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Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill got off to a dream start on Wednesday night with a commanding 4-0 win over Falkirk at Parkhead in front of the home support.

The Hoops had lost their previous two matches in the Scottish Premiership, to Hearts and Dundee, before Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation from his role on Monday night.

O’Neill and his interim coaching team got a brilliant response out of the first-team player against Falkirk, with Johnny Kenny being one of the stars of the night.

Why Johnny Kenny is undroppable for Celtic

The Ireland U21 international has started the last two Premiership matches after Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a hamstring injury early on in the win over Sturm Graz in the Europa League last week.

Kenny failed to make much of an impact against Hearts on Sunday, but he stepped up with two goals from five shots in 66 minutes on the pitch against Falkirk, per Sofascore.

On top of his goalscoring exploits, converting from close range on two occasions, the Irishman won five of his nine duels and won three fouls for the team, per Sofascore, acting as the focal point in the number nine position.

Chalkboard

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

With Iheanacho’s injury and Celtic’s lack of depth in the striker position, Kenny’s impressive performance against Falkirk should mean that he is undroppable for the time being.

The former Shamrock Rovers star is not the only Hoops ace who should be considered undroppable after Wednesday night, though, as Marcelo Saracchi was just as good.

Why Marcelo Saracchi should be undroppable already

The Uruguay international was brought in for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney, and barely put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch.

Despite assisting Celtic’s goal, Tierney had a difficult afternoon against Hearts last time out. He lost three of his four aerial duels and failed to make a single tackle, per Sofascore, which is why the left-back position may not be guaranteed to him.

Saracchi came in against Falkirk on Wednesday and showed the defensive quality that was lacking from Tierney’s performance against Hearts, as he impressed for O’Neill.

Minutes

90

Tackles won

4

Interceptions

1

Ball recoveries

12

Ground duels won

7/11

Aerial duels won

3/3

Key passes

2

Crosses completed

3/6

As you can see in the table above, the Boca Juniors loanee made four more tackles and won 75% more of his aerial duels than Tierney did in his last outing at left-back.

On top of his impressive defensive work, with ten duels won and 12 ball recoveries, Saracchi also created two chances and had two shots on target, one of which was parried out to Benjamin Nygren for the third goal on the night.

It was a brilliant all-round display from the energetic full-back, who showed that he can contribute at both ends of the pitch. He has the bite, tenacity, and patience to provide quality defending, whilst also having the ability on the ball to make things happen in the final third, which is why he was just as good and influential as Kenny.

Saracchi, who earned an 8/10 player rating from 67HailHail, is now undroppable because his performance was one that the Hoops lacked when Tierney was in the XI against Hearts on Sunday, albeit that was away against the league leaders.

Rodgers upgrade: Celtic have "kamikaze" title-winning manager on the radar

Celtic have a manager on their radar who could come in as a big upgrade on Brendan Rodgers.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2025

O’Neill, should he still be in charge next time out, should consider the left-footed star an undroppable part of his team, along with Kenny, because of his sublime showing in and out of possession.

Carlo Ancelotti says he is close to deciding on his final Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup, which could come as a big blow to Neymar's prospects of representing his country one last time on the biggest stage. The Santos star was left out of the Selecao squad for the upcoming friendlies as he continues to shrug off fitness struggles.

Neymar’s wait for Brazil return continues

Brazil fans are patiently waiting for Neymar to put on the national team colours once more as the World Cup fast approaches. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not played for the five-time World Cup winners since October 2023, when Brazil lost 2-0 to Uruguay. Neymar had to be stretchered off in the stoppage time of the first half in that game, and Brazil’s worst fears came true after he was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The dazzling attacker spent almost a year on the sidelines, before marking his return for his then-employers Al-Hilal in October 2024.

He made a sensational return to his boyhood club Santos in winter earlier this year, but he has struggled to regain fitness and rhythm, missing 40 games in the past year alone. His recent hamstring injury saw him remain out of action for over six weeks. Neymar marked his return with a 23-minute cameo against Fortaleza in a 1-1 league draw, but that wasn’t enough to convince Brazil boss Ancelotti to include him in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDid Ancelotti hint at Neymar missing out on World Cup selection?

