Category sport-news

Leandro Trossard’s 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday gave Arsenal the lead, three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

At Craven Cottage, Belgian forward Trossard scored his first league goal of the season in the second half.

That extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to eight games and secures their fifth successive victory in every competition.

After Liverpool lost two straight games, Arsenal was declared the bookmakers’ favorite to win the Premier League.

After falling to Everton earlier on Saturday, Manchester City moved just one place clear of Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, the residents of north London won back with a strong, if unspectacular, performance along the River Thames.

“It’s a really difficult place to move,” he declared. In recent years, we have seen that. We invested a lot in it. In the first half, there were some giveaways, but we stayed in the lead throughout the entire contest,” Arteta said.

They have known how to adapt because they have been married for a long time.

This season, Arsenal are chasing their first English title since 2004 by winning six of their eight league games.

When Harry Wilson’s reverse pass reached Raul Jimenez, Fulham threatened an early lead, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pushed the Mexican’s effort away.

Wilson curled a curler past the far post after Gabriel Magalhaes misplaced his pass.

Riccardo Calafiori believed to have given Arsenal the lead early in the second half, but after a VAR check, the defender’s sweet strike was flagged for offside.

Before Josh King’s cross forced the “keeper to tip the ball over his bar, Wilson almost slammed a low drive past Raya from the edge of the area.

As the Arsenal striker’s goal drought reached seven games, Viktor Gyokeres was denied by a good save from Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno when he ran onto Bukayo Saka’s pass.

Declan Rice fired wide on the stroke of half-time after Calafiori had already fouled from 18 yards.

As Arsenal’s frustration mounted, Trossard’s deft shot from close range was followed by Timothy Castagne’s goal-line clearance moments later.

When Wilson lashed a fierce volley just over the bar, Arteta’s men almost made up for those misses.

READ MORE: Arsenal’s Premier League Success As Man Utd Increases Pressure On Amorim.

However, Mick Jagger, a well-known Arsenal fan, was standing and the Gunners were finally satisfied in the 58th minute.

Arsenal’s set-piece skill was crucial when Gabriel scored from close range and Trossard converted from Saka’s corner.

Since the start of the 2023-2014 campaign, Arsenal has now scored 37 goals from corners in the Premier League.

Saka slalomed through Fulham’s defense to force Leno into a wise stop, and the momentum was with the Gunners.

Before referee Anthony Taylor had to overturn his decision after VAR showed the Brazilian’s tackle made contact with the ball, Arsenal were initially denied a penalty for Kevin’s challenge on Saka.

Gyokeres has just three goals for his new club despite scoring 97 times in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon.

His troubles didn’t seem to come to an end when he shot straight at Leno with the goal at his mercy before scoring, but Arsenal already had a title shot in.

The most recent plot twist in the Premier League soap opera from Australia is Angel Postecoglou’s brutal dismissal by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Postecoglou was fired after losing eight games under his belt since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in September.

Former Tottenham manager Postecoglou made the boast that his time at the club will always end with “me and a trophy” on Friday.

However, less than 24 hours later, after Forest lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea, he was fired for the second time in five months.

Only 17 minutes after Forest’s sixth and final defeat of his reign, the 60-year-old announced his abrupt departure from the City Ground.

Even though the Portuguese coach led Volatile Forest for the first time in 30 years, Evangelos Marinakis had sacked Nuno, putting pressure on Postecoglou to make an immediate impact.

His polarizing managerial career in the Premier League has now reached a remarkable chapter, failing to even manage one victory with his new club.

Before being fired in June, Postecoglou was only 16 days after orchestrating their Europa League triumph over Manchester United, which only took him two turbulent seasons as Tottenham manager.

After a poor Premier League campaign, it was not enough for Tottenham to end his 17-year trophy drought and earn himself a spot in the Champions League this year.

Read more about Nottingham Forest’s replacement after Chelsea’s defeat.

