals in 423 appearances for Tottenham and is chasing Alan Shearer’s all-time English Premier League tally.
As a result, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Kane will be keen to stay in England if he does leave Tottenham but admits there are not many options for the striker. 
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Thierry Henry Says Harry Kane Should Leave Tottenham

Arsenal produced a second half masterclass to beat Aston Villa 4-2 in an entertaining English Premier League match played at Villa Park today. 
The Gunners needed to react to Wednesday’s defeat to Manchester City but with five minutes on the clock, they were already trailing. 
A lapse in concentration in the Arsenal defence saw Ollie Watkins fully taking advantage to put Villa ahead from close range.
A defensive error by Tyron Mings, who failed to head the ball into touch, saw Buyako Saka capitalizing and blasting home the equalizer in the 16th minute, before Phil Coutinho restored Villa’s lead in the 31st minute.
Villa led 2-1 at the half time break.
Arsenal came back for the second half determined to turn the situation around and did just that, first through a Oleksandr Zinchenko 61st minute equalizer to make it 2-2.
A late Emiliano Martinez own goal completed the turn around for Arsenal before Gabriel Martinelli put the final nail on the Villa coffin in time added on.
Meanwhile, Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest.
Bernardo Silva put City ahead just before half time, before Chris Wood leveled matters for Forest in the 81st minute.
As a result, Arsenal are back at the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of second-placed City.
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Manchester City Held, Arsenal Back On Top

Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City beat early pace setters Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to go top of the table. 
Heading into the clash, the Gunners, after a brilliant start to the season which made their fans believe they would end their long wait for the Premier League title,  were three points clear at the top.
But Pep Gurdaiola’s men were simply the better team from the onset and needed just 24 minutes to open the scoring, through Kevin De Bruyne. 
Arsenal equalized just before the half time break through Buyako Saka’s cooly-converted penalty.
1-1 it was at half time.
Two late goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland ensured that City collected three points and leapfrogged Arsenal to the top of the table.
Both teams are now  level on 51 points but City have a superior go
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Man City Beat Arsenal, Go Top Of The Premier League

Eight Arsenal fans in Uganda have reportedly been arrested for celebrating yesterday’s English Premier League win over Manchester United.
Having fallen behind through Marcus Rashford’s early strike, Arsenal came back in dramatic fashion to beat United United 3-2 and restore their 5-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Relishing the prospect of Mikel Arteta’s charges finally ending their 19-year wait for the league title, the Gunners’ fans in the Ugandan city of Jinja went into the street to celebrate the crucial victory carrying a symbolic trophy and wearing red jerseys.
According to BBC Sport, they were later arrested by police for ‘not having a permit to celebrate in the streets’, in violation of the country’s public order laws.
Ugandan police regional police boss James Mubi, told the publication the Gunners fans ought to have requested for permission from law enforcement agents to go in the streets.
He said:
<blockquote>
“What would have happened if an altercation with rival fans broke out? They did not inform police to provide security for their procession.”
</blockquote>
Government critics in Uganda argue that the arrest was linked to the frequent arrest of members of the Bobi Wine-led opposition party — the National Unity Platform, which also wears red.

Arsenal Fans Arrested In Uganda For Celebrating Win Over Manchester United

Arsenal beat Brentford 3-0 on Sunday afternoon to return to the top of the Premier League dislodging reigning champions, Manchester who had ascended to the summit of the table on Saturday following a 3-0 win against Wolves.
The Gunners had a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta’s men scored two goals in the first half hour (William Saliba 17′ Gabriel Jesus 28′) putting the Gunners in a commanding position before Fábio Vieira put a gloss on the win with a lovely long-range strike on the 49′ minute.
Brentford weren’t bad. They just weren’t as good.
Meanwhile, Everton beat West Ham to win their first Premier League game of the season. 
The game took a long time to get going, with neither side showing a big threat in the first half. 
After the break, Everton came out quickly and Neal Maupay (53′) thumped a shot into the near post for his first Toffees goal. 
West Ham pushed for an equaliser and hit the post through substitute Benrahma’s whipped effort, but they couldn’t find a way through.
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Arsenal Return To The Top Of The Premier League