In October, Neymar was handed an international lifeline by Ancelotti, who claimed that doors to the Brazil national team will always be open for the 33-year-old as long as he remains in good physical condition. "Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems," the ex-Real Madrid boss told reporters. "When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent."

However, following the announcement of Brazil's squad for the upcoming international friendlies, reporters once again began speculating whether Selecao's all-time top scorer would make it to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States and Mexico next summer. During the press conference recently, Ancelotti said: "I haven't spoken to Neymar yet, we'll see what happens when he recovers and is able to play again." He also added that he "might call up a player who lacks fitness for the first match or two of the World Cup, but it is impossible" for him "to include a player who is not physically ready for the entire tournament. We need players who are at their best." 

Ancelotti's statements following the announcement of the squad might have added further weight to the notion that Neymar might indeed miss out on the flight for next year's marquee event. "I believe that the more time I spend with the players, the closer we get to the final list. I think we are close to what could be the final list for June, I think 17 to 18 players," said the Italian head coach.

Ancelotti's dream: Ending Brazil's 24-year wait for the World Cup

In an interview with earlier this year, the former AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Everton boss revealed his ambition to guide Brazil to World Cup glory next year. "The same thing we always hope for!", said Ancelotti when asked what he is hoping for from the Brazilian faithful at the World Cup. "They’ll show us great support. I think it’s our responsibility, in the Selecao, to give Brazilians what they want: to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years."

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Getty ImagesNeymar's future at Santos uncertain amid Brazil absence

Neymar is nearing the end of his contract with Santos, with reports suggesting that the Brazilian heavyweights are reportedly in a dilemma over the superstar's future at the club. Recently, Marcelo Teixeira, the club president, confirmed that they would like to renew Neymar's contract. But any extension will come with financial limitations. 

"The Neymar project isn’t for six months or a year. It’s for the 2026 World Cup," Teixeira said. "Santos knew how they would treat Neymar, the investment made. It’s a high investment. Santos and Neymar evaluate the situation periodically. We evaluated it when he came, and that evaluation isn't the same as today's. And the financial situation will be evaluated by both parties until the end of the year. He's not worried about the finances. And Santos has a limit.

"Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If we find common ground, his continuity will be confirmed. As long as Santos and Neymar, who have a strong and positive understanding of trust, reach a common ground. I believe we will resolve this situation at the right time."

Reports are suggesting that a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami could potentially materialise.

Clash of table-toppers ends in one-sided win after Will Jacks’ half-century drives hosts

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jul-2025Surrey 201 for 6 (Jacks 57) beat Somerset 134 (Topley 3-20) by 67 runsSurrey booked a home tie in the Vitality Blast knockout stages as they thrashed Somerset by 67 runs in the battle of the South Group’s top two at the Kia Oval.Reece Topley (3 for 20) led the charge for wickets, while Jamie Overton, Sam Curran and Adam Zampa all got two apiece as Somerset collapsed from 73 for 2 to 134 all out in pursuit of 202 to win, Tom Kohler-Cadmore top-scoring with 38.Earlier, Will Jacks made 57 in 37 balls with four sixes to provide the backbone of Surrey’s 201 for 6. Migael Pretorius was the pick of the visitors’ attack with 1 for 28.Jacks lofted the second ball of the match from England spinner Jack Leach into the crowd. Pace too got the treatment early on as Ryan Patel sent one from Riley Meredith over the ropes and Jacks planted the last ball of the over into the crowd at cow corner as 61 came from the powerplay.Leach broke the stand a run later, luring Patel down the pitch to be stumped, but another six helped Jacks to 50 in only 30 balls as he and Jason Roy kept up the pressure with a second-wicket stand of 49.Jacks’ departure lbw to Lewis Goldsworthy sparked a slump, the all-rounder then castling Surrey skipper Sam Curran first ball.Roy thumped another huge six and looked to be moving into overdrive, but when he under-clubbed another from Leach and found the hands of Tom Abell in the deep, Surrey were 127 for 4.Dan Lawrence threatened to pick up from his century two days earlier with two sixes in a breezy 16-ball 32, but it needed a last-over six into the sightscreen from Chris Jordan to set Somerset 202.That target looked larger 15 balls into the chase when Topley splayed Tom Lammonby’s stumps with 13 on the board, but five fours from Jordan’s first over, four of them from the bat of Kohler-Cadmore put the Cidermen on the charge.A collector’s item followed as Ben Foakes dropped Kohler-Cadmore on 20 from an attempted ramp off Topley.In search of a momentum shift, skipper Sam Curran brought himself on and struck immediately, Will Smeed slapping the first delivery straight to cover.A tight following over from Overton lifted the rate over 11, but Kohler-Cadmore’s response was to spank one from Zampa into the JM Finn Stand for six. The Australian legspinner’s revenge was swift as three balls later Kohler-Cadmore skied a top edge into the gloves of Foakes.And top-edges were catching with Abell following suit from the bowling of Overton, Lawrence the catcher on this occasion.As the rate soared, Overton caught and bowled Tim Dixon and while skipper Lewis Gregory sent one from Sam Curran high into the seats, he perished trying to repeat the feat and Somerset collapsed.

