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Adidas Can End £900m Deal If Man United Drop Out of Premier League. Adidas Clause Piles Pressure on United

Manchester United’s financial muscle has long set them apart — but even giants can fall. As revealed in The Athletic, the club’s £900 million kit deal with Adidas contains a sobering clause: should United suffer the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League, Adidas could terminate the deal with one full season’s notice.

The new agreement, signed in July 2023, runs until June 2035 and delivers £90 million per year to the Old Trafford coffers. But the fine print is damning. “Adidas may reduce the applicable payments for a year by 50 per cent if the men’s first team is not participating in the English Premier League during that year,” reads the clause. Worse still, “Adidas may terminate the agreement by giving one full-season’s notice if the men’s first team is relegated.”

Such language, more commonly associated with clubs fighting for survival than with one of England’s most historic institutions, now casts a long shadow over the season.

Ruben Amorim’s recent comments made headlines: “It was really clear United were in a relegation battle,” he said, following a dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle — their fifth loss in six Premier League games.
United sit 14th in the table, just seven points above the drop zone, with a daunting trip to Anfield looming. For a side with Champions League ambitions, the word “relegation” now appears with worrying frequency.

The implications of poor form extend far beyond the pitch. The club’s accounts state: “Our performance in the Premier League directly affects… our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

Champions League Absence Also Comes at a Cost

The Adidas clause isn’t the only financial caveat. The Athletic also revealed that United face a £10 million penalty each season they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, beginning with the 2025/26 campaign.
“This clause has been amended to state that a £10 million deduction will be applied for each year of non-participation in the UEFA Champions League,” the club confirmed.
With the team currently off the pace, qualification looks uncertain — meaning that financial penalties could soon become a yearly burden.

Financial Reality of Decline

Beyond kit deals and European qualification, United’s latest financial results paint a broader picture of instability.

£113.2 million in net losses — the fifth consecutive year in the red.

£661.8 million in turnover — a record, yet undermined by costs.

£47.8 million spent on the takeover process led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

£35 million saved through 250 job cuts.

£364.7 million wage bill — up 10 per cent due to Champions League football.

All of this while the club lists a catalogue of risks that could impact revenue streams — including poor performance, relegation, and commercial disengagement.

“We cannot ensure that our men’s first team will be successful… Relegation or a general decline… may negatively affect our ability to attract or retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners,” the accounts warn.
This is not just a downturn in form. It is a structural concern, one laid bare in black and white across financial ledgers.

Katikaa’s View – EPL Index Analysis

This report is equal parts worrying and familiar. Years of mismanagement have created a club where success on the pitch no longer feels guaranteed — and where failure is punished not just with humiliation, but with genuine financial peril.
For many United supporters, the Adidas clause is simply the latest symbol of how far the club has fallen. Relegation once seemed an unthinkable scenario — now it has a dedicated entry in a major commercial contract. That alone is damning.
The £10 million Champions League penalties also sting. It reflects a club reliant on top-tier football just to stay financially competitive. Once, the Champions League was a stage for glory. Now, it’s a lifeline.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment brings hope — but unless results improve fast, the season could spiral into something more damaging than disappointment. The fixtures are getting harder, the margins thinner, and the consequences graver.

Real Madrid earlier conceded deep into added time to lose 2-1 at home to Valencia

Barcelona failed to break down a frantic Real Betis defence as they were held to a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday but still gained ground on Real Madrid who earlier conceded deep into added time to lose 2-1 at home to Valencia. Barcelona moved four points ahead of Real Madrid atop La Liga. Both teams face Champions League first-leg ties this week, Real visit Arsenal on Tuesday and Barcelona play in Dortmund the following evening. Barcelona cut open Betis in the seventh minute and Gavi slid the ball past goalkeeper Adrian from inside the six-yard box.

But the hosts were unable to turn a series of lively attacks into goals. Instead the visitors hit back after 16 minutes when centreback Natan Souza escaped the clutches of his defender to head home a Giovani Lo Celso corner.
Barcelona besieged the Betis goal in the second half but were denied by a combination of dogged defending, strong goalkeeping from Adrian and some agonising near misses.