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has committed to a three-and-a-half-year contract at Camp Nou after reportedly agreeing to take a significant pay-cut
The Gabon international has signed for Barcelona on a free transfer following his departure from Arsenal.
Aubameyang’s contract at Arsenal was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday, with the 32-year-old having arrived in Spain on deadline day to thrash out terms with Barca.
A potential loan deal was explored first, but the Blaugrana were unable to match Aubameyang’s £340 000-per-week salary and so the Gunners subsequently agreed to let him go as a free agent and sign for the Liga giants on a permanent deal.
Aubameyang trained with the Barca first team ahead of the deal being concluded and the club have now announced his arrival on a three-and-a-half-year contract. A statement on Barcelona’s official website reads:
<blockquote>
FC Barcelona and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have reached an agreement for the player to join the club after the striker terminated his contract with Arsenal FC.
The player will sign a contract until 30 June 2025 with an option to agree departure on 30 June 2023 and his buy-out clause will be set at 100 million euros. 
Shortly the club will provide details of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s presentation as a first-team player.
</blockquote>
Aubameyang initially joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee of £56 million ($76m) in January 2018, and went on to score 92 goals in 163 games for the north London outfit.
His final appearance for the Gunners was when he came from the bench in a 2-1 loss to Everton on December 6.
Barca fans will hope that Aubameyang can now rediscover his best form in La Liga as they chase Champions League qualification under Xavi, and he could be in line to make his debut when they take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday. 
More: <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/aubameyang-signs-for-barcelona-on-free-transfer-following/bltab38376708321c3b">Goal.com</a>

Barcelona Have Signed Aubameyang On A Free Transfer

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shown his desire to play for Barcelona after reportedly agreeing to play for ‘nothing.’
Aubameyang has fallen out of favour in north London after being stripped of the captaincy and hasn’t featured since his disciplinary breach.
The Gabon striker has since been linked with a move away from Arsenal, with cash-strapped Barca rumoured to be interested.
According to Sport, Aubameyang has ‘shown his desire to play for Barca’ after agreeing to see out the rest of the season earning ‘practically nothing.’
Aubameyang is on a mission to “re-state his case as one of the world’s best strikers” and he feels he can do that at Barca.
Barcelona’s salary cap, however, leaves the club with very little breathing room when it comes to registering players especially considering that big money earner, Ousmane Dembele, hasn’t secured a move away from the club yet.
Dembele is being linked with a late move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he will link up with his former captain Lionel Messi.
Aubameyang’s decision to play for ‘practically nothing’ could help Barca skip past their salary cap dilemma.
However, Barcelona still have to strike a deal with Arsenal for the wantaway star.
Serie A giants Juventus are also rumoured to be interested. 
More: <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/17492159/aubameyang-arsenal-barcelona-loan-transfer/">The Sun</a>

Aubameyang Has Reportedly Agreed To Join Barcelona For "Practically Nothing"

