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Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak helped Newcastle United win the 2025 Carabao Cup ahead of Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.
A stunning header from the newly selected England left-back, Burn put Eddie Howe’s team ahead just before half-time. This goal was well-earned, as Newcastle effectively restricted Liverpool to a mere single shot throughout the first half.
Shortly after Isak had a goal ruled out for offside, the talented Swede extended the lead to 2-0 with a precise finish following an assist from Jacob Murphy.
Naija News reports that Newcastle successfully executed their strategy in the first half of their Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool on Sunday evening.
Kieran Trippier delivered a corner kick that soared high and was directed deep away from the goal.
The intended recipient was none other than Dan Burn, the towering 6ft 7ins defender from Blyth, who stands nearly two meters tall.
Burn has consistently been the focal point for Newcastle’s corner kicks, successfully connecting with nearly everyone using his head, often against the significantly shorter Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Konate and Van Dijk occupied zonal positions within the six-yard box.
This arrangement effectively ensures that Burn is almost certain to win the aerial duels.
He did so, executing a perfectly placed stooping header into the bottom-left corner, eluding a diving Caoimhin Kelleher, who may have had an obstructed view.
A 94-minute goal from Federico Chiesa could not help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup trophy this season.
The Reds, however, are still favourites to win their first trophy under manager, Arne Slot with the club sitting top of the English Premier League.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated showdown between Arsenal and Chelsea — a match that would have major implications for the title race.
Both teams have been in impressive form this season, and with only a handful of fixtures left, every point matters in the battle for Premier League supremacy. Here’s a detailed look at the key factors surrounding this high-stakes encounter:
Title race implications
Arsenal and Chelsea are both firmly in the mix for the Premier League title, with Manchester City also lurking close behind. Arsenal, seeking their first league title since the “Invincibles” season in 2003–04, have shown remarkable consistency under Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea, rejuvenated under new management, have mounted an unexpected challenge after a rocky start to the campaign. A win for either side could tilt the balance of the title race, while a draw would open the door for Manchester City to close the gap.
Head-to-head record
Recent meetings between Arsenal and Chelsea have produced mixed results. Arsenal have enjoyed an edge in recent years, winning four of their last five Premier League meetings against Chelsea, including a convincing 3–1 victory earlier in the season at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea’s form has improved dramatically since then, with a more balanced squad and tactical stability under their new manager.
Key players to watch
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) : Ethan Nwaneri has impressed for Arsenal this season, scoring five Premier League goals and shining in the Champions League with a key goal against PSV. Troy Deeney has backed him for an England senior call-up, while Martin Keown has advised managing his workload carefully due to his young age.
Declan Rice (Arsenal): The summer signing has added steel to Arsenal’s midfield, combining defensive solidity with forward thrust. His ability to control the tempo of the game could be pivotal.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, delivering key goals and assists. His movement and ability to find space between the lines make him a difficult player to mark.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): The Argentine playmaker has grown in influence, dictating Chelsea’s play with his vision and passing range. His duel with Rice in midfield could determine the flow of the game.
Tactical battle
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have built their success on a well-organized defense and a fluid attacking system. Their high press and quick transitions have troubled many teams this season.
Chelsea, under their new manager, have adopted a more compact defensive shape while relying on quick counterattacks and creative play from the midfield.
The tactical battle between Arteta and his Chelsea counterpart will be fascinating, with both managers expected to adjust their approach based on the flow of the game.
Injury concerns and squad depth
Both teams have managed injuries throughout the season, but Arsenal’s squad depth has been a key strength. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have recently returned to fitness, giving Arteta more options. Chelsea have also welcomed back key players, though concerns remain over the fitness of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku. Squad rotation and the ability to call upon game-changers from the bench could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.
Mental strength and pressure
Arsenal’s young squad showed signs of nerves in last season’s title race, ultimately falling short to Manchester City. This season, they appear more mature and composed, but the pressure of a title run-in is always intense.
Chelsea, despite being relative outsiders in the title race, have the experience of winning major trophies — a factor that could work in their favor in the closing stages of the season.
What’s at stake
A win for Arsenal would keep them on course for their first league title in two decades, reinforcing Arteta’s project and marking a return to the top of English football. For Chelsea, a win would not only keep their title hopes alive but also serve as a statement of intent under their new leadership. A draw, meanwhile, would likely benefit Manchester City, who remain in striking distance of both teams.
