Arsenal were unlucky to be beaten 1-0 by Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night, however, an awful showing by Leandro Trossard should see him dropped by Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners had Martin Odegaard back from injury, and would’ve headed to San Siro full of confidence.

Even the stats at the end of the game landed heavily in favour of the away side, yet they were still downed by a first-half injury-time penalty that Mikel Arteta didn’t necessarily agree with.

"He punches him in the head!" ??

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal should've been given a penalty for an incident involving Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Mikel Merino in the first-half

? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK | ? @julesbreach pic.twitter.com/Vc6hnlgAUR

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024

That spot-kick was Inter’s only shot on target in the entire game, but that’s one more than Leandro Trossard (rated at €35m by transfermarkt) made.

According to SofaScore, the striker played for 82 minutes of the match, gave possession away on eight separate occasions, and made only two key passes.

Mikel Arteta has to replace Leandro Trossard after dire showing

If Arteta genuinely believes that Arsenal can go deep into the premier European competition as well as being a contender for the Premier League title, then his strikers have to perform much, much better than that.

Arteta was actually asked recently how he would feel having a striker like Alexander Isak in his squad, and after Trossard’s abject failure against the Neroazzurri, the Spaniard will likely have to answer something similar again.

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As good a team as the Gunners are, they really lack a striker who is a virtual guarantee of goals and who lives for putting the ball in the back of the net.

Kai Havertz has improved no end under Arteta, but he’s more of a second striker or even an attacking midfielder, rather than a centre-forward.

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Gabriel Jesus clearly isn’t the player he once was, so the thought that should be foremost in Arteta’s mind this January is ‘what striker can I buy that will help fire me to one or more titles’?

In almost all other areas of the pitch, Arsenal are rock solid, so the odd tweak here and there could make all the difference.

The post No shots on target, possession lost eight times: Mikel Arteta needs to dump €35m-rated striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With their five goals against Red Star in the Champions League, Hansi Flick and Barcelona have set a new all-time record for the Catalan giants.

Ever since the German took charge of one of European football’s most storied teams, things have looked up for Barca.

A defeat against Monaco in the pre-season Gamper Trophy notwithstanding, or another by the same opponent in the Champions League as well as a league humbling by Osasuna, the Blaugranes have been in sensational form.

Hansi Flick has guided Barca to an all-time record after just 16 games

Teams such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been swept aside as Flick’s all-conquering side have been steamrollering through every game.

Despite it still being early in the 2024/25 season, the coach has players such as Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha playing at the top of their game.

As if to emphasise that point, Yamal has become the youngest El Clasico scorer this season, Lewandowski already has 18 goals in all competitions, and Raphinha’s 12 goals equal his total output from last season. Not to mention the Brazilian also has 10 assists.

Barcelona turn their attention to Liverpool as they hunt world-class ace. Find out who it is here!

Another five goals against Red Star took their total for the current campaign to 55 in just 16 matches, one more that previous all-time record holder, Ferdinand Daucik had with Barca’s 1950/51 side.

55 – @FCBarcelona has scored 55 goles in their first 16 games of a single season in all competitions for the first time in their history (overpassing 54 goals scored in 1950/51 under Ferdinand Daucik). Steamroller. ? pic.twitter.com/pacKtNf18h

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 6, 2024

Given that Barca are managing to boss almost every opponent whilst playing a high defensive line which can often be found right up on the halfway line, it makes Flick’s bravery all the more impressive.

The only question mark remaining even at this point is whether the Catalans can keep up their incessant dominance over the course of an entire season.

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If they’re able to be playing at or near their current level come March or April next year, then there’s some certainty to them being installed as favourites for the Champions League and La Liga.

Flick has form of course. The last time he landed the premier European trophy, he tore Barca apart 8-2 whilst in charge of Bayern Munich.

The post Barcelona are back: All-time best stat shows why Hansi Flick could land La Liga and Champions League double appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal star and TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown has stated that a UEFA penalty rule is “ruining our game” after a controversial decision in the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Inter.

Mikel Arteta’s men arrived in Italy needing a win as the North London club are in the midst of a bad run of form having failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches – with the absence of Martin Odegaard playing a big role in this.

The first half in the San Siro was very even between the two teams, however, the home side were awarded a controversial penalty towards the end of the opening 45 minutes in the eyes of English fans. Mikel Merino handled the ball in his own box after a flick-on hit him from very close range, which the referee declared a penalty.

In the Premier League, the proximity of the Arsenal star would have come into play but that is not the case in UEFA competitions, where a penalty is normally called once the ball hits a hand.

Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to slot the ball into the Gunners’ net and this did not go down well at halftime amongst the TNT Sports crew.