English Premier League side, Arsenal have received an offer from Al-Nassr Football Club, a Saudi Arabian football club based in Riyadh, for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join the club on loan for the remainder of the season.
There is an option to buy for around €7 million. Arsenal are yet to respond.
The Gabon captain who has withdrawn from the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals underway in Cameroon has just returned to London where <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/american-football/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-undergoing-tests-after-arsenal-striker-sent-home-from-afcon-due-to-health-issues/ar-AASWeWs?ocid=uxbndlbing">he is scheduled to undergo medical examinations.</a>
Aubameyang, who contracted Covid-19 upon arriving at the tournament in Cameroon this month, was sent home by Gabon last week due to what they described as “cardiac lesions”.
Arteta has said Arsenal have not had “any clarity” from Gabon over the issue and Aubameyang has duly returned to England for testing.
Former Fulham midfielder Mario Lemina was also sent home by Gabon due to similar health issues after testing positive for Covid-19. Aubameyang was recently frozen out of Arsenal’s first-team training by manager Mikel Arteta. 
Arteta also stripped Aubameyang of the club captaincy for a series of disciplinary breaches. When he joined Gabon for the AFCON, he was still banished from first-team training amid reports that he might be heading out of the London-based club.
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Arsenal Receives An Offer For Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal lost their first English Premier League match of 2021/22 season to league newcomers, Brentford.
The hosts scored in both halves and could have scored more on a lucky day.
Brentford spent some 74 years away from the first tier and for at least one night they are top of the Premier League table.
The Bees got their first goal after 22 minutes when Sergi Canos drove low past keeper Bernd Leno at the near post. 
Although Arsenal complained bitterly that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, the match officials ruled that it was a goal. 
Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe, late on, were denied goals by Brentford keeper David Raya home fans exploded in noise and elation when they scored a second with 17 minutes left. 
Arsenal, without strike pair Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through illness, paid the price for a hopeless attempt to defend substitute Mads Bech Sorensen’s routine long throw. 
New £50m defender Ben White was particularly culpable as Christian Norgaard arrived to head home. 
Brentford’s supporters, understandably, celebrated wildly at the final whistle, but this was a result and performance that instantly turns the spotlight on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he desperately needs an improvement on last season. 
Speaking after the match, Arteta refused to attribute the loss to the absence of his senior players saying they had what it takes to win the match against the Bees.
Meanwhile, the gunners will next play Chelsea, Manchester City, Norwich, Burnley, Tottenham then Brighton and Hove.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

EPL: Arsenal Lose To Premier League Newcomers

Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, Thiery Henry has said he will be removing himself from social media pages because of racism and bullying across platforms.
Thiery has called for accountability and demanded platforms do more to tackle ‘bullying, racism and <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/fresh-reports-of-racism-in-private-schools-former-students-speak-out/">resulting mental torture’ that is ‘too toxic to ignore’. </a>
The Frenchman, who left his position as manager of <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/major-league-soccer/index.html">MLS</a> side CF Montreal, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on social platforms’ regulations, with a host of footballers suffering racist abuse online this season. The 43-year-old wrote to his 2.7m followers:
<blockquote>
From tomorrow morning I will be removing myself from social media until the people in power are able to regulate their platforms with the same vigour and ferocity that they currently do when you infringe copyright.
The sheer volume of racism, bullying and resulting mental torture to individuals is too toxic to ignore. There HAS to be some accountability.
<div>It is far too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without consequence and still remain anonymous.</div>
Until this changes, I will be disabling my accounts across all social platforms. I’m hoping this happens soon.
</blockquote>
US Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden reiterated Henry’s call before adding that the Government are to introduce laws to make platforms accountable.
A number of players of African origin including English striker Marcus Rashford, Brazilian Fred and French Martial Anthony this season received a fair share of racism.
Recently, Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast striker, Zaha refused to take the knee, a custom adopted by the Premier League to show support to the Black Lives Matter movement, arguing that there was now more of rhetoric than action against racism.
Zaha added that despite the fact that players were kneeling before the kickoff of every match, players of African origin continued to be victimised.
More: <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9406107/Thierry-Henry-announces-leave-social-media-tomorrow.html">Daily Mail</a>

Thiery Removing Self From Social Media Over Racism

The English Premier League (EPL) better known as Premier League returns to action this weekend with log leaders Manchester City hosting Sheffield United.
Manchester City won 1-0, thanks to a goal from the Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus who returns to the first line up after weeks of coming from the bench.
<div>
<div class="imso_gf__trv-itm">
<div class="imso_gf__trv-txt">
<div class="imso_gf__xtxt">Below are some of the matches played this weekend.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Everton v Newcastle (0-2 FT)</li>
<li>Crystal Palace v Wolves (1-0 FT)</li>
<li>West Brom v Fulham (2-2 FT)</li>
<li>Arsenal v Manchester United (Late Kickoff)</li>
<li>Southampton V Aston Villa (Late Kickoff)</li>
<li>Chelsea v Burnley (Sunday)</li>
<li>Leicester City v Leeds (Sunday)</li>
<li>West Ham v Liverpool (Sunday)</li>
<li>Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday)</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
City are at the summit of the English Premier League log with 44 points in 20 matches followed by their neighbours, Manchester United who have 40 points after 20 matches.
Leicester are at the third position with 39 points from 20 points, Liverpool (37) and West Ham (35) complete the top five while Chelsea are trailing at a distant 8th.
The race for the title has so far been unpredictable as a number of teams, including Everton, have played well to convince some that they are also contending for the title.

