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UCL 2025-26: Arteta urges Arsenal to play with ‘pure fire’ against Sporting after damaging defeats Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to play with “pure fire” as it looks to bounce back from a series of damaging defeats in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.Arteta’s side can reach the semifinals of the competition for a second successive season if it finishes off Sporting at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners go into the quarterfinal second leg with a 1-0 lead after last week’s game in Lisbon.But that narrow success was Arsenal’s only victory in its last four matches, with three defeats sparking claims Arteta and his team are choking as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.“There is no fear. Pure fire. That’s it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That’s what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself,” he insisted at his pre-match press conference.READ | Rice misses training to add to Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Sporting clash“Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much and this is beauty.”Losing the League Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarterfinal against second-tier Southampton was bad enough.But a shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday left Arteta facing pointed questions about Arsenal’s character.Arsenal is just six points ahead of second-placed City, which has a game in hand and hosts the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.The north Londoners have finished Premier League runner-up for the past three seasons — twice blowing substantial leads to City in 2023 and 2024.It has also failed to win a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only silverware won by Arteta in over six years in charge.There is a growing feeling of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fan-base, but Arteta launched a passionate defence of his squad.“We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it, let’s go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it,” added the Spaniard.“I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it’s been unbelievable. That’s what is driving me every single day. I have zero fear.”‘Doing something incredible’Arsenal hasn’t lifted the Premier League since 2004 and has never won the Champions League.If it makes the Champions League last four this season, it would be the first time it has reached the semifinals of the competition in two consecutive seasons.Arteta, whose side lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last year’s semifinals, acknowledged the size of the task facing Arsenal as they try to do a Premier League and Champions League double.“What we are trying to achieve is difficult, is challenging, and is bumpy and it’s supposed to be like this,” he said.“I said to the players, ‘Guys, we are trying to do something that hasn’t been done in the history of the club in 140 years. So that tells you the difficulty of what you are doing’.“We have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the semi-finals. We are competing to win the Premier League and we are in a really strong position.“So the team is doing something incredible because it’s never been done before.”Published on Apr 14, 2026 #UCL #Arteta #urges #Arsenal #play #pure #fire #Sporting #damaging #defeats

UCL 2025-26: Arteta urges Arsenal to play with ‘pure fire’ against Sporting after damaging defeats

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to play with “pure fire” as it looks to bounce back from a series of damaging defeats in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta’s side can reach the semifinals of the competition for a second successive season if it finishes off Sporting at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners go into the quarterfinal second leg with a 1-0 lead after last week’s game in Lisbon.

But that narrow success was Arsenal’s only victory in its last four matches, with three defeats sparking claims Arteta and his team are choking as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.

“There is no fear. Pure fire. That’s it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That’s what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself,” he insisted at his pre-match press conference.

READ | Rice misses training to add to Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Sporting clash

“Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much and this is beauty.”

Losing the League Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarterfinal against second-tier Southampton was bad enough.

But a shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday left Arteta facing pointed questions about Arsenal’s character.

Arsenal is just six points ahead of second-placed City, which has a game in hand and hosts the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.

The north Londoners have finished Premier League runner-up for the past three seasons — twice blowing substantial leads to City in 2023 and 2024.

It has also failed to win a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only silverware won by Arteta in over six years in charge.

There is a growing feeling of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fan-base, but Arteta launched a passionate defence of his squad.

“We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it, let’s go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it,” added the Spaniard.

“I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it’s been unbelievable. That’s what is driving me every single day. I have zero fear.”

‘Doing something incredible’

Arsenal hasn’t lifted the Premier League since 2004 and has never won the Champions League.

If it makes the Champions League last four this season, it would be the first time it has reached the semifinals of the competition in two consecutive seasons.

Arteta, whose side lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last year’s semifinals, acknowledged the size of the task facing Arsenal as they try to do a Premier League and Champions League double.

“What we are trying to achieve is difficult, is challenging, and is bumpy and it’s supposed to be like this,” he said.

“I said to the players, ‘Guys, we are trying to do something that hasn’t been done in the history of the club in 140 years. So that tells you the difficulty of what you are doing’.

“We have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the semi-finals. We are competing to win the Premier League and we are in a really strong position.

“So the team is doing something incredible because it’s never been done before.”

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#UCL #Arteta #urges #Arsenal #play #pure #fire #Sporting #damaging #defeats

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Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to play with “pure fire” as it looks to bounce back from a series of damaging defeats in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta’s side can reach the semifinals of the competition for a second successive season if it finishes off Sporting at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners go into the quarterfinal second leg with a 1-0 lead after last week’s game in Lisbon.

But that narrow success was Arsenal’s only victory in its last four matches, with three defeats sparking claims Arteta and his team are choking as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.

“There is no fear. Pure fire. That’s it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That’s what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself,” he insisted at his pre-match press conference.

READ | Rice misses training to add to Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Sporting clash

“Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much and this is beauty.”