Conclusion
With so much on the line, the Arsenal vs. Chelsea clash promises to be a tense and thrilling encounter. Both teams have the quality to win, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the Premier League title race. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle, with moments of brilliance and drama likely to define the contest.
Kick Off
2:00pm
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Chelsea
Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Arsenal
Jorgensen, James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku, Neto
Bet Predictions
Over 1.5goals
[TheNation]
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Portuguese youngster Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, with the winger set to join the Blues in 2026.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday via X, the deal, finalised after a swift negotiation process, will see Quenda sign a seven-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year.
His medical has already been completed, paving the way for his future move to Stamford Bridge.
Quenda has reportedly given his approval to Chelsea’s project and the plans of new manager Enzo Maresca.
Romano stated: “Chelsea agree deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany
Quenda—here we go. Medical done for Quenda after secret blitz, he will join Chelsea in 2026. Club-to-club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project and Enzo Maresca’s plans.
“Geovany Quenda’s contract at Chelsea will be valid for the next seven years, all agreed last night. There will be also an option to extend the agreement for +1 year.”
[Punch]
Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has failed in his bid for re-election into the FIFA Council.
He did not secure enough votes to retain his seat among the six electable African representatives on the council.
At the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, Pinnick garnered 28 votes—just one vote short of Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi, who secured the final two available slots.
The six elected African members for the FIFA Council are:
- Faouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania)
- Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros)
- Souleiman Waberi (Djibouti)
- Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger)
- Hani Abo Rida (Egypt)
Pinnick’s History in FIFA and Nigerian Football
Pinnick made history as the third Nigerian to be elected into the FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu. He first secured his seat in March 2021 during the 43rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco.
Prior to his FIFA role, Pinnick served as the president of the NFF for two consecutive terms, from 2014 to 2022, before being succeeded by Ibrahim Gusau.
About the FIFA Council
The FIFA Council is the governing body responsible for making key decisions in the intervals between FIFA Congress meetings. It consists of 37 members elected for renewable four-year terms.
CAF Leadership
In a related development, Patrice Motsepe was re-elected as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second term.
South African businessman Patrice Motsepe has secured a second term as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after being re-elected unopposed.
Motsepe, 63, who first assumed office in 2021, had announced his intention to seek re-election in October 2024.
His second four-year term was officially confirmed during CAF’s extraordinary general assembly held in Cairo on Wednesday, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in attendance.
A renowned mining magnate and owner of South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, Motsepe expressed his commitment to building on the progress achieved during his tenure.
Under his leadership, CAF has undertaken various reforms aimed at strengthening African football.
While his re-election was a mere formality, elections were conducted for CAF’s executive committee, where Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto’o secured a seat.
The continent’s representatives for the FIFA Council were also elected during the assembly.
Technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavoen has debunked reports of interference in Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle squad selection for the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Eric pruned his large provisional squad for both games to 23 on Tuesday.
Notable omissions include Ahmed Musa, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zaidu Sanusi.
Eguavoen said that Chelle is in total control of the team and have the responsibility of picking his players.
The former defender further declared that the Malian took his time before coming up with the list.
“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something, I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has a final say on who he wants on his list.
“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say,” Eguavoen told SuperSport.
The Super Eagles will open camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Sunday.
The three-time African champions will face Adel Amrouche’s side at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali next week Friday.
They will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.
[DailyPost]
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has advised Arsenal to try and hijack the Red Devils’ move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
According to Rooney, Matete is big and strong, adding that he can help the current Arsenal team under manager Mikel Arteta.
Mateta has been heavily linked with a move to Man United in the summer.
Man United have already opened talks with the 27-year-old’s representative.
Mateta, who joined Palace from Mainz in 2022, has scored 34 goals in the past two campaigns across all competitions for the Premier League club.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals,” Rooney told BBC Sport.
“From watching Arsenal over the past few games in the Premier League, they have put a lot of balls into the box without having anyone to get on the end of them.
“I am sure he would help from that point of view.”
Arsenal are keen to sign a new top striker in the summer transfer window and it’s yet to be seen if they would go for Mateta at the end of the season.
[DailyPost]
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a ligament injury in his right ankle during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen.