English Premier League: Weekend Fixtures And Results

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager has said the club will be “in big trouble” if they fail to transform their fortunes through a season-defining festive schedule.
The Gunners crashed out of the Carabao Cup 4-1 to Manchester City on Tuesday, the sixth defeat in 11 games in all competitions.
The North Londoners face Chelsea on 26 December before taking on Brighton and Hove Albion on 29 December and then round off their festive Premier League fixtures against West Bromwich Albion on 2 January 2021.
Speaking to Sky Sports last night after the shellacking by Manchester City at the Emirates, Arteta said:
<blockquote>We have to turn it around, there is no question. If we don’t, we are in big trouble, so this is the moment that is going to decide our season.
We do [have the tools to turn things around] because I see how much the players try and what they are trying to do, but at the moment a lot of strange things are happening in every game and that makes things really difficult.</blockquote>
Arteta left the Manchester City coaching set-up to take the reins at the Emirates over a year ago but defeat to his former employers has only heightened the mounting pressure on his position.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/12170827/mikel-arteta-concedes-arsenal-in-big-trouble-if-slump-continues" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a></h4>

Mikel Arteta Says Arsenal Are 'In Big Trouble'

Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday lost 2-0 to Leicester City who moved up the log to the second position.
Vardy scored a first-half penalty for the Foxes and an own goal by Alderweireld in the second period sealed Leicester’s victory.
Maddison also had the ball in the back of the net just after the restart, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside.
This is a second consecutive defeat for Jose Mourinho’s men after they also succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of log leaders and reigning champions, Liverpool last week Wednesday.
Below are the results of some of the matches played since Saturday:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Crystal Palace 0-7 Liverpool</li>
<li>Southampton 0-1 Manchester City</li>
<li>Everton 2-1 Arsenal</li>
<li>Newcastle 1-1 Fulham</li>
<li>Brighton1-1 Sheffield United </li>
<li>Manchester United 6-2 Leeds (Scott McTominay 2′, 3′ Bruno Fernandes 20′, 70′ (P) Victor Lindelöf 37′ Daniel James 66′)</li>
<li>West Brom v Aston Villa (Late Kickoff)</li>
<li>Burnley v Wolves (Monday)</li>
<li>Chelsea v West Ham (Monday)</li>
</ul>
EPL Log as it stands:
<div class="e6E1Yd">
<ol>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Liverpool – 31</li>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Leicester City – 27</li>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Man United – 26</li>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Everton – 26</li>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Tottenham Hotspur – 25</li>
<li class="imso-hide-overflow GXDoWd C1gYkd">Southampton – 24</li>
<li>Manchester City – 23 (Game in hand)</li>
<li>Chelsea- 22 (Game in hand)</li>
<li>West Ham – 21 (Game in hand)</li>
<li>Wolves – 20 (Game in hand)</li>
<li>Aston Villa – 19 (3 Games in hand)</li>
</ol>
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</blockquote>

