Sports

John Terry Defends Arsenal Amid ‘Cheating’ Accusations From John Obi Mikel

Published

4 months ago

March 14, 2026

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John Terry has spoken out amid criticism of Arsenal and their behaviour at set-pieces.

The Gunners are flying high at the top of the Premier League, but many have slammed them for their style of play. Mikel Arteta’s side are exceptionally strong at set-pieces, having scored more from those situations than any team in the Premier League.

However, they’ve come under fire for their behaviour at set-pieces, with some accusing them of going too far in terms of grappling inside the box.

Alan Pardew is one pundit who has been critical of Arsenal, saying that ‘there’ll be an asterisk next to their name’ if they go on to win the Premier League title. He told talkSPORT:

“They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line. At the moment it looks like Arsenal are going to see it through. There’ll be an asterisk next to their name because you’ve only got to look at them really in these type of performances and say it’s just a functional display.

“It’s a professional, functional display. They’re good, they’re strong, they’re powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That’s the truth.”

John Obi Mikel Tears Into Arsenal

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has also slammed Arsenal in a scathing rant. The Nigerian midfielder has accused Arsenal of ‘cheating’ due to the way they act from set-pieces.

He said: “We [Chelsea] used to park the bus, yes, but we won legally. When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely on corner kicks.

“You have spent almost a billion, Mikel Arteta, almost a billion. And you’re telling me the only way you can win games is through corner kicks? It’s ridiculous.”

“For me, everytime I watch them during the corner kicks, during set pieces, what they do during set pieces, for me, it’s illegal. You can’t do that.

“First of all, they’re impeding the goalkeeper and now they start holding players. When you hold a player, when you impede a player jumping.

“I watched the game against Chelsea when they played against us. Declan Rice was grabbing the left-back, he was holding him so he couldn’t jump. How can the referee not see that? Even if the ball goes in, how can VAR not see that?

“And for me, the PGMOL, they need to come out and they need to straight away stop this because if they don’t stop this, a whole bunch of teams are going to start doing it. And for me, it’s illegal. So that is what I mean, that Arsenal are trying to cheat their way to winning the Premier League.”

John Terry Defends Arsenal Amid Criticism

Terry has now had his say on Arsenal and their antics from set-pieces. The 45-year-old disagrees with his former Chelsea teammate’s claims and defended Arsenal. Taking to TikTok, he said:

“I just want to talk set plays and set piece coaches as we’ve been hearing a lot about in recent weeks. There’s been a lot of rubbish said about Arsenal and there being an asterisk next to them if they go on to win the title, which is absolutely ridiculous. They’ve been the best team by far, and also from set-pieces they’re the best by far.

“So they’re very well drilled. The set-piece coach deserves a lot of credit, as does Mikel Arteta but the players have a big responsibility as well to do it on the pitch. The set-piece coach plays a role in identifying the gaps, so a front post space, or a back post space, but ultimately the players need to make a decision.

“You have to feel those big game moments as well. We got one of our best and most famous goals in Chelsea history when Didier (Drogba) scored from a Juan Mata corner in the Champions League final.”

He added: “So the importance is vital and players [have] to stick to those roles and responsibilities as well. But sometimes, and only sometimes, you have to make those decisions and also change your run or use someone to get yourself in between the ball and stop yourself getting marked so tight. Just to give you a little half-yard advantage on these set plays.”

Sports

English FA May Appeal Jarell Quansah’s Red Card vs Mexico

Published

11 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

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FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card could prompt England to appeal Jarell Quansah’s sending-off in the win over Mexico.

Quansah was dismissed in the 54th minute of the Three Lions’ famous victory over the Mexicans at the Azteca. The former Liverpool defender slid in to win the ball but unintentionally left his studs on Mexican left-back Jesus Gallardo.

Thomas Tuchel slammed the officiating during the game including VAR’s decision to intervene and send referee Alireza Faghani to the pitchside monitor. The German’s frustrations appear to be shared by the FA.

FA Consider Appealing Quansah Red Card

Jarell Quansah (England) after red card vs Mexico

According to Sky Sports, the FA are considering an appeal against Quansah’s red card, although no decision has been made. They are weighing up all options ahead of England’s quarter-final clash with Norway on Saturday.

The incident occurred after the Three Lions were 2-1 ahead following Jude Bellingham’s first-half brace. Julian Quinones equalised on the stroke of half-time before Tuchel’s men were reduced to ten men early in the second half.

England were awarded a penalty after Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought Anthony Gordon down in the box. Harry Kane put his side 3-1 up from the spot, but more controversy took hold in the 69th minute.

