SoccerVibes

Author: admin

  • Mikel Arteta fires back at Jamie Carragher following criticism of Arsenal star

    Mikel Arteta fires back at Jamie Carragher following criticism of Arsenal star

     

    Mikel Arteta has responded to criticism levelled at Arsenal star by Jamie Carragher ahead of the Champions League clash with Girona

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended summer signing Mikel Merino following criticism from pundit Jamie Carragher. The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal in a £32m move from Real Sociedad but has struggled for consistent game time due to injuries.

     

    Merino, 28, has started only a third of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season, leading Carragher to question the wisdom of the transfer. However, Arteta remains optimistic about Merino’s contributions, praising his character and recent performances.

     

    “He’s been quite unfortunate, to be honest,” Arteta said at Tuesday’s pre-Champions League press conference. “But Mikel’s character is unbelievable. He’s so determined, and now he has some rhythm and momentum. He’s had some very good moments in the last few weeks with us.”

    Although Merino missed Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves due to a minor injury, he has since returned to training and is available for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.

    “Unfortunately, he had a little niggle. It was nothing serious, but when you play every two and a half days, missing two matches feels like a lot. He’s fit again, and it’s great to have him back in the team,” Arteta added.

    Arsenal are set to wrap up a promising Champions League group stage campaign against Girona on Wednesday. The Gunners currently sit third in the 36-team group standings and are eager to secure their position in the knockout stages.

     

    “We’re here to win the game, and to do that, we need to be better than them,” Arteta said, acknowledging Girona’s quality. “They’re a really good side. If you look at their Champions League games against top opposition, they’ve made life very difficult. Tomorrow, it will require a very strong performance to achieve what we want.”

     

    In a boost for Arsenal, the FA Independent Regulatory Commission overturned the red card shown to youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s match against Wolves. The decision ensures the highly-rated midfielder remains available for upcoming fixtures.

  • Neto and Riccardo Calafiori start, six rested, Merino in – Arsenal predicted XI vs Girona

    Neto and Riccardo Calafiori start, six rested, Merino in – Arsenal predicted XI vs Girona

    Both Kieran Tierney and Neto are expected to start for Arsenal against Girona in the Champions League’s final first-phase match.

    ation ReachSportShop Book an Ad Jobs About Us Contact Us Newsletters Signup Neto and Riccardo Calafiori start, six rested, Merino in – Arsenal predicted XI vs Girona Neto and Kieran Tierney are both predicted to start for Arsenal in final Champions League match of the first phase against Girona. Share ByTom CantonFootball Writer 06:00, 29 JAN 2025 Bookmark Neto and Riccardo Calafiori are in contention to start for Arsenal in their Champions League clash with Girona Neto and Riccardo Calafiori are in contention to start for Arsenal in their Champions League clash with Girona (Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) Mikel Arteta can take the attention away from the officiating controversies of the weekend to look instead to Europe. While perhaps Arsenal would prefer a week off ahead

    Making his long-awaited debut following his loan move from Bournemouth. The Brazilian was cup-tied in the League Cup and like Aaron Ramsdale before him, gets a chance in the final European match of the first stage of the competition with very little to play for.

    Naturally, it is practically impossible for every typical starter to be rested but Jurrien Timber is surely one near the top of the list. With both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu not returned and some fitness doubts about Josh Nichols, Partey is basically the only choice.

    After having a great match in the role against Dinamo Zagreb minus one blunder, it makes natural that Jakub Kiwior would again come back into the mix for this low-stakes encounter.

    A threat from set pieces and one of Arsenal’s most reliable choices in defence. It makes logical to keep him on the team because he is the most reliable defender.

    Mikel Arteta will want to play more in Riccardo Calafiori’s legs after he recovers from his injury. He and the squad have benefited greatly from his goal over the weekend, and he hopes that trend continues.

  • Lakers Reveal LeBron James Official Injury Report Status vs 76ers

    Lakers Reveal LeBron James Official Injury Report Status vs 76ers

     

    LeBron James remains on the Lakers’ injury report against the 76ers.

    Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.

     

     

    Gearing up for their Tuesday night matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers have been monitoring the availability of the star forward, LeBron James.

     

    Throughout the year, LeBron has had frequent appearances on the injury report. According to the official NBA injury report, LeBron continues managing a left foot injury.

     

    The Lakers don’t seem too worried about a potential absence for the former MVP, though. With their initial injury report submitted, the Lakers have LeBron listed as probable for the matchup.

     

    The chances of him getting the nod to play against the Sixers seem high.

     

    On Monday night, the Lakers fired up a back-to-back set, continuing a road trip. After picking up a double-digit victory on the road against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers paid a visit to the Charlotte Hornets.

     

    LeBron James checked in for 36 minutes in the matchup. Although he struggled with his shot from three, going just 1-8 from beyond the arc, the veteran forward shot over 50 percent from the field to notch 22 points.

