Category Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

Corinthians e São Bernardo se enfrentam hoje, em jogo único pela 2ª fase da Copa do Brasil. Um dos destaques, ou melhor, curiosidades desse confronto é o técnico Márcio Zanardi que quase foi parar no Parque São Jorge após a demissão de Mano Menezes.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Durante o Paulistão, o técnico fez uma campanha de destaque com o time do ABC Paulista vencendo, inclusive o Corinthians, na 3ª rodada. Mesmo sendo o favorito para o cargo, o negócio acabou não se concretizando por causa do regulamento do campeonato não permitir que um treinador comande duas equipes na mesma edição.

“Foi um timing. O futebol é timing. Não pude ir por causa do regulamento e a gente tem que respeitar. Fiquei muito feliz e lisonjeado. […] Mas não fico me amargurando. […] Estou muito feliz. A oportunidade aparece para quem é competente e trabalha”, falou Zanardi em entrevista para a ESPN Brasil.

continua após a publicidade

Após quase estar do lado rival, o foco do comandante aurinegro é vencer novamente em casa, como no Paulistão, e garantir a classificação para a 3ª fase da competição nacional: “O peso da torcida faz diferença, mas nós já ganhamos do São Paulo com 50 mil pessoas. É um jogo só e isso te dá a vantagem de jogar de igual para igual. Nós não estamos no nível do time grande, mas a gente vai fazer um jogo, propor o jogo e competir demais”.

➡️ Dicas de aposta, Odds e mais em nosso canal de WhatsApp. Siga a Lance! Betting

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilCorinthiansSão Bernardo

West Ham have been tipped to match one club’s asking price to sign a striker who’s been compared to former Man City star Julian Alvarez.

West Ham battle to Man United draw as Nuno makes January plans

West Ham battled back to claim a precious point at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Soungoutou Magassa’s late strike cancelling out Diogo Dalot’s opener in a 1-1 draw.

Their stalemate away to Man United keeps the Hammers’ survival hopes well and truly alive heading into the festive period, as the east Londoners battle to make up ground on Leeds United and Nottingham Forest above them.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side spent much of the evening defending resolutely, absorbing sustained United pressure before Dalot found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.

The Portuguese wing-back reacted quickest after Casemiro’s deflected effort fell invitingly inside the penalty area, composing himself before drilling his finish beyond Alphonse Areola.

The lead appeared safe until seven minutes from time, when substitute Andy Irving’s corner caused chaos in the United box. Jarrod Bowen flicked the delivery goalwards at the near post, Noussair Mazraoui cleared desperately off the line, but Magassa pounced to fire home his first West Ham goal from close range.

Related Ex-West Ham chief shares the "big" changes Nuno "wants to make" to his squad

Nuno wants to transform them.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

The finish sparked jubilation among the travelling supporters and left United fans booing at the final whistle.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Yet, West Ham’s attacking struggles remain glaring.

With 36-year-old Callum Wilson their only reliable striking option right now following Niclas Fullkrug’s disastrous spell in east London, January reinforcements have become essential.

The German wants out after an 18-month West Ham career marred by injuries and a lack of goals, scoring zero this season, with Nuno poised to be left desperately thin in the final third if they don’t sign another number nine next month.

Reports suggest West Ham are leading the race for Union Saint-Gilloise’s towering striker Promise David, but he is by no means their only target.

West Ham tipped to meet Santiago Gimenez asking price

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons ahead of January, with Milan reportedly open to selling following his underwhelming spell at the San Siro overall.

The Mexico international fired ex-club Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title in 2023 and built upon that by scoring 26 goals in all competitions the following campaign.

This excellent form in the Netherlands culminated in a £28 million move to Milan last January, but Gimenez has failed to live up to expectations, despite former teammate Kyle Walker likening him to Alvarez, who is thriving for Atlético Madrid right now.

Walker also said that Gimenez is capable of producing ‘magic’ whilst being a hard-worker for the team.

According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and reporter Salvatore Riggio, West Ham could bid £26 million for Gimenez in January, which would in fact match the Rossoneri’s asking price.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 93 career goals to date, is apparently ‘destined’ for England with Sunderland also very interested.

