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Packers schedule: 3 games that will define Jordan Love’s first season as starter
Packers schedule: 3 games that will define Jordan Love’s first season as starter
The Green Bay Packers schedule is out, and with it is Jordan Love's first full slate as starter. If all goes well, Love will win these three games and prove the front office right.The Green Bay Packers front office has a lot of Jordan Love stock. It all started when they selected him in 202...
2023-05-14 23:56
How Declan Rice can transform Arsenal and bring Mikel Arteta’s grand plan to life
How Declan Rice can transform Arsenal and bring Mikel Arteta’s grand plan to life
When Mikel Arteta had that crucial meeting with Declan Rice that fully convinced the midfielder to join Arsenal, it went well beyond his place in this team. It was about his place in what the Spaniard hopes could one day become a dynasty. Arteta told Rice that Arsenal would continue to be a fine side without him. With him, however, they could be a side to define an era. Arteta is always studying different psychological approaches, and he would naturally have read Sir Alex Ferguson's with Roy Keane. The Manchester United great gave his captain a similar speech on signing him in 1993. “Roy, Manchester United are going to dominate the domestic game with or without you,” Ferguson told Keane over a game of snooker. “With you, we can win in Europe.” When meeting Virgil van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp was more tactical, asserting how he would pin the entire Liverpool team together. Arteta got at some of this, too. It gets to a key question with the signing of Rice, and why it could be one of the most important of the summer. In a world of collective systems, and where Pep Guardiola’s finely-tuned Manchester City are treble winners, can any single player still be as transformative? Can Rice bring this Arsenal together, like Van Dijk with Liverpool? Can he take them to a higher level, like Keane? All of that might sound a bit much, but that is the importance Arteta has placed on the signing. It was why it got so tense in the summer, as it looked like City might spirit away the specific player the Arsenal manager had identified as absolutely crucial to his team’s evolution. Many other clubs do feel that is how the champions seek to do business, not just looking to strengthen themselves, but also enjoying the double effect of preventing their closest rivals from doing the same. There is a feeling within the Premier League that was the initial rationale for going so strong on Jack Grealish when it looked like he could go to Manchester United. It also explained part of the pursuit of Harry Kane in 2021. It was just no one else fancied doing business with Daniel Levy, which lessened City's motivation. All of that speaks to Rice’s influence now given the extent of City's interest, but it’s just as well Arteta’s own words were so convincing. The Basque was of course correct in telling the 24-year-old that Arsenal were going to improve either way. They’re a team whose best players are only coming to their prime, getting better as footballers while the manager’s system also becomes even more ingrained. In that, they’re similar to Liverpool in 2017-18, which was just at the point when Klopp went big on Van Dijk. The team is largely as the manager wants it, having steadily constructed it with shrewd signings over two seasons. It then becomes about the final missing elements, which is why the managers know precisely who to target, and why they’re suddenly willing to pay so much. This is why it’s rare to have a single player potentially make this kind of difference. It is even rarer for managers to be able to get teams to this sort of position. The modern game doesn’t allow this so much, for all sorts of reasons. Arsenal have allowed for a proper project, though. Arteta believes Rice can bring that to completion for all sorts of reasons, but among the most immediate is his physicality. Arteta gradually felt this was something Arsenal lacked last season. It was actually made clear in one of the few matches they won towards the end. Arsenal managed to undercut Newcastle United at St James Park, but only as they were physically overpowered. It strengthened Arteta’s resolve for a player like Rice. He needed that muscularity. As important as Rice’s presence, however, is where he makes it felt. Rice is highly respected within the game for how he screens the backline and then strides forward, although there has been some debate over whether he is best used as a six or an eight. It is one of a few differences between Arteta and Guardiola that the Arsenal manager has a different interpretation of the role. The City manager initially had some reservations over how quick Rice is with the ball at his feet, although that is understood to have passed as he has matured as a player. Guardiola was convinced by the time the champions made a play this summer. Whether he would have used Rice in quite the same way is the big question, though, which was illustrated in how the champions never went as far on the England international as they did with Josko Gvardiol. It was also why the midfielder chose Arsenal well before then. Arteta made this integral role abundantly clear. Rice will mostly be a six with authority over the midfield, and the licence to surge. Arteta has also envisaged systems where he is an eight, though, and is stil seeking to buy a young midfielder to allow that. It does illustrate another element that Rice allows. Arteta now has much more tactical variety. That, after all, evolved into one of the other issues in an otherwise promising campaign last season. Arsenal quickly clicked into one system with one core of players, but that could only go so far. It also created a slight dilemma for Arteta. Did he persist with the same team at the cost of diminishing energy as the run-in went deeper, or did he take away from what got Arsenal there in the first place? Leandro Trossard was a signing made with this in mind, but more was required. Rice has been about that, too. Aside from the fact he can also play as a six or an eight, his range allows the team to do more. Kai Havertz then adds ingenuity, with Rice bringing influence. Arteta has been especially impressed by his drive, as well as his ability to fire up those around him. So, in theory, and certainly in the manager’s mind, Arsenal should improve in a few ways and maybe even be amplified as a team. The starting XI is better. They have more strengths. They have more variety. They may even have more resolve, with that complemented by the natural development of a young team, as well as the experience of last season. That is how the Gunners intend to bridge