The ‘Arsene Wenger out’ parade has been in full force for some time, with some Arsenal fans staging protests last season against the manager.
The Frenchman has been in charge of the North London outfit for the past two decades, and now a large majority of the fanbase think that it is time for a change.
Despite the unrest last season, Wenger ended up signing a new two-year deal, but he has failed to win over some of the supporters.
The knives were sharpened after Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.
Wenger’s team were unable to pose any sort of threat against Pep Guardiola’s side, who comfortably sealed a 3-0 triumph.
As well as limping out of the cup final, Arsenal are in serious danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
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As it stands, the Gunners are sixth in the Premier League table, 10 points adrift of the top four.
In reaction to a handful of posts on Arsenal’s official Twitter page, fans made it very clear that they want Wenger to be shown the door.
Another round of Premier League fixtures is here, meaning another weekend of great football is hopefully just around the corner. This weekend, we have some tasty games in store including Manchester City v Swansea, Chelsea v West Brom, Crystal Palace v Liverpool, and Arsenal v Manchester United.
Last time out, we saw Manchester United struggle to pick up a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal losing to Stoke and Swansea respectively, QPR pick up a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, and Liverpool losing at home to the undefeated league leaders Chelsea.
All eyes will be on Arsenal v Manchester United, not only because it’s an exciting fixture, but also because both sides have been struck with injuries recently. It will be interesting to see which side can come out on top during this difficult time.
Here are Football FanCast’s Premier League predictions for the weekend.
Chelsea v West Brom
Chelsea are looking to protect their 100 per cent home record, as well as their undefeated status this weekend when they host West Brom. The Baggies will be looking to relieve themselves from some inconsistent form by defeating the Blues at the Bridge. Expect Chelsea to come out strong with Diego Costa scoring in the first half, with their back four being able to handle Saido Berahino and Craig Gardner comfortably.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 West Brom
Everton v West Ham
Neither of these sides is in the place in the league they would be expected to be at the start of the season. The Hammers could feel they can nick yet another great result due to the Toffees’ injury problems, but they might have to achieve this without top performers Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho, as both picked up knocks during international duty. This means Andy Carroll could start his first Premier League game of the season at Goodison Park. This should be a close game, but we’re going for a draw.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 West Ham
Leicester v Sunderland
Leicester will be hoping to pick up all three points when they host Sunderland this weekend. The Foxes have only managed one point from the last 18 and haven’t won a game since defeating Manchester United. The Black Cats on the other hand have been in considerably better form, picking up eight points from the last 18. Sunderland may be favourites entering this game due to their squad, but Leicester could spring a surprise if Leonardo Ulloa finds the net for the first time since their last victory.
Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Sunderland
Manchester City v Swansea
Manchester City should be worried as they have strayed eight points away from the league leaders Chelsea, after a sticky few weeks. Still without key player David Silva, they will have to try and win against a Swansea side that has earned seven points out of a possible nine in their last three games. Goals win matches, and Sergio Aguero has been scoring for City, with 12 goals so far, while Wilfried Bony for Swansea has only scored four. Aguero should help The Citizens return to winning ways in this game.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Swansea
Newcastle v QPR
Newcastle has been impressive recently, winning their last five games on the trot in all competitions after a poor start to the season. They host a QPR side that has been playing okay at home, but has failed to pick up a single point away from home this season. They need to emulate their home performances against the likes of Manchester City, to their away games. It is unlikely they will be able to do it this weekend against an inform Magpies side though.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 QPR
Stoke v Burnley
Both of these sides will want to pick up where they left off ahead of the international break. Stoke achieved an away win at Tottenham, while Burnley picked up their first win of the season at home to Hull. Danny Ings has revitalised the Clarets since his return, but they may struggle to score against the Potters defence. With the variety in attack for Stoke in the likes of Victor Moses, Bojan, and Mame Biram Diouf, they should win this game.