Wojciech Szczesny did not have to make a save until the 88th minute when he turned away a long-range drive by Natan.
With Betis playing for time, Barcelona did not leave themselves exposed to a late counter-attack as they played out a draw that bolstered their lead at the top.

If we had won we would be further clear, but in the end it’s football,” Gavi told Movistar.  “The draw leaves a bitter taste, because we were unable to take advantage of the chances we had.”
The draw lifted Betis to fifth.

Lots of chances’

“La Liga is more complicated, but we have to fight until the last game,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“They didn’t need to do much to score two goals,” said Ancelotti. “We took risks at the end and found ourselves hit on the counter-attack.
“We’ve had deserved defeats this season, but I don’t think we lacked attitude today,” he added. “It’s not a deserved defeat. We created lots of chances but lacked a little effectiveness.”
The victory lifted Valencia to 15th, seven points clear of the bottom three.

Real had an early chance to take control when Valencia’s Cesar Tarrega was adjudged to have fouled Kylian Mbappe in the penalty area, but Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a weak spot-kick from Vinicius Junior.
It was the Brazilian’s second consecutive miss from the spot for Real, after he wasted a Champions League penalty against Atletico Madrid.
Within a minute Valencia went up the other end and won a corner. From it Mouctar Diakhaby outjumped Antonio Rudiger and rocketed home a header.

Real levelled after 50 minutes when Vinicius tapped over the line in a scramble following a Real corner. It was his 104th goal for Los Blancos, matching Brazilian compatriot Ronaldo.
Real gave a lacklustre performance, nevertheless, Mbappe carved out enough chances to win, but wasted opportunities in the 36th, 37th, 48th, 49th and 68th minutes.
Valencia’s Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili was in imperious form keeping his team in the game until Duro delivered his winner.
Valencia stunned the dominant hosts deep into injury time when a slick countering-attacking move was emphatically finished by Duro from Rafa Mir’s cross.

Ancelotti started third-choice ‘keeper Fran Gonzalez following injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, although the Ukrainian was fit enough to be named on the bench.
In addition to Arsenal, Ancelotti has to focus on the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 in Seville.
“The match against Barca in the Copa del Rey will be different; they’ll attack more, and we’ll have to be better at the back and be effective up front,” the Italian said.

Real Madrid suffered a surprise home defeat to Valencia ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal despite boss Carlo Ancelotti naming a strong side.

The Gunners will face the Spanish giants at the Emirates on Tuesday in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
But Ancelotti’s side will go into the game after suffering a significant blow to their La Liga title chances.
Their 2-1 defeat to Valencia now means they sit three points behind Barcelona having played one game more than their fierce rivals.
Ancelotti unsurprisingly opted to go with a strong team for the game with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr all starting.
Vinicius Jr had a golden chance to put his side ahead early on from the penalty spot but missed it, which was followed by Valencia taking the lead on 15 minutes through Mouctar Diakhaby when he headed in from a corner – which should provide even more encouragement for Arsenal given their expertise from set pieces.
But Vinicius made amends in the second half when he equalised shortly after the restart.
There would be more drama to follow, however, with Carlos Corberan’s side snatching a 95th minute winner through Hugo Duro.

Real Madrid had to name a far from ideal back four due to injuries to Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy. Young centre-back Raul Asencio was only named on the bench with the experienced Antonio Rudiger and out of position Aurelien Tchouameni starting in the middle of defence, while Lucas Vasquez and Francisco Garcia occupied the full-back spots.
19-year-old third-choice goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez also had to start due to injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin.
Ancelotti had spoken of his optimism that Courtois would be back in time for the Arsenal game but he was left out of the squad altogether against Valencia with Lunin also carrying a “minor issue”. It remains to be seen whether either will be fit in time to face the Gunners.

Thomas Muller will leave Bayern Munich this summer after a 25-year career at the German club.

The 35-year-old Muller said Saturday, in a joint announcement with Bayern, that his “incredible journey” with his boyhood club will end in July.