The 21-year-old, who was introduced at the start of the second half, was forced off in the 59th minute following a foul. An MRI scan conducted after the game confirmed the extent of the injury.
“That was the diagnosis from an MRI scan following the game. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks,” the club stated on Monday via its site.
Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope in Wirtz’s absence.
“The loss of Florian obviously hits us hard in this phase of the season, but we will compensate for him with a strong squad. We know Florian and also know he will come back as soon as possible. Everybody will support him in that. We are assuming he will be fully fit again for the end of the season run-in,” Rolfes said.
Leverkusen will now have to navigate the coming weeks without one of their key creative players as they continue their push for silverware.
[Punch]
Liverpool survived a scare from Southampton as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez inspired the fightback in a 3-1 win that lifted the Premier League leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side were rocked by Will Smallbone’s first half opener for bottom of the table Southampton at Anfield.
But Liverpool recovered their composure after half-time and the much-maligned Nunez equalised before earning the penalty that Salah converted to put them ahead
Salah netted another penalty to reach 32 goals in all competitions this season as the Reds edged closer to a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020.
Second-placed Arsenal have two games in hand on Arsenal, including Sunday’s trip to Manchester United.
But Liverpool’s relentless march to the title looks unstoppable no matter how the Gunners fare in the final weeks of what is shaping up to be a dream first season for Slot after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds are chasing a treble and will look to finish off Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday after stealing a 1-0 victory from the Champions League last 16 first leg last Wednesday.
Liverpool will then head to Wembley on March 16 as they aim to win the first trophy of the Slot era against Newcastle in the League Cup final.
After that, Liverpool — beaten just once in the league this season — will have nine games left to wrap up the title.
Languishing 13 points from safety, Southampton still need two more points to match Derby’s Premier League record low of 11 in an entire season.
Due to a quirk of the fixture list, this was Liverpool’s only league match in March.
It took Curtis Jones just 48 seconds to have Liverpool’s first shot and the midfielder was inches away moments later with a long-range curler that flashed just wide.
Liverpool had matched their paltry shot total against PSG in midweek within the first few minutes at Anfield.
– Champions-elect –
In keeping with Southampton’s season of self-inflicted wounds, a heavy collision between Saints duo Ryan Manning and Jan Bednarek forced the latter to be replaced due to a head injury.
Having lost their captain, Southampton nearly inflicted some pain on Liverpool as Mateus Fernandes’s blast was repelled by Alisson.
Liverpool were unusually vulnerable at the back and Albert Gronbaek was inches away from connecting with Fernandes’s cross.
It was uncomfortable viewing for Slot, who was watching from the stands as he served the last game of his suspension for his foul-mouthed rant at officials after the stormy draw against Everton.
And in first half stoppage-time, the Dutchman was left holding his head in disbelief.
Liverpool were the authors of their own downfall as Virgil van Dijk got in a tangle with Alisson as both failed to clear, allowing Smallbone to slip his shot through the keeper’s legs.
Alisson’s superb performance was crucial in the backs-to-the-wall win in Paris, but the Brazilian was culpable this time as stunned silence descended on Anfield.
Crucially, Slot sent on Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Andrew Robertson at half-time.
Elliott scored with his first touch after coming off the bench against PSG and the midfielder almost repeated the trick as his shot was saved by Ramsdale.
Liverpool were 2-1 down against Southampton before coming back to win 3-2 at St Mary’s in November and once again they came from behind.
Luis Diaz was the catalyst in the 51st minute with an incisive raid that climaxed with a pin-point cross that Nunez finished with aplomb.
Liverpool’s revival was complete four minutes later when Smallbone conceded a soft penalty with his trip on Nunez.
Salah stepped up to drill the spot-kick past Ramsdale in emphatic fashion.
There was time for Salah to strike with another penalty, conceded by Yukinari Sugawara’s handball, as the Kop echoed to chants proclaiming Liverpool as champions-elect.
[Vanguard]
Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines after bantering with his lookalike fan.
The all-timeleading goal-scorer in football told the fan on Friday at the Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that he was “very ugly”.
Ronaldo was alongside his teammates, near the touchline, doing the pre-match warm-up, as Al Nassr was set to take on Al Shabab in their Matchday 24 of the Saudi Pro League 2024/25 season.
“Bro you don’t look like me (x2), you’re very ugly,” said Ronaldo.
