
Mikel Arteta hails ‘beautiful night’ as Arsenal star on Champions League return
Mikel Arteta admitted to becoming emotional on a “beautiful night” as Arsenal marked their long-awaited Champions League return with a stylish 4-0 win against PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium. In their first outing in this competition for six years, Arteta’s side put PSV to the sword in the first half, going in at the break 3-0 up after a ruthless show of attacking intent. First Bukayo Saka reacted fastest to score on the rebound after Martin Odegaard’s long-range effort was parried by Walter Benitez in the PSV goal, before the England winger turned provider with a smart pull-back that was guided into the bottom corner by Leandro Trossard. After 38 minutes the game was all but over as Gabriel Jesus took a touch inside the box and drilled an unstoppable drive into the far corner. Odegaard added his team’s fourth when he shot low with his left foot past the goalkeeper with 20 minutes to play, as last season’s Eredivisie runners-up were outrun and outclassed by Arteta’s side, who were at their electric best in wet and difficult conditions in north London. “It was a beautiful night after such a long time,” said Arteta. “We wanted to produce the right performance to win the game. It was great to see the atmosphere and the Champions League music. “Everyone was getting a bit emotional before it. We showed in both boxes today I think we were exceptional. That was the difference today, I think. “I was (emotional), yeah. I was really excited about it. I wanted to control and not show that too much, but I was really excited. “The journey started last year when we earned the right to be in this competition which is where we have to be as a club. Now we have to produce what we have to produce to stay at this level.” After watching his side struggle at times to break down opponents who have set up defensively against them in the Premier League this season, Arteta was particularly pleased with the way his attack effectively killed the contest off before the break, taking advantage of a more open game than they have been used to domestically. “(It was) very good,” he said. “That’s what we have to do. That’s why I mentioned that in the box we were exceptional today, we were ruthless, we took our chances. (It) was top. And as well we could have done more. Probably as managers we are looking a bit more on that than any part.” Amongst an array of standout performances for Arteta’s team, Kai Havertz enjoyed possibly the best display of his early Arsenal career. There had been signs of frustration from home supporters towards the £65million summer signing during recent games at the Emirates, but he was instrumental in the team’s fluent attacking rhythm as he finally looked at home in an Arsenal shirt. “Yeah, he was really connected today in the game,” said Arteta. “It’s true I asked him to play two different roles in regards to the behaviours of the opponents and he’s so intelligent that he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.”
2023-09-21 06:57

Bryce Elder shuts down skidding Yankees, Marcell Ozuna hits 3-run homer for Braves in 5-0 win
ATLANTA (AP) — Bryce Elder pitched seven brilliant innings in a combined one-hitter, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna went deep and the Atlanta Braves cruised past the reeling New York Yankees 5-0 on Tuesday night.
2023-08-16 10:17

As horse racing's best trainers rake in millions, records show they've violated rules aimed at keeping the animals safe
As horse racing's elite saddle up for the final race of the coveted Triple Crown at New York's Belmont Stakes, the sport's top trainers will face off for their share of the $1.5 million purse at the lavish, star-studded event -- amid growing scrutiny after a recent spate of horse deaths.
2023-06-10 17:22

Premier League crisis club of the week 2023/24 - Liverpool
90min picks Liverpool as this week's 'Premier League's crisis club of the week'.
2023-08-17 02:47