The outlet adds that Gimenez simply hasn’t settled in Milan, so perhaps a move to London could reignite his best.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras enfrenta a Portuguesa nesta quarta-feira (28), no Canindé, em jogo atrasado da 5ª rodada do Paulistão 2024.

RelacionadasPalmeirasLembra da última vez? Palmeiras volta a enfrentar a Portuguesa 10 anos depoisPalmeiras28/02/2024PalmeirasPortuguesa x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo pelo PaulistãoPalmeiras28/02/2024PalmeirasVai voltar? Gabriel Jesus responde sobre possível retorno ao PalmeirasPalmeiras27/02/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Já classificado para as quartas de final do Estadual, Abel Ferreira pode promover algumas mudanças no time titular do Verdão para encarar a Lusa, 10 anos depois do último duelo entre os dois times.

continua após a publicidade

Endrick deve ser um dos titulares que não devem atuar na partida, isso porque ele é o único pendurado do elenco com dois cartões amarelos, e correria o risco de perder o Choque-Rei de domingo caso tome o terceiro diante da Lusa.

A joia de 17 anos que já não enfrentou o São Paulo na Supercopa por causa da Seleção Olimpica, teria somente o clássico para zerar os seus cartões para a fase final do Paulista.

continua após a publicidade

Com uma comissão técnica toda lusitana, o jogo desta quarta-feira também será o primeiro duelo do Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira contra a Portuguesa.

Caso vença a Lusa, o Palmeiras ultrapassa o Santos e terá mais duas rodadas para garantir a melhor campanha da fase de grupos do Paulistão por mais um ano.

continua após a publicidade

O provável Palmeiras para pegar a Lusa é: Weverton (Lomba), Garcia, Naves, Luan e Vanderlan; Fabinho, Gabriel Menino e Jhon Jhon; Rony, Caio Paulista e Breno Lopes.

A bola rola para Portuguesa x Palmeiras a partir das 19h30 (horário de Brasília), e o jogo terá transmissão da TNT e da HBO Max.

Kylian Mbappe’s withdrawal from France’s squad due to ankle inflammation has ignited controversy once again after the Real Madrid star was spotted in Dubai during the international break. Instead of returning to Madrid for medical checks, the forward spent several days at a luxury hotel and visited a local padel club, reopening old debates in France about his absences.

Mbappe sparks new storm after Dubai trip

French captain Mbappe’s absence from France’s final World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan has created renewed tension after the forward travelled to Dubai shortly after being released from national team duty. Declared unavailable by Didier Deschamps, the Real Madrid star was expected to undergo medical examinations in Madrid before rejoining his club’s training schedule. Instead, luggage tags posted by the Instagram account Drikcfootball showed the forward departing Paris for Dubai last Saturday morning.

As reported by Mbappe stayed several days at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel and visited the “Padel One” club, though it remains unclear whether he played or simply attended. His trip came just 24 hours after the French Football Federation (FFF) issued a statement explaining that he was suffering “from inflammation in his right ankle, which requires further examination,” following his brace against Ukraine, a match that secured France’s qualification for the next World Cup.

This sudden detour to Dubai, without stopping in Madrid for evaluation, has posed tough questions, recalling the autumn of 2024 when Mbappe’s recurring absences for Les Bleus had already caused friction shortly after he signed for Real Madrid. It has once again left many in France questioning the management of his fitness, his communication, and the timing of his personal activities during international breaks.

AdvertisementAFPDeschamps explains injury concerns amid ‘chronic’ issue

France coach Deschamps attempted to calm tensions but ended up adding more layers to the debate. Speaking to, he clarified the long-standing ankle problem that forced him to release the player, saying: “He has almost chronic inflammation because he's had this ankle problem for a while now. Even if it doesn't prevent him from playing. I believe there's no risk to take given that we've already qualified, and I've made him available to Real Madrid.”

The president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, added historical context when reflecting on the forward’s importance, saying at the time: “He is currently going through a delicate sporting moment. When he is the best player in the world, he becomes an irreplaceable asset for the French national team. My only wish is for him to return to his best and rejoin us in March for the next call-up, bringing everything he has always given us.”