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Former Arsenal star Martin Keown says UEFA penalty rule is “ruining our game”

Speaking at halftime, Keown stated that the UEFA penalty rule is “ruining our game” as it left his former club with a lot of work to do during the second half at the San Siro.

“Is the ball in an unnatural position? It certainly isn’t,” the pundit said on TNT Sports before declaring decisions like this are “ruining our game”.

This is the rule in UEFA competitions and there was nothing controversial about the referee’s decision as a similar situation was also seen on Tuesday night during Man City’s clash with Sporting CP.

The English pundits simply didn’t like that it was against one of their teams and although the Premier League’s guidelines on this are fairer, it is not something that needs immediate changing.

? @martinkeown5: "It's ruining our game, to be honest!"
? @rioferdy5: "It's unfortunate the rules are different in different competitions…"

The Inter Milan penalty is a huge talking point at half-time ?

? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK | ? @laura_woodsy pic.twitter.com/lKEpzERbRh

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024

The post UEFA rule “ruining our game” admits fuming TNT pundit after controversial Arsenal penalty call appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inter Milan host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Simone Inzaghi’s side come into tonight’s fiercely anticipated matchup on an eight-game unbeaten run and will hope to improve on their eighth-placed position in the table.

Arsenal, on the other hand, although unbeaten in Europe and only one place behind the Nerazzurri in the table on seven points, are enduring a miserable spell.

Not only are the side winless in all of their last three Premier League games, but sporting director Edu recently announced his departure from the club, forcing uncertainty off the pitch, as well as on it.

Depending on what happens in the other fixtures tonight, a win for Inter could see them rise to as high as second.

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All three points for the Gunners could result in the same outcome, although a considerable win margin would be needed considering second-placed Sporting Lisbon’s superior goal difference.

Ahead of the exciting matchup, which is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. (UK time), both managers have named their starting lineups.

Inter Milan team news

Lautaro Martinez starts up front for Inter and captains the side. He is joined in attack by Mehdi Taremi and creative playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu.

Our 1??1???? for #InterArsenal ?
Forza Nerazzurri ?#ForzaInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/Ft4Foc0LYy

— Inter ?? (@Inter_en) November 6, 2024

Arsenal team news

The big news from Arsenal comes in the form of Martin Odegaard. The Norway international has made his long-awaited return from injury and has been deemed fit enough to make Mikel Arteta’s subs bench.

Declan Rice has made way after suffering a foot injury. Ben White returns to his usual right-back position with Thomas Partey moving back into midfield.

? ???????? ?

? White returns
© Saka skippers the side
? Odegaard back in the squad

Full focus for 90 minutes ?

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 6, 2024

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The post Inter Milan vs. Arsenal team news: No Declan Rice but Martin Odegaard returns appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The incredible start to the 2024/25 campaign continued for Liverpool on Tuesday night as Arne Slot’s team hammered Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield to remain perfect in this season’s Champions League. 

The German champions were expected to provide the Reds with a big test, however, Liverpool steamrolled the Bundesliga outfit in the second half courtesy of a Luis Diaz hattrick and a Cody Gakpo goal.

The Dutch forward’s goal played a pivotal role in the win as it gave the Premier League club a two-goal cushion and also kept momentum on their side.

Following the clash, former Liverpool star and pundit Neil Mellor spotted that this goal would not have happened had it not been for some incredible refereeing from Dutch official Danny Makkelie.

The linesman made an offside call against Bayer Leverkusen but noticing Liverpool starting a counter-attack, Makkelie allowed Slot’s men to continue playing which resulted in the Reds working the ball up the pitch to score.

It was a key moment in the match and this bit of officiating deserves to be applauded as fans don’t often give referees the respect they deserve when making brilliant calls such as this.

Massive credit to the referee last night… played a very good advantage instead of blowing for offside – Liverpool go straight down the other end and score the 2nd goal? #Ref #advantage #LFC #ChampionsLeague #ReviewShow pic.twitter.com/oNil0ua4O3

— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) November 6, 2024

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Liverpool continue to shine under Arne Slot

Last night’s victory for Liverpool sent them to the top of the Champions League table as the Merseyside club have won all four of their matches in the competition.

This is in addition to the Reds sitting in first place in the Premier League, which is beyond what every fan of the club would have expected following the departure of Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.

Slot’s start at Anfield is the best of any manager in the club’s history and given the struggles of Man City, Arsenal and Real Madrid so far this season, Liverpool cannot be ruled out of winning the major trophies, despite it being the Dutch coach’s first season.

The post Referee helped Liverpool beat Bayer Leverkusen says pundit, fans may have missed key moment appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool have continued their fine form with an impressive win against Bayer Leverkusen.

