Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal to learn from their costly mistakes in Tuesday’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich if they want to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Arteta’s side ensured their quarter-final clash remains finely balanced thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late equaliser in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s old tormentor-in-chief Harry Kane had ignored a hostile reception from Gunners fans to mark his return to north London with the ice-cool penalty that put Bayern 2-1 up in the first half.

Former Tottenham striker Kane’s sixth career goal at the Emirates came after ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry cancelled out Bukayo Saka’s early opener for the Gunners.

It was a frustrating evening for Arsenal, who looked hesitant at times in their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.

The Premier League leaders have been in red-hot form in 2024, while Bayern have stumbled through a crisis-torn campaign.

But Arsenal’s status as favourites to advance to the last four was undone by some uncharacteristically sloppy defending.

Arteta urged his players to use the experience as a valuable tool to make amends in the second leg in Munich on April 17.

“We will go again in Munich. We are alive. The game became difficult and they understand they have to step up the level,” he said.

“We have made some mistakes today. Lets learn from it. These players have been unbelievable. It’s part of football. Lets support them.

“I sense the belief there. We are going to go to Munich and have a chance to win it. We’re going to be better in certain areas and that’s how we are going to prepare it.”

Arteta admitted Bayern’s impressive first half had rattled his team, but he was impressed with the way they regained their composure after the interval.

– ‘Crazy situation’ –

“The second goal created some insecurity in the team but after we reacted well. It’s easy to throw your toys away when things don’t go right,” he said.

“The subs, especially Leandro and Gabriel (Jesus), made a huge impact with their body language and the initiative they took to make things happen.”

Saka was convinced he should have been awarded a penalty in the final seconds when Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer appeared to make contact with the Arsenal winger.

But replays suggested Saka had initiated the contact and Arteta refused to be drawn on the controversy, saying only that he “hadn’t seen the image again” and “can’t change” the decision.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel bemoaned a separate penalty incident that didn’t go his side’s way.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes inexplicably picked up the ball following a David Raya goal-kick in the 66th minute.

Yet Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg opted against awarding a spot-kick.

“I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands,” Tuchel said.

“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final.

“It’s a horrible explanation. Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake, whatever. We feel angry because it was a huge decision against us.”

A crucial miss by Leroy Sane — who allowed Ben White to get back to tackle him after he ran clear on goal — stopped the six-time European champions going 3-1 up in the first half.

But after a traumatic season that leaves Bayern almost certain to surrender the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel could have few complaints about his side’s battling display.

“It wasn’t easy, especially after we conceded early. The Arsenal fans were incredible, they pushed them. We scored with our first attack and the body language and confidence changed.

“Next week we will have the decision. It is only half-time.”

[Vanguard]

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has announced the appointment of match officials for football events of the 2024 Olympic Games.

FIFA listed 12 match officials from Africa with none from Nigeria making the cut.

The African referees for the tournament include Beida Dahane from Mauritania, Ismail Mahmood Ali from Sudan and Karboubi Bouchra from Morocco.

Meanwhile, assistant referees from Africa include Ahmed Liban Abdoulrazack from Djibouti, Chikotesha Diana from Zambia, Jermouni Fatiha from Morocco, Noupue Elvis from Cameroon, Santos Jerson Emiliano Dos from Angola and Yiembe Stephen from Kenya.

In the video match officials category, Ashour Mahmoud from Egypt and Benbraham Lahlou from Algeria will were selected.

Additionally, Nabadda Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the match officials.

[DailyPost]

Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, has lauded Nigerian international Victor Osimhen for his stunning goal during Napoli’s recent clash against Monza.

Osimhen’s goal, a remarkable header likened to a basketball jump shot, opened the scoring in Napoli’s 4-2 victory.

The goal captured the attention of the football world and earned him the nickname “Osi-Air” for his aerial prowess.

Despite the injury he sustained while executing the extraordinary goal, Drogba expressed admiration for the young striker’s performance,

Commenting on the goal, the former striker was quoted by The Napolista to have admitted that he wouldn’t have attempted such a feat during his playing days.

“I saw Victor score that goal against Monza. Oh God! He got hurt, I thought. I wouldn’t have gone for that ball, it’s crazy. An absurd goal!,” he said.

Osimhen is reported to have jumped 2.23 meters, although this fell short of his previous record-setting leap of 2.58 meters during Napoli’s win over Spezia, according to Sky’s Studios via The Napolista.

In the earlier match against Spezia, Osimhen recorded a staggering 71cm leap, reaching a height of 8.47 feet (2.58 meters) – higher than the crossbar (8 feet) – before heading the ball past Spezia goalkeeper Bartłomiej Drągowski

[DailyTrust]

The image of a helicopter parent, standing at the sidelines shouting at the pitch, has long since been an unwelcome stereotype associated with children who play sport.

In some leagues, mums and dads have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to, in order to avoid unpleasant arguments or physical fights.

However, Manchester City star Demi Stokes is more than ready for that narrative to change.

Growing up, she witnessed dads at the sidelines who yelled ‘Kick her! Break her legs!’ to her opponents. Demi’s first team – called Sunderland 24-7 – was an all-girls team who boldly played in a boys’ league.

‘Some parents get so caught up in thinking “they’re not this, they’re not doing that.” I just think “why does it matter?”,’ Demi, 32, tells Metro.

‘As long as your son or daughter is happy playing sport and becoming more confident in who they are, that’s what’s important. 

‘Taking the pressure away can allow kids to feel more free.’

Born in Birmingham before moving to South Shields, Demi always dreamed of playing football and had a giant poster of David Beckham above her bed.

It was her former PE teacher Ian Williamson, who taught the former Sunderland full-back from the age of 10 at Marine Park Primary School, and urged her to trial for Sunderland’s youth team.

Demi credits him, as well as her mum and nan, with giving her the confidence to brush off laughter from any boys who scoffed at the fact she played football.

‘Ian was brilliant,’ she remembers. ‘It was the encouragement of the people I had around me that kept me going. They supported me, but equally didn’t put too much pressure on me.

‘It was like “we’ll let her figure it out, let her blossom and become whoever she wants to be.’

Previously, research has found that a third of UK children had missed out on a sporting opportunity because of the costs involved, with football, swimming and tennis topping the list.

‘The world is a crazy place where a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet,’ says Demi, who has one son.

‘You never know what people’s lives at home are like, or what they’ve gone through, so these new clubs are massive for kids.

‘Not everyone has the support of parents, family members of school teachers. So football can become a little safe haven where they can feel at home. They’ll make a huge difference in letting kids express themselves and grow in confidence.’ 

As part of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses team who claimed the Euro 2022 crown, ending a 56-year wait for a major international honour, Demi has also represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and has made more than 200 appearances for Manchester City.

She still has to pinch herself at how far she’s come. When asked if ten-year-old self could have seen her array of achievements coming, Demi laughs.

‘No, not at all,’ she says. ‘As a kid you think “oh, I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that,” unaware you have to make money and pay the bills. It’s been a crazy journey but an incredible one as well. I always say I’m very fortunate and grateful for the journey I’ve had.

‘The opportunities for a young girl today who wants to play football are so exciting. And things are only going to keep improving the more we win and the more the Lionesses win. Women’s football is in a good place but we’re not satisfied yet.

‘If we all play our part, we can make sure that growth keeps happening.’

Kellogg’s Football Camps sessions will begin in July.  Sessions will take place throughout the week during the school summer holidays, with all abilities welcome. 

[Newspot]