Manchester City takes on Tottenham Hotspur today, August 23, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 2 of the Premier League. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their opening matches.
Team Form
Manchester City opened their season with a commanding 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace. Tottenham Hotspur impressed under new coach Thomas Frank, securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley, with Richarlison netting twice.
Key Matchups
Erling Haaland continues to chase scoring records after his double against Wolves and will be Manchester City’s main threat.
Richarlison, who also scored twice in Tottenham’s opener, will be pivotal to Spurs’ attacking hopes.
Team News
Manchester City will be without Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips (both Achilles injuries), as well as Savinho, Josko Gvardiol, and Marcus Bettinelli. Tottenham Hotspur are missing James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and Bryan Gil, all sidelined with knee injuries.
Prediction
With both sides boasting attacking firepower but also missing key players, this promises to be an open, entertaining contest. City’s home advantage and Haaland’s form could tilt it their way, but Spurs under Frank look organized and dangerous on the counter. Expert predictions lean towards a close scoreline, ranging from a 2-1 to a 3-2 victory for City.
Just like in life, where we learn not to buy every trending gadget but save for what truly matters, smart clubs don’t spend whimsically. They invest sensibly.
That’s exactly how Arsenal approached this summer. Instead of flailing with emotion, they reinforced carefully with what mattered.
The Big Picture
Arsenal have finished runners-up three seasons in a row:
2022/23; 84 points (2nd)
2023/24; 89 points (2nd), the second-highest in club history
2024/25; 74 points (2nd), despite disruption
They led the Premier League in set-piece goals in 2023/24 and remained defensively elite last season. You don’t dismantle that; you build on it.
Key Departure
Every rebuild starts with exits. The biggest?
Thomas Partey; After 167 Arsenal appearances, the midfield stalwart left for Villarreal on a free (Reuters). His departure wasn’t sentimental; it opened a gap that needed filling with both experience and energy.
Purposeful Arrivals
Instead of chasing headlines, Arsenal signed profiles that fit:
Martín Zubimendi → midfield control and press-resistance
Viktor Gyökeres → proven No.9 with physical presence
Noni Madueke → 1v1 wing dynamism
Christian Nørgaard → depth + leadership
Kepa Arrizabalaga → goalkeeping reinforcement
Cristhian Mosquera → young, versatile centre-back
And now, the headline act: Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace star is set to arrive imminently, adding exactly what Arsenal have lacked; a creative, ball-carrying midfielder who can break lines, beat defenders, and unlock low blocks.
Eze isn’t just flair; he’s production: dribbles, set-pieces, goals from midfield. In a side often criticised for lacking unpredictability in the final third, he changes the equation.
Timing Over Drama
Transfers closed in phases; not based on panic, but process.
Early arrivals: Zubimendi, Nørgaard
Mid-window: Madueke, Gyökeres
Late-window: Mosquera
Final touch: Eze, a deal negotiated patiently to land a player Arteta specifically wanted
This wasn’t chaos; it was methodical negotiation, timing, and relationship management.
Profiles Over Fame
Arsenal’s summer is proof that names don’t win titles; fit does.
Each signing complements the other, rather than crowding the squad with redundant star power.
Early Evidence
Day 1 of the season? Arsenal delivered a clinical away win at Old Trafford; sealed with a set-piece header from last summer’s signing. That’s not hype, that’s maturity. With Eze’s imminent arrival, the attack could find the extra gear that turns runners-up into champions.
The Long View
High baseline; Three consecutive 2nd-place finishes prove elite consistency.
Marginal gains; Defence is already solid, add more goals, and the title race swings.
X-factor incoming; Eze brings creativity Arsenal haven’t had since peak Özil.
Wrap-Up: A Summer of Purpose
This transfer window wasn’t about shiny headlines. It was about building tools the squad lacked. Eze’s arrival gives this plan its cutting edge.
Coming up in Part 3, we’ll look at the youth revolution; the gamble on Hale End graduates that could turn this blueprint into something uniquely Arsenal.
Part 1 showed how Arsenal’s consistency set the stage.
Part 2 proves their recruitment was deliberate, not emotional; capped with Eze’s dynamism.
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward and reigning African Footballer of the Year, has returned to Atalanta after his proposed transfer to Inter Milan collapsed.