     

    Along with his scoring, James accounted for seven rebounds and eight assists.

     

    Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

     

    If the Lakers change course and give LeBron the night off, it would mark his first absence since December 28. LA doesn’t seem to have a possible absence in mind at this time.

     

    Earlier this season, the Sixers visited the Lakers on their West Coast run. LeBron saw the court for 34 minutes in that game. He produced 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.

     

    At the time, the Lakers took advantage of a slow start for the Sixers, issuing them a 10-point loss.

     

    The Sixers have a two-game win streak at the moment, but they remain shorthanded and outside of the NBA Play-In picture before their meeting with the Lakers.

     

    As for LA, they have four wins in a row to show for, and hope to close out their current back-to-back set with five. At 26-18 on the season, the Lakers place fifth in the Western Conference. They trail the Denver Nuggets by one game.

  • Forest might use one flexible addition before the window closes, but they don’t need to overreact to their 5-0 loss.

    Forest might use one flexible addition before the window closes, but they don’t need to overreact to their 5-0 loss.

    Nottingham Forest used 33 players in 38 Premier League games last season, more than any other team in the league.

    Under two different managers, it was a period of fight to avoid relegation, and that statistic illustrates the sense of disarray that occasionally loomed over Forest.

    In their first season following their return to the top level, 2022–2023—another fight against relegation—they also utilized the most players of any Premier League team, again with 33.

    With just 23 games played so far this season, Forest has employed the fewest players of any team in the division, according to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

    The unity and solidarity Nuno and his squad have helped to foster in the 13 months since he succeeded Steve Cooper is also indicated by that number.

    After their 5-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, it would be easy to overreact and risk shattering that unity, believing that a significant reaction is required to a spectacular setback. particularly during this season.

    At Forest, that has before occurred. They lost to Preston North End 3-0 at home in the second-tier Championship on January 30, 2018, dropping them to 15th place in the 24-team standings. Their newly hired manager, Aitor Karanka, called the match the “worst moment” of his career.

    With the arrival of Costel Pantilimon, Jack Colback, Adlene Guedioura, Ashkan Dejagah, Joe Lolley, and Lee Tomlin, as well as the nearly finalized agreement for free agent Ben Watson (who joined the following week), Forest essentially made seven new additions the following day, which also happened to be the deadline day for that season’s winter window.

     

  • Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer confident in Dak Prescott’s ability to lead

    Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer confident in Dak Prescott’s ability to lead

     

    Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer outlines his vision for Dak Prescott moving forward.

     

    Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

    Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

    Let’s get to it, the Dallas Cowboys ushered in a new era Monday as Brian Schottenheimer was formally introduced as head coach during a press conference at The Star in Frisco.

     

    Schottenheimer was appointed as the tenth head coach in franchise history on Friday, succeeding Mike McCarthy who led the team from 2020 to 2024, and departed with a 49-35 record during his five-season tenure at the helm.

     

    After serving as Dallas’s offensive coordinator since 2023, Schottenheimer now takes control following the team’s disappointing 7-10 season.

     

    Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys

    Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.

    The 51-year-old first time head coach’s intimate knowledge of the Cowboys’ offense—which he orchestrated for the past two seasons—positions him uniquely to lead the franchise’s turnaround effort.

     

    While a head coach’s vision shapes a team’s direction, its success ultimately hinges on quarterback performance—a reality Schottenheimer will face as he takes the helm of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

     

    Luckily for Dallas, Dak Prescott has fostered a strong partnership with Schottenheimer since the latter’s arrival in 2022, and their collaborative relationship is one area the organization is leaning on in the Cowboys’ pursuit of a championship.

     

    Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys

    Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, CA. /

    Schottenheimer’s confidence in Prescott’s leadership and support for his quarterback will be a cornerstone of their strategy moving forward.

     

    “He’s gonna play elite level football,” Schottenheimer said during his introductory press conference . “He’s gonna lead us to championships. We got the right guy. We’re gonna win. We’re gonna win a championship.”

     

    For a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1995, Schottenheimer’s confidence in his quarterback provides a glimpse into how he plans to break that streak: by building around the proven partnership between coach and quarterback that’s already shown promise before.

  • How to Watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest: TV Channel, Start Time, Live Stream | February 1, 2025

    How to Watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest: TV Channel, Start Time, Live Stream | February 1, 2025

    On Saturday at 7:30 AM ET, Nottingham Forest (third) and Brighton & Hove Albion (ninth) will square off at City Ground. Watch the game live on Fubo.

    Nottingham Forest lost to AFC Bournemouth 5-0 on the road last time out, despite taking 17 shots and outshooting Bournemouth by three.

    Brighton’s most recent match was a 1-0 loss to Everton FC at home on January 25. Brighton beat Everton FC by a score of 17 to 3.

