WanderlustSport

It wasn't a consolation, but rather a lifeline, as we put it in Big Midweek. It was a way to get back into the match with Spurs' lead less certain going into the trip to a tricky little stadium with a very tricky pitch and some very tricky weather conditions, not to mention a Bodo/Glimt team fully recovered after all those first-leg suspensions were over. Their chances were in their favor, they weren't afraid to express it, and no one believed they were mistaken. The home team's decision to water an artificial field with wrinkles in every corner despite hours of rain and the unfurling of a massive Minion-based Tifo made it difficult to avoid the impression that Spursiness would not be able to improve the situation before kickoff. Many clubs that aren't as good at self-defeating slapstick have shuddered in the past when they saw Minions. However, it is not what actually happened. On these Europa League evenings, Spurs are seemingly made of much tougher stuff. Spu...

The Beast appeared to win for fifteen minutes, but Beauty defeated Arsenal, leaving us to wonder once more, "what might have been?" in a match when their "arrogant" hero was humbled and we learned exactly what Mikel Arteta's team was lacking in Thomas Partey—mostly negative things.  Anyone who offered an upbeat perspective on Arsenal's lackluster performance at the Emirates as a significant lift ahead of this away match was likely doing so more out of hope than expectation given the circumstances of the first leg. We expected an improvement in stopping PSG's rapid breakouts, but the Ghanaian's contribution to the quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid was more significant due to the freedom he gave Declan Rice to advance than his own ability to fill midfield voids. PSG often broke on Arsenal, and Partey was usually nowhere to be seen, so we didn't get that improvement. Instead, we got six long throw-ins and a couple of costly mistakes from Partey...

Twenty-one years after Michael Owen departed Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2004, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to follow suit. Owen should have added "f*** 'em" since that would have been sage advise to a young man who had to make the most important decision of his life. "It will tarnish him in some eyes even though it shouldn't," Owen remarked. Alexander-Arnold should have seriously considered the opinions of a minority before making his choice. After more than 300 games of devoted genius, he owes Liverpool supporters nothing except a hefty salary. In more than two decades, he has never been anything but loyal to Liverpool, never shirked, and never complained. Only fools would not believe that to be sufficient, and they ought to be disregarded. Since Owen left Liverpool in 2004, the world has become both smaller and larger at the same time. Only the most cynical redheads would now pretend that Real Madrid could never have any appeal, that no team could e...

Reports indicate that Man City has proposed a deal to Tottenham for attacking midfielder James Maddison prior to the summer transfer window.  The Citizens have experienced a disappointing season by their benchmarks, with Pep Guardiola’s team not contending for the Premier League title.  Last weekend, Liverpool were declared champions and are now 18 points clear of Man City, with the Reds set to play their game in hand against Chelsea on Sunday.  Man City ended nine points in front of Liverpool last season as Guardiola’s team claimed their fourth straight Premier League championship.  Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah were all signed during the January transfer window as Man City aimed to resolve several problems in their team.  Kevin de Bruyne, the sole scorer in Man City's victory over Wolves on Friday, is one player who will be leaving during the summer transfer window, and the Belgian international is expected to leave...

Ollie Watkins' struggles intensify Aston Villa's desire for Marcus Rashford as he approaches a departure, while Unai Emery's true standout performer shone brightly once more…  Aston Villa have managed their initial year returning to the Champions League along with domestic responsibilities better than Newcastle United and Leicester City, yet Unai Emery’s team is barely crossing the finish line.  Their return to the Champions League was bound to make this season memorable for Villa fans, but their journey in the tournament surpassed expectations as they didn’t merely show up for experiences – they contended with Europe’s top teams and demonstrated they deserve a place at the highest level.  Amid the immense allure of the Champions League, Aston Villa have notably done enough to stay in contention for the five Champions League spots with four matches left and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.  This has been facilitated by Villa’s nearly perfect recruitment during the exc...

Mikel Arteta selected a robust lineup to face Bournemouth, evidently looking to establish momentum and assurance before Wednesday’s vital second leg of the Champions League semi-final versus Paris Saint-Germain. Instead, Arsenal’s morale took another blow following a lackluster 2-1 loss.  Some anticipated that Arteta would bench important players, but following three disappointing Premier League showings in their last four, the lineup was not a true shock.  Jurrien Timber was given a break, as Ben White replaced him and Thomas Partey made his comeback from the European suspension that was detrimental against PSG. Partey's addition relegated Mikel Merino to the bench, while Leandro Trossard remained in his forward position.  A few fans were worried about the risk of injuries to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Partey. Rice emerged uninjured and scored his confidence-boosting goal, while Partey was in urgent need of playing time.  Arsenal required a solid ...

Aston Villa is prepared to part ways with a loan player and bring in Manchester City legend, Kevin De Bruyne, as his successor, while Fabrizio Romano has verified that the Belgian has an enticing offer currently available.  De Bruyne, 33, will depart from Man City at the end of his contract this summer. The renowned playmaker has no plans to retire and has previously expressed his astonishment at NOT receiving an extension offer from City.  "I haven't received any offers throughout the entire year; they simply made a decision," De Bruyne stated.  “Clearly, I was somewhat taken aback but I must simply accept it.” To be honest, I believe I can still compete at this level as I'm demonstrating, but I recognize that clubs must make their choices.  De Bruyne and his family are not interested in relocating to Saudi Arabia. Alternatively, a transfer to MLS is feasible, as is staying in a premier European league.  As per a new report from Football Insider, Aston Villa mi...

Arsenal are 'anxiously' awaiting Champions League qualification and might confront the 'dreadful' situation of having to defeat Southampton to secure their spot.  Lamine device  Mediawatch regrets to inform that Reach headlines have ultimately consumed themselves completely. This offering from the Manchester Evening News serves as convincing proof:  ‘Marcus Rashford reveals genuine Lamine Yamal traits while Man United observes’  Nobody understands its meaning, yet it’s stimulating and engages the audience. And even more crucially, it brings together ‘Rashford’, ‘Yamal’, and ‘Man United’ in the same discussion, something that is usually quite challenging.  It appears it truly signifies that Rashford 'has revealed his opinion on Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal'. Does he believe he’s an inexpensive version of Harry Maguire? Has he completely embraced Garth Crooks with his hairstyle decisions? Does he believe Yamal, who is still legally a child, ought to feed more kid...

In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...

Arsenal icon Jens Lehmann asserts that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will be dismissed next season if he fails to secure the Premier League title.  The Gunners are poised to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season after Liverpool was confirmed as champions on Sunday.  A remarkable 5-1 victory against Tottenham secured the Reds’ 20th English top-tier championship, with Arne Slot’s team 15 points clear of Arsenal as they approached the last four games of the season.  Arsenal have struggled to match Liverpool in the latter half of the season, but their strong performance in the Champions League has lifted their spirits.  Two exceptional performances versus Real Madrid guaranteed a 5-1 aggregate victory in the quarter-finals, securing their spot against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.  Even though Arsenal had several good opportunities to score, they were unable to penetrate PSG's defense during their first leg match. Ousmane Demb...