The midfielder’s contract is set to expire after the season and he’s seen limited game time.

It’s clear that today is not like any other day for me,” Muller said. “My 25 years as an FC Bayern Munich player will come to an end in the summer. It’s been an incredible journey, shaped by unique experiences, great encounters and unforgettable triumphs.

I feel immense gratitude and joy that I got to make this career with my beloved club. The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain. What I want as a farewell should be clear: titles we can celebrate together, and moments we’ll remember fondly for a long time.”

Muller has helped Bayern win 33 trophies after joining the club’s academy at age 10 in the summer of 2000. He’s made a club-record number of appearances with 743 matches.

The team said Muller’s final game with Bayern will be at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in June and July.

“Thomas Muller is the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career; he grew in Bavaria and with Bayern,” club president Herbert Hainer said. “Nobody has won more Bundesliga titles, and 33 trophies in total so far speak volumes. He ranks among the most outstanding personalities in FC Bayern history.”

PSG are currently a huge 21 points clear at the top of the table with seven games of the season to play.

Paris Saint-Germain can wrap up another Ligue 1 title this weekend and are also closing in on the first ever unbeaten season in the top flight of French football. PSG play host to relegation-threatened Angers on Saturday knowing a draw will be enough for them to secure their 11th French championship triumph in the last 13 years. It is a long period of dominance which began quickly after the takeover of the club by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. The financial gap between PSG and the rest of France now appears unbridgeable, and Luis Enrique’s team are currently a huge 21 points clear at the top of the table with seven games of the season to play.

For them to miss out on the title now, PSG would have to lose every remaining game and Monaco would have to win all of theirs and also oversee an enormous swing in goal difference.
Put simply, that is not going to happen, and the Parisians will hope to finish the job in front of their own supporters before switching their focus to their Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Aston Villa next Wednesday.

This midweek PSG secured their place in the final of the French Cup, surviving a scare by coming from two goals down to beat Ligue 2 side Dunkerque 4-2 and set up a clash with Reims on May 24.
They have not lost any of their last 38 matches against domestic opponents across all competitions since a 3-1 defeat at home to Toulouse last May.

The likes of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, Juventus, Celtic and, just last season, Bayer Leverkusen have all gone through domestic league campaigns without losing a game in the 21st century.
In France, Nantes have come the closest, going unbeaten through their first 32 matches of the 38-game season as they took the title in 1994/95.

PSG have played 27 of 34 matches in this Ligue 1 campaign, and surely should remain unbeaten as long as they do not become distracted by the Champions League.
“We are not unbeatable, we are not invincible, we are not film heroes,” insisted Luis Enrique after Tuesday’s win against Dunkerque.

We are just a football team. Perfection does not exist and we are not perfect.”
Yet PSG, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Achraf Hakimi in outstanding form, should not need to be perfect to keep their current run going domestically.
After this weekend, three of their final six Ligue 1 matches will be against sides presently in the bottom six.

A home game against Champions League hopefuls Nice and a trip to in-form Strasbourg are the toughest remaining assignments on the domestic front.
Player to watch: Mika Biereth
The 22-year-old London-born striker, who recently made his debut for the Danish national team, has enjoyed a stunning start to life at Monaco since joining the principality club in January.
Recruited from Sturm Graz in Austria, the former Arsenal youngster has scored 12 goals in his first 10 Ligue 1 appearances, including three hat-tricks.

His strike in last week’s Cote d’Azur derby against Nice left him with 11 goals from five home games with his new club, but he has just one on the road heading into this weekend’s trip to Brest.

According to statisticians Opta, Biereth has scored a goal every 67 minutes since he moved to France’s top flight.

Key stats:

13 – Lucky for some, PSG are set to win their 13th French league title overall

32 – PSG’s leading marksman Dembele has scored 32 goals this season in all competitions

5 – While PSG are 21 points clear at the top of the table, just five points separate the next six teams, from Monaco in second to Lyon in seventh.

For the entirety of this season, FC Barcelona have been engaged in a fierce battle with La Liga and RFEF for the registration of two of the players they incorporated in the last summer transfer window, i.e., Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.

