LONDON: The battle for the English Premier League (EPL) title reaches its climax when Manchester City face leaders Arsenal in a mega clash at the Etihad, this Sunday night.

Chelsea are also desperate for a win over Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot, while Liverpool are looking for a comeback against their Merseyside neighbours.

Arsenal need to bounce back at the crucial moment

Declan Rice is unconcerned by criticism of Arsenal’s slump in form, but admits they need to improve in their potentially title-deciding clash against Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to the Etihad with a six-point lead over City as they chase a first league title since 2004.

Arsenal’s performance has declined recently when they lost the League Cup final to City, were eliminated in the FA Cup quarter-finals by Southampton and were shocked by Bournemouth in the league.

In fact, advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions League was also unconvincing when they only drew goalless before winning 1-0 on aggregate over Sporting Lisbon.

Arsenal have won just once in their last five games in all competitions, while City are on a roll after beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three games.

“There’s no excuse, we need to do better than we did against Bournemouth and maybe Sporting,” Rice said.

“We made too many mistakes. The Etihad is a real test, but this is why we play football.

“It’s exciting. I can’t wait. This is a big game that decides the championship and everything depends on whether you are really ready.”

Chelsea meets Manchester United

Chelsea are currently in a difficult situation after winning just once in their last seven league matches.

The sixth-placed team managed by Liam Rosenior cannot afford to drop points when they face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, early this Sunday morning.

They are seven points behind United in third place and four points behind Liverpool in fifth place with six games remaining.

A defeat to United would hurt Chelsea’s chances of reaching the Champions League and increase the pressure on Rosenior after his team were jeered by fans following their 3-0 defeat to City last week.

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos said the team is aware of the fans’ disappointment and is determined to bounce back.

“We understand the fans are disappointed. We are disappointed too. Chelsea should have won the game, but we didn’t.

“It’s a difficult time but we have to keep working hard. We believe we can still qualify for the Champions League.”

Liverpool seek comeback against Everton

Liverpool, who were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, now want to bounce back when they meet Everton at the Dickinson Hill Stadium, this Sunday night.

Arne Slot’s team lost 0-4 on aggregate to PSG, increasing the pressure on the manager.

Slot also received a blow when French striker Hugo Ekitike was confirmed to miss the rest of the season due to a heel injury.

However, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch believes a victory in the clash between the neighbours can restore the fans’ confidence and strengthen their chances of reaching the Champions League.

“We need to bounce back because Sunday’s match is waiting.

“We want to play in the Champions League next season, so we have to give everything.”

MADRID: Jurgen Klopp has reportedly reached an agreement with Real Madrid to become their new manager.

Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2024-25 season citing fatigue after eight seasons at Anfield, where he won five major trophies including the Champions League and the Premier League.

He previously insisted that he would not manage another club in England after retiring and stated that he would most likely not return to coach any team.

Now, Klopp holds the position of Global Head of Red Bull Football and still insists that he is happy with his life outside the world of coaching.

The 58-year-old has been frequently linked with a move to Real Madrid since Xabi Alonso was sacked in January and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, who has yet to fully convince as manager.

Speaking to Peter Crouch on the former Liverpool striker’s latest podcast, Klopp once again reiterated his stance when asked about the possibility of retirement.

“No, no, no. I think I have to say not yet because I still have time – since I heard Roy Hodgson is back.

“Right now, nothing. I love what I do. I’m a busy person, and that’s good because I’m not good at doing nothing.

“I can enjoy time with my family, free time, holidays, but still work. At the moment, I don’t miss anything (about being a manager),” said Klopp.

However, according to Spanish journalist Angel Torquemada, there was an “agreement” between Klopp and Anas Laghrari, a close advisor to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, to bring Klopp to the club.

After insisting that his source was very reliable, Torquemada said: “The agreement already had certain foundations, including the conditions and demands requested by the German coach. It involved the inclusion of two quality defenders, two quality midfielders, as well as Erling Haaland.”

