Premier League

FA rescinds Lewis-Skelly’s red card after Arsenal appeal

The Football Association (FA) has overturned the three-match suspension initially handed to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly following his controversial red card against Wolves.

The decision came after Arsenal appealed the dismissal, prompting an independent review. In a statement released on Monday, the FA confirmed:

“An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.

“The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 25 January 2025.”

Referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory, ruling that Lewis-Skelly caught Matt Doherty above the ankle while breaking up a counter-attack after a corner. VAR later upheld the decision.

The call sparked divided opinions among pundits and fans, with Oliver facing abuse on social media following the match.

With the suspension lifted, Lewis-Skelly will be available for selection when Arsenal host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

Premier League

Andy Gray Urges Arsenal to Tempt Aston Villa with £100m Bid for Ollie Watkins

Former Aston Villa forward Andy Gray has encouraged Arsenal to launch a £100million bid to secure the services of Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window closes.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Gray acknowledged Villa’s rejection of Arsenal’s initial £60million offer and highlighted Watkins’ finishing ability, which he believes surpasses that of Arsenal’s Germany international Kai Havertz.

“I would be amazed if Aston Villa decided, for any money, to part ways with Ollie Watkins,” Gray said. “Arsenal are his boyhood club, so it’s always a dream to play for them, especially when they’re this good.”

Gray emphasized Watkins’ potential impact at Arsenal, citing the team’s creativity and Watkins’ instinctive finishing ability as reasons why he would thrive at the Emirates.

“He is a better finisher than Kai Havertz and knows how to play in that position better,” Gray added. “In Arsenal’s team, with the chances they create, he would score a lot of goals.”

With only days left in the transfer window, Gray suggested Arsenal might need to act decisively: “Throw £100million on the table and see if that tempts them.”

Despite Arsenal’s urgency to sign a striker, Gray expressed hope that Villa would retain Watkins, particularly given uncertainties surrounding fellow striker Jhon Durán.

Premier League

Rashford must “change” to return for Manchester United, says Amorim

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has emphasized that Marcus Rashford “has to change” before being considered for selection again. The 27-year-old forward has not featured for the club in seven weeks and recently expressed his desire for a “new challenge.”

Rashford was once again omitted from United’s squad for Thursday’s Europa League match against FCSB in Bucharest.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford; our team should be so much better with him — but he has to change,” Amorim stated during a press conference on Wednesday.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him]—and we need it. But in this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.”

Amorim dismissed suggestions that the situation was personal.

“You (the media) want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody,” he explained. “We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”

Despite training at Carrington on Wednesday, Rashford was not included in the 21-man Europa League squad, fueling speculation about a potential transfer before the window closes on Monday.

Following United’s narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim made a strong statement about maintaining team standards:

“I would prefer to select my 63-year-old goalkeeping coach rather than play someone who did not meet those standards.”

Rashford, who debuted for the club in 2016, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the senior team.

“The situation is the same for every player,” Amorim reiterated. “I will not put [in] any player that doesn’t give the maximum. When I feel it is the right moment, I will put in any player to play. We are a better team with Rashford, that is clear, but until the right moment I will not change my mind.”