Transfer Standoff
Lookman was keen on a move to Inter Milan, but Atalanta rejected Inter’s €45 million bid, holding firm on their €50 million valuation.
In response, Lookman submitted a transfer request, skipped team training, and even trained privately in England to push for the move.
Return to Atalanta
On August 19, 2025, Lookman rejoined Atalanta’s training camp after Inter Milan officially withdrew their interest.
Potential Disciplinary Action
Atalanta is reportedly considering disciplinary measures, which could include fines and wage deductions for Lookman’s unauthorized absence.
What’s Next for Ademola Lookman? 🤔
His representatives are now exploring options with Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.
His availability for Atalanta’s Serie A opener against Pisa remains uncertain given the tension between the player and the club.
Long-Term Outlook
For Lookman, resolving this standoff will be crucial. A clear decision on his future , whether staying at Atalanta or securing a transfer is needed to allow him to move forward and continue building on the impressive career trajectory that has earned him recognition across Europe.
As someone who watches almost every Arsenal game, I can’t help but sigh at how often we waste transitions. We win the ball, there’s space to attack, and instead of punishing teams, we stall or turn it over. Arteta’s side is tactically solid, but when it comes to rapid, incisive counters or breaking down stubborn low blocks, we still fall short. The truth is simple: we lack transitional players.
That’s where Eberechi Eze comes in.
Why Eze Is the Missing #10 Arsenal Need
Eberechi Eze thrives in the exact areas where Arsenal struggle. He is an elite dribbler, ball carrier, and passer. He can run in behind, dictate attacks, and he’s comfortable both from the left wing and as a number 10.
And the numbers back it up:
3.59 dribbles attempted per game, 2.03 successful – ranking among the best in the league (FootyStats)
2.06 key passes per game – 94th percentile (FootyStats)
0.28 assists per 90 with 0.30 xA – again top percentile (FootyStats)
3.6 shots per 90 – bettered only by Haaland, Jota, Palmer, Madueke, and Enciso (Opta Analyst)
While Ødegaard gives Arsenal incredible control, he isn’t the type to accelerate play or constantly make runs off the ball. Eze is. And that’s why he feels tailor-made for this team.
What Does That Mean for Arteta’s System?
Picture this: Eze playing as a right-sided 10, constantly interchanging with Saka. The underlaps, overlaps, and direct runs would be a nightmare for defenders. Ødegaard can dictate tempo, but Eze can be the spark that turns dominance into goals.
He also offers versatility. Whether he’s central or drifting left, he provides penetration that Arsenal currently lack. For a squad that already boasts depth, Eze gives Arteta another dimension—control plus chaos.
The Left-Wing Factor
Another underrated part of Eze’s game is how effective he can be on the left wing. This matters because while Martinelli and Trossard are excellent, their profiles are similar in some ways.
Martinelli is explosive and direct, but he relies heavily on his pace and instinctive finishing. He thrives in space but can get crowded out against low blocks.
Trossard offers smart movement and link-up play, but he’s more of a tidy connector than a line-breaker.
Eze brings something different. He can isolate a defender one-on-one and beat him, or he can cut inside and carry the ball through midfield. His ability to combine dribbling with creative passing means he isn’t just a threat to score—he creates for others too. On the left wing, he would give Arsenal a different dynamic: less predictable, more versatile, and harder to shut down.
That flexibility makes him even more valuable. He can rotate with Martinelli and Trossard while still offering qualities neither of them bring consistently.
Proven Performer Under Pressure
Eze isn’t just about highlight reels, he produces when it matters.
He scored from outside the box in the FA Cup semi-final vs Villa, then sealed Palace’s first-ever major trophy with a volley against Manchester City in the final (Wikipedia).
He contributed goals and assists against top opposition like City, Arsenal, Forest, and Villa during Palace’s cup run (Opta Analyst).
In the quarter-final against Fulham, he scored and assisted in quick succession to carry Palace through (Vanguard News).
These aren’t just good performances. They’re big-game moments. Arsenal need more of that.
Arsenal’s Elite-Level Attack… Finally Complete
Arsenal’s attack is stacked. Saka, Madueke, Gyökeres, Ødegaard, Havertz—all give Arteta variety and control. What they haven’t had is the individual brilliance that consistently breaks games open in transition. Eze brings that.