The two players were deregistered by these bodies back in January, but the Blaugranes got them reregistered after getting a precautionary ruling in their favour from the CSD. However, that ruling was only temporary, and the matter had to be resolved by the CSD by the first week of April.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the highest governmental sports body has now given a ruling in this case and upheld the appeal that was filed by Barcelona, Dani Olmo, and Pau Victor on 7th January, annulling the decision of the Monitoring Committee of the RFEF-LaLiga Coordination Agreement to cancel the duo’s licenses.

In fact, the monitoring committee was found to be incompetent to decide on prior visas or licenses that were required by the Blaugrana club in this case, as this was not one of the functions attributed to the body under the Coordination Agreement between La Liga and RFEF.

Thus, this committee’s decision not to grant license to Olmo and Victor stands null and void. As a result, these players’ licenses remain valid, especially as RFEF itself had acknowledged that no federation resolution existed that allowed for the cancellation of these licenses, which is a requirement set by the body itself since June 2022.

Meanwhile, the CSD has also emphasised that the acceptance of this ruling does not impact the financial control La Liga enjoys over its associated clubs.

There is no doubt that this is a significant victory for Barcelona. This ruling will not only allow the Blaugranes to play one of their important players, Olmo, for the crucial stage of the season ahead, but also gives them a significant prestige boost amid their continuing battles with La Liga.

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has dedicated his goal against Leicester City, his first in the Premier League in almost 16 months, to his younger brother Keelan on the 25th anniversary of his death.

Grealish, making his first league start since December, opened the scoring in the second minute to send Man City on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win that lifted them up to fourth place.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Grealish revealed the poignant family anniversary he was marking. He was only four years old when Keelan died in April 2000, aged just nine months, due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

“My little brother passed away 25 years ago today,” Grealish told Sky Sports. “This day is hard on the family.
“My mum and dad were here, so to score and to win was brilliant.”
Grealish paid tribute with a post on Instagram, with the message: “With me always especially this day… that was for you Keelan.”

Man City manager Pep Guardiola praised Grealish’s compassionate nature, saying: “Jack is an incredible human being. He is incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know that [about Keelan] and I can’t imagine how tough it can be with mum and dad and sister. It is good they remember him, this day. I am sure they remember him every single day. But it is good to score.”

My game is about a lot more than goals‘

With striker Erling Haaland ruled out for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury, Guardiola has been forced to rearrange his attack.
He responded by picking Grealish in a No 10 role against Leicester, and the 29-year-old immediately justified that decision with his early goal.

But Grealish is keen to stress that he provides many qualities to the team other than scoring goals.
“This season, I’ve obviously not been at my best,” Grealish said on Sky Sports.
“I know myself that I could score more, but I know I give a lot more than scoring. I think my highest ever tally for goals is about eight in a season. I don’t think I was ever brought here to score 20, 30 goals a season.
“I wanted a chance to play and I think I’ve only started in the FA Cup this year. I was devastated not to play at the weekend [in the quarter-final] because I’d played in every other round.

“I was so disappointed, but I came on [against Bournemouth] and felt like I played well. I felt like I deserved to play tonight, and I was just happy.”
Man City are next in action on Sunday when they head to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby.

Barcelona have reached the final of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey after a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano ensured a 5-4 aggregate victory in their semi-final tie.

The first leg at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys five weeks ago was a thrilling contest that saw eight goals shared between the two teams, but this second leg was much more cagey.

It may not have been after referee José Luis Munuera Montero was called over by VAR to check a possible red card challenge by Cesar Azpilicueta in the opening five minutes, but he stuck with his original yellow card decision.
Barcelona enjoyed the better of the opening stages, and just before half hour mark, they would find the breakthrough at the Metropolitano, where they won in La Liga a few weeks ago. It was wonderful work from Lamine Yamal to slip the ball through to Ferran Torres, who got there ahead of Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso to stab into the back of the net.

That goal gave Barcelona the opportunity to control proceedings, as they had a lead to defend. And they did manage to do so in the second half, albeit there were some scares. Atleti made a triple change at half time to bring on Javi Galan, Clement Lenglet and Alexander Sorloth, and the latter, who also seems to score against the Catalans, had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside.

Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, after Carlo Ancelotti’s side won their semi-final against Real Sociedad on Tuesday, also by a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. It will be the second Superclasico of the season, after January’s 5-1 victory for the Catalan team in the Spanish Super Cup.

Football coach Carlo Ancelotti’s tax fraud trial began on Wednesday in Spain, with accusations of evading €1 million ($1.08 million) in taxes from image rights during his first spell at Real Madrid.

The Italian coach, 65, faces charges for two counts of tax fraud related to the 2014 and 2015 tax years.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of nearly five years, along with a fine of €3.2 million ($3.44 million). They claim Ancelotti failed to report income from his image rights, declaring only his salary from Madrid.

The trial is set to last three days, with an out-of-court settlement still possible at any point in the process. Before the hearing, prosecutors confirmed that Spain’s tax authority had seized the owed amount, plus interest, from Ancelotti.

The Real Madrid boss has denied the accusations and voiced confidence in the Spanish judicial system, saying last week that he looks forward to testifying in court.
Ancelotti has a remarkable record in football, having led teams to the Champions League crown five times – twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid.

He also stands out for being the only coach to win domestic league titles in five major European countries: England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.

Ancelotti is the latest football star under investigation by Spanish tax authorities for alleged tax fraud, following high-profile cases like those of players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, many of which were settled out of court with large fines.

Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season as Bukayo Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on his return from injury on Tuesday.

Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season as Bukayo Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on his return from injury on Tuesday. Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Third-placed Forest extend their lead over Newcastle in sixth to 10 points. Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions this season, the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League.

Forest are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent’s elite competition since they were holders in 1980.
Elanga was discarded by United in 2023 after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, but is one of many Forest success stories fulfilling his potential under Nuno.
The Swedish international collected possession deep inside his own half but showed blistering pace to burst into the United box before firing low past Andre Onana.

He’s a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted,” said Nuno.
Just a year after battling to narrowly avoid relegation, Forest are enjoying an unexpected fairytale season that also includes progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

They had been forced through 120 minutes and penalties to beat Brighton in Saturday’s quarter-final and were also without top scorer Chris Wood due to injury.
Forest fatigued in the second half, but United were undone by a familiar lack of cutting edge going forward.

“This season is like that. We had a lot of shots on goal, we pushed the opponent to the last third, but in the last third we had a lack of quality,” said United boss Ruben Amorim.
“We should have won this game, not even drawn, but in the end we have lost three points.”
Amorim resorted to sending on centre-back Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker in the closing stages and he nearly grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time when his shot was cleared off the line by Murillo.
United remain without two consecutive Premier League wins all season with the Red Devils languishing down in 13th.

Arsenal maintained some pressure on leaders Liverpool by cutting the gap at the top to nine points.
Saka stole the headlines by coming off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21.
“A beautiful moment to see how much our people love and respect Bukayo,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the ovation Saka received as he entered the pitch and after scoring.
Mikel Merino’s deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.
However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham’s ambitions of European football next season.
Just one week away from the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid, the sight of Gabriel pulling up with a hamstring problem added to Mikel Arteta’s injury woes.

Jurrien Timber also had to be replaced late on with Arsenal already missing Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Saka’s introduction was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night until that point at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri 25 minutes from time.
The England international took just eight minutes to net his 10th goal of the season.
Saka was in the right place to head in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.
At the bottom of the table, Wolves pulled ever closer to survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux as Wolves moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

Bukayo Saka was the matchwinner on his return from injury as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 at Emirates Stadium. Saka had been sidelined since December but marked his comeback with a goal from the bench, and his close-range header ultimately proved decisive.
Arsenal defender Gabriel was forced off through injury after only 16 minutes, but Mikel Merino put the Gunners ahead in the 37th minute, with substitute Saka doubling their advantage with a header shortly after coming on midway through the second half.
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz – who had earlier headed wide when presented with a glorious opportunity – struck in stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Mikel Arteta’s team held firm.
Second-place Arsenal move nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, while Fulham remain eighth, four points off the top four.

