Arsenal strolled to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon, and it looks as though they are up for a title challenge.

Mikel Arteta’s side have rebounded well since losing to Liverpool in the FA Cup last month, securing five successive wins while scoring 21 times in those games.

With the Anfield side and Manchester City also in contention, taking home three points today was all that mattered, but the performance would also have pleased Arteta.

Several players excelled, with Bukayo Saka getting on the scoresheet once again.

Bukayo Saka was excellent against Burnley

The right-winger had scored in his previous three league matches prior to this one, and he didn’t look like he was going to be stopped by a poor Burnley defence.

Saka was in devastating form out wide, scoring another brace for the Gunners, while also succeeding with a dribble attempt and taking 49 touches during the clash.

He was subbed off for Reiss Nelson once the three points had been wrapped up, but his performance set the tone, and he will be vital over the coming months, especially if Arteta wants to end Arsenal’s two-decade wait for a league crown.

While Saka was immense, it was Martin Odegaard who really stole the show and the player has been in sublime form recently, culminating in this excellent display against Vincent Kompany’s men.

Martin Odegaard’s performance vs Burnley in numbers

It did not take long for the Norwegian to make his mark in the game, opening the scoring after just four minutes and this early marker set the club on their way to a crucial three points.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Odegaard managed 88 touches while displaying his attacking qualities by making three key passes, having two shots on target, succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts and chipping in with an assist for good measure.

It is no wonder his display was deemed “absolutely outrageous” by Yankee Gunner on X following an impressive first half, and it proves that when the side has both Saka and Odegaard firing at the same time, they can rack up the goals.

Indeed, Odegaard was even given a match rating of 9/10 by GOAL for his display against Burnley as he was dubbed ‘absolutely outstanding’ and if he can maintain this momentum, the Gunners could certainly be contenders for the league.

The former Real Madrid starlet did lose possession 16 times, yet this was due to his constant advances into the final third.

He did win four of his seven contested duels throughout the tie, showing strength in the one on one battles, and it proves his defensive qualities can also be of use to the side.

The Gunners now trail league leaders Liverpool by just five points, but they have a game in hand and if they can claim all three points from that tie, then the Anfield side and City will have to be wary of Arteta’s men closing in.

With Odegaard and Saka in this type of form, anything is possible.

Tottenham are thought to have added a £26 million striker to their transfer target list as they scour the market for long-term Harry Kane replacements.

Spurs eyeing new centre-forward this summer

Despite Richarlison's transformation under Ange Postecoglou this season, it remains the case that Spurs are keen to sign a new number nine.

Related "Huge" – Sky pundit thrilled as Tottenham allegedly eye "next level" star

Spurs are apparently very keen on the £60 million man.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Feb 28, 2024

The Lilywhites have been mentioned as potential suitors for Brentford star Ivan Toney, among others, in the past six months – but the centre-forward position was never a priority for January.

Tottenham's next league games

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

March 2nd

Aston Villa (away)

March 10th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

West Ham (away)

April 2nd

The plan to bring in a striker was thought to be one for later in the year, with journalist Dean Jones saying late last year that Tottenham will sign a replacement for Kane once we get to 2024.

“I don't know what they will look for in a Kane replacement, but they would be silly not to be looking at Ferguson right now," said Jones to GiveMeSport, commenting on previous links to Brighton star Evan Ferguson.

"I know Manchester United have had an eye on Ferguson. I'm sure Chelsea will, too, given their recruitment policy. But Tottenham have to as well. They're going to have to sign another striker eventually. Son is good for now. With Richarlison, everything’s up in the air. They will sign a new striker once we get to 2024, and Ferguson has to be on the radar.”

Other reports suggest this is still firmly the case, with reporter Pete O'Rourke telling Football Insider that Tottenham wish to sign a marquee striker this summer.

"Tottenham are expected to sign a new marquee number nine this summer to replace departed legend Harry Kane," he wrote this month.

"Kane, 30, left Spurs last year (2023) after scoring 32 goals across all competitions for the Londoners in the 2022-23 campaign. It is believed Tottenham are stepping up their plans to land a marquee new forward in this year’s summer window. That is despite the promising form of their current strike force under Ange Postecoglou’s stewardship this term."

