Sports |

January 8, 2024

January 8, 2024 IFMSPORTS

Toney Ready To Repay Brentford With Goals On Return From Ban

Brentford striker Ivan Toney said on Monday he was ready to repay the Premier League club for their support by scoring goals when he returns from an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of the betting rules.

The 27-year-old England international was the West London club's top scorer last season and is allowed to play again on January 16 after resuming training in September.

Brentford have slipped to 16th in the league, four points clear of the drop zone, and need Toney back, although the player has been linked in particular with Arsenal in the transfer window.

"Everyone knows Brentford is a family club. They have been amazing for me," he said in an interview.

"I can't thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So, it's like I have a lot to repay."

"They're struggling at the moment, but I'm sure when I'm back, I will play a big part in getting them out of the losing form they've been in. I can't wait to get back and help my teammates."

Toney's first chance will be against Nottingham Forest on January 20, but he scored a hat-trick and an assist in the club's 5-1 B team friendly win behind closed doors against Southampton under-23s last weekend.

Brentford are suffering injuries and absences, losing this season's top scorer, Bryan Mbeumo, to an ankle injury and Yoane Wissa to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Toney said Brentford knew how to get themselves out of a hole but admitted it had been hard to be on the sidelines and confessed to "a stage where I fell out of love with football.

"I did watch Brentford games. I’d flick it on and have it in the background, just listening to the chances or the scoreline, whereas before that, I’d watch every Premier League game possible. League One, League Two—every league on TV.

"I punished myself. But then I thought, ‘That’s not helping me'."

Toney recognized that some would question whether he could return to the same player as before but said he had no doubts about his abilities.

"I know what I'm capable of, so I guess when I get onto the pitch, I’ll just do what I do best," he said.

January 5, 2024

January 5, 2024 IFMNEWS

Arsenal are considering a deal for Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato

Arsenal are planning a long-term move for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato as the club seeks to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s defense.

Hato, 17, is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising prospects, capable of playing at both center-back and left-back. The Holland international has 18 months left on his current contract, but Ajax wants to sign him to a new long-term contract.

Hato’s performances have been a bright spot in a difficult season for Ajax, and the general consensus in the Netherlands is that Arsenal will make a formal offer in the summer rather than in the January window.

Arsenal has a recent history of doing business with Ajax, having recruited Jurrien Timber from the Dutch club last summer in a move worth up to £39 million.

Hato stated earlier this season that he hopes to one day follow in the footsteps of Timber, who is presently recovering from a significant knee injury, by heading to the Premier League.

January 5, 2024

January 5, 2024 IFMSPORTS

Liverpool Face Arsenal In FA Cup Clash Without Mo Salah

With Mohamed Salah out, Jurgen Klopp says it is “impossible” for Liverpool to play in the same manner without the Egyptian.

The forward, who scored twice against Newcastle on New Year’s Day, will represent his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Reds will be without their most prolific goalscorer and key attacking danger.

Salah has been a fixture in Liverpool’s front three since his arrival in 2017, and his impact on games makes him difficult to replace. So much so that, despite the abundance of attacking quality at his disposal, Klopp admits that whoever replaces Salah on the right, likely Harvey Elliott, will not be able to recreate the Egyptian.

“I think we played against West Ham with Harvey there, and we have different defensive options,” he explained. Other players can play on the wing, but not as effectively as Mo. That is the premise behind it: we employ the boys and their skills. Do we want to play with or without Mo? No.

“However, we will find a way.” Of course, we play Arsenal, and we can lose with Mo Salah – but right now, we have a chance to win, so we consider that.”

An FA Cup match against Arsenal will be Liverpool’s first without Salah, who has previously been absent due to AFCON.

The games are coming thick and fast for Klopp, who wants to keep the Merseysiders fighting on four fronts with a Carabao Cup semi-final on the horizon.

Liverpool’s attacking options include Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, although each of the aforementioned quartet has shown to be as potent in front of goal.

Salah, on the other hand, was sure that his club would do well in his absence: “We believe too much, we have such good talents, they just need to work hard, nothing else.” We need to express ourselves, play football, and if they succeed, Working hard, as I see it at the gym, after training, and during games, is what keeps us winning.”

On Air Now:

Category: Sports

Arsenal are considering a deal for Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato

USEFUL LINKS

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

FOLLOW US

queue

Watch Live