Recurring issues, distractions and national team frustration

Mbappe has been managing ankle discomfort since October 4, when he suffered a knock against Villarreal. While he has continued playing, the pain has not fully subsided, and Deschamps admitted the issue is prone to relapses.

But the controversy extends beyond injuries, as the Real Madrid star also endured a six-month spell without playing for Les Bleus coinciding with an alleged sexual assault case in Stockholm, an accusation he has firmly denied. For French authorities, such off-field turbulence, combined with the recurring “ankle problem,” continues to place the player under intense scrutiny at a time when every absence becomes part of a larger narrative.

This latest incident, withdrawing from France due to inflammation only to appear in Dubai days later, has deepened frustration

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyReal Madrid return for Elche showdown

Despite the noise around his absence, Real Madrid are not expected to conduct any further medical examinations on Mbappe, as nothing has been planned yet. The forward is due back at Valdebebas on Wednesday for treatment. If he trains as planned on Friday, with no session scheduled Thursday, he is expected to start against Elche on Sunday, as Xabi Alonso aims to manage workloads during a demanding season.

Inside Real Madrid, the focus appears less on the ankle complaint and more on the psychological strain linked to Mbappe’s ongoing legal dispute with Paris Saint-Germain. Still, in sporting terms, Mbappe remains crucial as Madrid navigate a packed run of fixtures in La Liga and Europe.

For France, all eyes now turn to March’s international window, and Should Mbappe return fully fit and available, this controversy will fade. But if more absences follow, old tensions will resurface once again.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been blasted by Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson for the "silly decision" that led to his historic red card for Portugal in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium. CR7 was sent off for the first time in his international career during that contest, when earning his 226th cap, with his reaction to that dismissal being revealed.

• Ronaldo suspension: Sent off for first time when winning 226th cap

  Portugal headed to Dublin knowing that a positive result would confirm their automatic qualification for next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That process will now go down to a final group phase outing against Armenia on Sunday. Ronaldo will sit that game out through suspension.

  A ban must be served after swinging an elbow in the direction of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. Said incident was the subject of a VAR review, leading to Ronaldo being sent for an early bath. Hallgrimsson had said in the build-up to the game that he felt like CR7 was able to influence the referee during an October contest in Lisbon that delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Ronaldo fails to deliver on 'good boy' promise

  He said: "It's obviously up to the referee if he takes part in a play. But the thing in Portugal, he was not only controlling the referee, he was controlling the whole stadium, so all the fans supported his actions. The referee just kind of played along. I hope it will be the vice versa now that we are in Aviva. Obviously, a player shouldn't be refereeing. It should be the officials doing the refereeing."

  Ronaldo reacted to those comments by vowing to be on his best behaviour. He told reporters: "I really like the fans here, the support they give to their national team is lovely. For me it's a pleasure to come to play here again, and of course it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much, I swear that I'm gonna try to be a good boy!"

• Ronaldo's reaction to red card: Ireland boss reveals what was said

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to deliver on that promise. He cut a frustrated figure as Portugal conceded twice before half-time. He was then given his marching orders just after the hour mark.

  Hallgrimsson told of that incident: "He lost his focus a little bit, again maybe the fans helped a little bit in that. He was frustrated and reacted in a way that he knows he shouldn't. He said to me walking away, he told me (Hallgrimsson's pre-match remarks were) a clever thing to do and he blamed the referee or whomever, but it was his silly decision to attack our player."

  Hallgrimsson went on to say of his touchline exchange with Ronaldo as the all-time great made his way off the field: "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head."

  Asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo after the game, Ireland’s head coach added: "No, I think we spoke enough when he came off. There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• GETTY/GOAL
  

  2026 World Cup qualification: Crucial games for Portugal & Ireland

  Two goals from Troy Parrott helped Ireland to a notable win on home soil, meaning that their own qualification hopes now rest on a final showdown with Hungary. Hallgrimsson said of that must-win encounter: "That is what we wanted, it is in our hands and with a performance like this we have a chance. We have to focus and recover, we have tired legs and the staff need to work really hard to get everyone fit and ready because that game is very important now. We won the second game in the last window and rotated players and happy we did that today. Those who played 90 minutes will be tired but hopefully everyone will be ready."