Think back to City at their peak: Haaland, De Bruyne, Mahrez. Or Liverpool at their best: Salah, Trent, plus four or five forwards capable of deciding games. Arsenal finally have the makings of that same unpredictability.
Bottom Line
Arsenal already have the depth and the system. What they needed was transitional quality and direct individualism in the final third. That’s exactly what Eberechi Eze provides.
He won’t just slot into Arteta’s side, he’ll elevate it. From the moment he pulls on the shirt, his ability will be undeniable. The dribbling, the creativity, the transitional threat—it’s all there.
With Eze, Arsenal won’t just be contenders. They’ll be winners.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: A Legacy-Defining Superfight
Two of boxing’s most dominant forces will collide under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13. This isn’t just about titles, rankings, or records — it’s a clash that could reshape boxing history.
Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs), the undisputed super middleweight champion, will put all four of his belts (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF) on the line against Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), the undefeated four-division king daring to leap to 168 pounds.
This is more than a fight. It’s history in motion.
Canelo’s Relentless Reign
At 35, Canelo enters on a six-fight win streak, most recently defeating William Scull in May. But that bout was far from memorable. Scull danced and jabbed his way to survival, producing the lowest punch output ever recorded in a 12-round fight in CompuBox’s 40-year history — just 445 punches combined.
Frustrated, Canelo made his intentions clear:
“I don’t like to fight those kinds of guys. They came to just survive to the final round… It won’t be that kind of fight [against Crawford].”
Now he faces a polar opposite — a finisher who thrives on pressure and has never been beaten.
Crawford’s Bid for Immortality
Crawford, 37, hasn’t fought since dismantling Israil Madrimov in August 2024 to win the WBA junior middleweight crown. But if there’s one thing “Bud” has proven, it’s that he delivers when the lights shine brightest.
“However I got to fight, I’m going to win. I’m not going to let someone else tell me how to fight when I’ve been doing that my whole life. I won’t be running. But I will be doing a lot of touching.”
Victory would make Crawford the first male fighter ever to become undisputed in three weight divisions — a feat that would cement his place among the greatest of all time.
The Knockout Factor
Adding to the intrigue, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed a knockout bonus will be on the line:
“We will not have [Tom & Jerry fights] anymore… In this fight and our next fights, there will be a bonus for a KO.”
For two fighters already known for their finishing instincts, the incentive ensures fans won’t see another cautious chess match like Canelo vs. Scull.
When and Where to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Coverage: 3:30 p.m. ET
Main Card: 8 p.m. ET
Main Event Ring Walks: 11 p.m. ET
Platform: Streaming live on Netflix
What’s at Stake
For Canelo, this is about legacy — defending his throne at 168 and adding another Hall of Fame name to his record. For Crawford, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime shot to rewrite boxing history.
Canelo’s message is simple:
“He’s not going to beat me. Don’t worry about it… I’m a winner.”
But Crawford is equally defiant:
“For sure those belts are coming home with me. I’m taking them, and ain’t nothing you can do about it come fight night.”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another title fight. It’s the ultimate crossover of eras, styles, and legacies — the kind of super fight boxing fans dream about.
On September 13, the world will get its answer:
Will Canelo Alvarez remain the king of super middleweight?
Or will Terence Crawford shock the world and etch his name into history as the first three-division undisputed champion?
One thing is certain: this won’t be a “Tom & Jerry” fight.
Eberechi Eze looks set to make a dream return to Arsenal—the very club where his football journey began. 🚀 A lifelong Gunners fan who once came through the Arsenal academy, Eze has developed into one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking talents at Crystal Palace.
After an impressive 2024/25 season, where he registered 14 goals and 11 assists, Arsenal is now moving to bring him back to North London. 🔥
Key Details on Eze’s Potential Move to Arsenal
Transfer Developments: Arsenal reignited their interest following Kai Havertz’s knee injury, with Eze emerging as the top target.
Player Preference: Eze has made it clear he prefers a move to Arsenal over rivals Tottenham.
Transfer Fee: Reports suggest Arsenal is preparing a £60 million bid for his signature.
Why This Move Matters
Proven Creativity: Eze brings flair, vision, and end product—qualities Arsenal have sometimes lacked against deep-defending teams.