     

  • Titans of the Midfield: Cook, Christie, and Adams Shine as the Cherries Continue Their Unbeaten Run

    Titans of the Midfield: Cook, Christie, and Adams Shine as the Cherries Continue Their Unbeaten Run

    Bournemouth’s ability to control the midfield has been essential to their remarkable 11-game winning streak.

    Despite receiving more and more notice for their performances, midfielders Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams are still not well-known in the Premier League.

    Adams demonstrated why he is a vital member of the Cherries during Bournemouth’s decisive 5-0 victory over the weekend.

    Christie also attracted attention the week before with a spectacular performance at St. James’ Park, where he was instrumental in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle and received Monday Night Football feature coverage.

    Both players are excellent at the elements of the game that are sometimes disregarded; they compete furiously for every loose ball, disrupt play, challenge opponents, and exhibit unwavering enthusiasm.

    Adams has topped the Premier League in tackles won (3.4) and interceptions (2.7) per ninety minutes since he returned from injury in October.

    In addition, he has recently expanded his skill set by contributing three assists in just two games, including two against Forest.

    In a same vein, Christie has consistently supported the Cherries.

    He has played in every game since the October internationals, with the exception of one loss at — making sure the team has been playing well during this time.

    The midfield group, which now includes Alex Scott and Lewis Cook, is undoubtedly among the strongest in the league.

    Cook has maintained his impressive play and prompted discussions of a possible call-up despite playing out of position as a right-back due to injury.

    Scott, who contributed significantly in the early going of the season prior to his injury, was also instrumental in Bournemouth’s strong start.

    To the question of whether he thought his midfield five was quietly making a name for itself among the best, Iraola said, “It’s hard to draw parallels.

    It is reasonable for other managers to defend their midfield players. The competition is fierce, and consistency is crucial, even if I’m sure ours are doing remarkably well.”

     

  • Four Crimson Tide players will participate in Reese’s Senior Bowl in 2025.

    Four Crimson Tide players will participate in Reese’s Senior Bowl in 2025.

    The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the best tool available for preparing athletes for the draft outside of the NFL Combine

    However, no underclassman who declared for the draft early can play in the annual game, which is reserved for seniors and takes place in Mobile, Alabama.

    The draft candidates get to practice on the field for a week with NFL coaching staff and personnel assessing them, which is a unique experience.

    Because the Senior Bowl is played in the Tide’s home state and because Nick Saban sent so many players to the week-long event, the Alabama Crimson Tide have grown rather accustomed to it over the years.

    Among the Crimson Tide’s standout players this season are quarterback Jalen Milroe and tight end C.J.

     

    Spencer Rattler of South Carolina was selected the camp’s MVP the previous year.

    Since RB, no former Alabama player has received an MVP award. In 1985, Paul Ott Carruth prevailed.

    This Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CST, the NFL Network will broadcast this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl.

     

  • Two-time All-Pro and Lions $10.5 million cap casualty identified

    Two-time All-Pro and Lions $10.5 million cap casualty identified

    In the upcoming summer, general manager Brad Holmes will try to strengthen a roster that lost to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.

    The Lions should still try to acquire some new players in free agency this summer, even if their roster is strong and full with dependable veterans and exciting talent.

    According to Over the Cap, the team is expected to have about $46 million in cap space, but if Detroit decides to make some cuts, that amount might increase.

    Kalif Raymond, a wide receiver and special team player, is one of the Lions’ probable cap casualties, according to Pride of Detroit’s John Whiticar.

    “Almost unthinkable a year ago, Raymond’s contract and production puts him in a tough spot for the Lions,” Whiticar stated. “During his time with the Lions, the two-time All-Pro has excelled as an offensive contributor in addition to a returner.

    But offensively, 2024 was by far his poorest season in Detroit.

    “Raymond had the most punt return yards of his career (413 yards, which led the league) and added a punt return touchdown as well,” Whiticar stated.

    “The question is not his return ability, but whether the Lions want to pay over $6 million for a returner with a lessening impact on offense.” Raymond joined the Lions in 2021 and has since been a prolific returner and sporadic offensive threat.

    After spending the majority of his career as a journeyman, the 30-year-old has settled in Detroit and found a position that suits him.

    Despite not being a reliable offensive playmaker and missing five games in 2024 due to injury, Raymond, a former undrafted free agent, was selected to the second team All-Pro this season and is still.

     

     

  • Forest is interested in Bulut, a Schalke youth.

    Forest is interested in Bulut, a Schalke youth.

    As the transfer deadline draws near, Nottingham Forest is still interested in teenage defender Taylan Bulut.

    Earlier this month, the Schalke teenager was first linked to the Reds.

    They have been authorized to pursue him, according to Bild, with the deadline of February 3 approaching.

    In an effort to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, Forest is after Bulut, while Bournemouth is also keen.

    Bulut, valued at €2M, might be a steal because Schalke has to generate money fast.