Returning to Anfield for the first time as a manager, former midfielder Xabi Alonso travelled to Merseyside with his Bayer Leverkusen squad looking to pull off an upset.

Another top-class performance from the home team made it virtually impossible for Alonso’s side to get into the game though.

Despite failing to score in the first half, Liverpool piled the pressure on in the second 45 minutes and ended up running out deserving 4-0 winners.

Arne Slot loved Luis Diaz’s first goal against Bayer Leverkusen

Luis Diaz netted a hat-trick with Cody Gakpo scoring the other. It was Diaz’s first that his manager loved the most though.

“He tried to blame someone else!” — Tim Sherwood was NOT happy with what this Aston Villa star  did against Spurs.

Finding himself in a one-on-one situation, the Columbia international calmly chipped the ball beyond opposition goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

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Slot loved the winger’s composure. The Dutchman, who was stood inside the Anfield technical area, was caught on camera giving a superb reaction to Diaz’s opening goal.

Check it out below with pictures from Amazon Prime.

? Arne Slot enjoyed Luis Diaz's delightful dink finish…#LFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/U1ahpSsq7o

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) November 5, 2024

Liverpool will now prepare to welcome Real Madrid to Anfield on the 27th November as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Champions League table.

The post Arne Slot’s touchline reaction proves Dutchman absolutely loved what Liverpool star did against Leverkusen appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool welcome Xabi Alonso back to Anfield tonight as Bayer Leverkusen prepare for a big European clash.

Arne Slot’s men are one of Europe’s most in-form teams and currently sit top of the Premier League.

Leverkusen are in equally good form having not lost since their 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig on the opening day of the Bundesliga.

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Both sides are unbeaten in Europe this season. Liverpool are joint top with Aston Villa on nine points, separated only by goal difference with Leverkusen in sixth spot with seven points.

Ahead of the exciting matchup, which is set to kick off at 8 p.m. (UK time), Slot and Alonso have named their starting lineups.

Liverpool lineup

The most notable omission for the Reds is left-back Andy Robertson, who has been dropped to the bench and replaced in Slot’s starting lineup by Greece international Konstantinos Tsimikas.

In addition to Tsimikas, midfielder Curtis Jones makes his first Champions League start of the season.

The Reds to take on Bayer Leverkusen ?? #UCL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 5, 2024

Bayer Leverkusen lineup

Leverkusen’s lineup is a familiar one.

Granit Xhaka will captain the side and be joined by Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz, who will be tasked with breaching Liverpool’s resolute defence.

Your Werkself in Liverpool tonight! ????#LIVB04 #UCL pic.twitter.com/Gwh05F4KQo

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) November 5, 2024

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The post Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen lineups: Andy Robertson dropped appeared first on CaughtOffside.

One of the standout matches from tonight’s Champions League action will see Real Madrid welcome AC Milan to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teams have serious European pedigree having won the competition a total of 22 times combined. The two giants will both be looking to make a statement tonight.

Neither team have excelled in Europe so far this season though. Los Blancos sit 12th on six points with Milan even further down in 25th with just three points following their single, and most recent, 3-1 victory over Club Brugge.

Knowing the impact three points would have on their league standings, both teams will be desperate to put in good performances as they look to establish themselves as contenders to reach the knockout rounds.

HOW MUCH?! — Check out the ridiculous contract Kyle Walker has been offered at Al-Ahli.

Ahead of the match, which is set to kick off at 8 p.m. (UK time), Carlo Ancelotti and Paulo Fonseca have named their starting lineups.

Real Madrid lineup

Ballon d’Or runner-up Vini Jr starts alongside Kylian Mbappe up front but at the expense of Rodrygo. The Brazilian had started in two of Madrid’s previous Champions League matches but has been dropped to the bench for tonight’s clash.

?? Our starting XI!
? @acmilan #UCL pic.twitter.com/892e9RoI9E

— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) November 5, 2024

AC Milan lineup

Elsewhere, the big talking point is Rafael Leao’s return to Fonseca’s starting lineup.

The Portuguese winger had been left out of three of his manager’s recent XI’s but returns to action tonight.

Your AC Milan starting 11 for a huge night at the Bernabéu ?#RealMilan #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/bWtiWW6kkF

— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 5, 2024

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The post Real Madrid vs. AC Milan lineups: Kylian Mbappe and Rafael Leao start, Rodrygo benched appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arne Slot’s in-form Liverpool side is set to welcome Xabi Alonso’s incumbent Bundesliga Champions League outfit Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield.

The Merseysiders currently top the Premier League table having only dropped points twice in the 2024/25 season.