Losing the League Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarterfinal against second-tier Southampton was bad enough.

But a shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday left Arteta facing pointed questions about Arsenal’s character.

Arsenal is just six points ahead of second-placed City, which has a game in hand and hosts the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.

The north Londoners have finished Premier League runner-up for the past three seasons — twice blowing substantial leads to City in 2023 and 2024.

It has also failed to win a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only silverware won by Arteta in over six years in charge.

There is a growing feeling of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fan-base, but Arteta launched a passionate defence of his squad.

“We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it, let’s go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it,” added the Spaniard.

“I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it’s been unbelievable. That’s what is driving me every single day. I have zero fear.”

‘Doing something incredible’

Arsenal hasn’t lifted the Premier League since 2004 and has never won the Champions League.

If it makes the Champions League last four this season, it would be the first time it has reached the semifinals of the competition in two consecutive seasons.

Arteta, whose side lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last year’s semifinals, acknowledged the size of the task facing Arsenal as they try to do a Premier League and Champions League double.

“What we are trying to achieve is difficult, is challenging, and is bumpy and it’s supposed to be like this,” he said.

“I said to the players, ‘Guys, we are trying to do something that hasn’t been done in the history of the club in 140 years. So that tells you the difficulty of what you are doing’.

“We have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the semi-finals. We are competing to win the Premier League and we are in a really strong position.

“So the team is doing something incredible because it’s never been done before.”

Published on Apr 14, 2026

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Deadspin | No jail time for ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore in trespassing case Kelli Moore, left, walks with her husband former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, and his attorney Ellen Michaels at the 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026. Former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was sentenced to 18 months of probation with no jail time on Tuesday after allegedly trespassing on the home of a staff member with whom he had an affair. Moore was also fined more than ,000 and ordered not to have contact with the staff member, Paige Shiver, or to use drugs or alcohol during his probation. The sentencing followed a plea deal last month in which Moore agreed to plead no contest to new misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing. In exchange, prosecutors in Washtenaw County (Mich.) dismissed the previous charges, which included third-degree felony home invasion. “I don’t believe, when I look at the entirety of this situation, that incarceration should be appropriate,” District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson said, per reports. “I warn you Mr. Moore, should there be a violation, all bets are off. I don’t like sending people to jail, but I don’t have a problem doing it.” Moore’s lack of a previous criminal history helped him avoid jail time, and Simpson noted the support of his wife Kelli Moore as the person “saving you from the full wrath of this court.” The husband and wife have held hands as they entered and exited the courthouse during the proceedings. Moore, 40, read a statement in court that thanked his faith and his wife. Neither of them took questions outside the courthouse. “Sherrone is grateful for this matter to be resolved and he and his wife Kelli are ready to move forward with their family and focus on the next chapter,” defense attorney Ellen Michaels told gathered media. Michigan fired Moore for cause on Dec. 10 for engaging in a longstanding relationship with his executive assistant. On the day he was fired, he allegedly went to the apartment of the woman with whom he had the affair. She told authorities he barged in, grabbed two butter knives and backed her into a corner. Moore was arrested and spent two nights in jail. The original charges of home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering included penalties of up to five years in prison. Moore had a 16-8 record at Michigan after taking over for Jim Harbaugh, for whom he served as offensive coordinator. Both he and Harbaugh were embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy from the school’s 2023 national championship season, with Moore ultimately serving a two-game suspension. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #jail #time #exMichigan #coach #Sherrone #Moore #trespassing #caseKelli Moore, left, walks with her husband former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, and his attorney Ellen Michaels at the 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was sentenced to 18 months of probation with no jail time on Tuesday after allegedly trespassing on the home of a staff member with whom he had an affair.

Moore was also fined more than $1,000 and ordered not to have contact with the staff member, Paige Shiver, or to use drugs or alcohol during his probation.

The sentencing followed a plea deal last month in which Moore agreed to plead no contest to new misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing. In exchange, prosecutors in Washtenaw County (Mich.) dismissed the previous charges, which included third-degree felony home invasion.

“I don’t believe, when I look at the entirety of this situation, that incarceration should be appropriate,” District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson said, per reports. “I warn you Mr. Moore, should there be a violation, all bets are off. I don’t like sending people to jail, but I don’t have a problem doing it.”

Moore’s lack of a previous criminal history helped him avoid jail time, and Simpson noted the support of his wife Kelli Moore as the person “saving you from the full wrath of this court.” The husband and wife have held hands as they entered and exited the courthouse during the proceedings.


Moore, 40, read a statement in court that thanked his faith and his wife. Neither of them took questions outside the courthouse.

“Sherrone is grateful for this matter to be resolved and he and his wife Kelli are ready to move forward with their family and focus on the next chapter,” defense attorney Ellen Michaels told gathered media.

Michigan fired Moore for cause on Dec. 10 for engaging in a longstanding relationship with his executive assistant. On the day he was fired, he allegedly went to the apartment of the woman with whom he had the affair. She told authorities he barged in, grabbed two butter knives and backed her into a corner.