Newcastle United will feel a major sense of relief following the weekend’s events and could now look to strike for two players at the same club in the summer window, according to a report.

Newcastle United squeeze into final Champions League place

Despite the Magpies enjoying a season to remember, Eddie Howe’s overriding emotion after securing Champions League qualification will be relief following his side’s 1-0 loss to Everton on the final day.

Manchester United came forward to ensure Aston Villa missed out, while Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Chelsea put the seal on a return to Europe’s premier competition in the North East.

While Newcastle’s appeal on the transfer market is already strong, Howe has cited the pull of the Champions League as a key avenue to bringing in quality additions between now and the closure of the window.

“The power of the Champions League and the pull of the Champions League is huge and we can’t get away from that, the excitement that this will bring for the people here.

“And of course it’s a selling point for us now, it’s an opportunity for us to sell that dream to future players that might be considering coming to us.”

Eddie Howe battling to keep hold of "unsettled" £150k-a-week Newcastle ace

Losing him would be a big blow for the Magpies.

1 ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025

Borussia Dortmund breakout star Jamie Gittens is said to be on Newcastle’s radar and could be on the market for around £50 million, though Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for his signature.

Moving towards the summer, there is plenty of optimism over the business that could take place at St James’ Park. Antonio Cordero is already joining from Malaga, and he could now be followed by two attackers from the same club in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Newcastle United eye Jonathan Rowe and Luis Henrique double deal

According to TBR, Newcastle are looking to sign Marseille pair Jonathan Rowe and Luis Henrique; two players who Howe is said to hugely appreciate as the Magpies eye new additions this summer.

The former has signed permanently due to an obligatory clause in his loan spell from Norwich City, while Henrique has enjoyed a magnificent campaign featuring predominantly off the right flank.

Jonathan Rowe (left winger)

Luis Henrique (right winger)

Appearances: 30

Appearances: 35

Goals: 3

Goals: 9

Assists: 4

Assists: 10

Rowe is believed to be the main name on Newcastle’s list, and he has managed to average 1.3 shots on target per Ligue 1 match this term despite a modest goal return.

On the other hand, Henrique has fashioned 53 opportunities on the other side, providing a valuable threat during Marseille’s runners-up finish behind Paris Saint-Germain in the French top-flight.

Seeking to add depth to his forward line, Howe is intent on Alexander Isak staying put now that Champions League football has been secured, potentially creating a new front three if both men mentioned were indeed to arrive at St James’ Park.

Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for a defender who has played every single minute for his club in the Premier League this season.

Gunners stepping up centre-back pursuit

Mikel Arteta has received criticism for not bringing in a new striker, which has arguably been costly in his side’s pursuit of the Premier League title, with Gary Neville recently questioning the decision prior to the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

As such, it is looking increasingly likely that the Gunners will pursue a new forward this summer, with an offer for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak now in the works, but they are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.

The north Londoners have stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-back in recent weeks, having now made a formal offer for AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, but the Spaniard is not the only Premier League defender on the shortlist.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Brentford defender Nathan Collins, who has impressed for the Bees since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £23m deal last summer.

Newcastle United are also ramping up their interest in Collins, however, so there could be competition for his signature, and a move to St. James’ Park could be preferable, given that he wouldn’t have to compete for a starting spot with the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba.