Prediction: Stoke 2-0 Burnley
Arsenal v Manchester United
Both of these sides have been hit with injury problems while their players have been on international break. Arsenal could be without Danny Welbeck but on the other hand, could also see the return of Mikel Arteta and Oliver Giroud to the side. Manchester United will be without Daley Blind after he was injured while on duty for Holland, and could also be without David de Gea after the Spaniard broke his finger. This game is expected to be close, but if de Gea isn’t between the sticks for the Red Devils, the Gunners could pick up a victory, especially with the home crowd behind them.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
If you remember, this fixture last season was when Crystal Palace came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, leaving Luis Suarez weeping. The Eagles have failed to win any of their last five league games, losing four, while the Reds have failed to win any of their last three, losing two. Neither sides’ defence has been good either, meaning an opportunity could present itself for Mario Balotelli to score his first league goal at the club. Another high scoring meeting between these two, but expect Liverpool to win.
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Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-3 Liverpool
Hull v Tottenham
Hull could soon be hitting the panic button as they have only won once in their last 10 Premier League games. Tottenham’s form hasn’t been good either, as they have lost four of their last six games, with the most recent loss coming before the international break at home to Stoke. The Tigers will be purring if they see the return of Michael Dawson and Nikica Jelavic to the side, as they have failed to score in their last three league games. We reckon Hull will nab a surprise win as Spurs still search for a consistent goal threat.
Prediction: Hull 2-1 Tottenham
Aston Villa v Southampton
Despite picking up a draw against West Ham before the international break, Aston Villa have still only picked up one point from a possible 21 in the last seven games. Still without their main striker Christian Benteke, they face a Southampton side that has no problems scoring or defending. With Fabian Delph and possibly Ron Vlaar out for Villa, it could spell real trouble for the Villans once again. Graziano Pelle should find the net again in what should be an easy victory for the Saints.
After witnessing this weeks managerial merry-go-round in the capital it was rather poignant that Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign was celebrated with the unveiling of his statue at Old Trafford. What the 70-year-old has done in two and a half decades at United is nothing short of miraculous, dominating the English game and conquering Europe not once but twice. It’s the kind of success and stability their rivals envy and crave. But, despite festivities, the Red Devils find themselves once again looking up at their local adversaries at the Premier League summit. Defeat last week in East Anglia opened the door for City to overtake them at the top, something they will be eager to rectify as the unsparing festive fixture slog approaches. Its during December and January that United usually shift up a couple of gears and break away from the title chasing pack, but accomplishing that this year will be a true measure of Ferguson’s powers.
This week on FFC does Rio Ferdinand really have a future at the club pas this season and which Dutch ace is on Ferguson’s New Year shopping list?
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Best of WEB
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Why Can’t Sir Alex See This? – Red Flag Flying High
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Five Things We Learned – Galatasaray vs. Manchester United – Red Flag Flying High
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“We didn’t in our wildest dreams think that it would last as long as this” – The Busby Way
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Quote of the Week
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“Normally people die before they have a statue. I am outliving death. I’ve had an incredible journey at the club and so many great players, some of whom are here today. They should build this statue for them all, because they’ve all been absolutely marvellous. From 1986 right through to today the players have given us enormous pleasure. Everyone has had a part to play, from the players to the coaching staff, medical staff and, of course, the fans.” Sir Alex Ferguson cracks a joke after the unveiling of his statue at Old Trafford
Australia took firm control of the second Test with a pair of outstanding centuries as Sri Lanka’s attack struggled
Tristan Lavalette07-Feb-2025Seemingly having a ball experimenting with the reverse sweep, Steven Smith’s mastery in Asia continued and he combined with a dashing Alex Carey to defy a sharp-turning, deteriorating Galle surface as Australia grabbed firm control of the second Test.The game was in the balance when Australia were 91 for 3 just after lunch on day two in reply to Sri Lanka’s first-innings of 257. But stand-in skipper Smith and Carey produced an unbroken 239-run partnership to deflate a Sri Lankan team staring down the barrel of a hefty series defeat.Carey was fluent from the get go and motored past a tiring Smith by stumps as Australia build a sizeable first innings lead on a very dry surface.Smith reached his 36th Test century in style with a boundary in the final session on day two and raised his baggy green before nodding several times to his team-mates in the terraces. He broke a couple of Australian records in Asia along the way having overtaken Ricky Ponting for most runs and his seventh ton lifted him past Allan Border.Steven Smith brought out the rarely-seen reverse sweep during his faultless hundred•Getty Images