Die Werkself find themselves fourth in the German top-flight trailing seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Sky Germany: Liverpool have already held talks with 21g/c Bundesliga monster and are considering signing him! Find out more on CaughtOffside!

How and where to watch Liverpool v Leverkusen in the Champions League

On TV: Coverage begins on Amazon Prime at 7 pm (the game will be streamed on Paramount+ in the US)

CaughtOffside preview: Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen

The Reds head into this tie fresh off the back of a confidence-inspiring 2-1 comeback win over Brighton at the weekend. Slot’s side has won six out of seven games on offer since the start of October, whilst sharing the spoils with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Leverkusen’s form has been less impressive of late; the club has secured three wins from seven fixtures since the start of October.

Notably, this will be the two European outfits’ first meeting in the Champions League since the 2004/05 campaign.

What time and place?

8 pm [GMT] in the UK / 12 pm [PT] & 3 pm [ET] in the US at Anfield, Liverpool.

Who is out injured/suspended?

Key players to keep an eye on?

Liverpool: Mo Salah (Sofascore average rating of 7.8 in the Champions League)

Bayer Leverkusen: Florian Wirtz (Sofascore average rating of 8.37 in the Champions League)

Head-to-head record?

The current 2024/25 Champions League table

Liverpool v Leverkusen predicted lineups and scorelines

Liverpool: Kelleher, Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Nunez, Salah

Leverkusen:  Hradecky, Tah, Hincapie, Tapsoba, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo, Hoffman, Wirtz, Frimpong, Boniface

Predicted scoreline: Liverpool 2 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen 

The post Liverpool v Leverkusen: Quick preview, injuries, predictions & where to watch appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

If Barcelona were euphoric after their thrashing of Bayern Munich, then you can only imagine the atmosphere after they did the same to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, only with a clean sheet. Los Blancos are still feeling the shockwaves.

Kylian Mbappe was the object of criticism after he was caught offside 8 times during the match, and Real Madrid 13. An impressive Barcelona dismantled their most bitter rivals in the second half, with a brace for Robert Lewandowski, and one each for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

The criticism over their performance was paliated by the Ballon d’Or fallout, which Real Madrid were panned for, but it has distracted from the Clasico. After finding out that Vinicius Junior would not be winning – and Rodri Hernandez would – President Florentino Perez decided none of their nominees would be going in protest, with all sorts of conspiracy theories fed to the Madrid press about why he hadn’t won it.

The perfect Barcelona footballer according to Pedri?

About 16.7% Luuk de Jong.pic.twitter.com/SG65PUKGCV

— Football España (@footballespana_) October 31, 2024

A move derided globally, with Hollywood actor Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn from Lord of the Rings) even writing a letter into Spain’s biggest paper to call them embarrassing. The consequences of the Clasico will be felt further into the future though. Aurelien Tchouameni has lost his standing at the club, and Liverpool fans will be pleased to know Real Madrid are now open to offers for him. The answer is Rodri Hernandez, but Manchester City are working on a deal for him.

Barring a dramatic turnaround, it may well have been Carlo Ancelotti’s last Clasico at the Bernabeu too. While Los Blancos have no plans to remove him during the season, those at the club say he will be moved up stairs to make way for Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso in the summer of 2025. At the centre of the drama, it has also emerged that Vinicius Junior has passed on contract talks with Real Madrid in recent months.

"Is Mr. Sergio Ramos really a good guy? He is not my favourite player. The [Salah] action was brutal. Of course, he can't know it's going to hurt his shoulder, but we all know he accepted it very happily. I could never understand that mentality, I never had players like that and,… pic.twitter.com/em5yXNtADr

— Football España (@footballespana_) October 31, 2024

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone is under fire again after they lost their unbeaten run in La Liga to Real Betis, and are now 10 points behind Barcelona. Sevilla are looking at Ansu Fati as an option for January, while Girona and Real Sociedad are keen on Eric Garcia, two members of the Barcelona squad who are not destroying everything in front of them.

Problems are never too far down the line though for the Catalan giants. The lack of a new sponsorship deal with Nike is making life difficult, and they need to register Dani Olmo in January – so far he has only be registered until then because of an emergency injury rule. If they cannot find a way to raise finances, then they will need to consider sales.

On a more serious note, the brutal ‘cold drop’ storm in the region of Valencia has caused chaos and flooding, resulting in 160 dead at the time of writing. Three days of mourning have been declared by the regional government, and all of the football in the region has been cancelled, including Real Madrid’s trip to Mestalla this weekend.

The post Inside Spain: Ballon d’Or fallout, a Hollywood takedown and Real Madrid consequences appeared first on CaughtOffside.