the gap. It is more than five points. It is the ability to push City all the way, no matter how far that goes. One other reason Arteta wanted Rice was because of how quickly he can help bridge that gap on the pitch. One of the most intimidating interactions Premier League players now have is the 24-year-old charging over to clatter into you. This is asking more. It will be a step up for the player, too. Rice has faced the greatest demands with England, but he hasn’t had them on a week-to-week basis, that suffocating need to win every game. That’s what Arsenal need now. Arteta and the players know it from last season. It’s why Arteta knew exactly what to say to Rice. Read More The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Arsenal ‘obviously paid way too much’ for Declan Rice, says Roy Keane Can Mikel Arteta become Pep Guardiola’s greatest nemesis – or merely the latest? West Ham agree deals for England pair Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Arsenal ‘obviously paid way too much’ for Declan Rice, says Roy Keane
2023-08-10 14:19
Keuchel has perfect game broken up in 7th as Twins beat Pirates 2-0
Keuchel has perfect game broken up in 7th as Twins beat Pirates 2-0
Dallas Keuchel carried a perfect game into the seventh inning before allowing a double to Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds, and Edouard Julien drove in a pair of runs for the Minnesota Twins in a 2-0 win against the Pirates
2023-08-21 06:17
For Nuggets rookie Christian Braun, praise from mom is high praise indeed
For Nuggets rookie Christian Braun, praise from mom is high praise indeed
Nuggets rookie Christian Braun gets high praise from coach Michael Malone, and his star teammates Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray also rave about the rookie
2023-06-04 05:57
Column: Masters showed golf can get along, even in Ryder Cup
Column: Masters showed golf can get along, even in Ryder Cup
The Masters will be the most significant major of the year because it showed golf can still be civil amid the great divide caused by LIV Golf
2023-05-24 06:51
Ben Stokes 'in a good place' as he targets return for England vs. South Africa at Cricket World Cup
Ben Stokes 'in a good place' as he targets return for England vs. South Africa at Cricket World Cup
Ben Stokes has declared himself ready to play in England's crucial Cricket World Cup match against South Africa after missing the first three games because of injury
2023-10-19 20:56
Rangers vs. Pirates prediction and odds for Monday, May 22
Rangers vs. Pirates prediction and odds for Monday, May 22
The Texas Rangers played the Rockies at home over the weekend, but that didn’t stop them from scoring runs like the AL West leaders were at Coors Field, sweeping Colorado by scoring 31 runs in three games. Now, they’ll head to PNC Park for a three-game interleague series with the 24-22 P...
2023-05-22 22:28
How to watch MotoGP 2023 livestream online for free
How to watch MotoGP 2023 livestream online for free
SAVE 49%: Livestream MotoGP from anywhere in the world for free with ExpressVPN. A one-year
2023-06-17 11:56
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron card: Who else is fighting this weekend?
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron card: Who else is fighting this weekend?
Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron return to the scene of their first clash this weekend, squaring off in Dublin again with the undisputed super-lightweight titles on the line once more. England’s Cameron handed Taylor the first defeat of her career in May, outpointing the Irish icon to retain the super-lightweight belts against the undisputed lightweight champion. Now, Taylor looks to right that wrong on a hugely important night for the 37-year-old, Ireland and boxing overall. Fans are speculating that Taylor may even walk away from the sport, whatever the result. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Cameron vs Taylor 2 is set to take place on Saturday 25 November at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The main card is due to begin at 7pm GMT (12pm PT, 2pm CT, 3pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then due at around 10.30pm GMT (3.30pm PT, 5.30pm CT, 6.30pm ET). How can I watch it? The fight will stream live on Dazn in the UK. A subscription to the streaming service is available here at a cost of £9.99 per month. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Taylor – 6/4 Cameron – 4/7 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Chantelle Cameron (C) vs Katie Taylor (undisputed women’s super-lightweight titles) Paddy Donovan vs Danny Ball (welterweight) Gary Cully vs Reece Mould (lightweight) Skye Nicolson (C) vs Lucy Wildheart (WBC women’s interim featherweight title) John Cooney vs Liam Gaynor (Celtic super-featherweight title) Zelfa Barrett vs Costin Ion (super-featherweight) Thomas Carty vs Dan Garber (heavyweight) Emmet Brennan Jamie Morrissey (Celtic light-heavyweight title) Giorgio Visioli vs Lee Anthony Sibley (lightweight) Read More What time does Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron start this weekend? How to watch Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron online and on TV this weekend Why Katie Taylor’s rematch with Chantelle Cameron has all the makings of a classic Taylor questions whether women’s boxing is capable of switch to three-minute rounds Katie Taylor ‘aware of what is at stake’ in Chantelle Cameron rematch What is an exhibition fight and how is it different to a professional bout?
2023-11-21 02:48
NFL DraftKings Sportsbook Promo: Win $200 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on ANY NFL Week 10 Game!
NFL DraftKings Sportsbook Promo: Win $200 INSTANTLY Betting $5 on ANY NFL Week 10 Game!
DraftKings is giving new users who bet $5 or more on any NFL game this week an instant $200 bonus! Find out how to claim this offer here, as well as how to secure a no-sweat same-game parlay every day.
2023-11-11 19:29
Wacha takes no-hitter into 8th, fans 11 in Padres' 4-0 win over Royals
Wacha takes no-hitter into 8th, fans 11 in Padres' 4-0 win over Royals
Michael Wacha of the San Diego Padres took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before allowing Michael Massey’s leadoff single and struck out a career-high 11 in a 4-0 victory against the Kansas City Royals that snapped a five-game losing streak
2023-05-16 12:58
Orioles to play at 1 p.m. Saturday, well before Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks play concert next door
Orioles to play at 1 p.m. Saturday, well before Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks play concert next door
The Orioles may be Big Shots this year, but they’ll try to stay out of the Piano Man’s way this weekend
2023-10-05 06:51