EPL Updates: Mourinho's Woes Continue

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not happy after information was given to the media about a training ground spat.
The Gunners boss warned there will be consequences for those who leaked details of a training ground bust-up between Dani Ceballos and David Luiz.
The Athletic reported that as Arteta blew the final whistle during a practice match last Friday, David Luiz was not happy with a challenge by Dani Ceballos and retaliated by hitting him in the face and left him bloodied before the pair were pulled apart by team-mates.
While Ceballos immediately took to social media to deny the incident, labelling it as ‘fake’, Arteta has now admitted that there was a clash and vowed to flush out the mole who leaked the incident to reporters. Said, Arteta:
<blockquote>I don’t like the fact that that incident comes out at all. I will find out where it is coming from.
That goes completely against what I expect from each other, the privacy and the confidentiality that we need, and there will be consequences.</blockquote>
Ceballos was also caught on camera clashing with Eddie Nketiah during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal’s game at Fulham on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
Arteta was asked whether it was just coincidental that Ceballos was again involved in a clash with a team-mate or whether it suggested there was a bigger problem with the midfielder.
In response, the former Gunners captain said such incidents are going to happen and it’s about how you resolve them within the team and individuals and how you move from there.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/there-will-be-consequences-arteta-warns-arsenal-mole-after/11rah9xjacko81hocxfwww67wm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goal.com</a></h4>

David Luiz, Dani Ceballos Clash - Arteta Not Happy Incident Was Leaked

Zimbabwe international footballer, Tendayi Darikwa who plays for two-time European champions Nottingham Forest in the English Championship, the second-tier league in England has invited Arsenal winger Nelson Reiss to play for the Warriors.
The former Burnley defender said he would respect Reiss’ decision even if it means continuing to play for The Three Lions which he has so far played for at youth level.
The Gunners academy graduate who is highly regarded by Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, however, remains eligible to switch to Zimbabwe, owing to his fathers’ heritage and also because he hasn’t represented England at senior level yet.
Speaking to On The Whistle, the England born Darikwa, 28, who switched his international allegiance in 2017, said:
<blockquote>I think it’s a personal decision that someone has to make to switch allegiances or go and represent a certain country.
We all know how capable Reiss is and talented he is as a footballer and he can only improve our team and our country. We welcome Reiss to come and play for the Warriors. We’d love him to come but he needs to make the decision himself without getting pressure from people outside.
He’s played for England at youth level, if he wants to carry on playing for England, that’s fine but if he wants to play for Zimbabwe, we’ll welcome him together.</blockquote>
With over 50 senior games at club level along with 21 goals in 37 caps for England at youth level, Reiss represents one of the leading talents in the country.
Some think Reiss will find a place in Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic’s team which is currently in second place in Group H for their 2021 AFCON Qualifiers.
The group is topped by the Desert Foxes of Algeria captained by Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez while Botswana and Zambia, in that order trail in third and fourth places.
More: <a href="https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/english-premier-league/arsenal-winger-reiss-nelson-eligible-to-represent-zimbabwe/689530" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kickoff</a>

Arsenal's Reiss Welcome To Play For Warriors - Darikwa

Chelsea Football Club have added retired goalkeeper Petr Czech to their 2020/21 English Premier League squad as “emergency cover.”
Czech who is also the club’s technical and performance adviser retired from playing at the end of the 2018-19 season as an Arsenal player.
He joined the Gunners in 2015 after spending 11 years at Chelsea.
The news comes when Mikel Arteta has left playmaker Mesut Ozil out of both the Premier League squad and the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have not included defender Phil Jones and goalkeeper Sergio Romero in their list.
More: BBC Sport

Czech Added To Chelsea Squad As Emergency Cover

Manchester United on Monday signed four players including Uruguay striker and former Paris Saint Germain star Edison Cavani.
Below are some of the transfers you may need to know about:
Manchester United signed:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Edison Cavani</li>
<li>Alex Telles (left-back ) from Porto for £13.5 million</li>
<li>Amad Diallo (18 years) and</li>
<li>Facundo Pellistri (18 years)</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Arsenal:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Thomas Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid</li>
<li>Lucas Torreira went to Atletico on a season-long loan deal,</li>
<li>Matteo Guendouzi joined Hertha Berlin on loan</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Bayern:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Douglas Costa on loan from Juventus.</li>
<li>Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from PSG on a one-year deal and</li>
<li>Bouna Sarr from Marseille.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Napoli:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Tiemoue Bakayoko returns to Napoli on loan from Chelsea.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/united-sign-four-and-bayern-make-double-move/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a>