Amid their reported pursuits to shore up other key areas of the squad, though, it is unclear exactly how much club chiefs would be willing to spend on a goalscoring centre-forward.

Tottenham identify £26m Kane replacement Omar Marmoush

According to Bild, Spurs may have a cheaper option in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.

Indeed, the German news outlet writes via Sport Witness that Tottenham have identified Marmoush as a striker target, and he could cost as little as €30m (£26m) to prise away from his club in the best-case scenario.

The Egyptian ace has bagged 10 goals and five assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances this season, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller calling him "tireless".

"He brings a completely different energy to our attacking play through his penetrating runs and tireless work rate," said Toppmoller.

In January 2022, Manchester City agreed a deal to sign Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from River Plate, one that saw him remain in Buenos Aires until the end of the European season and join in the summer.

In January, Pep Guardiola's side reached a similar agreement with the Primera Division side, this time for midfielder Claudio Echeverri. Echeverri will stay in his homeland until the end of the year, and then Guardiola will have the option to integrate him into his first-team squad from January.

Now the reigning Premier League champions are finalising another move ahead of the 2024/25 season, with Savio set to join from City Football Group club Troyes. There were bids from other clubs in England as well as teams in Germany, but he'll be moving to the Etihad instead.

Savio deal timeline emerges

Fabrizio Romano has now provided a new update on City's move for Savio, confirming that the deal will be done and dusted by the end of February – within the next three weeks.

The two parties are drawing up the relevant documents, and once they're signed, Savio will be clear to join up with his new club for pre-season training in July.

"Beautiful" Savio can become complete under Guardiola

Savio first joined the CFG in 2022 when he moved from Atletico Mineiro to French club Troyes, and he was subsequently loaned to PSV, where he only played eight first-team games. This year, though, he's enjoyed a breakout season at Girona, starting 22 out of 23 La Liga games for the surprise title-chasers.

Man City could now lose player with "great qualities" this week

Another European club “want to sign” him and their transfer window is still open.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 5, 2024

He's scored seven goals in all competitions – five in the league and a couple more on his side's run to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals – but it's his assist numbers that really standout. In the entire Spanish top-flight, only Real Madrid's Toni Kroos is able to match them.

La Liga most assists 2023/24
Rank	Player	Club	Assists
=1	Savio	Girona	7
=1	Toni Kroos	Real Madrid	7
=3	Alex Baena	Villarreal	6
=3	Antoine Griezmann	Atletico Madrid	6
=3	Yan Couto	Girona	6
=3	Nico Williams	Athletic Club	6

Savio also leads La Liga for successful take-ons (62) and sits second for carries into the penalty area (47), so he has all the ingredients to become a complete winger, especially under the tutelage of a manager like Guardiola.

Barcelona sporting director Deco may have hoped to sign him, having publicly marveled at his "beautiful" playing style and "technical quality", but City have flexed their muscles to strike an exciting deal.

Paul Scholes has urged Gareth Southgate to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in a new position as he calls for changes to the England team at Euro 2024.

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Alexander-Arnold being used in midfieldScholes thinks he should move backUrges Southgate to give youngsters a chanceWHAT HAPPENED?

The Three Lions head coach has been using Alexander-Arnold as a midfield partner for Declan Rice, but has come under fire for not changing things when they aren't working. Scholes believes the solution may be putting the Liverpool defender at left-back (despite the fact he plays on the right at club level), and giving both Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer some minutes on the pitch.

AdvertisementWHAT SCHOLES SAID

Posting on his Instagram account, United legend Scholes said: "Sunday am thoughts… TAA left-back, Kobbie Mainoo centre-mid, Palmer on the right… would give reasons but too many touchy f*ckers out there."

InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Alongside Scholes thinking Alexander-Arnold should replace Kieran Trippier in defence, the former England midfielder believes youth is the answer for those not working in their current positions. Palmer enjoyed an incredible debut season with Chelsea while Mainoo broke into the Manchester United starting XI under Erik ten Hag.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

England are back in action on Tuesday evening for their final group-stage game of Euro 2024. It remains to be seen whether Southgate will take the leap and make changes as the Three Lions look to improve upon a poor start.

Neymar has named Brazil team-mate Vinicius Junior as the "ugliest" footballer he has played with in a savage interview.