  Portugal will be at the 2026 finals. Ronaldo has admitted that tournament will be his last World Cup – as he graces FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time at 41 years of age – but is not yet ready to head into retirement as he continues to chase down 1,000 career goals.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has revealed his favourite Premier League club and named the footballer he wants to train MMA with.

Aspinall preparing for first undisputed heavyweight title defence

Jon Jones earned a reputation as a ‘duck’ after showing little interest in defending his UFC heavyweight title, with the American ultimately opting to retire back in June rather than fight interim heavyweight champion Aspinall.

Consequently, the English fighter was named undisputed champion in anti-climactic fashion, with Dana White making the announcement after a UFC fight night in Azerbaijan.

While still a remarkable achievement, the Salford-born fighter would no doubt have been hoping to make a statement by defeating Jones for the belts, rather than simply being awarded them outside the octagon.

The whole saga has been extremely frustrating for the 32-year-old, who hasn’t fought since defeating Curtis Blaydes via a first-round knock-out way back in July 2024.

However, the Englishman is finally set to return to action this weekend, taking on French heavyweight Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, in what will be his first title defence.

The 6 ft 5 heavyweight is also a football fan, although he revealed he was a latecomer to the sport, being convinced to start following Manchester City at the age of 30, due to his son being a supporter.

Ahead of his upcoming fight against Gane, Aspinall was asked which Man City player he would choose to train MMA with at his gym, and Erling Haaland, of course, was the first name that sprang to mind.

Haaland continues to smash records at Man City

In his first season in the Premier League, Haaland broke the record number of goals in a season, scoring 36 in 35 games, and the Norwegian striker is currently in the form of his life, having found the back of the net in 12 matches on the spin.

Aspinall will no doubt be hoping City can reclaim their Premier League crown this season, having won their last three matches, and the 25-year-old, who is regarded as one of the world’s best strikers, will be key to their chances.

The centre-forward’s injury record may be a concern, having suffered ankle and knee problems last season, but if he stays fit (and avoids training in MMA!), anything is possible for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Giovani Lo Celso has fired a subtle dig at Manchester United over their treatment of a player Ruben Amorim decided to get rid of in the summer.

Ex-Man Utd stars impressing after leaving Old Trafford

In what is, at this stage, an unsurprising turn of events, a number of the players Man United decided to move on in the summer have started well at their new clubs, including Rasmus Hojlund, who opened his account for Napoli on the opening day against Fiorentina.

Marcus Rashford is also off the mark for Barcelona, scoring twice against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Champions League, although United legend Paul Scholes hasn’t been left impressed by the England international

Scholes said: “I really struggle to feel happy for Marcus Rashford.

“Mainly because of his attitude. His attitude towards Man United towards the end was disgraceful. The amount of times I saw him walking because he wanted to leave… His whole demeanour about him was a disgrace.”

Antony, who is the second-most expensive signing in United’s history, has also caught the eye since joining Real Betis, picking up nine goals and five assists across all competitions during a loan spell last season.

Man Utd targeting "incredible" 4-2-3-1 manager who's won three league titles

The Red Devils have identified an “incredible” manager as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.

4

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 23, 2025

The Brazilian has since signed for the Spanish club on a permanent deal, with the Red Devils being forced to take a huge loss, and Lo Celso has subsequently praised his new teammate, while also taking a subtle dig at Ruben Amorim’s side.

As relayed by Sport Witness, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said: “I think his return is important for everyone. It wasn’t an easy summer for him. We know what English clubs are like; they don’t let you train. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense of danger. He’s direct and contagious.”

Amorim made the correct decision by selling Antony

Despite Lo Celso’s comments, it was undoubtedly the correct decision to sell the Brazilian in the summer, given that the winger flattered to deceive right across the two-and-a-half seasons he spent at Old Trafford.

In the summer transfer window, it was revealed that Amorim personally wanted to get rid of the 22-year-old, and it is little wonder, given that the Real Betis man very rarely impressed, receiving criticism right the way through his spell with the Red Devils.

On a more positive note, replacement Bryan Mbeumo has made a good start to life at Old Trafford, receiving praise from Amorim after opening his account against Burnley.