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide as Max Verstappen claims pole
Lewis Hamilton collided with Mercedes team-mate George Russell as Max Verstappen raced to pole position for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. Hamilton will start fifth following a bizarre coming together with Russell, who lines up in 12th, at the end of Q2 at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. Verstappen finished four tenths clear of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, with Lando Norris an impressive third for McLaren. Pierre Gasly took fourth spot for Alpine, one place ahead of Hamilton, who was half-a-second back, with home favourite Fernando Alonso only ninth in his Aston Martin. Hamilton had to take on a replacement front wing for Q3 after he made contact with Russell in the closing stages of Q2. With both Mercedes men starting their hot laps, Hamilton moved out of Russell’s tow at 210mph on the main straight. But the seven-time world champion was forced to take to the grass after his team-mate, who was making his way past Sainz’s Ferrari, unintentionally, closed the door on him. Hamilton kicked up dirt from the grass as part of his front wing flew off his Mercedes. “George just backed off,” said Hamilton over the radio. “That is really dangerous. I might have some damage on the car.” Although Hamilton’s time was good enough to progress to Q3, Russell was eliminated in 12th. “You didn’t tell me there was a car behind,” said Russell. “I don’t know what the hell was going on in this session. The car was bouncing. I couldn’t get my tyres working. Russell will start one place behind Perez after the Red Bull driver also failed to make it out of Q2. Perez is Verstappen’s closest challenger in the championship but a week on from his horror show in Monaco where he finished 16th and two laps down, he qualified only 11th here. The Mexican ran through the gravel and, although he managed to keep his Red Bull out of the wall, his next lap was not quick enough to carry him through to Q3. “Unbelievable,” said Perez. On an afternoon of shock results, Charles Leclerc, who started this race from pole position last year, will line last but one on the grid. Leclerc complained about the rear of his Ferrari and finished above only Williams rookie Logan Sargeant in the order. “I don’t have the answers for now,” said Leclerc following his early bath. “The only thing I can say is the left-hand corners were undriveable.” Q1 was suspended by nine minutes following multiple spins on a track drying out after earlier rain. Alex Albon, Nyck de Vries, Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas all ran off the road, and with gravel on the asphalt, race director Niels Wittich red-flagged the session. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Max Verstappen tops rain-hit final practice for Spanish Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton toils in 12th as Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominate in Spain Fernando Alonso: Hamilton can win eighth title but Verstappen can break records
2023-06-03 23:56

Manchester City reportedly close to signing Croatia center back Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City is ready to make a big move in the transfer market just days before the start of the new season
2023-08-02 23:28

Two convictions in FIFA corruption scandal overturned
Two convictions in the FIFA corruption case have been overturned by a US federal judge citing a...
2023-09-03 11:23

Tributes paid after Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack dies aged 27
Tributes poured in on Friday (22 September) for Maddy Cusack, a Sheffield United footballer, who has died aged 27. Cusack played more than 100 games for the club, where she has been based since 2019. She also worked for Sheffield United as a marketing executive. The cause of death was not disclosed. Sheffield United said discussions over how to pay tribute officially will take place behind closed doors, and asked for a period of privacy for Cusack’s family. Stephen Bettis, Sheffield United’s chief executive, described the news of her death as “heartbreaking”. “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with. “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed. “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.” Cusack had just entered her sixth season and was the first player to reach 100 appearances for Sheffield United. Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. “On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United. “Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. “We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.” Cusack’s previous club, Birmingham City, also released a statement. It said: “The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.” Leah Williamson, the Arsenal and England player, wrote on X/Twitter: “Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!” The Professional Footballers’ Association also offered condolences to Maddy’s family, friends and her teammates. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-22 19:57

Man City unveil new away kit for 2023/24 season
Man City have unveiled their new 2023/24 away kit.
2023-08-10 17:15

Marcus Rashford dedicated Everton goal to late cousin
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford dedicated his goal in Sunday's 3-0 win over Everton to his late cousin in a touching tribute.
2023-11-28 18:46

Borussia Dortmund director responds to Jude Bellingham 'diss'
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has responded to Jude Bellingham's supposed criticism of the "levels" at the German club.
2023-08-21 20:47

Kawhi Leonard outlines how close he was to joining the Lakers
Oh, what could have been: Kawhi Leonard almost chose the Lakers in free agency before signing with the Clippers in 2019.Think back to the summer of 2019 and you will likely remember the very patient free agency process of Kawhi Leonard. Fresh off his NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, Le...
2023-06-05 08:21
You Might Like...

England respond to new World Cup adversity to reach semi-finals

McVay says Rams CB Derion Kendrick is back at practice, could play Sunday after arrest, gun charges

Pep Guardiola ready to stare down his managerial nemesis once again

Erik ten Hag hails Man Utd’s character as fightback earns friendly Bilbao draw

Stephen Curry offers support, resources to top prospect Scoot Henderson

Women's World Cup crowds up 30 percent on 2019: FIFA

Josh Allen throws for a TD, runs for another as the Bills rout the Commanders 37-3

Cheyenne Knight, Elizabeth Szokol hold on to win LPGA Tour’s lone team event