After a few modest years by his lofty standards, Smith has rewound the clock in recent months having now scored four centuries in his last eight Test innings. Always looking to add to his repertoire, Smith dusted off rarely used reverse sweeps and, while not always effective, it did give Sri Lanka more to think about.Smith might have been inspired by watching Carey, who swept – orthodox and reverse – almost flawlessly as he sped to his second Test century. Fittingly, Carey reached his ton with a sweep to the boundary as he raised his arms aloft to cap his strong form in recent months.It was a significant moment for Carey, who had previously in Sri Lanka and India come under scrutiny for his compulsive use of the sweep. His sublime innings also included quick footwork and brute power as he repeatedly thumped the spinners straight down the ground.Carey batted for the first time in his Test career at No. 5 with Josh Inglis having spent a significant period off the field in Sri Lanka’s innings because of back spasms. But Carey was more than comfortable in a position he occupies for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.It was a major disappointment for Sri Lanka, who went wicketless for almost the entirety of the final two sessions. Their spinners occasionally produced sharp turn, but were unable to sustain the pressure and appeared out of answers as the day wore on.Alex Carey celebrates his second Test century•Getty Images
Offspinner Nishan Peiris was their most threatening bowler in a good bounceback after he was ineffective in the first Test with 0 for 189 off 41 overs and deemed fortunate to retain his spot over legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay. He turned the ball square at times and almost clean-bowled Smith just before tea with a fizzing offbreak that narrowly missed the top of the stumps.But Sri Lanka perhaps will rue not selecting Vandersay after his promising performance in the first Test, while talisman Prabath Jayasuriya lacked bite after a promising start and he resorted at times to a defensive leg-stump line to Smith.Sri Lanka had begun with optimism at the start of Australia’s innings. There was intrigue over whether Sri Lanka’s spinners would take the new ball, but lone quick Lahiru Kumara started and opener Travis Head enjoyed the pace with three early boundaries. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva surprisingly decided to share the new ball having not bowled in the first Test due to a side strain.Head rattled along at a run-a-ball until on 21 he used his feet to Peiris but was outdone by turn, and a thick edge was taken at slip.All eyes were then on Marnus Labuschagne, who only made 20 off 50 balls in Australia’s massive 654 for 6 declared in the series-opener. Having not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes tour, pressure is mounting on Labuschagne with his spot for this match attracting some attention.He started well with a first-ball boundary through the covers, but he didn’t add any further runs and fell in the next over when he was trapped lbw by Jayasuriya in a decision overturned on review. Jayasuriya slid a fuller delivery that beat a tentative Labuschagne on the back foot. Labuschagne looked despondent when his fate was sealed and he trudged off the field.Smith, wearing his baggy green, had a nervous start with a big lbw shout from Jayasuriya turned down as Sri Lanka burnt a review. But Smith countered the sharp spin by skipping down the pitch while Usman Khawaja unfurled the reverse sweep just like he did in his double-century last week.Nishan Peiris had Usman Khawaja lbw and the game was in the balance at 91 for 3•Getty Images
They blunted the spinners as Australia reached lunch well placed at 85 for 2. The game sparked to life on resumption with Smith given out lbw by umpire Joel Wilson after a low Peiris delivery struck him under the knee roll. But Smith quickly reviewed and his confidence was justified with the ball hitting him well outside the line.Moments later, Wilson was again quick to raise the finger but this time he was vindicated with Khawaja plumb lbw on 36 after he tried to pull Peiris only to misjudge the line and length.But Sri Lanka’s bid for more inroads came to a halt and they failed to put enough pressure on Carey, whose confidence grew as he slog swept offspinner Ramesh Mendis for six.Smith brought up his half-century in style with a boundary as the runs continued to flow through to tea apart from when Jayasuriya restored to a leg-stump line. After the interval, Smith and Carey continued to score at ease as they tapped the ball around for singles with the field well spread as if it was the middle overs of an ODI.After reaching his century, Smith appeared to be flagging amid the oppressive humidity and he dropped anchor as Carey took over to reach his landmark in fine fashion.Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka finished with what appeared a competitive first-innings total after Kusal Mendis and No. 11 Kumara added 28 runs in the first 30 minutes of the day’s play. Mendis was left stranded on 85 but had spearheaded Sri Lanka’s recovery from 150 for 6.Australia’s three specialist bowlers Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann did the bulk of the heavy lifting and picked up three wickets apiece.