“You are the best bro, wallahi,” said the lookalike fan.
Although Ronaldo scored his team’s second goal, it was a frustrating game for Al Nassr as they were held 2-2.
[Vanguard]
More...
Football’s governing body FIFA will review a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams to mark the centenary of the sport’s marquee event, it said on yesterday.
The 2030 World Cup will be held in Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, where the inaugural edition was staged, set to host three games.
The World Cup has already been expanded from 32 to 48 teams for next year’s edition in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
“A proposal to analyse a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member in the ‘miscellaneous’ agenda item near the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5 2025,” a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.
“The idea was acknowledged as FIFA has a duty to analyse any proposal from one of its Council members.”
Earlier on Thursday, the New York Times said the proposal was made by Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay.
[Leadership]
Chelsea left-back, Marc Cucurella has stated that Enzo Maresca’s side need to be confident to have a chance of winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The Spain international believes Chelsea should go into every game with confidence and trust in their ability.
Speaking to the media ahead of their Round of 16 first leg clash with Copenhagen on Thursday, Cucurella said (via SI), “For sure. Chelsea are a top club. We have top players with skills and ability.
“We need to feel we can win the competition, believe we are ready and can do it. We go with all we have to win it.
“If we win everything it’s more easy. We have a good opportunity, we play tomorrow against a tough team. If we win this competition, we have the opportunity to bring a trophy.
“It would be the first time Chelsea have won this trophy. It could be special. It’s a big opportunity to show we are ready.”
[DailyPost]
Chelsea have been boosted by the return of Cole Palmer and Trevoh Chalobah as they prepare to face Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 first-leg tie tonight (Thursday).
The Blues, dealing with several injury setbacks, will be without Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu.
Wes Fofana and Romeo Lavia alongside Palmer were not registered at the beginning of the tournament as part of a workload management strategy.
However, the inclusion of Palmer, Chalobah, and Mathis Amougou offers much-needed depth and versatility to the squad.
They were not added to the squad list at the beginning of the tourney.
In a statement released on the club’s website earlier today, Chelsea expressed confidence in their reinforced lineup, stating, “We have a few players out, but we’re confident in the squad we’ve assembled.
“The additions of Palmer, Chalobah, and Amougou bring versatility and depth, which will be crucial against a well-organized Copenhagen side.”
Chelsea’s journey to the Round of 16 has been dominant, with the Blues winning all six group-stage matches and scoring 26 goals — more than triple Copenhagen’s tally.
Christopher Nkunku has been instrumental in their campaign, contributing five goals and three assists.
Copenhagen, meanwhile, had a rocky path to this stage, finishing 19th in the group phase and narrowly overcoming Heidenheim 4-3 on aggregate in the play-offs.
The Danish league leaders come into this clash off a goalless draw against Aalborg, while Chelsea have had a full week to rest and prepare.
Chelsea have fond memories at Parken Stadion, having won all three of their previous visits, including victories over Copenhagen and Nordsjaelland.
Reflecting on this, the club added, “The team is well-prepared and eager to extend our unbeaten record here. Every game from this stage is like a final, and we’re approaching it with that mindset.”
Conference League knockout
The knockout stage stakes are high, especially with the ‘away goals’ rule scrapped.
If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, extra time and penalties will decide the winner, with VAR in operation.
Disciplinary management could also be crucial. While no Chelsea players risk suspension for the return leg, Copenhagen’s Mohamed Elyounoussi, Rodrigo Huescas, and Marcos Lopez will miss the Stamford Bridge fixture if they receive yellow cards tonight.
The road to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, remains daunting, with a potential quarter-final clash against either Molde or Legia Warsaw on the horizon.
Should Chelsea and Tottenham both progress to the last eight, UEFA has confirmed that the Blues’ home and away legs will be reversed to prevent fixture congestion.
PUNCH Online reports that the UEFA Conference League, launched in 2021, is Europe’s third-tier club competition, sitting below the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
[Punch]
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the final of the 2026 World Cup will feature a half-time show for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Infantino also revealed on Wednesday that the World Cup would “take over” Times Square during the final and third-place match.
The introduction of a half-time show will see the World Cup adopt a tradition similar to the spectacle at the Super Bowl.
Next year’s competition will be held across 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen,” Infantino wrote on his personal Instagram.
“This will be a historic moment for the World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
[Daily Post]