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The Gunners have set their sights on a midfielder, who has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

ByDominic Lund May 11, 2025 Collins among Premier League's "best" defenders

The centre-back has been indispensable for Brentford this season, playing every minute in the top flight, and he has received high praise for his performances from ESPN’s Mario Marra, who described the Irishman as “one of the best” defenders in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old’s defensive aptitude is also underlined by the fact he places highly on some key defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs in the big five European leagues.

Statistic

Average per 90

Blocks

2.0 (97th percentile)

Clearances

6.08 (82nd percentile)

Aerials won

3.22 (91st percentile)

Not only that, but the Ireland captain has also proven himself to be an attacking threat, picking up two goals and five assists for Brentford in the Premier League, underlining his ability to be a difference-maker at both ends of the pitch.

That said, it is likely to be very difficult to displace Gabriel and Saliba in the starting XI at Arsenal, so it remains to be seen whether Collins is willing to leave Brentford behind and play more of a sporadic role in north London.

With INEOS looking to send a statement this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to table a shock offer worth as much as £85m to sign a Premier League rival.

Man Utd must get summer incomings right

In what feels like an Old Trafford groundhog day, Manchester United cannot afford to get their incomings wrong this summer. Like in 2014 under David Moyes and then under the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in no position to make mistakes in the transfer market as they look to hand their latest manager the keys to unlock a place among Europe’s elite again at long last.

Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger

He’s a serial winner.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

What does seem to be different about Ruben Amorim compared to Moyes, Van Gaal, Solskjaer and in some ways even Mourinho is just how honest he’s been about the extent of the task in front of him.

Even in the build-up to Manchester United’s 7-1 aggregate mauling of Athletic Bilbao to reach the Europa League final, Amorim assured reporters that silverware would not take away from what has been a disastrous season.

The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.

“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”

Whether the Red Devils have what it takes to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final is another question, but if they do manage to win the competition then their transfer plans could become all the more interesting.

Man Utd readying shock Tonali offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, INEOS and Manchester United are now ready to table a stunning €100m (£85m) offer to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. In an ambitious move, the Red Devils have set their sights on the Italian, who has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park.

Starts

25

21

Goals

3

1

Progressive Carries

33

16

Ball Recoveries

163

117

Manchester United’s interest, whether a deal is feasible or not, should come as no surprise. As the numbers show, Tonali would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and perhaps the difference between taking Amorim’s side into Europe and a place in mid-table once again next season.

Eddie Howe will likely be keen to keep hold of his midfielder, however. Full of praise, the Newcastle boss told reporters earlier this season: “We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”

With Champions League qualification still up for grabs courtesy of the Europa League, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star this summer.

Man Utd set for crucial Europa League final

After spending the current campaign closer to the relegation zone than the Premier League title, the thought of Manchester United qualifying for the Champions League seems absurd. But the Europa League has offered them more than just a slither of hope. By defeating Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, the Red Devils will have a place among Europe’s elite next season, having won the Europa League unbeaten this season.

Saving one of their best performances for the semi-final stage, Manchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final, leaving Ruben Amorim hopeful that a disastrous debut campaign could yet end with silverware.

That said, the former Sporting Club boss is well aware that even if his side win the Europa League, there’s still plenty of work to be done. He told reporters in the build-up to the semi-final: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results.

“That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title. So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing.”

The new Amrabat: Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd man who lost the ball 15x

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

6 ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025

With the transfer window now approaching, that aforementioned improvement could start as soon as this summer and with the potential arrival of a much-needed attacking star. Looking to solve their goalscoring problem once and for all, the Red Devils have reportedly turned their attention towards a Champions League finalist.

Man Utd join race for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now desperate to sign a striker, with PSG’s Goncalo Ramos on the radar in an attempt to end their goalscoring woes. Joining Arsenal, Aston Villa and others in the race to sign the PSG forward, those at Old Trafford could certainly do with the boost of Champions League qualification.

Whilst Ramos is not the first-choice striker under Luis Enrique, he has still had his moments of importance this season – scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Now, at 23 years old, the Portugal international is open to looking elsewhere for game time and towards the Premier League. And although he hasn’t been deemed good enough for Enrique at times, Ramos could provide Amorim with the perfect upgrade at Manchester United.