India legspinner displaces Rashid Khan at the top on the back of a Player-of-the-Series show against Australia
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Dec-2023Ravi Bishnoi is the new No. 1 bowler in T20I cricket, on the back of his Player-of-the-Series show against Australia. He had claimed nine wickets in five games in that series at 18.22. That capped a meteoric rise in T20I cricket for the 23-year-old legspinner: since debuting in February 2022, he has 34 T20I wickets at 17.38, with a strike rate of 14.5 and an economy just over 7.Bishnoi displaces Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan at the top, and also pushes Wanindu Hasaranga, Adil Rashid and Maheesh Theekshana down a spot to complete the all-spin top five. There were no other significant changes in the rankings.In the series against Australia, India gave Bishnoi a fair amount of bowling the powerplay, and it paid off – both in terms of wickets and controlling runs. They will hope Bishnoi, who bowls more googlies than legbreaks, can keep his form going as they prepare for the T20 World Cup which will be played in the West Indies – where spinners can come in particularly handy – and the USA in June next year. India have only six T20Is scheduled from now till that showpiece event, so there’s not much room for experimentation, but they will take confidence from the 4-1 result over Australia.
This will be her first gig as coach of a professional cricket team, but a 15-year career at the top-flight will have prepared her well for it
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-2022Former New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite has joined the Adelaide Strikers support staff as their new assistant coach for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League season.This will be Satterthwaite’s first gig as coach of a professional cricket team, but a 15-year career at the top-flight will have prepared her well for it. She has also served as a mentor to the Canterbury team back home.Satterthwaite retired from international cricket in May earlier this year. She is New Zealand’s most capped women’s ODI player with 145 matches and has made 6,423 runs and picked up 76 wickets for her country.Satterthwaite has been a regular at the WBBL as well. She scored almost 1,500 runs and claimed 44 wickets, including a memorable hat-trick for Hobart Hurricanes in the second year of the competition. The allrounder was also voted Player of the Tournament in 2017-18.”The WBBL is such a quality competition, and one that I have been fortunate to play in over the years,” Satterthwaite said in a press release that the Strikers put out on Friday. “I absolutely loved my time on field playing with and against some of the best in the world, and I know the standard of the local talent is extremely high.”I have always had a great respect for the Adelaide Strikers; they have always been a competitive franchise and the squad looks strong again this season after a brilliant performance last year.”Hopefully I can bring a fresh perspective to the coaching group and lean on my experience to help the team go that next step this summer.”The eighth season of the WBBL will begin on October 13 with the Strikers kicking off their campaign two days later against Sydney Sixers in Mackay.
The summer will include four Tests, three ODIs and 15 T20Is in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff14-May-2021Cricket West Indies has announced a packed home schedule for the 2021 season, which includes visits from South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. In all, West Indies will play four Tests, three ODIs and 15 T20Is from June 10 to August 24.The T20I-centric nature of the summer will help the teams prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is currently scheduled to be held in India in October-November 2021. The series against Pakistan was originally scheduled to include three Tests and three T20Is, but CWI and the PCB have mutually agreed to replace one Test with two additional T20Is.The first part of the home summer will see West Indies face South Africa in two Tests in St Lucia (June 10-22) followed by five T20Is in Grenada (June 26 to July 5). This will be South Africa’s first bilateral tour of the West Indies since 2010.West Indies will play 15 T20Is at home in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
This will be followed by a white-ball-only visit from Australia, who are scheduled to play five T20Is in St Lucia (July 9-16) followed by three ODIs in Barbados (July 20-24).Pakistan will play their T20I series over two legs – the first two matches in Barbados on July 27 and 28 followed by the last three in Guyana from July 31 to August 3. They will then move to Jamaica where they will complete their tour with a two-match Test series (August 12-24).”Following the successful hosting of the all-format series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, we are delighted to announce that we are set to welcome South Africa, Australia and Pakistan to the West Indies,” CWI CEO Johnny Grave said. “To host three international teams back-to-back in five territories is unprecedented, and putting these fixtures together was an enormous Covid-related logistical challenge.”We must thank the visiting teams for agreeing to travel at this challenging period for world cricket and we are especially grateful to our regional Governments who are playing such a vital role in partnering with CWI to ensure that International cricket can be hosted safely, while providing entertainment for our loyal fans and income for our cricketers and cricket communities.”The entire summer will follow biosecure safety protocols, with players and team officials undergoing regular tests for Covid-19. A CWI release said it is yet to be decided whether fans will be allowed at the stadiums.
