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“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.

He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.

“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.

“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.

Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.

ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match

“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.

Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.

Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.

“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.

“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..

“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.

He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.

“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar"> Extremely disappointed with BWF decision to alter scoring system: Vimal Kumar  Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change the scoring system, calling it a dilution of the sport without addressing the game’s real challenges.The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved the adoption of the 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, with the proposal securing the required two-thirds majority.The new format will come into effect from January 4, 2027, replacing the existing 21-point system.“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” said Vimal.Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system—and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members.The existing format ensured a true level playing field across playing styles,…— Vimal Kumar (@vimalkumar_u) April 26, 2026“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”Published on Apr 26, 2026  #Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar
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“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.

He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.

“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.

“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.

Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.

ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match

“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.

Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.

Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.

“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.

“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..

“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.

He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.

“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar">Extremely disappointed with BWF decision to alter scoring system: Vimal Kumar

Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change the scoring system, calling it a dilution of the sport without addressing the game’s real challenges.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved the adoption of the 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, with the proposal securing the required two-thirds majority.

The new format will come into effect from January 4, 2027, replacing the existing 21-point system.

“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” said Vimal.

“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.

He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.

“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.

“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.

Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.

ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match

“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.

Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.

Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.

“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.

“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..

“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.

He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.

“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar

Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change…

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Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and Denver Nuggets…

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science"> Trump fires the entire National Science BoardMultiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science
Tech-news

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science">Trump fires the entire National Science Board

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board…

Injured Salah to miss rest of Liverpool season, says Egypt national team director

“For Solanke, it’s not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him, but I would ‌like to know the real situation of ​Xavi, because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.”

Tottenham, which is facing the prospect of ⁠its first relegation from top-flight football since 1977, has four ‌games remaining and next travels to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Tottenhams #Zerbi #injury #update #Solanke #Simons"> Tottenham’s De Zerbi gives injury update on Solanke, Simons  Tottenham Hotspur will assess the fitness of Dominic Solanke ​and Xavi Simons after both were forced ‌off in Saturday’s 1-0 win ​at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a ⁠blow for manager Roberto De Zerbi as his side battle relegation.Solanke was substituted in ‌the 40th minute with a muscular problem, while Simons was ‌replaced in the 63rd minute ‌after ⁠suffering a knee issue. ⁠Despite the setbacks, the 82nd-minute winner from Joao Palhinha secured Tottenham’s first league victory in ​16 matches at ‌Molineux. Spurs remained 18th in the standings with 34 points from 34 games, two points from safety.“Solanke ‌has a muscular injury. I ​don’t know what level of injury, and for Xavi it’s ⁠a problem of the knee, and we’re going to see in the ‌next days, Monday or Tuesday,” De Zerbi told reporters.ALSO READ | Injured Salah to miss rest of Liverpool season, says Egypt national team director“For Solanke, it’s not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him, but I would ‌like to know the real situation of ​Xavi, because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.”Tottenham, which is facing the prospect of ⁠its first relegation from top-flight football since 1977, has four ‌games remaining and next travels to Aston Villa on Sunday.Published on Apr 26, 2026  #Tottenhams #Zerbi #injury #update #Solanke #Simons
Sports news

Injured Salah to miss rest of Liverpool season, says Egypt national team director

“For Solanke, it’s not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him, but I would ‌like to know the real situation of ​Xavi, because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.”

Tottenham, which is facing the prospect of ⁠its first relegation from top-flight football since 1977, has four ‌games remaining and next travels to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Tottenhams #Zerbi #injury #update #Solanke #Simons">Tottenham’s De Zerbi gives injury update on Solanke, Simons

Tottenham Hotspur will assess the fitness of Dominic Solanke ​and Xavi Simons after both were forced ‌off in Saturday’s 1-0 win ​at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a ⁠blow for manager Roberto De Zerbi as his side battle relegation.

Solanke was substituted in ‌the 40th minute with a muscular problem, while Simons was ‌replaced in the 63rd minute ‌after ⁠suffering a knee issue. ⁠Despite the setbacks, the 82nd-minute winner from Joao Palhinha secured Tottenham’s first league victory in ​16 matches at ‌Molineux. Spurs remained 18th in the standings with 34 points from 34 games, two points from safety.

“Solanke ‌has a muscular injury. I ​don’t know what level of injury, and for Xavi it’s ⁠a problem of the knee, and we’re going to see in the ‌next days, Monday or Tuesday,” De Zerbi told reporters.

ALSO READ | Injured Salah to miss rest of Liverpool season, says Egypt national team director

“For Solanke, it’s not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him, but I would ‌like to know the real situation of ​Xavi, because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.”

Tottenham, which is facing the prospect of ⁠its first relegation from top-flight football since 1977, has four ‌games remaining and next travels to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Tottenhams #Zerbi #injury #update #Solanke #Simons

Tottenham Hotspur will assess the fitness of Dominic Solanke ​and Xavi Simons after both were…

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Apr 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Alex Roldan (16), left, and Dallas…

fashion-Alizabeth

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website,…

Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over Newcastle

With the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.

Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.

Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.

The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.

“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.

“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.

“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”

Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.

City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.

‘Path of roses’

Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.

Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.

“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.

“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”

City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.

But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.

Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.

“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.

“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.

“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”

Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.

“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Mikel #Arteta #Arsenal #regains #lead #Premier #League #title #race #making #excuses"> Mikel Arteta as Arsenal regains lead in Premier League title race: I am not making excuses, we need things to go our way  Arsenal is back on top of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta claimed its title challenge could be ruined by two rejected red card decisions in its games against Manchester City and Newcastle.Arteta’s side is three points clear of second-placed Manchester City after Eberechi Eze’s early strike clinched a vital 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.But the Gunners boss was frustrated with the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.Pope raced out of his penalty area to clatter Gyokeres, escaping with a yellow card because the Sweden striker was wide on the right wing without a clear sight of goal.ALSO READ | Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over NewcastleWith the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.What three points means to @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6RsQe702Fn— Premier League (@premierleague) April 25, 2026The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.‘Path of roses’Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.Published on Apr 26, 2026  #Mikel #Arteta #Arsenal #regains #lead #Premier #League #title #race #making #excuses
Sports news

Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over Newcastle

With the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.

Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.

Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.

The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.

“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.

“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.

“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”

Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.

City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.

‘Path of roses’

Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.

Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.

“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.

“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”

City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.

But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.

Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.

“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.

“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.

“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”

Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.

“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Mikel #Arteta #Arsenal #regains #lead #Premier #League #title #race #making #excuses">Mikel Arteta as Arsenal regains lead in Premier League title race: I am not making excuses, we need things to go our way

Arsenal is back on top of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta claimed its title challenge could be ruined by two rejected red card decisions in its games against Manchester City and Newcastle.

Arteta’s side is three points clear of second-placed Manchester City after Eberechi Eze’s early strike clinched a vital 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.

But the Gunners boss was frustrated with the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.

Pope raced out of his penalty area to clatter Gyokeres, escaping with a yellow card because the Sweden striker was wide on the right wing without a clear sight of goal.

ALSO READ | Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over Newcastle

With the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.

Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.

Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.

The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.

“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.

“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.

“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”

Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.

City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.

‘Path of roses’

Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.

Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.

“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.

“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”

City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.

But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.

Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.

“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.

“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.

“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”

Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.

“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

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