Arsenal – FootballFanatic

Italy win EURO 2020

Yes, I’m aware I’m one week late to the party.

Italy broke English hearts as they won on penalties to lift the EURO 2020 trophy at Wembley.

Chiellini lifts the EURO 2020 trophy, just 3 years after World Cup qualification heartbreak in 2018.

It was a night filled with tension, expectation and anticipation met from both sets of fans.

England started on the brighter side however, as Luke Shaw started and finished a counter- attack in sublime style after diverting Kieran Trippier’s cross past Donnarumma, kickstarting scenes of jubilation at Wembley.

While Italy were presented with more opportunities in the remaining 43 minutes of the first half, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third which was ever so needed in an important International match like this.

Italy came flying off the blocks in the second half however, as they created and missed a multitude of chances, until their iconic centre-half Leonardo Bonnuci stepped up.

Insigne’s corner was flicked on to the near post for Verrati who managed to head it toward goal, but Pickford managed to claw the header against the post. However, Chiellini pounced on the lose ball and managed to grab the equalizer, sparking scenes of ecstasy and pandemonium in the Italian crowd.

After a dull yet nervy exchange in extra-time, the game was to be decided by the nail-biting penalty shootout which England had a poor record at, especially in major tournaments.

Both Dominico Berardi and Harry Kane score their first penalties, before Andrea Belotti missed Italy’s second.

Harry Maguire then thumped the ball into the top-right corner to give England a 2-1 lead on penalties.

That was before Bonucci score Italy’s third, and Rashford’s effort from the spot hit the post.

Bernadeschi scored the fourth penalty for Italy, but Jadon’s Sancho had minimal power and wasn’t high enough such that Donnarumma was able to dive to his left to give Italy the 3-2 advantage on penalties.

Jorginho could have scored the decisive penalty but Pickford managed to save it, meaning 19-year old Bukayo Saka, in England’s most decisive sporting moment, stepped up.

It didn’t matter that he missed and won the EUROs for Italy- but his bravery and endurance to take the most decisive penalty, in front of more than 60 000 people at Wembley, and more than a million people watching from home.

He has a good career ahead of him and should he continue and persist with what he does best, he could become a star for Arsenal, which is something the club needs in their dire state.

Congratulations to Italy, but praise should go to Saka.

Leicester win Arsenal in an excellent fashion

Youri Tielemans scores for the foxes- a well deserved one considering how sloppy Arsenal were.

Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy scored for The Foxes with the first one being thumping header by Youri Tielemans from James Maddison’s excellent cross. 27 minutes later, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel geets a rare assist after booting the ball down field, for Vardy to shoot. The first shot hits the bar, but the rebound allows Leicester to have a comfortable 2-0 lead after the same Englishman heads it in. Then, in injury time, Leicester threaten again, and it was worth the risk. Vardy nets another one making it 3 for Leicester. You honestly have to praise Leicester. Although Arsenal were 1 man down after the 36th minute, Leicester were just dominant. Possessing about 70% of the match against a top-six club is just incredible. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was just pathetic that when he got substituted, BBC quoted ,‘You may not have released he was even playing, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan is off for Matteo Guendouzi.’ Unai Emery was rather animated in the match (in a bad way), throwing his jacket off after Maitland-Niles was sent off after his challenge (second) on Maddison. He was already booked a yellow in the 8th minute. Leicester could have scored more but their finishes weren’t vital enough. Brendan Rodgers has given his all to the club since his hiring on 26 February. From 12th place, The Foxes now see themselves at a comfortable 8th position. Leicester have improved their attacking tempo, and are hoping to cause an upset at the Etihad and end their season with a win over Chelsea. If Wolves lose either 1 of their 2 remaining fixtures (vs Fulham or Liverpool), Leicester would end their season at a decent 7th place, being the best ‘ non-big six’ team this season.

Records/ Excellent performances

Since his Premier League debut in August 2014, Jamie Vardy has scored 31 goals against the ‘big six’ (Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Spurs, Liverpool), more than any other player.
Monaco loanee Youri Tielemans has played excellently since his debut in January, assisting 3 and scoring 5 for Leicester in 11 games.