Sports

Declan Rice offers Mikel Arteta ‘Plan B’ in hope of avoiding fresh title collapse

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2023

It is a measure of Arsenal’s success in this season’s Champions League that their trip to Eindhoven was such a strange one. Mikel Arteta’s side required only five games to guarantee top spot in Group B, which meant that their sixth was little more than a chance for the Arsenal manager to experiment with his side.

A glorified training session? Perhaps. But that does not mean it was not worthwhile. Arteta used it as an opportunity to provide opportunities to the fringe players in his squad, to see who might propel themselves into contention. He also used it to try something new: Declan Rice, the £105 million midfielder, played most of the second half in the centre of defence.

Rice has played at the back before, in his early days at West Ham United. A long time has passed since then, though, and he is certainly not considered a defender any more.

Perhaps it was an indication, then, of Arteta’s Plan B – which we might also refer to as the ‘no-Saliba plan’. The loss of William Saliba to injury last season proved fatal to Arsenal’s title hopes. Is it possible that, if such a situation were to happen again, Rice would be the man to step in?

“We have to try,” said Arteta. “If we have an emergency we have to understand and be sure we can fill that gap in the right way. He has a lot of composure on the ball, he wins a lot of duels and he has done it in the past. He is a good option.”

Abuja Reports

ASP Justina Amah Emerges Star Performer, Wins Gold, Silver, Bronze

Published

1 month ago

March 12, 2026

Editor

By Samson Adeyanju

ASP Justina Amah of the Nigeria Police Force has emerged as the star performer at the February 2026 Delta Police Games, clinching a gold medal, a silver, and a bronze, further cementing her reputation as one of the Force’s top athletes.

Hailing from Ozalla in Igboetiti LGA, Enugu State, ASP Amah has consistently elevated the Nigeria Police Force through her sporting prowess.

Over the years, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including 8 gold in Karate, 4 gold in other sports, 8 silver, and 8 bronze, showcasing her versatility and dedication.

Beyond her achievements on the field, ASP Justina is widely recognized for her discipline and professionalism.

In 2023, she was honoured as the Ica & Sons Books Most Disciplined Police Woman in Camp, reflecting her exemplary conduct both on duty and in her community.

Observers and colleagues have called for her to receive special recognition and promotion, noting that her accomplishments not only bring glory to the Police Force but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and officers nationwide.

ASP Justina Amah’s journey highlights the power of talent, commitment, and perseverance in achieving excellence.

News

Arsenal Stay Top as Liverpool Hit Five in Premier League Showdowns

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

Editor

By Samuel Adeola

Arsenal maintained their grip at the top of the Premier League with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a tense London derby.

The Gunners showed composure under pressure to secure all three points and keep their title ambitions firmly on track.

Manchester City remain in close pursuit after edging Leeds United 1-0 away from home. The narrow win keeps City within touching distance as the title race intensifies.

At Anfield, Liverpool delivered the standout performance of the weekend, thrashing West Ham 5-2 in a ruthless attacking display. The emphatic result strengthens Liverpool’s push for a Champions League place.

Elsewhere, Manchester United boosted their European hopes with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Everton stunned Newcastle 3-2 in a dramatic encounter, while Brentford edged Burnley 4-3 in a seven goal thriller.

Brighton secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest and Fulham defeated Tottenham 2 1. Bournemouth and Sunderland shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

With Arsenal leading and City close behind, the title race remains wide open, while the battle for European places continues to gather pace.

News

Champions League Round of 16 Draw Produces Heavyweight Clashes

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

By Samuel Adeola

The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has produced blockbuster fixtures as Europe’s elite begin their knockout push toward Budapest 2026.

Among the standout ties, Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea, while Real Madrid renew their rivalry with Manchester City in what is billed as the clash of the round.

Elsewhere, Galatasaray take on Liverpool, and Atalanta meet Bayern Munich.

Other fixtures see Newcastle United against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid versus Tottenham Hotspur, Bodø/Glimt against Sporting CP, and Bayer Leverkusen facing Arsenal.

The ties will be played over two legs in March, with winners advancing to the quarter-finals.