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• Al-Hilal star called Vinicius Jr. ugly
• Also named the toughest opponent he has faced
• Neymar-less Brazil in action at Copa America 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a viral social media video, where Neymar can be seen answering rapid-fire questions while giving an interview, the 32-year-old surprisingly said that he considers Vinicius Junior to be the most unattractive player he has ever played with in his career.

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• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  The interviewer asked the Brazil icon who he considers to be the ugliest player he's worked with in his career so far, and he replied: "I played with a lot of ugly people. With all due respect, Vinicius Junior. I’m sorry, I love you, but he’s very funny. Ugly but funny."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was also asked about the toughest player he has ever played against, to which he gave Thiago Silva's name. Neymar has faced his former Selecao colleague on multiple occasions in the Champions League in the past.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Neymar was in attendance at SoFi Stadium on Tuesday as Brazil began their Copa America 2024 journey with a goalless draw against Costa Rica. The Selecao will be next be seen in action on Saturday against Paraguay.

The incident took place after the Western Australia captain was dismissed early on the final day against Tasmania

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2019Western Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has injured his right hand after hitting the dressing room wall at the WACA following his dismissal on the final day of the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.Marsh drove a return catch to Jackson Bird in the opening over of the last day to fall for 53.A WACA statement said: “Marsh sustained the injury when he struck the wall in the changerooms following his dismissal earlier in the day. The extent of the injury and a timeframe on his return will be determined later this week after further investigation.”Western Australia’s next match is against Victoria starting on Friday and it appears unlikely that Marsh would be available for that.Marsh was recalled to Australia’s Test side for the final match of the Ashes series where he impressed with his bowling, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul, but did not grab his chance with the bat with scores of 17 and 24.This injury could now significantly cut into the time he has available to impress the selectors ahead of the start of the Pakistan series next month.When he was brought back into the side, captain Tim Paine – who was playing for Tasmania in this Shield match – urged Marsh to emulate Ben Stokes. In 2014, Stokes had punched a locker at Kensington Oval in Barbados following a dismissal against West Indies and was ruled out of the subsequent T20 World Cup.

MatériaMais Notícias

As demissões dos mais de 90 funcionários do Botafogo rendeu durante toda esta terça-feira. Internamente, alguns vice-presidentes se mostraram contrários à decisão da atual diretoria. Os esportes olímpicos são um dos assuntos que mais geram conflito: alguns dos membros desta pasta defendiam a continuação das equipes, mesmo com a dívida bilionária apresentada no balanço. O time de vôlei, vale ressaltar, foi encerrado neste corte de gastos.

Alguns dos vice-presidentes queriam que o Botafogo continuasse sustentando os esportes olímpicos, mesmo se fosse com o dinheiro teoricamente direcionado ao futebol. A ideia não foi para frente: a diretoria entende que um esporte como vôlei, na atual conjuntura do clube, só pode continuar através de uma parceria ou com patrocínios que banquem os atletas e a comissão técnica.

O desconforto entre a atual diretoria, do presidente Durcesio Mello, com o conceito de atuação das vice-presidências, vale lembrar, não é de hoje. O mandatário, durante a campanha e logo quando assumiu o cargo, reafirmou o interesse de diminuir o número de VP’s – atualmente o Alvinegro conta com cinco – , bem como de descontinuar modalidades que não fossem autossustentáveis. Com a chegada do CEO Jorge Braga em março, o Glorioso encaminhou a proposta ao Conselho Deliberativo de que o número fosse diminuído no Estatuto – por lá, indica-se que hajam 12 pessoas nesta função.

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Desta forma, tem sido comum atritos envolvendo vice-presidentes, especialmente, segundo informações, por eles não quererem perder privilégios do cargo. Durante o processo das demissões dos funcionários, houve resistência por esta ala. O clube alegou que, financeiramente, não tinha outro caminho a não ser o corte de gastos pela atual situação financeira.

Entende-se, internamente, que muitos vice-presidentes estão atrasando alguns projetos de profissionalização do clube. O LANCE! apurou que houve vazamento de informações internas nesse processo de demissões dos funcionários por parte dos vice-presidentes para impedir o desligamento dos colaboradores que trabalhavam nos respectivos setores em que estavam. A intenção era não perder força política na ala dentro do clube.

