Arsenal must beware the perils of anti-football after succumbing to Man United magic

Arsenal’s first home loss of the season came with a sense of poetic justice. Two outright worldies had proved the difference between another Gunners victory via set-piece debauchery and defeat. Anti-football was beaten by its antithesis: joga bonito.

“We gave them the goal,” Arteta, whose side were booed at the half-time whistle, lamented. “Errors are part of football, very unlike us, but we gave them the goal and hope, and that shifted the energy, because from then to half-time we really struggled.”

Chris Wilson29 January 2026 01:00

Cole Palmer ‘untouchable’ amid Man Utd links

Shock links with Man United emerged around Cole Palmer this week, with the Manchester-born forward reportedly homesick.

But The Telegraph claims Palmer is part of a new group of “untouchables” at Chelsea, along with skipper Reece James and midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace, boss Liam Rosenior was asked about Palmer and said: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very, very happy to be here.

“He’s a huge part of our plans in the long term. He’s an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their careers in terms of injury. I don’t think it’s any reflection on his qualities. He’s an outstanding footballer.”

Will Castle29 January 2026 00:00

What Keane and McCarthy’s absurd row in Saipan tells us about Irish identity and principles

For all the debate about the fictionalisation of a football event people feel intensely about, and how some figures are represented, there might be a considerable irony to the film Saipan. It may have revealed something new.

While it’s hard to say whether ‘spoilers’ can apply to real history, and one where people have argued about fine details for two decades, it is probably apt here. So consider this fair warning.

It is not just a spoiler that follows, but a detail that may change how people think about one of the biggest controversies in Irish sporting history, as well as the story of how Manchester United’s star captain somehow didn’t play at a World Cup he had been crucial to qualifying for – out of principle.

The film is about Roy Keane’s departure from the Ireland squad on the eve of the 2002 World Cup due to his enmity with manager Mick McCarthy… but there may well have been a twist.

Miguel Delaney28 January 2026 23:30

Tammy Abraham shirt number confirmed

Tammy Abraham will wear the number 18 for Aston Villa following his move from Besiktas, taking the same shirt he wore while on loan at the club from Chelsea in 2018/19.

Will Castle28 January 2026 23:00

Wilson likely to become free agent this summer

Fulham star Harry Wilson looks increasingly likely to become a free agent this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Several Premier League clubs are believed to have shown interest in the winger this month, with just six months left on his contract.

Fulham want to pen him down for the long-term future and have held talks about offering him an extension, but no agreement has been reached as of yet.

(PA Wire)

Will Castle28 January 2026 22:30

Adama Traore reveals how fictional football movie convinced him to join West Ham

Spain international Adama Traoré completed a move to West Ham United from fellow London club Fulham on Wednesday, revealing a film about his new team taught him about the passion of its supporters.

The 30-year-old winger stated: “I’ve been seeing West Ham for a long time. It’s a massive club, a massive fanbase. I’ve been watching since I was young, when I watched a film about West Ham. I know about the fans and how much passion they have.”

This cinematic reference is widely believed to be to the 2005 fictional drama Green Street, which explored the culture of football hooliganism in English football through a fan group associated with the London club.

Chris Wilson28 January 2026 22:00

Man United monitoring Rennes starlet

While Jeremy Jacquet is the name on everyone’s lips, Manchester United are looking further forward in Rennes’ ranks as they monitor striker Kader Meite.

According to Sky Sports, United are unlikely to move for the 18-year-old this window but see him as a possible future target.

United are tracking a variety of young prospects but are aware of the unique pressures the club’s environment brings, so want to be cautious with budding stars.

Will Castle28 January 2026 21:30

Chelsea face competition from Liverpool and Bayern for Jacquet

Chelsea had been linked with a January deal for Jeremy Jacquet to boost their centre-back depth.

But with a deal this month to sign the Rennes star seemingly unlikely, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also in negotiations over a summer deal for the centre-back.

The 20-year-old has featured for the France Under-21s and played 17 times in Ligue 1 this term.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Jack Rathborn28 January 2026 21:00

Paqueta given permission to undergo Flamengo medical

West Ham have given Lucas Paqueta permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo.

Paqueta’s turbulent spell in east London is close to coming to an end with a return to his homeland agreed for a fee understood to be around £35m.

The Hammers wanted the Brazil international to stay until the end of the season to help the club’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the 28-year-old was determined to leave.

A West Ham statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paqueta has been given permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer.

“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved – a situation that caused him significant mental strain.

“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave.

“Therefore, the head coach and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.

“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two-and-a-half years.”

(Getty Images)

Will Castle28 January 2026 20:30

Julian Alvarez ‘unhappy’ at Atletico as Arsenal learn price

Julian Alvarez continues to be of interest to Arsenal and Gary Lineker believes he would be a fantastic signing for the club.

Alvarez had scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side and would bring more firepower to the Gunners forward line.

ESPN reports the Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.

Alongside Arsenal, both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.

“I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.

“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.

“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”

(AFP/Getty)

Jack Rathborn 28 January 2026 20:00