Arsenal matched their biggest Premier League away win with a 6-0 pummelling of Sheffield United on Monday after scoring five times in the first half and are now just two points off league leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta’s team are third in the Premier League with 61 points after 27 games, a point behind Manchester City but with a much better goal difference than their title rivals. The Blades remain rooted to the bottom on 13 points, 11 adrift of safety.
The Gunners are the first Premier League team to record seven wins in a row this season and appear to be gaining momentum at just the right time to keep the pressure on the top two.
“A great performance and a big result for us again with the amount of goals we scored and the clean sheet,” said a delighted Arsenal manager.
“The team shows signs of wanting more, very positive. The energy is really good at the moment. When you are winning everything is easier, we have to maintain momentum now.”
Arsenal were ruthless as they sliced through United’s defence with ease from the start. Captain Martin Odegaard opened the floodgates with his fifth-minute goal, firing home from the middle of the box after a cute cutback from Declan Rice.
There was more misery to come for United goalkeeper Ivo Grbic on a night that saw six different names on the scoresheet.
Jayden Bogle put through his own net in the 13th minute before Gabriel Martinelli struck two minutes later, sending scores of weary United fans to the Bramall Lane exits, while Kai Havertz (25th minute), Rice (39), and Ben White (58) also netted.
“We won 6-0 today and recently we’ve won a lot, but the work we do without the ball from the front to the goalkeeper is really good and it’s a pleasure to be a part of,” said Odegaard.
Arsenal’s early strikes had the 9-0 Premier League scoring record looking in jeopardy, but Blades fans were spared more misery partly due to Arteta’s substitutions including forward Bukayo Saka subbed off after an excellent 45 minutes.
Arsenal were denied a seventh goal thanks to an excellent save from Grbic who batted away a curling shot from substitute Gabriel Jesus that looked destined for the far corner.
The Gunners matched their best Premier League away win set in the 6-0 rout of West Ham United on February 11 and record six-goal away victory margin in a 7-1 top flight win over Aston Villa in 1935. Arsenal did make history though by becoming the first English side to win three consecutive away matches by a margin of five or more goals.
They also became only the second English team to score at least five goals in three successive top flight away matches after Burnley in September 1961.
United have lost their last four games at Bramall Lane in all competitions having conceded 21 goals and scored two.
Coach Chris Wilder said it had been a painful season for his “damaged group of players.”
“(Arsenal) cut us wide open, they are doing that to a lot of teams, I’m not saying that makes us feel better because that is another long night for this club.
“Saka took us to pieces down that (right) side, whatever you need to do you have to try and stem the tide, especially when they are in full flow.
“We didn’t have an answer to anything they had. The result is what the result is and we have to live with it.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