Tactical Fit: His versatility across the attacking midfield and wide roles makes him a natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s fluid system.
A Homecoming Story: Beyond tactics, this would be a personal dream fulfilled—a boyhood fan returning to the Emirates to wear the red and white.
Final Take
If this deal materializes, it could be one of Arsenal’s most exciting signings in recent years. Eze offers not just quality and versatility, but also a deep emotional connection to the club—a combination that could ignite both the squad and the fans.
We all know life isn’t perfect, bills pile up, deadlines loom, relationships need work. And yet, on match day, when your team doesn’t start fast or falters for a few weeks, it’s easy to demand perfection. That’s exactly why we’re fans. We crave it. But life, and football rarely give it to us. Emotional reactions are understandable, but decision-makers have to build with reality, patience, and resources, not feelings.
That’s the backdrop for Arsenal’s 2025/26 season. Their story isn’t built on emotional highs or reckless spending. It’s built on consistency, smart planning, and purposeful moves. And the results show it.
From 8th to Three Successive Runner-Up Finishes
In just four seasons under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal went from 8th-place finishes in 2020–21 and 2021–22 to three back-to-back second-place finishes from 2022–23 through 2024–25 (Transfermarkt, Wikipedia).
That adds up to 247 points in three seasons; just four points shy of Manchester City’s 251, and well ahead of Liverpool’s 233 (The Sun). The engine isn’t broken, it’s performing.
Kicking Off 2025/26 with Purpose
The new season has barely begun, and Arsenal made a statement with a win at Old Trafford. That result shortened their title odds from 5/4 to 2/1 (TalkSport). Pressure is higher than ever; legend Martin Keown’s expectation is simple: it’s time to deliver silverware. (TalkSport)
Why This Phase Really Matters
This isn’t emotional football. It’s strategic:
Consistency over flashes
Recruitment, not spectacle
Culture over individual brilliance
We live imperfectly; but to build something lasting, especially in football, you must plan, be patient, and stay grounded.
Coming Up in Part 2: Recruitment as the Foundation
Next up, I’ll dive into why this summer’s transfer window wasn’t about headlines; it was about precise, purposeful reinforcements.
Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga 2025/26 campaign with a narrow but vital win over Osasuna on August 19, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match ended Real Madrid 1 – 0 Osasuna, giving Los Blancos a positive start to the new season.
Match Highlights
Dominance in possession: Real Madrid controlled 70% of the ball, dictating the tempo from start to finish.
Shots on target: Madrid registered 5 attempts on target, while Osasuna failed to test the goalkeeper with a single shot on goal.
La Liga context: This clash marked part of the 2025/26 La Liga season, which runs from August 15, 2025, to May 24, 2026.
Man of the Match
Kylian Mbappé proved decisive on his league debut at the Bernabéu. The French superstar won a crucial penalty and converted it with confidence, sealing all three points for Real Madrid.
Recent Head-to-Head
November 9, 2024 – Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna
Vinícius Júnior scored a brilliant hat-trick.
Jude Bellingham added a goal to complete the rout.
The tension between Alexander Isak and Newcastle United has erupted into one of the most dramatic storylines of the summer transfer window.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2025, the Swedish striker finally broke his silence, citing “broken promises” as the reason he no longer wishes to continue at St James’ Park.
Liverpool remain strongly interested in the 25-year-old and already tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £110 million bid, swiftly rejected by the Magpies.
This saga has been brewing for weeks. Isak refused to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour and sat out their Premier League opener against Aston Villa last weekend. Reports now suggest he has told the club he will never play for them again — a dramatic stance that has left supporters bitterly divided.
Isak’s Statement
Speaking at the PFA Awards in London, where he was named in the Premier League Team of the Season, Isak explained his position:
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
It was a rare and candid public outburst from a forward usually praised for keeping his head down.
Newcastle’s Response
Hours later, Newcastle issued a strong rebuttal, stressing that Isak remains under contract and that no exit clauses or promises had been made.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes. The conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired, and we do not foresee them being met. Alexander remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready.”
The statement reinforced the Magpies’ determination to hold their ground.
What’s Next?
With both sides firmly entrenched, the standoff has escalated into a full-blown transfer saga. Liverpool remain keen, Isak is resolute about leaving, and Newcastle are refusing to budge — at least for now.