Tottenham’s position in the top flight was their lowest since 1976/77, with Postecoglou’s naive insistence on sticking to ultra-attacking tactics ultimately becoming his detriment.

He joined Spurs in 2023 and was hailed as a modernizer who could transform the team after winning two Scottish championships during his successful tenure at Celtic.

Tottenham made a quick start to his maiden campaign before Aston Villa snuck in to earn them a Champions League spot.

Unwanted Record

Postecoglou was forced to sack him by Tottenham during the previous season due to the Europa League run, and he eventually learned from his mistakes when he changed his approach and beat United in the final.

He made a point of highlighting his accomplishments at the club’s trophy parade because he was aware that he was still likely to be fired.

Postecoglou is renowned for claiming that season three of the best television series is the best season ever, and that he always wins a trophy in his second season.

But that bold promise was broken.

Postecoglou, who was born in Athens, won the title at South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar in Australia, and he followed that success at Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos.

In addition, he won the 2015 Asian Cup as Australia’s head.

However, his managerial style has flaws, as shown by the Premier League.

Postecoglou always seemed unlikable in his press conferences and was frequently outspoken in his criticism of Marinakis.

When Postecoglou greeted his appointment with the phrase “We now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies,” the Greek was without a doubt what he had hoped for from the Greek.

Ange is confident in her abilities and track record to accomplish this.

Even if that was a positive assessment of Forest’s standing after 35 years without a significant trophy, Postecoglou’s demands were still present.

Significant blows came from losing to promoted Sunderland at home and dropping out of League One with Swansea.

Postecoglou was already completely on the defensive by the time he faced the media before the Chelsea game.

These first five weeks, he said, “Obviously, this guy is under pressure” if you look at it through the lens of I’m a failed manager who’s lucky to get this job.

“But maybe I’m a manager, so if you give them time, the story always ends the same.” It ended the same way at all of my previous clubs, with a trophy and me.

Postecoglou leaves Forest with an unfavorable record, which is the shortest of any permanent Premier League manager’s tenure, leaving him with a silverware.

Chelsea, who suffered from injuries, put the pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou on Saturday, surviving a poor opening half before winning 3-0.

Pedro Neto fired home from a free kick early in the second half, completely altering the game for the visitors.

Postecoglou, who was let go by Tottenham in June, will now have lost eight games against Forest, which will put owners Evangelos Marinakis’ patience to the test.

Forest, who had a few chances to take the lead in the first half despite starting the day just one point above the relegation zone, was largely helped by Chelsea’s poor defensive performance.

However, they were unable to capitalize, and Enzo Maresca’s men only grew stronger as the match progressed.

Moises Caicedo started the game on the bench, but Chelsea didn’t have a long list of first-team players, including Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, and Enzo Fernandez.

After receiving a red card for his wild celebrations in his team’s win against Liverpool before the international break, Maresca was forced to watch from the City Ground.

– Forest Chances –

Elliot Anderson had a good chance to lead Forest, but he made a poor decision to shoot with his left while positioned in a dangerous position and turned inside.

Morgan Gibbs-White had a chance at the far post moments later, but could not move past the high ball.

After Joao Pedro’s cross over the top, Andrey Santos skewed his shot wide, leaving Maresca with his head in his hands. Chelsea themselves had a chance to lead shortly before half-time.

Chelsea’s first half was strong, and Pedro Neto fired over.

Caicedo, Jamie Gitten, s, and Marc Guiu were brought on by Maresca at the break, earning early rewards as a result.

Read more about Nottingham Forest’s replacement after Chelsea’s defeat.

In the 49th minute, Neto sent in an enticing cross to defender Acheampong, who scored his first senior goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead three minutes later when Neto’s free-kick soared past Matz Sels’ depressing dive and fell to the wall of redshirts.

Neco Williams fired over from close range as Forest had a chance to turn the game around, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez deftly blocked Nikola Milenkovic’s header.

