Girona 1-4 Arsenal: Max Dowman Shines in Dominant First Friendly Pre-Season Victory
Arsenal secured one of their best pre-season results with a thrilling 4-1 win against Girona, where the Gunners impressed through an extremely attacking showing where youngster Max Dowman stole the show with a superb individual effort.
Dowman showed both creativity and confidence as well as the technical skill to thrive in prolonged periods on the ball as Arsenal largely dominated the game, indicating just why a vast number of Gooners reckon he has a fantastic future at the club, where Mikel Arteta admitted it was pleasing to see the youngster show great courage and a willingness to embrace responsibility.
The Gunners were confident in possession, and through both quick passing play and astute movement they created plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net – continuing to build a rhythm of effective attacks where a number of senior players combined well with many of their exciting academy talents.
Arteta also ensured that his squad got plenty of minutes under their belt in this fixture, where the manager was no doubt extremely happy with the result of the game, as well as the overall team performance itself.
Despite scoring one consolation goal in what was a tough night for the Catalan based side, Girona really struggled to live with the intensity for much of the game and will take a lot from the encounter with preparations in order for themselves for the coming season.
The victory proves to have given the North London side much added confidence going into the Premier League, as well as testament to the fact that with young stars developing alongside experienced players, this could well be another successful season in contention for titles.
Manchester United 2-1 Atlético Madrid: Bryan’s Brace Secures Stockholm Victory
Manchester United maintained their positive pre-season run with a 2-1 friendly win against Atltico Madrid in Stockholm on Saturday evening. Bryan’s efficient brace settled the encounter as Erik ten Hag could enjoy many aspects of his team’s play during the encounter. The Reds dominated the early exchanges in terms of possession and duly rewarded that by opening the scoring through their captain, and then doubling their advantage in the second half with another assured strike.
Atltico showed grit and got themselves back into the game with 20 minutes to go, which made for a slightly more anxious finish to the match but United defended well and restricted opportunities to hold out.
As with all friendlies these results mean little when assessed on their own merit compared to a player’s fitness and their place in tactical sets but a few encouraging noises from an Atltico outfit playing in Stockholm could not do them any harm and added to positive noises being made about several young lads in the squad who once again had an opportunity to demonstrate the possibility to contribute in senior football. Now just with only a couple more pre-season fixtures to go, Erikten Hag will be hoping to have this sort of momentum heading into the Premier League and, particularly his brilliant performance tonight will no doubt see additional competition in attacking slots at United for pre-match day.
Richarlison’s Late Goal Wins Sydney Super Cup: Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory over rivals Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup thanks to a late winner from Richarlison. The intense London derby provided a spectacle on the field despite being only a pre-season friendly for both clubs.
Chelsea looked the stronger team in the early stages, and produced a number of inviting attacks before going through a well worked goal. Control was gradually lost however as Tottenham found their feet in the game and started to press more.
Spurs equalised in the second half, before both sides looked to be pushing for a winner. Seemingly heading for a draw however, it was Richarlison, who cooly fired home at the death to seal a stunning comeback victory for Tottenham.
The win will surely be a confidence booster for the Spurs going into the new season while Chelsea must learn to maintain concentration for the entire 90 minutes. The game provided the opportunity for both managers to try out new formations and give a few minutes to their squads.
Despite it being only a friendly the rivalry made for an attacking and entertaining performance from both sides.Tottenham will look to continue in this fashion going into the new season while Chelsea will look to eradicate defensive mistakes after conceding a late winner.
Manchester City 1-1 Inter (1-3 Pens): City Lose Shootout Despite Dominating Second Half
Man City lose to Inter on penalties Pep Guardiola’s men lost 3-1 on penalties after a competitive 1-1 in normal time as they struggled to finish their chances against Inter Milan, despite much second-half dominance. An Inter side full of intent was quickest to settle into the tie, and deservedly opened the scoring as a slick attack caught City’s backline out, but the Premier League winners found their rhythm in the second-half and looked well set for the win.
Though eventually they forced a goal home through incessant attacks and possession, City were unable to finish off Inter, whose penalties held off City. Unlikley to bother Guardiola too much after the contest, given the largely developmental nature of this one, but City will need to be more ruthleses in their pursuit of goal opportunities prior to the start of the season – though there were a plethora of plus points amidst the result.
Real Madrid 2-2 Fiorentina: Mourinho’s Men Squander Two-Goal Lead
A couple of goals up, a couple of goals down-that was Real Madrid’s story today against Fiorentina in what has to be considered the best pre-season friendly watched so far. Jos Mourinho’s side totally dominated the early stages of the game but could not maintain their concentration as the Italian side fought back to earn an exciting 2-2 draw.
The passing was quick and the play was flowing early, as Real Madrid created some great chances; after being two goals to the good with maybe half an hour left, the support may have already begun dreaming of an entertaining afternoon.
However, it was not to be, as Fiorentina upped their game and leveled after coming back very strong in the second half-a much better performance in the second 45 by the Serie A side, who definitely seemed to look more organized and determined when getting possession of the ball from Real Madrid who, in turn, looked more determined in attack during the first period, although defending was organized.
Newcastle Target Victor Froholdt Fires FC Porto to Portuguese Super Cup Glory
The Portuguese club Porto beat their rivals 2-0 to clinch the title with a brilliant goal by Newcastle target and highly impressive teenager, Victor Froholdt. Porto have been looking impressive with young prospects lately, but this display is sure to make a strong statement to Newcastle United who are reportedly targeting the young Danish playmaker. Froholdt, was one of Porto’s key men on a successful night and continues to make a strong case for why he is in Europe’s elite and many of the world’s major clubs are sniffing around him at this moment in time.
