Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to “one of the most beautiful games in football” against Real Madrid after losing more ground on Premier League champions-elect Liverpool following a 1-1 draw at Everton.
The Gunners boss was unhappy with the awarding of the second-half penalty for a soft foul by Myles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison which allowed Iliman Ndiaye to cancel out Leandro Trossard’s 34th-minute opener.
“I’ve seen it 15 times. There’s no way, in my opinion, that’s a penalty,” said Arteta, after the draw presented leaders Liverpool with the chance to extend their lead to 14 points at Fulham on Sunday.
“There’s no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and the result.
“I think we deserve more, but that’s what we got at the end. We had two big chances to win the game, we didn’t convert them, so we have to accept the point.”
Arteta made five changes for the game, only one of which was enforced after a season-ending injury to Gabriel, but denied he had done so because of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final at home to Real Madrid.
“One of the most beautiful games that you can play in football, in the highest European competition, against the team that has dominated that competition in the last 20, 25 years. So, yeah, really looking forward to it,” he said of next week’s challenge.
“There were four players that couldn’t start the game after what happened with Fulham and obviously the injury of Gabi forces you to make some changes as well because players deserve to play minutes. I’m very happy with that.
A chance to turn the page quickly in N5.
Magnificent away support once again, Gooners – let’s get the stadium bouncing on Tuesday 👊 pic.twitter.com/qtVP0ZbSSC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 5, 2025
“Some of them haven’t trained, they haven’t had the opportunity to start the game.
“Everybody has to be important, has to feel important. We have so many games coming up right now and we have to rely on all of them.”
Everton boss David Moyes was pleased with the way his side responded to a poor first half.
“I’m really satisfied. We didn’t start well but showed more in the second half that got us back into the game,” he said.
“We were all disappointed and angry with each other at half-time. We started slowly and sluggishly and made mistakes.
“We tried to sort that out and made a change in how we were going to press Arsenal and it’s great credit got a point.
“It’s been a difficult week against a team top of the Premier League (Liverpool) and team second and given them both a game.”
The draw lifted his side to 35 points and that is likely to be more than enough to keep them in the top flight heading into next season in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
“Mathematically we are not safe yet but I am hoping to take a visit to the stadium this week, which would indicate we are really close,” added Moyes.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