Opener’s half-century leads England to solid score on slow surface
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2019Amy Jones’ half-century set up England for a comfortable win in the first T20I at Kinrara Oval, as Pakistan were dismissed for 125 despite a valiant innings from captain Bismah Maroof.Maroof was last woman out after making 60 from 58 balls, as Pakistan fell 29 runs short with eight balls unbowled. Sophie Ecclestone claimed a three-wicket haul, after Freya Davies had removed both Pakistan openers in the first over of the chase, as England produced a solid showing ahead of February’s T20 World Cup.Aside from Maroof, only Umaima Sohail and Sidra Nawaz managed to reach double-figures, with Sarah Glenn bowling tidily on T20I debut and Nat Sciver picking up 2 for 12.”It’s not an easy pitch to score quickly on, and I think the opening few overs are probably the best time to bat,” Jones said. “Pakistan were disciplined with the ball and they didn’t make it easy so I think we did well to get up to 160, but we perhaps would have liked a few more.”The wickets in Australia at the World Cup won’t be too similar to this but the important skill is adapting and hopefully adapting to these wickets will stand us in good stead for the World Cup.”Having been asked to bat, England lost Danni Wyatt inside the Powerplay before a partnership of 58 between Jones and Tammy Beaumont provided the platform. Jones was next out, having made 53 from 39, and Beaumont was unable to really get going, but Heather Knight hit three consecutive fours in Diana Baig’s final over to lift England above 150.
Tremain made use of the unusually green MCG surface before his team-mate Marcus Harris scored an unbeaten 51
The Report by Alex Malcolm25-Oct-2018Getty Images
Chris Tremain continued his stellar start to the Sheffield Shield season claiming his second successive five-wicket haul to put Victoria in a very strong position on day one against New South Wales at the MCG. Tremain made use of the unusually green surface after his captain Peter Handscomb elected to bowl.He scratched the outside edge of Daniel Hughes from around the wicket and also claimed Moises Henriques in a lengthy opening spell. Scott Boland provided tremendous support bowling Nick Larkin and later trapping Jack Edwards in front after a 50-run partnership with Kurtis Patterson had arrested the momentum.Tremain then had Peter Nevill caught behind cheaply before breaching the defence of Jason Sangha with an offcutter. Patterson, who played a lone hand with 63, was Tremain’s fifth wicket. It was a carbon copy of his first, angling in from around the wicket and darting away off the seam to take the outside edge and give keeper Seb Gotch his fourth catch. Tremain has 14 wickets in three innings so far this season after taking 51 last summer. Fawad Ahmed cleaned up the tail taking 3 for 18 to leave the Blues all out for just 159.Victoria’s reply started terribly with Trent Copeland producing an equally skillful spell to remove Travis Dean and Eamonn Vines early and leave the home side 2 for 6. But Marcus Harris and Handscomb steadied with a 92-run stand. Handscomb fell late in the day for 48. He edged a short and wide delivery from legspinner Daniel Fallins to slip. Harris remained unbeaten on 51 at the close alongside nightwatchman Boland.
Hashan Tillakaratne has joined the Sri Lanka team as temporary batting coach, and will be with the side until at least the end of the Test series against India
Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Jul-2017Hashan Tillakaratne has joined the Sri Lanka team as temporary batting coach, and will be with the side until at least the end of the Test series against India. Sri Lanka have been without a permanent batting coach since Marvan Atapattu was raised to the position of head coach in 2014.”Hashan has been with us since the recent Test match against Zimbabwe, actually,” Sri Lanka Cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha said. “At this stage, for all the Tests he will be batting coach. Most probably after the Indian series we’ll discuss with coach Nic Pothas and see what’s happening from there. With all his experience, there is a lot the batsmen can learn from him.”Tillakaratne has been a coach in the SLC system since December last year, largely working with the sides that feed into the national team. He had also previously served as a national selector, between January 2013 and April 2015.A former captain, having led Sri Lanka in 11 Tests, Tillakaratne had hit 11 Test centuries across 83 matches. His is the latest in a spate of recent appointments in the Sri Lanka set-up. Chaminda Vaas replaced the outgoing Champaka Ramanayake as bowling coach on Friday, Pothas replaced Graham Ford in June, and Gurusinha himself was brought in as cricket manager ahead of the Bangladesh series in March.