As the transfer window ticks down, one thing is clear: this story is far from over.
For years, fans have fantasized about two of the most devastating punchers in combat sports finally squaring off. Now, according to Francis Ngannou, that fantasy could become reality.
Ngannou revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that the long-discussed bout with Deontay Wilder could be nearing fruition:
“We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou
With both fighters carrying legendary knockout power, a potential showdown isn’t just hype — it’s the kind of explosive encounter that could reshape both boxing and MMA landscapes.
Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to the Boxing Ring
A former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after leaving the UFC in early 2023.
In his pro boxing debut, he stunned the world by knocking down Tyson Fury in the third round, eventually losing by a controversial split decision. WikipediaThe New Yorker
In March 2024, Anthony Joshua knocked Ngannou out in the second round of their fight. Wikipedia
A personal setback followed with the tragic loss of his son in April 2024. Ngannou rebounded later that year, winning the PFL heavyweight title via first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira. Although not detailed in sources, his MMA record is:
MMA Record: 18–3, with 17 finishes (knockouts or submissions)
Boxing Record: 0–2, but featuring that memorable Fury knockdown
Wilder’s Rocky Road Back to Form
Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder, known for his devastating right hand, boasts a record of 44–4–1 with 43 knockouts.
After losing his heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in 2020 and falling again in the trilogy fight in 2021, Wilder endured a rocky return with losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal KO by Zhilei Zhang (2024).
In June 2025, he returned with a gritty seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon, dropping him twice en route to victory. ESPN.comBad Left HookThe SunWikipedia
The former UFC heavyweight champion revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that conversations with Deontay Wilder are finally in motion:
“We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou
With both men carrying legendary knockout power, a potential Ngannou vs. Wilder fight is more than just a spectacle — it’s an explosive encounter that could shake the fight world to its core.
Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to Boxing
Ngannou, 38, left the UFC in early 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While many expected him to stay inside the MMA cage, he shocked the world by stepping into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Despite being a debutant, Ngannou floored Fury in the third round and pushed the heavyweight king to a split decision.
But reality struck in March 2024, when Anthony Joshua handed Ngannou a humbling knockout loss, dropping him three times in two rounds.
After suffering personal tragedy with the loss of his young son in April 2024, Ngannou returned to the cage later that year, reclaiming his dominance with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira to capture the PFL heavyweight title. His MMA record now stands at 18-3, with 17 wins by knockout or submission — proof of his unparalleled power.
Wilder’s Rocky Road Back
On the other side stands Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, one of the most destructive knockout artists in boxing history. With 43 KOs in 44 victories, Wilder’s right hand is legendary.
Wilder’s reign as heavyweight champion ended in February 2020, when he fell to Tyson Fury in their rematch. The trilogy bout in October 2021 was an instant classic, but Wilder was stopped again in the 11th round after a back-and-forth war.
After years of inactivity, Wilder struggled to regain momentum. Losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang (2024) raised questions about his future. Still, in June 2025, Wilder roared back with a seventh-round TKO over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, showing there’s life left in his thunderous fists.
“I’m definitely interested.” – Deontay Wilder on a Ngannou fight
Why This Match-Up Matters
Both fighters bring something unique to the table:
This isn’t just another fight — it’s a high-stakes collision of eras and skillsets:
Ngannou: The most destructive puncher in MMA history, enhanced legitimacy in boxing after the Fury bout.
Wilder: A pure boxing heavyweight with an astonishing KO-to-win ratio.
The possible ramifications? Think crossover event, hybrid rules, or a landmark in combat sports lore.
What to Expect If the Fight Happens
If the fight gets finalized, expect explosive highlights, unfinished business, and headline-grabbing drama. Both men possess the power to end fights in an instant.
This also explains why Ngannou declined Jarrell Miller’s undercard fight at the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford event — Wilder represents a much weightier target, both literally and figuratively.
Two of the heaviest hitters in combat sports. One ring. No excuses.
Final Thoughts
A Ngannou vs. Wilder showdown promises spectacle, danger, and a highlight reel for the ages. Whether under traditional boxing rules, hybrid formats, or something entirely new, the collision of these destructive forces could be legendary.
One thing’s for sure: if they step into the same ring, blink and you’ll miss it.