How the match unfolded

The Gunners were dealt a blow when Gabriel went down and was substituted with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the 16th minute, though that did not derail a strong start, and Ethan Nwaneri tested Bernd Leno with a powerful volley.
And Arsenal’s dominance finally told when Nwaneri cut back for Merino, who managed to set himself and then prod a strike beyond Leno, courtesy of a deflection.

Raul Jimenez forced David Raya into action and Jurrien Timber was denied by Leno at the other end before Saka made it 2-0 just seven minutes after coming on, nodding in after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.
Muniz squandered a golden chance to get Fulham back in the game as he headed wide in the 81st minute, though a rather scuffed finish from the Brazilian deep in stoppage time meant Arsenal – who also saw a Martinelli goal disallowed for offside – were forced to hold on at the end.

Injury concerns mount for Arteta despite Saka’s return

Arteta would have wanted his side to follow up their hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea last time out with a strong performance on Tuesday, and though Arsenal were not at their fluid best, they got the job done.
Still, the biggest boost for Arteta came in the form of Saka. Making his long-awaited return after three months out, the England international eased some of Arsenal’s attacking concerns with that well-taken header – a case of right place, right time. After being ruled out for 101 days, he needed just six minutes and 36 seconds to get on the scoresheet.

Saka’s return is a markedly big relief for Arteta, who has had to do without key attackers following season-ending injuries for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Merino has stepped up admirably as a makeshift striker in their absence, but Saka’s comeback adds much-needed firepower and more than a sprinkling of stardust.
However, injury worries continue to mount elsewhere. Gabriel’s early exit may leave Arsenal with just three fit centre-backs ahead of a looming UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid next week, with Everton next up before then.
With Ben White not risked and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori sidelined, Arteta will be hoping that his injury luck begins to change for the run-in.

Fulham fall flat

Fulham would have been hoping to bounce back following Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, and Marco Silva’s team went into this one having not lost in any of their last three league matches against Arsenal, picking up a win and two draws in that run.
The Cottagers had only once had a better run avoiding defeat to the Gunners, going unbeaten in four games between May 2011 and November 2012, but they could not give the best account of themselves on this occasion.
Muniz’s scampered shot made matters interesting late on, but before that he had wasted their best chance when he headed off-target following great work from former Arsenal playmaker Alex Iwobi.
Fulham did improve in the second half, though lacked the necessary sharpness in front of goal, and they have now gone 32 games without a win at Arsenal in the league.
Up next is an even tougher challenge, as Fulham host league leaders Liverpool. However, with European qualification still well within reach, Silva’s side have plenty left to fight for.

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has claimed that he’s been banned from attending Inter Miami matches.
Yassine Cheuko, a trained MMA fighter who was personally chosen by Inter Miami president David Beckham upon the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival in the US, has received much attention from the media over the previous year.

His notoriety online has since seen him call out Logan Paul for a fight amid the ongoing lawsuit between Messi and the internet star’s rival drinks brands.

Now, however, it seems his growing persona has served as a detriment after he claimed that he’s now been banned for MLS and CONCACAF matches.
Speaking to House of Highlights, he said: ‘They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore. I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch.
‘I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch. There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.

‘I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It’s fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better’.

Since his arrival alongside Messi, there have been plenty of viral incidents surrounding Cheuko, given the alarming amount of pitch invaders at MLS games.
Just last month, Chueko was finally beaten by a pitch-invading fan after taking a tumble in an effort to stop the supporter from reaching him.

He was seen with Messi when the Argentina star was publicly relaxing with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo in South Florida in October 2023.
But, a couple of weeks before that, he prevented a young fan from getting Messi’s autograph after a defeat to Cincinnati.

Chueko stopped the young boy, who made his way onto the pitch, put his arm around him and led him over to Messi, who posed for a photograph and signed an autograph.

Then, for Halloween, Inter Miami forward Robert Taylor hilariously dressed up as the bodyguard, completing his costume with fake muscles and a bald cap.