Com as demissões, houve um corte considerável no número de funcionários no clube de General Severiano. A atual diretoria continua com o processo de tentar diminuir o número de vice-presidentes obrigatórios no Estatuto.

After a quiet January transfer window, Newcastle United's attention has seemingly turned to what could be a summer of normal service resumed as far as incomings are concerned, with scouts reportedly set to watch an exciting new target this weekend.

Newcastle transfer news

PIF were left restricted by profit and sustainability rules in the winter window, with Newcastle's £155m in losses over the last three seasons limiting their spending. This saw the likes of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron all linked with departures, albeit without ever completing moves away, much to the likely relief of Eddie Howe.

That may not be the end of the departure rumours, however, with Joelinton's future still in doubt. Speaking on the Brazilian's 2025 contract expiry, Howe said via BBC Sport: "He has 18 months left on his contract so it's a possibility he'll be sold in the summer. I'm not a fortune teller but it's a possibility. I hope that's not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player. But before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and we are not there yet."

Newcastle eyeing move to sign "terrific" £34m+ World Cup winner for Howe

He is yet to lose a game this season.

ByTom Cunningham Feb 22, 2024

As one South American potentially departs though, another could arrive this summer. According to Ole in Argentina, Newcastle are set to send scouts to watch Kevin Zenon this weekend. The left midfielder is likely to feature for Boca Juniors in their Superclasico clash against arch-rivals River Plate.

Not many games get much bigger than that and if Zenon impresses on the big stage, Newcastle could yet decide to make their move for the 22-year-old with a reported release clause of $15m (£12m). Boca Juniors are seemingly reluctant to sell their winger in the coming months, but at such an affordable price, those at St James' Park could leave them with no choice when the summer transfer window opens.

Zenon can replace Almiron

Whilst Almiron stayed put at Newcastle in the end over a move to Saudi Arabia, at 29-years-old and in the middle of a poorer season when compared to the last campaign, the Magpies may need to start thinking about long-term replacements. And that's where Zenon could come in to add quality in depth to Howe's side.

The 22-year-old winger has plenty of room and time for improvement and could yet eclipse the current Newcastle man to hand Howe a vital option going forward. Here's how Zenon and Almiron compare with similar game time:

Progressive Carries

41

70

Progressive Passes

88

72

Goals

2

3

Assists

0

1

Starts

17

21

Zenon represents a promising yet sensible option for PIF, given his relatively low price-tag. As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle can break the resilience of Boca Juniors and secure the winger's signature. Before anything, however, the 22-year-old will have the pressure to impress both his own fans and the scouts of Newcastle against River Plate on Sunday.

Chelsea have reportedly appointed former Hull City and Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana to talent management role in the African continent.

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Chelsea set up an African recruitment teamGot on board Olofinjana to head operationsHas extensive experience in the continentWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the 44-year-old Olofinjana, who has extensive experience both on the field and in football administration, will be instrumental in identifying and nurturing young African talents for the club. He earned 56 caps for Nigeria and enjoyed a successful club career in Europe. Between 2004 and 2008, he played 147 matches and scored 18 goals for Wolverhampton Wanderers. His career also included stints at Championship sides Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Premier League teams Stoke City and Hull.

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After retiring in 2014 following a brief period in Norway, Olofinjana transitioned into coaching and football development roles. He served in various capacities at Wolverhampton Wanderers, including as a loans and pathways manager. His administrative acumen was further demonstrated during his tenure as Sporting Director at Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland until 2022. Olofinjana is a well-qualified manager, holding a UEFA Pro Coaching License.

ROLE AT CHELSEA

In his new role at Chelsea, Olofinjana will oversee recruitment recommendations across Africa, working closely with a newly appointed scout dedicated to the continent. By appointing Olofinjana, Chelsea aims to tap into the vast pool of African football talent more efficiently and effectively, creating a direct pipeline to the London club and Strasbourg. He will also look to enhance the players' experiences and aid their adaptation to new environments.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Olofinjana's journey began in Nigeria with Crown FC and Kwara United before moving to Norwegian club SK Brann in 2003, and subsequently to Wolves in England a year later. His deep-rooted connections and understanding of African football will be crucial in his new role at Chelsea, helping to streamline the pathway for African players to reach the European stage. He has been instrumental in developing an academy and procuring talent, including Taiwo Awoniyi, who moved to Liverpool in 2015 and currently plays for Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta's side fell agonisingly short in their battle with Manchester City last season, but their skipper feels a title is not far away

When Martin Odegaard stood in the centre of the Emirates Stadium pitch moments after Arsenal’s 2-1 success against Everton on the final day of last season, the pain of narrowly missing out on the Premier League title was etched all over his face.