The United boss said: “It was impressive, the way he stretched the team, the quality he has in the first touch. You can feel that we are a different team, because when we win the ball, we have one guy stretching the team.”

It’s advantage Arsenal in the Premier League title race after Liverpool’s recent slips and former player Jack Wilshere believes that one player will be the “key” for Mikel Arteta.

Arteta provides latest Odegaard injury update

On a day that saw the Gunners go top of the Premier League, it wasn’t an afternoon without one frustrating moment.

Yet again, captain Martin Odegaard was forced to depart in the first-half after picking up another injury concern. The Norwegian has already had a stop-start opening to the current campaign and could now be set for another spell on the sidelines.

Providing an update on Odegaard’s injury, Arteta told reporters in his post-match reaction: “With Martin it was a clash knee to knee. It’s not looking very positive at the moment.”

The Spaniard was also forced to provide an update on Declan Rice, who asked to come off after discomfort in his back. The Arsenal boss said: “With Declan he was struggling with back pain and he asked me to come off. Let’s see what the doctor says now and what is best for him.”

Unlucky Arsenal star is very quickly becoming the new Jack Wilshere

The new Jack Wilshere may have emerged for Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 5, 2025

In truth, despite sitting top of the Premier League and in excellent form, the international break comes at a good time for the Gunners. It provides them with the perfect opportunity to ensure that Rice is fully fit and Odegaard finally recovers from recent injury woes.

Alas, even if they’re left with no choice but to go on without those two, Wilshere believes that it’s another player who’s going to be “key” to Arsenal’s title hopes.

Wilshere: Timber the "key" for Arsenal

For all of Bukayo Saka’s excellent work and the solid partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba, it is another star who stands out for Wilshere. According to the former midfielder, Jurrien Timber is the “key” to Arsenal’s title hopes after making such an impressive start to the current campaign.

Wilshere’s praise is certainly justified, too. Timber has been a revelation ever since returning from injury at Arsenal and the West Ham game was no different. The Dutchman had six touches in the West Ham box, wasn’t dispossessed once and made six tackles in another complete performance from the versatile fullback.

As time goes on, the £90,000-a-week star looks more and more important for Arteta and Arsenal as they look to build on their lead at the top of the Premier League.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الاتحاد السكندري، من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الأهلي، في اللقاء الجاري بينهما الآن.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري على ملعب استاد القاهرة ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز

طالع.. فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الأهلي الثاني أمام الاتحاد السكندري

وتشير النتيجة بتقدم الأهلي بهدفين مقابل هدف، حيث سجل ثنائية الأحمر أشرف بن شرقي وأحمد سيد زيزو.

وسجل فادي فريد، مهاجم زعيم الثغر هدف تقليص الفارق في الدقيقة 68 من عمر اللقاء.

وجاء الهدف بعد تمريرة رائعة من أبو بكر إليادي لاعب الاتحاد السكندري إلى فادي فريد داخل منطقة الجزاء والذي أسكنها الشباك. هدف الاتحاد السكندري الأول أمام الأهلي

Arsenal fans were promised an unprecedented summer transfer window and boy did they get it.

New striker? Tick. Viktor Gyokeres is your man. Bukayo Saka back-up? Hello, Noni Madueke. An improvement on the left flank? Eberechi Eze has arrived.

This certainly feels like the best opportunity the Gunners have had to win the Premier League title since Mikel Arteta arrived.

The trouble is, Liverpool have also gone big, breaking the British record transfer fee on two occasions in the same summer, first to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield and then on deadline day, finally getting the Alexander Isak deal done. It’s a scary proposition for the rest of the division.

What Arsenal will need is consistency. They will need to not only be dogged but they will also require no bad performances. They simply cannot afford another Rob Holding situation.

The Rob Holding story of 2022/23

What a campaign it was for the Gunners in 2022/23. The football played was arguably the best of the Arteta era and they could, perhaps should have walked away with the title in their arms.

They went on to miss out on the title to Manchester City by just five points and it was arguably because of their run of form at the back end of the campaign.

It all started with a clash against Sporting CP in the Europa League. William Saliba picked up a rather innocuous injury and was forced off. The ramifications of that event in March 2023 were not realised until the campaign was said and done.