Reports from Spain also suggest Klopp wants to be given the same level of power as he enjoyed at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

“He greatly admires Real Madrid, but if he is not allowed to work with complete freedom, he would rather choose another project,” the report said.

LONDON: Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta described the 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth today as a ‘pretty big blow’ while urging his players to bounce back as their Premier League (EPL) title challenge begins to falter.

Junior Kroupi put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute before Viktor Gyokeres revived Arsenal with a penalty in a difficult match.

But Alex Scott put Bournemouth back in front in the 74th minute, and Arsenal failed to find an equalizer and lost at home for the second time this season.

The Gunners still hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Manchester City with six games remaining, but Pep Guardiola’s side are now back in the title race with two games in hand.

The two teams are scheduled to meet at the Etihad next week in a match that could potentially be a championship decider.

“This is a big slap in the face, that’s what I told the players. Now we have to see how we respond.

“We were far from the real performance we usually show, especially in some critical parts when facing a team like Bournemouth who are very clear with their game.”

“But I don’t want to criticize any player publicly,” Arteta said.

Arsenal, who were on course to win the quadruple just a few weeks ago, have now suffered three consecutive defeats in domestic competition.

They are still considered favourites to win their first league title since 2004, despite finishing second in three consecutive seasons.

MANCHESTER: Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Jose Mourinho could lead the club to greater heights if he returns to Old Trafford.

According to Butt, the Portuguese manager still has the magic touch, even though the club’s modern management approach is different than before.

“I will bring him back. He is a winner and can take the club.

“But the upper management will not allow it because they now prefer managers who focus only on coaching rather than controlling player transfer matters,” said Butt.

Michael Carrick is currently acting as caretaker manager at Old Trafford and will be considered for a permanent position at the end of the season after showing impressive performances.

Carrick managed to lead Manchester United to third place in the league, with only a poor finish thwarting their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

At the same time, Butt also suggested that former club academy player James Garner be recalled after showing excellent performances with Everton.

“He’s been incredible this season. He’s got everything – he can pass the ball, defend, tackle and run.

“He is indeed worthy and should be in the squad for the World Cup,” he said.

Manchester United are scheduled to face Leeds United on April 13, before crucial matches against Chelsea and traditional rivals Liverpool in the battle for a Champions League spot.

LIVERPOOL, England: Arne Slot hopes Mohamed Salah can end his legacy with Liverpool with glory when he describes the Egyptian star as a “legend” of the club’s life.

Salah announced last week that he would leave the English Premier League (EPL) champions at the end of this season after nine years and scoring 255 goals with the Reds so far.

The 33-year-old previously clashed with Slot in December when he claimed he had “no relationship” with the Dutchman after being dropped for three consecutive matches.

However, since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Salah has once again become the main choice in Liverpool’s difficult campaign this season.

Slot’s squad is currently fifth in the EPL and faces a tough challenge to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

However, the former Feyenoord coach still hopes to finish the season with a bang in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Liverpool will travel to Manchester City for the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday and face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight of Europe.

“Hopefully he can make his legacy even more special in the weeks and months to come as we fight for something bigger, but he will leave this club as a legend,” he told Liverpool’s website.

“Showing desire every three days, professionalism, commitment to the club and the team, always wanting to score goals and play… that’s what stands out to me the most.”

Slot’s attacking options have also been affected by the absence of Alexander Isak for most of the season, with the Swedish striker suffering from a broken leg since September after joining the club for a British transfer record of £125 million.

Isak is expected to return to training after more than three months of rest and will also receive a boost of motivation after Sweden successfully qualified for the World Cup this week.

“I think Alex is in very good shape because Sweden qualified for the World Cup last night and he will also be back training with the team for the first time tomorrow,” Slot stressed.

“Of course it’s the first session after three or four months, but we’re happy he’s back because we know the quality he has, he’s an incredible striker.”