The 17-year-old started well and was instrumental in Porto retaining possession.
He worked well, linked up defense to offense with his excellent passing ability, and also constantly battled and won duels all around the park. His first contribution to a game came late on in the second half where he tapped home and secured a much-deserved victory for FC Porto in a game that will be looked at as the day Froholdt announces his arrival. After that stunning moment, there was widespread celebration around the stadium. That result, in particular will have made Newcastle United pay much more attention, the team in the Premier league are looking to buy more exciting young prospects in the coming transfer window, as they are always willing to splash out on them.
The Portuguese side clearly has an enormous interest in talented young prospects, and there seems to be an increased focus on this by many clubs right now.
They will not be willing to lose one of their finest ever talents any time soon, though, unless an astonishing amount comes their way. This goal is sure to have convinced anyone unsure whether Froholdt is actually as good as he is and he has also convinced his manager that he has enough quality to carry them past their rivals.
Transfer News Updates
Diomande Left Off RB Leipzig Squad Ahead of Reported Real Madrid Move
RB Leipzig defender Diomande misses squad as Real Madrid transfer rumour continues to heat up RB Leipzig defender Diomande was excluded from the club’s most recent match day squad, prompting rumours that his move to Real Madrid is close to completion. Real Madrid are rumoured to have stepped up their interest in acquiring the centre-back this summer. La Liga giants reportedly feel as if he would be the perfect signing to boost their defense ahead of next season.
His combination of pace, physicality, and composed dribbling have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe, attracting interest from some of the continent’s most respected outfits, RB Leipzig haven’t publicly stated the cause of his exclusion, though it is relatively normal for clubs to omit players that they are considering selling. RB Leipzig appears resigned to letting him leave this summer, with clubs now reportedly planning how to replace them. Diomande appears to have been on Real Madrid’s radar for sometime and signing the 20-year-old would align with their strategy of acquiring young talent with potential.
If negotiations progress well, an official club announcement could be made sometime before the closing of the summer transfer window.
Many will now wait and see if Real Madrid pull off another landmark signing this summer as they continue their preparations for the 2022-23 season.
Done: AFC Bournemouth Complete Signing of Portugal International António Silva
AFC Bournemouth is extremely proud to have completed the signing of Portugal international António Silva from Benfica, making one of the largest deals in the club’s history. The talented centre back joins us with a growing reputation, having established himself as a standout performer at home and on the European stage. The 19 year old Portuguese has become the nation’s best-known promising defender, known for his composure, shape and ball-playing qualities.
Despite his age, he has already garnered valuable experience at the pinnacle of the sport and will be a cornerstone to Bournemouth’s defence next season.
The Cherries’ have been eager to shore up their defensive unit this summer and Silva’s arrival is a major statement of intent. His decision to join means more belief at board-level that the Portuguese star’s calibre and captaincy will add more stability and strength to the backline. Bournemouth’s fanbase expressed widespread elation upon hearing the news. They see this deal as proof of the Cherries’ mounting status within the English game, as Silva now embarks on pre-season with his new teammates in Dorset.
The international is anticipated to quickly adjust to playing English football and is expected to lead Bournemouth on to continued success at the top of the game.
Arsenal Move for Vinícius Could Disrupt Wage Structure as Barcola Emerges as Realistic Option
According to the reports, although Arsenal has been linked with real madid’ wingerVincius Júnior, it would surely destroy the wage structure of the gunners if such deal happens since ViniciusJr is one of the highest paid footballers in the world. Arteta is more than happy to land Vincius Júnior at Emirattes stadium but with the clubs present wage system he cannot. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola on the other hand could be a more attainable deal for Arsenal as the youngster has impressive skills that suits their style of play in the coming few years.
Barcola possesses good speed and dribbling as well as a versatility to play in multiple forward positions.
As the clock winds down to close of the transfer window, the management are in search of an exciting attacking addition to the club and will carefully measure out how such potential deal will affect the clubs financial situation.
Trabzonspor Open Talks With Mohamed Salah Over €16–17 Million Salary
Trabzonspor are said to have entered talks with Mohamed Salah regarding a move, ready to hand the Egyptian winger an annual wage of between 16 and 17 million euros. The offer indicates their serious ambition to land one of world’s very best attacking talents. Salah continues to prove to be one of the most consistent goalscoring forwards across the continent and his experience could prove invaluable.
His future, with questions arising around how his contract situation would play out, has long been spoken of, with his services courted by numerous divisions across Europe.
Trabzonspor have hopes that securing the signature of a talent the level of Salah would help elevate the club’s status globally as well as improve the quality of their playing XI to compete at both national and European levels. Of course, that will have to be agreed upon with the individual as well as numerous other conditions. While in its nascent stages, nothing has been confirmed thus far and other European suitors could also look to lure the 32-year-old were the opportunity to present itself in the closing weeks of the window. Trabzonspor’s capability of signing one of the greatest ever to play for the club hangs in the balance these coming weeks.
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Stay updated with the latest friendly match results and transfer news on ShacabkaFootball. Read about Arsenal’s big win over Girona, Manchester United’s victory against Atlético Madrid, Tottenham’s late win over Chelsea, Real Madrid’s draw with Fiorentina, Manchester City’s penalty defeat to Inter, and the latest transfer stories involving Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Salah, and more.