Saliba didn’t play another minute of the season and Holding was the deputy. While he helped marshal Arteta’s side to back-to-back 4-1 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace, the Gunners only won five of their last 11 league matches, meaning they missed out on the title.

Holding, although he scored against Man City, was particularly to blame during their 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in late April, with Jamie Carragher explaining after proceedings that Haaland vs the Arsenal defence was a “physical mismatch”.

Unsurprisingly, Holding’s part in Arsenal’s title defeat saw him leave the club that summer. He headed to Crystal Palace and to sum up his decline, he played just 90 minutes in an Eagles shirt.

Seemingly scarred from that run of games, Arteta has since bolstered his backline significantly. Saliba came off in the defeat at Anfield and despite their loss, Cristhian Mosquera – a new signing from Valencia – performed superbly well. The difference between him and Holding was seismic.

Yet, two years on from that incident, Arteta must learn again. No passengers are allowed if they are to finally get over the line.

Arsenal's new Rob Holding situation

After signing Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze this summer, it certainly feels as though the Arsenal side is more polished. It has more firepower and more variation as they attempt to beat Man City and Liverpool.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Gyokeres, while he was starved of service at Old Trafford and Anfield, has scored twice already in Arsenal colours, while Eze and Madueke look vibrant in their limited minutes too.

Who doesn’t look vibrant and full of energy is Gabriel Martinelli, arguably Arsenal’s new Holding.

That verdict might well be harsh but the fact of the matter is that the Brazilian has regressed significantly. He looks like the weak link and if he starts regular matches this term, he could be the reason the Gunners miss out again.

Reports last week claimed that Arsenal would have been happy to sell Martinelli this summer, provided an asking price of £60m was met. However, to rubber-stamp the winger’s fall from grace, suitors were only willing to pay £40m.

It wasn’t long ago that the forward was described as “a talent of the century” by Jurgen Klopp. It wasn’t long ago either that he was finishing as one of Arsenal’s top scorers.

In that 2022/23 term where everything was firing, he netted 15 times, finishing as joint-top scorer in the squad alongside Saka and Martin Odegaard.

It was hardly a surprise that club legend Robert Pires saw similarities between himself and the wide forward; “Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick,” Pires stated back in 2024.

Since then, even if he has scored in the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old really should have kicked on but he has failed to deliver consistent numbers. He scored eight times in 2023/24 and on ten occasions in 2024/25. Those aren’t disastrous numbers but it’s a reduction in output just as it looked like he was ready to explode and realise his immense potential. It’s rather remarkable that just seven months ago, Pires also stated that he thought Martinelli could have got into the Invincibles starting lineup.

While certain sections of the fanbase have been on the attacker’s back for a few years now, the penny seemed to drop with his performance at Anfield in the 1-0 defeat.

Having not played a single minute during the 5-0 win over Leeds, Martinelli was handed a start off the left against Liverpool and really disappointed.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Starting at right-back was Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder by trade, but the Brazil international failed to really do anything to trouble the Hungarian.

We’ve seen Martinelli really enjoy this fixture in the past. He’s had the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on several occasions but there wasn’t a single moment where he ever looked like he’d get the better of Szoboszlai.

It was sad to see in all honesty. He had completed just six passes by the time he was hauled off on 70th minutes and in that time he didn’t have a single shot or complete a key pass.

Minutes played

70

Touches

15

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribble attempts

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

2

Speaking during the aftermath of the game, Theo Walcott stated: “Szoboszlai was incredible, but the reason why he was incredible, he wasn’t tested at all. You’ve got a centre mid at full back. For me, that’s music to my ears.”

For Martinelli, he only continues to falter. Against United, he also struggled, completing just three passes and only one key pass.

If Arsenal are going to improve this season and win the league, then Arteta must learn from that Holding situation. Eze and Madueke represent upgrades and must play.

If not, then the Gunners could be staring at a repeat situation where one of their players lets them down in their quest to be crowned champions of England.

Eze upgrade: Arsenal gem who left for £0 is now "one of the world's best"

The outrageous talent would be unreal alongside Eze at Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025