Starts

11

20

Goals

7

4

Assists

3

0

Expected Goals

11.7

3.8

A player dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in March, Ramos’ record of seven goals in 11 Ligue 1 starts proves that he’s ready for a permanent starting role elsewhere. In comparison to Rasmus Hojlund, the PSG forward would offer Amorim an instant improvement.

Manchester United and INEOS are now preparing an offer worth £40 million to sign a “brilliant” defensive addition this summer, according to a recent report.

Amorim hails United display at Bournemouth ahead of massive semi-final

The Red Devils played another relatively meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, and it looked as though they were going to be on the end of another defeat. However, a 90+6 minute equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund secured a point for United against 10-man AFC Bournemouth.

Amorim must surely drop 4/10 Man Utd dud who lost the ball every 4 touches

Manchester United managed to salvage a point away at AFC Bournemouth courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

It was a game that came right before United’s very important trip to Spain on Thursday, where they will play Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg. The game against the Cherries was not important in the sense of nothing being on it for United, but Ruben Amorim felt his side deserved the point and did have chances to win the game.

“I think we deserved it. In the first half, we suffered with their high-intensity press, but we created chances. We had quite similar chances near the box with a lot of shots,” Amorim told BBC Match of the Day.

“I think we deserved at least one point if you look at the game. If you look at our last games, it is always like this – we do something to help the opponent get an advantage. Then it is really hard to score goals, but the players did really well to get at least one point.

“We have the ability to push our opponents. There are small things I think we can do better. We need to understand these moments better, but if you look at the 20 minutes [after Evanilson’s red card], we had situations to score, which is really important.”

Man Utd preparing £40m bid for Inter star Denzel Dumfries

The Red Devils winning the Europa League would not only see them play in Europe’s biggest competition, but it could help them when it comes to their transfers this summer and getting players Amorim wants. According to Inter Live, Man United are now keen on signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer.

The report states that United are not just showing an interest but are willing to make a £40 million offer to sign Dumfries, along with a £60 million bid to sign Yann Bisseck in what would be a mega deal. It goes on to add that Giuseppe Marotta, who is chairman of Inter, is not against offers coming in for Dumfries, and he is preparing to evaluate everything. However, United are not alone in their pursuit of the defender, as Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to bring him to London.

The 29-year-old, who renewed his contract at Inter until the summer of 2028 earlier this season, has been a key player this season. Dumfries has played a total of 39 matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering three assists.

The Dutch international had missed the last few weeks of football with a hamstring injury but returned to play 27 minutes against AS Roma on Sunday afternoon. United’s interest in Dumfries is particularly intriguing given he rates very similarly to Patrick Dorgu according to FBRef’s statistical profiling, perhaps making him the ideal fit on the other flank.

Dumfries

Dorgu

Apps

26

29

Starts

19

28

Goals

6

3

Assists

2

1

Progressive carries

46

93

Progressive passes

47

74

Progressive runs

159

169

Tackles (Won)

25 (18)

68 (44)

Interceptions

6

21

Blocks

25

32

Unlike Dorgu however, Dumfries is a player who has been performing at the top level for a long time now, and back in 2022 BBC pundit Micah Richards labelled the defender “brilliant” for his World Cup performance against the United States.

“Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is. I just thought his whole game was brilliant. It was his timing of his runs… He didn’t sort of mix it up too much, but when he did, it was the right moments. Down this right-hand side, he was just breathless.”

Arsenal are preparing for a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 after defeating defending European champions Real Madrid.

The Gunners were 3-0 up from the first leg thanks to Declan Rice’s double and Mikel Merino’s strike, and sensationally won 2-1 at the Bernabeu after a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli.

Their reward is a tie against Paris Saint-Germain, with the winner heading to Munich to face either Barcelona or Inter.

The last week or so has seen Arsenal add to their prestigious list of memorable European nights, with their first-leg victory over Los Blancos arguably the greatest night the Emirates Stadium has ever seen.

With that in mind, here is a look at the best European matches in the club’s illustrious history.