As he addressed the fans, Odegaard spoke of his pride at what Arsenal had achieved having pushed Manchester City all the way to the final minutes of the campaign, but the crushing disappointment of seeing the club’s first Premier League crown in 20 years slip away was still clear for all to see.

Two months have now passed and that disappointment still remains. But Odegaard doesn’t look at it as a bad thing. In fact, the 25-year-old, who is currently in Marbella with a handful of his team-mates preparing for the new season at a summer training camp, is adamant that it will be the driving force that will lead Arsenal to silverware in the coming campaign.

• (C)GettyImages
  

  Motivation for more

  “When you are so close, you can feel it, you can taste it,” he told reporters. “We had the big dream. We had it on the last day and I really had the feeling something special would happen and so did a lot of people. 

  “After the game it was just disappointment. You can see it, the trophy was there, so that was the emotion right then, but at the same time it is important to think about all the good things. It gives us all the motivation we need to come back even stronger this year and to win it.”

  Odegaard added: “Every setback can make you stronger. Just for us to be here and talking about last season as a big disappointment shows how far we’ve come and what we’re all about now. We want to win something and that just shows the mentality we have now. We are not satisfied if we don’t win. That’s why we’re going to keep pushing each other every day to make sure we do that. We just want to get better and better.

  “I think it is easy to find the motivation because we all want to win, we all want the same thing and we are all pushing each other so hard every day. The staff, players, supporters. Everyone is pushing in the same direction. We have the big goal. It is just about doing those small things every day to become a little bit better and in the end I’m sure it is going to be rewarded with a trophy.”

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• Getty Images
  

  Learning from the past

  Arsenal have now been pipped to the title by City for the past two seasons in the Premier League. Arteta, though, has built a squad that has shown it can go toe to toe with Pep Guardiola's star-studded team. The big challenge now, though, is taking that one extra step and actually getting the better of them over a nine-month campaign.

  It wasn’t long ago that Arsenal were seen as the young pretenders, with many often pointing to that inexperience as a reason why they have fallen short over the past couple of years when attempting to get over the line in the title race. And while they are still young as a squad, the Gunners have learned a lot from recent experiences. So does Odegaard believe that will stand them in good stead over the coming campaign?

  “I think so,” he said. “With age you feel like you have more experience. You feel like you are more prepared and I think that is a good thing. 

  “There are a lot of young players in the team and I feel like I am one of the older guys to be honest, and I kind of like that as well. To have that experience and hopefully use it in the best possible way. Getting older you feel more responsible and you feel like you are hitting your peak. Hopefully there is a lot more to come. With age you want to just push to reach your maximum level, wherever that is.”

• Preparations begin

  Odegaard travelled out to Marbella last week to join the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Jurrien Timber and Ben White at a summer training camp organised by Arteta and his coaching staff. The trip has been designed to get players who have not been involved with their national teams over the summer the best possible chance of being in top condition for the start of the new season.

  Arsenal know the importance of starting quickly, especially with away games against Aston Villa, Tottenham and Man City in the opening weeks of the campaign.

  So as to further prepare, the Gunners travel to the United States at the end of July, where they will take on Bournemouth and Liverpool, as well as a mouth-watering clash against Manchester United at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 27th.

  And Odegaard is well aware of what a strong pre-season can do for a team.

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  'Gaining advantages'

  “It’s really important to get a good start and to get a good feeling straight away,” he said. “The work we put in now will help us a lot, especially in the beginning of the season to come back fit and sharp and be ready. 

  “It is a good chance to gain some advantage. I have always felt this way. Of course you need a break, but it is also a good chance to work on things you can’t normally work on. It is a good chance to improve. 

  “I am really excited [about the U.S. tour]. It has always been good going to the U.S. The support we have there is amazing and it is a great experience to travel around and meet different people, to feel the togetherness we have from all over the world. I am really excited to play some big games there. It is going to be fun.”