Mexico were awarded a penalty, which Raul Jimenez tucked away to ignite a chaotic finish to the game. Tuchel’s troops held on and secured a huge win in an all-time classic at the Azteca.

What Tuchel Said

Tuchel celebrated the victory with his players before speaking to the media and ripping into the officiating. The German hit out at the two VAR calls that saw Quansah sent off and Mexico awarded a penalty when Brian Gutierrez went down under a challenge from Kane.

The England boss told BBC Sport:

“It’s just not good enough. Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough. It’s the bottom line. Is this a clear and obvious mistake for the [Mexico] penalty? For sure not, but VAR gets involved. They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. Not good enough.”

Sports

Man Utd Withdraw from Race for Mexican Teenager Gilberto Mora

Published

27 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

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Manchester United have pulled out of yet another race during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have been in the market for a host of different players over the last few weeks, but they have been struggling to get deals over the line.

Elliot Anderson recently signed for Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes joined Tottenham Hotspur, and they were two key targets for the Manchester club.

The lack of signings could be a concern for United supporters, especially as they are losing out to some of their rival clubs.

Missing out on signings to a club like Tottenham, with all due respect, will be a huge blow for United. Spurs are without any European football this season, but players are still picking Tottenham over them, perhaps due to financial reasons.

Man Utd’s Next ‘Priority’ is £80m Midfielder Who Dominated Declan Rice

Michael Carrick is hoping to land a hybrid midfielder this summer

Man Utd withdraw from race

According to a report from Team Talk, Manchester United have now withdrawn from the race to sign Mexican youngster Gilberto Mora in the summer transfer window.

A number of clubs are showing an interest in the 17-year-old star this summer, and United have reportedly been tracking him for six months.

The report claims that United have withdrawn from entering the bidding due to the potential cost of a deal and the level of interest from other clubs.

It’s claimed that the valuation of Mora is set to exceed £34m, but with clubs such as Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Ajax, Manchester City, and Arsenal all linked with a move, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that value increase.

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England World Cup Quiz

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Man Utd need to get a move on

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

As mentioned, United supporters must be getting frustrated with the lack of business they’ve been doing over the last few weeks.

Missing out on key targets is a huge blow, and they need to get deals over the line if they want to compete on all fronts next season.

The Manchester club qualified for Champions League football, meaning they need a deeper and more competitive squad in order to flourish.

With Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious injury, United undoubtedly need to bring in new midfielders in the coming weeks and months.

Sports

Man Utd Hold Talks to Seal £100m Double Deal for Tyler Adams and Andrey Santos

Published

50 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

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Manchester United are stepping up their interest in strengthening their midfield options this summer, with Jason Wilcox leading the charge.

The Red Devils missed out on top targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes this summer, with the Englishman moving to Man City for £116m, while the Portuguese star joined Tottenham Hotspur for £85m too, after United refused to match those prices.

That has led the club to begin looking at potential alternative options, and it has now emerged that they are in talks about a £100m double deal for MIchael Carrick’s side.

Man Utd In Talks for £100m Double Midfield Signing

According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd are eyeing up a deal to sign Chelsea star Andrey Santos this summer after missing out on Fernandes and Anderson.

The Brazil international enjoyed a phenomenal season on loan with Strasbourg in 2024/25, but struggled for regular first-team minutes at Chelsea last season as he found himself behind Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and even Reece James in the midfield pecking order.

United have held talks with the player’s reps about a potential move to Old Trafford, and it’s understood that Chelsea are open to allowing him to leave for a fee of around £50m.

Alongside Santos, though, Man Utd are also eyeing another midfielder signing, and it has emerged that Bournemouth star Tyler Adams has emerged as a serious target for the club.

The American was brought up in talks between the clubs as United expressed an interest in Alex Scott, and have been informed that the Cherries would be open to a sale for around £50m.

United like his leadership and defensive qualities, and their data-led approach has seen him figure high up on their shortlist of targets.

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England World Cup Quiz

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out of 20

Man Utd Targets Are Underwhelming

United have made it abundantly clear that they want to rebuild their midfield this summer, and that has led to inflated prices when it comes to them finding targets.

Santos is top young talent who has been on the shortlist at Old Trafford for a while, and with Ederson already arriving too, despite reports the deal has collapsed, there is plenty of defensive quality there.

That should see the next midfield signing be on the more offensive side of things, but Adams would be adding even more defensive qualities to a side that needs to be able to progress play forward and have cover for Kobbie Mainoo.

Fans are underwhelmed by the latest round of links after missing out on their top targets, and it makes sense. United must find a way to get the right deals over the line, not just any midfield signings, if they want to get back to competing at the top level.