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ByStephan Georgiou Apr 15, 2025 11 Roma 1-0 Arsenal (6-7 on penalties) 2008/09 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

After securing a 1-0 win at home, Arsenal went to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in 2009 hoping to finish the job without any major issues.

However, the Gunners fell behind pretty quickly, with Juan levelling the aggregate scoreline inside 10 minutes.

With no further goals on the night, a shootout was required, and despite Eduardo’s miss for the visitors, Manuel Almunia saved from Mirko Vucinic and Max Tonetto blazed over to send Arsene Wenger’s side through to the last eight.

10 Arsenal 2-0 Juventus 2005/06 Champions League, quarter-final first leg

Arsenal delivered one of their finest results in the Champions League when seeing off Juventus in the first leg of their quarter-final in 2006.

Buoyed by eliminating Real Madrid in the previous round, the home side went ahead through Cesc Fabregas, who slotted past Gianluigi Buffon just before the break.

Thierry Henry then scored against his former club to double Arsenal’s advantage and cap a magical night at Highbury, with the Old Lady held to a goalless draw in the second leg in Turin.

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ByBen Browning Feb 14, 2025 9 Arsenal 3-0 Anderlecht 1969/70 Fairs Cup, final second leg

It feels strange to put a final so low on this list, but 55 years on, Arsenal’s victory against Anderlecht in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup to secure their first European trophy would be worth a mention in any case.

Down 3-1 from the first leg, Ray Kennedy’s consolation in Belgium would set up a superb comeback at Highbury.

Eddie Kelly got the ball rolling in north London, before two goals in two minutes from John Radford and Jon Sammels handed the Gunners the trophy.

Bertie Mee’s side would go on to win the league and cup double the following season.

8 Arsenal 1-0 Porto (4-2 on penalties) 2023/24 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

Arsenal had been out of the Champions League for six seasons before their long-awaited return in 2023/24, with their wait for a quarter-final stretching back to 2010.

So when they went 1-0 down late on against Porto in the first leg, history looked like repeating itself, with Arsenal’s last seven Champions League campaigns ending at the last-16 stage.

Leandro Trossard put Mikel Arteta’s side in front on the night, but there were no more goals on a tense night in north London.

Thankfully, the Gunners were faultless from the spot, with David Raya’s save from first-leg hero Galeno sparking wild celebrations at the Emirates.

7 Milan 0-2 Arsenal 2007/08 Champions League, round of 16 second leg

Arsenal were underdogs heading into their clash in the San Siro to face reigning European champions Milan, but came away with one of their best results on the road in Europe.

A goalless draw at the Emirates meant a score draw would be enough to send the Gunners through without the need for extra time, but if anything, it looked as though another 0-0 was on its way.

Six minutes from time, Cesc Fabregas picked the ball up in the centre of the field and unleashed a shot from 30 yards, which somehow found the corner to all but seal the result for Arsenal.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored late on to put the icing on the cake.

6 Inter 1-5 Arsenal 2003/04 Champions League, group stage

Rather incredibly, Arsenal’s heroics against Milan may not even be their greatest in the San Siro.

While their victory over Inter was only in the 2003/04 group stage, it probably trumps their win over the Rossoneri for the fact that a win was vital, and that the scoreline remains stunning to this day.

Arsenal had a horrendous start to their group campaign, earning one point from their first three matches, and required a win in Milan to stay alive.

That meant beating a team that had thumped them 3-0 at Highbury just two months earlier.

Fortunately, Thierry Henry was in red-hot form, and hit a brace to help smash an Inter side that fell apart in the second half, with Freddie Ljungberg, Edu and Robert Pires all getting in on the act before the final whistle as Arsenal smashed their opponents on their way to winning Group B.

5 Arsenal 1-0 Parma 1993/94 Cup Winners' Cup final

Arsenal’s most recent European trophy was secured 31 years ago, when an unfancied Gunners side saw off favourites Parma in the Cup Winners’ Cup final in Copenhagen.

George Graham’s side, who were also without the suspended Ian Wright, took a surprise lead through Alan Smith’s volley in the first half.

Parma’s stars, including Gianfranco Zola, Faustino Asprilla and Tomas Brolin, had plenty of chances either side of Smith’s effort, but the defence remained resolute to bring the trophy home.

