Monthly Archives: January 2025

NEWS, SPORT

Football Chelsea Dominates at Selhurst Park but is Held to a Draw

Selhurst Park, known for its intimidating atmosphere, did not faze Chelsea, who have often shone on this ground. However, this time they had to settle for a draw against Crystal Palace. Here’s a recap of an emotional match.

Photos : FC Chelsea/ Crystal Palace/DR

A thunderous start

From the very first minutes of the match, Chelsea showed their intent to maintain their dominance at Selhurst Park. Less than 15 minutes after kickoff, Cole Palmer opened the scoring with a brilliant feint by Jadon Sancho, leaving several Palace defenders in the dust. Despite a few incursions by Crystal Palace into the Blues’ box, Chelsea largely controlled the game. With a bit more luck and precision in attack, the Blues could have headed into the tunnels with a more comfortable lead.

Crystal Palace’s comeback

In the second half, Crystal Palace managed to level the playing field. Eberechi Eze and Daniel Muñoz stood out by creating and finishing chances for the home team. Their efforts finally paid off when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the back of the net, on a play initiated by Muñoz and assisted by Eze.

A bitter draw for Chelsea

Photos : FC Chelsea/ Crystal Palace/DR

Despite their clear dominance, Chelsea failed to maintain their lead and had to settle for a draw. This result, though disappointing for the Blues, highlights the resilience of Crystal Palace and the importance of staying vigilant until the final whistle. Chelsea will need to learn from this match to continue performing in an always competitive league.

Photos : FC Chelsea/ Crystal Palace/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Football Arsenal trapped by Brighton: An unexpected setback

Arsenal, seeking points to catch up with Liverpool, was held to a draw by a determined Brighton team. Here’s a detailed look at a match full of twists and turns.

A promising start for Arsenal

On Saturday, during the 20th round of the Premier League, Arsenal traveled to Brighton’s pitch with the ambition of extending their nine-match unbeaten streak. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, started the match ideally. In the 16th minute, young talent Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring with a left-footed shot, marking his second goal of the season. This goal made him the sixth player in history to score more than one goal in the Premier League before turning 18, joining prestigious names like Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Brighton’s comeback

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brighton/DR

However, the second half saw Brighton return with much more offensive intentions. In the 61st minute, an unusual foul by William Saliba in the box awarded Brighton a penalty. Joao Pedro, the victim of the foul, confidently converted the penalty, bringing the teams level. This goal energized Brighton and put Arsenal under pressure.

Tension at the end of the match

Despite the efforts of Declan Rice and his teammates to regain the lead, Arsenal lacked precision in the final touch. The spaces left open by the Gunners on the counter allowed Brighton to remain dangerous until the final whistle. The score remained unchanged, and Arsenal had to settle for a draw.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brighton/DR

Implications for the title race

This draw, while maintaining Arsenal’s unbeaten streak, represents a missed opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool, the current league leaders. With two games in hand, the Reds now have the chance to widen the gap at the top of the table.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brighton/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Football Arsenal overcomes Brentford and secures second place

With goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal turned the game around against Brentford (3-1) on Wednesday evening at the Gtech Community Stadium, during the 19th round of the Premier League. This victory solidifies the Gunners’ second place behind Liverpool.

A festive football clash

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brendford//DR

During this festive period, the Premier League continues to deliver exciting matches. On Wednesday evening, Arsenal faced Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium for the 19th round. The Bees, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relied on Mark Flekken in goal, with a defense consisting of Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Keane Lewis-Potter. In midfield, Vitaly Janelt and Christian Norgaard formed the central duo, while Yegor Yarmoliuk, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Yoane Wissa supported Bryan Mbeumo in attack. The Gunners, on the other hand, played in a 4-3-3 formation with David Raya in goal, protected by Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori. The midfield was managed by Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, and Martin Odegaard, while Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, and Gabriel Martinelli formed the attacking trio.

Electrifying start

The match quickly gained intensity. In the 13th minute, Mikkel Damsgaard perfectly set up Bryan Mbeumo on the right side of the box. Mbeumo outmaneuvered Riccardo Calafiori and unleashed a cross-shot that beat David Raya (1-0). Brentford took the lead, immediately putting pressure on Arsenal. The Gunners tried to respond with a double chance: from a Martin Ødegaard free-kick, Thomas Partey’s shot was blocked, then Ethan Nwaneri’s follow-up was cleared off the line by Keane Lewis-Potter (27th minute). Brentford nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but David Raya saved a shot from Keane Lewis-Potter (28th minute). Just before halftime, Arsenal equalized through Gabriel Jesus, who headed in a rebound from a Thomas Partey shot (29th minute, 1-1).

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brendford//DR

Arsenal takes control

In the second half, Arsenal quickly took the lead. From an Ethan Nwaneri corner, Mark Flekken’s punch fell to Gabriel Jesus, whose shot was blocked. Mikel Merino followed up and scored, putting the Gunners ahead (50th minute, 1-2). Minutes later, Ethan Nwaneri crossed from the right, and after a poor clearance by Nathan Collins, Gabriel Martinelli finished to make it 3-1 (53rd minute). Arsenal then controlled the game, dominating possession and preventing Brentford from creating any significant threats.

Crucial victory

With this win, Arsenal moves back ahead of Nottingham Forest and secures second place behind Liverpool. Brentford remains mid-table in 12th place. The Gunners will travel to Brighton next weekend, while Brentford will face Southampton in the 20th round of the Premier League.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Brendford//DR