Igor Jesus’ shot on the stretch hit the underside of the post and slammed against the post, which came agonizingly close to pulling a goal back for Forest.

Reece James, the captain for Chelsea, fired home from close range after a corner to make it 3-0 in his 200th game for the club.

Postecoglou was pensive on the touchline as a result of the city ground’s widespread evacuation.

Malo Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card by the young Chelsea side, but the victory put them fourth in the table, just two points clear of Arsenal’s.

At his pre-game press conference on Friday, Postecoglou retorted that if he was given time at a club, it always ends with “me and a trophy” instead of “the other way around.”

However, the Australian’s chances of changing things at Forest, who finished seventh last season under Nuno Espirito Santo, are in decline.

Sean Dyche, a former manager of Burnley and Everton, is reportedly interested in taking Postecoglou’s place.

A potentially unfavorable sign for the Forest boss was Marinakis’s seat was empty with only a quarter of the match remaining.

After his side were defeated by Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday, Ange Postecoglou was fired as manager of Nottingham Forest. This was a brutal end to a 40-day reign that lasted just 40 days.

Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Forest, sat in his seat throughout the game at the City Ground in a depressing sign of good will, and his fate was announced just before full-time.

The club posted on X with the news that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach following a string of subpar results and performances.

The club has stated that it is “at this time” not to comment.

Any permanent Premier League manager’s shortest managerial tenure to leave a club during the season is.

After holding a meeting to discuss counterterrorism in Rome, President Tinubu travels to Abuja.

Postecoglou was only appointed on September 9, but he has lost eight games in charge of every division.

Forest’s five Premier League victories, including one against Forest, gave the team one point above the relegation zone and 17th place.

After Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal last month, the club is now looking for a third manager this year.

Postecoglou, who was fired by Tottenham in June, made a mockery of his pre-game press conference on Friday, saying that if he is given time at a club, it always ends with “me and a trophy”

In his second year in charge, he won the Europa League despite a terrible league campaign that cost him his job.

Sean Dyche, a former manager of Burnley and Everton, is reportedly considering taking over as Forest’s manager.

The 60-year-old Postecoglou’s final game was a miserable chapter in his miserable reign.

The home team had a strong game against Chelsea but were unable to take any chances.

Pedro Neto fired home from a free kick before Josh Acheampong, a teen, gave the visitors the lead early in the second half.

Reece James’ 3-0 victory late in the match moved Chelsea to fourth place in the table ahead of the 1400 GMT kick-offs.

Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, and Enzo Fernandez were among the first-team players who were absent, and Moises Caicedo started the game on the bench.

But ultimately Forest would not like them because they were too strong.

In the 49th minute, Neto sent in an enticing cross to defender Acheampong, who scored his first senior goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead three minutes later when Neto’s free-kick was sailed past Matz Sels’ depressing dive past the wall of redshirts.

James scored the winning goal late on his club debut to make it 3-0 with Nikola Milenkovic and substitute Igor Jesus.

Postecoglou was pensive on the touchline as a result of the city ground’s widespread evacuation.

On Saturday, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso backed La Liga players who were protesting the top flight’s decision to play a game against Miami.

The first European league game to be played abroad will take place on December 20 in Barcelona’s away game against Villarreal, according to La Liga, which was announced last week.

The La Liga match’s start will be preceded by a “symbolic protest,” according to the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE).

Even though broadcasts of the game did not show this during the first 15 seconds of the game, players from both Oviedo and Espanyol refused to move during this period.

Also read: Chelsea’s Palmer Will Be Out For Another Six Weeks.

Alonso, the coach of Madrid, stated at a press conference, “We are against the match because we think it distorts the competition.”

“It hasn’t been discussed or agreed upon for playing on neutral ground.” The sentiment is positive as a result of the protests.

We think there might be a vote on whether or not it would occur, but that is not the case.

