Former Premier League goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop, has claimed Arsenal have the strongest squad and will win the title. The Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday took them up to 49 points after 21 matches. Mikel Arteta’s men occupy top spot, with six more points than both Manchester City and Aston Villa. Arsenal, who have not won the title in almost 22 years ago, are looking to go....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Antoine Semenyo said Friday that he wants to “rewrite history again” at Manchester City after joining from Bournemouth for a reported fee of £65 million ($87 million).....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The 26-year-old, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad and will be a major addition to their attacking arsenal.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham were also interested in the London-born Ghana international, who had a buyout clause that was understood to expire on Saturday.

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The widely trailed transfer is the first major move by Premier League clubs in the January window.

“I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup,” said Semenyo.

“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep.”

The winger said he wanted to be part of City’s rebuild after a barren season last year and the departure of a number of senior players.

“I feel I’m improving but there are so many young players here who I think will be top players,” he said.

“I want to be part of that, and I want to rewrite history again.”

His final act after three years with Bournemouth was scoring a spectacular stoppage-time winner in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory against Tottenham.

City, dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool last season, have signed Semenyo to boost their challenge for silverware on four fronts in 2026.

Guardiola’s men trail Arsenal by six points at the top of the Premier League and are still involved in the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.

City’s options in wide areas are currently limited, with Savinho out injured and Omar Marmoush representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
– Meteoric rise –

Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being shipped out on loan multiple times by Bristol City early in his career.

He eventually earned his move to the Premier League in 2023 and has blossomed into one of the most potent wingers in the top division under Andoni Iraola.

Guardiola confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Semenyo would be in his squad for City’s FA Cup clash with third-tier Exeter on Saturday.

“Everybody knows the qualities (he has) — he was playing extraordinarily at Bournemouth in the last few years and can play both sides,” said the City boss.

“He’s the perfect age, the best years are to come, all the clubs try to bring in young players but he will make his career and best years here.”

City are also in the market to boost their defensive options after losing Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injuries.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is reportedly their prime target.

Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday night, January 9, with a composed 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Morocco’s win brought an end to the Indomitable Lions’ AFCON 2025 campaign and set up a potential heavyweight clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The quarter-final clash played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw the hosts take control early. A first-half header from Brahim Díaz and a second-half finish by Ismael Saibari sealed the result in front of a lively home crowd.

Morocco struck the decisive opening blow in the 26th minute. Díaz rose unmarked inside the box to glance home a header after a precise delivery from Ayoub El Kaabi, silencing Cameroon’s early momentum and giving the Atlas Lions a deserved lead.

Cameroon attempted to respond with greater urgency after the break, but clear chances proved hard to come by. Their evening was further complicated by injuries and a flurry of substitutions as they searched for inspiration. Despite enjoying spells of possession, the Indomitable Lions failed to register a single shot on target.

Morocco made their depth count midway through the second half. Fresh legs were introduced by coach Walid Regragui, including Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat, as the hosts looked to kill off the tie.

The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Saibari doubled the lead, calmly finishing after being teed up by Nayef Aguerd to put the result beyond doubt.

From that point on, Morocco managed the game with maturity, slowing the pace and soaking up Cameroon’s late pressure. Substitutions late on, including the withdrawal of Díaz to warm applause, allowed the hosts to see out the closing minutes without alarm.

The victory means Morocco now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they could face the Super Eagles of Nigeria. That meeting will depend on the outcome of Saturday’s quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria on January 10.

Should the Super Eagles progress, they will meet the tournament hosts on Wednesday, January 14, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of AFCON 2025.