Latest On Major Football Transfer: Man U Sign 4 Players

Liverpool won 3-1 against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to maintain a perfect start to the 2020/21 English Premier League (EPL) season.
The Reds and Gunners clashed at Anfield last night with both teams having won their first two league games.
Klopp’s men got goals from the Senegalese international Sadio Mane, Robertson before the newly signed Diogo Jota sealed the three points.
Alexandre Lacazette gave Arsenal an early lead in the game after he scored early off a Robertson error but Mane answered within two minutes and the reigning champions were up 2-1 by halftime.
Arsenal could have equalised later in the game but Lacazette failed to convert two “clear” one-v-one chances.
This is happening when perennial title contenders, Manchester City had lost 5-2 to Brendon Rodgers’ Leicester City on Sunday.
Some soccer pundits say although it is too early to predict who will win the EPL title this season, it would not be surprising for Liverpool to retain it as they have had a perfect start.

Liverpool Send Strong Message In Faceoff With Arsenal

Former Manchester City skipper, Vincent Kompany has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
The Belgian international gangly defender was now a player-manager for R.S.C. Anderlecht, a Belgian club which happens to be the parent club for Zimbabwean international Knowledge Musona.
Meanwhile, Manchester United were on Sunday booted out of the Europa Champions League after losing 2-1 to Spanish side Sevilla.
The Red Devils had an early lead after Portugal star Bruno Fernandes had converted a penalty but was cancelled by Susso.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men failed to utilise their chances and regretted it when Sevilla substitute Luuk De Jong turned home Jesus Navas cross 12 minutes from time denying Man U the opportunity to reach Friday’s final.
In England, Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta was given a more prominent role in Arsenal’s transfer business following the shock exit of head of football Raul Sanllehi, with the Spanish coach to have the final say on all transfers.
Arteta will now work closely with technical director Edu to decide transfer targets, with Venkatesham signing off budgets, and the Arsenal head coach will be given the final say on all incomings and outgoings.

Vincent Kompany Retires, Manchester United Out Of Europa, Arteta Given More Prominent Role

Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta has insinuated that the Gunners’ skipper, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wants to stay at the club he joined in 2018.
There have been reports suggesting that the Gabon international wanted to move from the club over the quality of players at Arsenal.
Reports coming from England suggest that the former Borussia Dortmund forward has been engaged in talks with the club which pledged to enhance the strength of the squad. Speaking after the FA Cup final, Arteta said:
<blockquote>I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done.
He is loved by everybody at the club. Hopefully he can continue with us.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that Arsenal and Aubameyang are close to agreeing on a new three-year deal which would run until 2023 covering the final year of his current deal and extend it by a further two years.
The publication further reports that the club is drafting the final contract proposal for the 31-year-old to sign after positive talks during which verbal promises were made.
The new deal will see Aubameyang getting £250,000 a week and this includes significant bonuses.
More: <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/06/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-close-signing-new-three-year-arsenal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>

Arsenal Coach Mikel Arteta Speaks On Aubameyang's Future

The novel coronavirus has officially become a sporting threat as matches are being suspended, postponed and cancelled due to its outbreak. Of late a match between Man City and Arsenal has been postponed in the wake of the novel coronavirus that had left over 3700 deaths globally, BBC reports.
According to the publication, the game has been postponed as a precautionary measure. This is after a few Arsenal players are said to be in self-isolation after a few members of their team met Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis, two weeks ago. Marinakis on Tuesday said he tested positive for coronavirus.
The Premier League has said they have no plans of postponing any other matches as they are taking all precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/rwanda-suspends-all-international-sporting-activities/">Rwanda has suspended</a> all international sports participation and <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/algerian-government-places-domestic-football-on-lockdown-zim-vs-algeria-now-in-doubt/">Algeria has placed domestic football</a> on lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51829511">BBC</a>

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