Moore was arrested and spent two nights in jail. The original charges of home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering included penalties of up to five years in prison.

Moore had a 16-8 record at Michigan after taking over for Jim Harbaugh, for whom he served as offensive coordinator. Both he and Harbaugh were embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy from the school’s 2023 national championship season, with Moore ultimately serving a two-game suspension.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #jail #time #exMichigan #coach #Sherrone #Moore #trespassing #case">Deadspin | No jail time for ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore in trespassing case Kelli Moore, left, walks with her husband former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, and his attorney Ellen Michaels at the 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026. Former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was sentenced to 18 months of probation with no jail time on Tuesday after allegedly trespassing on the home of a staff member with whom he had an affair. Moore was also fined more than ,000 and ordered not to have contact with the staff member, Paige Shiver, or to use drugs or alcohol during his probation. The sentencing followed a plea deal last month in which Moore agreed to plead no contest to new misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing. In exchange, prosecutors in Washtenaw County (Mich.) dismissed the previous charges, which included third-degree felony home invasion. “I don’t believe, when I look at the entirety of this situation, that incarceration should be appropriate,” District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson said, per reports. “I warn you Mr. Moore, should there be a violation, all bets are off. I don’t like sending people to jail, but I don’t have a problem doing it.” Moore’s lack of a previous criminal history helped him avoid jail time, and Simpson noted the support of his wife Kelli Moore as the person “saving you from the full wrath of this court.” The husband and wife have held hands as they entered and exited the courthouse during the proceedings. Moore, 40, read a statement in court that thanked his faith and his wife. Neither of them took questions outside the courthouse. “Sherrone is grateful for this matter to be resolved and he and his wife Kelli are ready to move forward with their family and focus on the next chapter,” defense attorney Ellen Michaels told gathered media. Michigan fired Moore for cause on Dec. 10 for engaging in a longstanding relationship with his executive assistant. On the day he was fired, he allegedly went to the apartment of the woman with whom he had the affair. She told authorities he barged in, grabbed two butter knives and backed her into a corner. Moore was arrested and spent two nights in jail. The original charges of home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering included penalties of up to five years in prison. Moore had a 16-8 record at Michigan after taking over for Jim Harbaugh, for whom he served as offensive coordinator. Both he and Harbaugh were embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy from the school’s 2023 national championship season, with Moore ultimately serving a two-game suspension. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #jail #time #exMichigan #coach #Sherrone #Moore #trespassing #case

Deadspin | Tall order as White Sox add LHP Noah Schultz to roster Feb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation. Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks. At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11. Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries. Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks. Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade. Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #rosterFeb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation.

Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks.

At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11.


Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries.

Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks.

Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade.

Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #roster">Deadspin | Tall order as White Sox add LHP Noah Schultz to roster Feb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox made it official Tuesday, selecting the contract of top pitching prospect Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte in advance of his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. The White Sox also reinstated outfielder Everson Pereira from the injured list and placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the IL with right hip inflammation. Rated by Baseball America as their No. 1 overall prospect, and No. 21 in MLB, Schultz was Chicago’s first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2022 draft. In 14 innings this season at Triple-A, the left-hander has a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two walks. At 6-foot-10, Schultz will become one of the tallest left-handed pitchers in major league history, joining Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman. Former White Sox right-hander Jon Rauch was 6-foot-11. Schultz threw just 73 total innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season due to a patella injury. He has yet to throw more than 88 1/3 innings in a season since being drafted, after dealing with shoulder and hand injuries. Over five seasons across five levels of minor league competition, Schultz has a career 2.76 ERA in 59 appearances (58 starts) spanning 221 2/3 innings. He has 285 strikeouts against 84 walks. Pereira, 25, has been out since April 3 with a left ankle sprain. He was 4-for-16 with a home run in five games this season after he was acquired from the Rays in a November trade. Cannon, 25, was making his season debut when he was injured in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. He is 9-20 with a 5.13 ERA in 46 appearances (38 starts) for Chicago over the past three seasons. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tall #order #White #Sox #add #LHP #Noah #Schultz #roster

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Muzarabani, who had signed a deal with Islamabad United for the 2026 season, later pulled out of the PSL to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The lanky pacer was roped in by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the ongoing season.

“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” the PCB said in a statement.

“The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” it added.

The 29-year-old picked four for 41 in his second IPL match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#Blessing #Muzarabani #banned #PSL #years #signing #IPL #contract">Blessing Muzarabani banned from PSL for two years after signing IPL contract The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Muzarabani, who had signed a deal with Islamabad United for the 2026 season, later pulled out of the PSL to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The lanky pacer was roped in by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the ongoing season.“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” the PCB said in a statement.“The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” it added.The 29-year-old picked four for 41 in his second IPL match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #Blessing #Muzarabani #banned #PSL #years #signing #IPL #contract

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