4 Villarreal 0-0 Arsenal 2005/06 Champions League, semi-final second leg

Arsenal were 90 minutes away from their first Champions League final after a 1-0 success in Highbury’s final European game against Villarreal.

The surprise package in the Champions League that season, Villarreal were hoping to overturn their deficit to set up an all-Spanish affair in the Paris finale.

And just when Arsenal looked like seeing it out, the hosts were awarded a soft penalty in the final moments, with extra time now looking like a certainty.

But Jens Lehmann had other ideas, diving to his left to keep Juan Roman Riquelme’s spot-kick out and send the Gunners through.

3 Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona 2010/11 Champions League, round of 16 first leg

While this tie eventually ended in controversial defeat, the first leg of Arsenal and Barcelona’s last-16 tie in February 2011 can still give fans goosebumps.

Led by Pep Guardiola, tournament favourites Barca took the lead through David Villa’s first-half finish, only for a late Gunners comeback to send the visitors home defeated.

Robin van Persie levelled an absorbing tie after catching out Victor Valdes at his near post, before an incisive breakaway saw Samir Nasri find Andrey Arshavin free in the box to slam home the winner.

2 Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid 2024/25 Champions League, quarter-final first leg

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal came of age when they came up against the European champions at the Emirates Stadium, with a second-half blitz seemingly putting the tie beyond their opponents.

A close tie exploded into life in the second half when Declan Rice curved a superb free-kick around the Madrid wall to draw first blood, before repeating the trick with an arguably better strike just minutes later.

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino then rounded off a super move to give Arsenal a golden chance of defeating their fancied opponents and make the semis for the first time in 16 years – a chance they didn’t pass up.

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Manchester United have submitted a £64 million bid to sign a “powerhouse” player ahead of interest from Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, according to a recent report.

Ruben Amorim responds to Gary Neville's criticism

The Red Devils played out a 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in what was a dull affair for a Manchester Derby. After the game, former United player and captain Gary Neville stated that United need as many as “five new signings” this summer to help Amorim.

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Man Utd played out a 0-0 draw against Man City

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Neville told Sky Sports: “I do understand why Ruben Amorim’s done that today, with the players he’s got, because he hasn’t got the players to adapt. They need five new players straight away before you even think about the rest of it.

“The three up front are not good enough, and the two wing-backs, they’re not good enough. They need five players. They need to serve him with five players who are good enough in this system to be able to play his system the way he wants.”

Then, speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim responded by stating that he knows Neville is “critical about everything”: “I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything. I understand that we are having the worst season in history.

“Manchester City won everything in the past, but this season they are struggling. So, we are not in the best of moments to give the best spectacle to fans. We are not fighting for the big things; it’s different.

“I understand the critical aspect of the players who played in this game in a different way because they were fighting every time for the titles. It’s a different context.”

Man Utd submit £64m bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres despite Arsenal green light

If – as Neville says – United need five new additions, INEOS could be working on one of those potential arrivals already. According to a report from Spain, Man United have made a £64 million bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

The report states that United have positioned themselves as one of the teams most interested in signing the Sweden international, but they face competition from Chelsea, as they have also tabled an offer for the striker. Both Premier League teams have made an offer worth 75 million euros, while the player himself has given the green light for Arsenal to sign him, although this report does not mention the Gunners making a bid.

The Red Devils will hope to have an edge in this race, as Amorim worked with Gyokeres at Sporting and seemed to get the very best out of him. United want to sign Gyokeres, who has been dubbed a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, as they believe he will be a huge uprgade on struggling stars Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Gyokeres

Hojlund

Apps

26

26

Starts

24

18

Goals

30

3

Goals per 90

1.24

0.17

Total shots

109

21

Shots per 90

4.51

1.22

Shots on target

60

9

Goals per shot

0.17

0.14

The potential arrival of Gyokeres at Old Trafford would surely spell the end for Hojlund, who, despite scoring against Leicester City before the international break, failed to make any significant impact in the Manchester Derby.

It is just three goals in 26 league games this season for Hojlund, who was subbed off on Sunday once again, and Amorim knows that if he has any chance of being a success, he needs to have a striker with a better success rate in front of goal, which Gyokeres has, given he’s got 30 goals in 26 league games.