Real Madrid, the champions of La Liga, takes on Getafe on Sunday, according to Alonso, who stated that Kylian Mbappe should be prepared.

The French superstar missed France’s World Cup qualifying match against Iceland on Monday due to ankle pain the previous fortnight.

Rasheedat Ajibade, the captain of Nigeria, and Esther Okoronkwo, the star forward, have been chosen for the CAF African Women Player of the Year Award.

On Wednesday, the 2025 CAF Awards – Women’s Categories nominees were announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The award honors the outstanding African women’s football players from the previous year.

Nigeria won its 10th WAFCON title in July thanks to Ajibade and Okoronkwo’s contributions.

() – #CAFAwards2025 pic. twitter.com/dGgvCAmceg

Chiamaka Nnadozie, a Nigerian goalkeeper, is up for the award for the year’s best goalkeeper, who was 4th overall at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

The prestigious CAF Awards ceremony will be honored at the venue after the announcement is made, honoring players, coaches, and teams that have made significant contributions between January 6 and October 2025.

The shortlist, according to CAF, includes 10 nominees for each category based on their performance in both domestic and continental competitions.

A panel of experts, which included members of the CAF Technical &amp, Development Committee, experienced coaches, CAF Legends, and select media representatives, chose the nominees.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR WOMEN

Nominees:

Portia Boakye (Hapoel Petah Tikva/Ghana)
Tabitha Chawinga (OL Lyonnes/Malawi)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi/Kansas City)
Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria/FC Toronto)
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain/Nigeria)
(RC Strasbourg) Mama Diop
Barbra Banda (Zambia/Orlando Pride)
Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC/Zambia)

WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Nominees: 

Chloe N’Gazi (Olympique de Marseille)
Sedilame Boseja (Botswana/Mamelodi Sundowns)
Fideline Ndoy (TP Mazembe/DRC)
Habiba Emad (FC Masar/Egypt)
(Ghana/Swieqi United) Cynthia Konlan
Fatoumata Karantao (Mali/USFAS Bamako)
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton & Hove Albion)
Adji Ndiaye (AS Bambey/Senegal)
Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)

WOMEN’S INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees: 

Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Botswana/Gaborone United)

Botswana/Gaborone United Maungo Maponga

Ami Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire/ASEC Mimosas)

Habibou Ouedraogo (Cote d’Ivoire/ASEC Mimosas)

Ana Maria Nchama (15 de Agosto) (Equatorial Guinea)

Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)

Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR)

Oumou Koné (Mali/USFAS Bamako)

Bambanani Mbane (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)

Jamila Rajab (JKT Queens/Tanzania)

WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Nominees: 

Adelaide Koudougnon (Côte d’Ivoire U-17)
Siaka Gigi Traoré (Côte d’Ivoire/ASEC Mimosas)
Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/Morocco)
Genoveva Anonma (15 de Agosto) (Equatorial Guinea)
Lars Kim (Ghana)
Moroccan Jorge Vilda
Bankole Olowookere ( Nigeria U-17)
Nigerian Justin Madugu
South African Desiree Ellis
Carol Kanyemba (Zambia, Under-17)

WOMEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Habiba Essam (Al Ahly/Egypt)

Habiba Sabry (FC Masar/Egypt)

Stella Nyamekye (Fort Lauderdale United/Ghana)

Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR)

Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Bayelsa Queens/Nigeria)

Adji Ndiaye (AS Bambey/Senegal)

Esther Maseke Marwa (JKT Queens/Tanzania)

Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens/Tanzania)

Mercy Chipasula (Mighty Wanderers/Zambia)

Ruth Mukoma (Zesco United/Zambia)

WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Cameroon U-17

Côte d’Ivoire U-17

Ghana

Mali

Morocco

Nigeria

Nigeria U-17

South Africa

Tanzania

Zambia U-17

WOMEN’S CLUB OF THE YEAR

Nominees: