Kenya Insights

Tag: Arsenal

  • Rice Says Arsenal Ready To Hunt Down Liverpool After Thrashing Man City

    Rice Says Arsenal Ready To Hunt Down Liverpool After Thrashing Man City

    Arsenal remain comfortably adrift of relentless Premier League leaders Liverpool despite a 5-1 hammering of Manchester City on Sunday but midfielder Declan Rice says there is a determination to hunt them down.

    Rice provided two assists as Arsenal sent a reminder to Liverpool that they are not about to give up the chase.

    Liverpool are six points in front of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand and have shown little sign of slipping up in their pursuit of a 20th league crown.

    But Rice says there is still a long way to go.

    “Liverpool are still quite far in front especially with the game in hand and with them winning yesterday you know going into the game that you have to win,” Rice told Sky Sports.

    “It’s more disappointing the games like Aston Villa when we were 2-0 up and dropped points because we could be up there closer to Liverpool.

    “But we will be there and we will keep pushing. We do need others to help us but we know what the goal is and that’s to hunt them down and win the Premier League.

    “We need to stay positive and I’m sure we will be fine.”

    Arsenal had fallen just short in the last two seasons as City kept Mikel Arteta’s side at bay to extend their title-winning streak to a record four-in-a-row.

    On Sunday, goals by Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri effectively removed City from the title equation.

    “It is a great day for us, especially with the necessity that we had to win the game. The manner that we have done it I am really pleased,” Arteta said.

    “Overall, we scored some beautiful goals and the team showed a high competitive level.”

    Arteta was full of praise for teenager Lewis-Skelly, whose impressive display was capped with his first Arsenal goal.

    “You need big individual performances to beat (Man City). Myles was certainly one of them, the maturity he showed and competitiveness as well,” Arteta said.

    “He plays with that personality and he’s scored a beautiful goal. He has been pushing us since he has been with us. We like his character and personality. He has so much courage.”

    (Reuters)

  • Arsenal’s Heaven Leaves For Man United

    Arsenal’s Heaven Leaves For Man United

    Manchester United have signed 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal on a contract until June 2029 with the option to extend for another year, United announced on Saturday.

    England U-19 international Heaven made his senior debut in October during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Preston North End in the League Cup.

    “I’m incredibly proud to join Manchester United. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality,” the centre-back said in a statement shared by United.

    “I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.”

    Heaven, who was an unused substitute for Arsenal in three Premier League matches, will join United’s first-team squad, the statement added.

    United, 12th in the league, host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

  • 10-Man Manchester United Beat Arsenal On Penalties In FA Cup

    10-Man Manchester United Beat Arsenal On Penalties In FA Cup

    Manchester United defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Sunday to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

    Neither team managed to score in the first half at Emirates Stadium.

    Manchester United broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Bruno Fernandes but faced a setback when Diogo Dalot was shown a red card in the 61st minute.

    Arsenal quickly capitalized on their advantage, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring the equalizer just two minutes later.

    In the 72nd minute, Manchester United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayındır made a crucial save to deny Martin Odegaard from the penalty spot.

    With no goals in extra time, the match went to penalties. Manchester United triumphed 5-3 in the shootout, securing their place in the next round.

    Manchester United have been drawn at home to face Leicester City, managed by their former striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

    The fourth-round matches are scheduled to take place between Feb. 7 and 10.

  • Eddie Nketiah: From Arsenal’s Bench to Palace’s Star Striker

    Eddie Nketiah: From Arsenal’s Bench to Palace’s Star Striker

    Eddie Nketiah’s move from Arsenal to Crystal Palace marks a significant turning point in the young striker’s career.

    After years of rising through the ranks at Arsenal, where he showcased his potential but struggled for consistent game time, Nketiah has secured a £30 million transfer to Crystal Palace.

    This move offers him the chance to step out of Arsenal’s shadow and become a key player for Palace.

    With his speed, sharp shooting, and strong work ethic, Nketiah is poised to make a big impact at his new club.

    Who Is Eddie Nketiah?

    Eddie Nketiah, born on May 30, 1999, is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Crystal Palace F.C. and the England national team.

    Nketiah began his club career with Arsenal, making his first-team debut in 2017. He also spent time on loan at Leeds United during their 2019-20 Championship-winning season.

    Crystal Palace has finalized a deal worth up to £30 million for Nketiah after further talks with Arsenal.

    Nketiah was initially set to join Nottingham Forest last week after they agreed on a fee, but the move fell through due to personal terms.

    Palace, long-time admirers of the 25-year-old, made their move after suffering a second defeat of the season against West Ham on Saturday.

    They have reportedly agreed on terms with Nketiah, making him one of their highest earners. Arsenal is expected to accept Palace’s offer of £25 million, with an additional £5 million in bonuses.

    Early Life and Career

    Eddie Nketiah was born and raised in Lewisham, Greater London, to Ghanaian parents.

    He began his career with Chelsea after scouts noticed him playing for the south-east London Sunday team, Hillyfielders, at the age of nine. In 2015, Chelsea released Nketiah.

    Career Highlights

    Eddie Nketiah has had a promising career, particularly since breaking into the Arsenal first team. Here are some of his notable highlights:

    • Arsenal Youth Development: Nketiah joined Arsenal’s youth academy at a young age and progressed through the ranks. His performances in the youth teams earned him recognition and opportunities to train with the first team.
    • First Team Debut: Nketiah made his senior debut for Arsenal in 2018, showcasing his potential as a promising striker.
    • Loan Spells: To gain experience, Nketiah spent time on loan at Leeds United and Bristol City. These spells helped him develop his skills and adapt to different playing styles.
    • Breakthrough Season: In the 2021-2022 season, Nketiah had a breakthrough campaign. He scored several important goals, including a hat-trick in the EFL Cup, and played a key role in Arsenal’s resurgence.
    • International Recognition: Nketiah has represented England at various youth levels, including the Under-21 team. He has also been called up to the senior England squad.

    Style of play

    Eddie Nketiah is known for his pace and movement, often drawing comparisons to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

    In August 2019, Nketiah described Wright as his “mentor.”

    His playing style is also likened to Jermaine Defoe because of his ability to play off the last defender’s shoulder and his sharp shooting from various angles. Nketiah can play as a striker or a wide forward.

    Eddie Keddar Nketiah Net Worth

    As of 2024, Eddie Nketiah’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million. This amount comes from his salary, endorsement deals, and potential future earnings as a professional footballer.

  • Arsenal Beat Everton But Title Wait Goes On

    Arsenal Beat Everton But Title Wait Goes On

    Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Everton proved in vain as their hopes of a first Premier League title for 20 years were crushed on the final day of the season on Sunday.

    Mikel Arteta’s side began the day needing a win and for Manchester City to fail to beat West Ham United — a scenario that few inside The Emirates Stadium believed would happen.

    All hope looked lost when Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free kick put Everton in front and City led 2-0 but Takehiro Tomiyasu levelled before halftime at around the same time that West Ham halved the deficit at City.

    Kai Havertz fired home Arsenal’s winner late meaning they ended the season with six successive victories but they had to settle for the runners-up spot for the second successive season as City wrapped up a record fourth consecutive title by beating West Ham 3-1.

    Arsenal ended with 89 points to City’s 91.

  • City Beat Arsenal On The Line To Clinch Fourth Consecutive EPL Title

    City Beat Arsenal On The Line To Clinch Fourth Consecutive EPL Title

    Manchester City edged out Arsenal on the line to clinch their fourth consecutive English Premier League title following a 3-1 victory over West Ham on the final day of action on Sunday.

    City became the first ever team in Premier League history to win four titles in a row, while Arsenal were left licking their wounds despite laboring to a 2-1 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London.

    Two goals from Phil Foden in the first half set Pep Guardiola’s team on course for its latest title. Mohammed Kudus pulled a goal back for West Ham with a stunning overhead kick, but Rodri restored City’s advantage as it marched toward a sixth title in seven seasons.

    Guardiola’s team needed to beat West Ham at Etihad Stadium to be certain of the title, having gone into the game two points clear at the top of the standings.

    Foden helped ease any potential nerves among the home fans when firing City ahead with a brilliant goal inside two minutes.

    Receiving a pass from Bernardo Silva, Foden side-stepped West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse and unleashed a left-foot shot outside the area that rocketed into the top corner. The goal was timed at just under 80 seconds.

    Foden, England’s footballer of the year, added a second in the 18th minute when converting Jeremy Doku’s cross from close range.

    Kudus produced a moment of magic in the 42nd with an acrobatic overhead kick that might have given Arsenal hope of an unlikely comeback.

    But it didn’t take City long to extend its lead again after the break as Rodri fired low a effort from the edge of the box that West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could not keep out despite getting a hand to the ball.

    City ended the season with 91 points — two more than Arsenal.

    (AP and BBC)