punchng

Plymouth hero reveals clear four-word instruction from Wayne Rooney during crucial win

Plymouth match-winner Michael Obafemi was told to ‘get on and score’ by Wayne Rooney before doing exactly that on Tuesday night.

The striker came off the bench to grab the winner for Argyle as they beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Home Park in a Championship basement battle.

Obafemi’s winner sees Plymouth go three points clear of the relegation zone
Sky Sports

Obafemi replaced Andre Gray for the final 20 minutes with the match still goalless.

He needed just 12 to make the difference, though, as he capitalised on a mistake from Regan Poole to score with only his third touch in the 82nd minute.

After the match, Obafemi was asked what Plymouth boss Rooney had said to him before he came on.

The 24-year-old, who was named player of the match, revealed to Sky Sports that the simple and clear instruction: “Get on and score.”

He added: “He’s a great guy and I appreciate all the advice he’s been giving me. Thankfully, I could reward the team and him today.”

Obafemi’s strike is just his second for the club since signing on loan from Burnley in August.

He previously found the net in the 2-1 home win over Blackburn in October.

His strike on Tuesday also ended a four-match winless run for the Pilgrims, dating back to that victory over Rovers.

It also lifts Plymouth out of the Championship relegation zone with their fourth win of the season.

Argyle move up two places to 20th, having leapfrogged Luton and Preston ahead of their matches on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth are out of the bottom three after beating Portsmouth
Rex

Meanwhile, Pompey remain rooted to the foot of the table on their return to the second tier.

Another win this weekend could see his side climb into the top half depending on results elsewhere between now and Saturday.

Rooney will be hoping Obafemi can continue his scoring form away to the manager’s old side Derby on Saturday.


The former Rams boss spent almost two years in charge at Pride Park after initially serving as caretaker manager during the 2020/21 season.

Categories: News

Tags:

‘We’re in a dark place’ – Man City star makes worrying admission as Manchester United fans lick lips ahead of Ruben Amorim’s arrrival

Bernardo Silva has boldly declared that Manchester City are ‘in a dark place’ following their Champions League humbling against Sporting Lisbon.

Pep Guardiola’s men were thrashed 4-1 against the Portuguese giants at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday night.

Silva has issued a worrying admission over City’s form following their latest loss
Getty

Meanwhile, it was a dream night for outgoing Sporting boss Ruben Amorim in what was his last home match in charge before he links up with City’s rivals Manchester United.

The result means that the Citizens have lost three competitive matches in a row for the first time since April 2018.

And City playmaker Silva – back in his native country – has issued a worrying admission over his side’s current slump.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Silva said: “It’s disappointing because we’re a bit in a dark place right now, everything looks to be going in the wrong way.

“Even when we are playing well we don’t score our chances and we concede too easily.

“We definitely need to look inside and check what we’re not doing well.

“And we need to start getting better very quickly otherwise it will be very difficult to come back from these losses.”

He added: “It’s football. It’s difficult to find reasons for what is happening right now to us.

“I don’t remember in seven-and-a-half seasons this team losing three games in a row. It just looks like this team is going the wrong way now.”

Trying to point out a positive in City sitting second in the Premier League, Silva then remarked: “The good thing is even though we have lost these three games we are still in a good position especially in the Premier League and in the Champions League.

Guardiola’s side have lost three games in a row for the first time in six years
Getty
Amorim was given the perfect send-off in his last home match in charge of Sporting
AFP

“We haven’t lost anything, even though after losing three games we are still in the main competitions fighting for everything, but we need to better, obviously.

“Our injured players need to come back because we need them and it’s just not good enough at the minute.”

And unfortunately for Silva – and City fans – the Premier League holders will face Amorim again on December 15 in the second Manchester derby of the season.


United fans are already licking their lips ahead of the Etihad showdown as they dream of their side playing Amorim’s attractive style of play.

Taking to social media, one United fan posted: “Sir Ruben Amorim will finally have MUFC winning the league again.”

Another joked: “Now I see why Bernardo Silva doesn’t wish Ruben Amorim well at United. He already knows what’s coming.”

A third added: “Ruben Amorim completely destroys Pep and City. As a Man United fan I love to see Amorim ball. This is why I love football.”

This United fan then messaged: “Ruben Amorim fair play mate. He [Pep Guardiola] didn’t know what to do. We now have the best gaffer.”

Meanwhile this user simply stated: “Be scared, rivals. Amorim is coming.”

Amorim’s first United match in charge will be after the international break against Ipswich at Portman Road on November 24.

Categories: News

Tags:

N1.3tn fraud: Okowa spends second night in EFCC custody

The former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, is still being held at the Port Harcourt, Rivers State office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This makes it his second night in the custody of the anti-graft agency. This is as the Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress backed the detention of the

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Reps to probe ministers over $2bn energy fund

The Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, his Science, Technology, and Innovation counterpart, Uche Nnaji, and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are some of the high-profile government functionaries expected to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday. The Committee, chaired by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency,

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Hushpuppi may not have second chance – Cyber expert

Former US cybercriminal and now a cybersecurity consultant, Brett Johnson, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of an easy release for Nigerian social media influencer, Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi. Hushpuppi is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence in the United States for international fraud. Johnson, once on the FBI’s most-wanted list and currently a

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Osimhen only African player in top 50 marketable athletes

Striker ranked above Haaland, CR7 missing Victor Osimhen is the only African player to make Sports Pro’s Top 50 Most Marketable Athletes list for 2024, being ranked 44th ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The US website used three metrics — brand strength, total addressable market, and economics—to determine the rankings, with Osimhen scoring higher

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Detroit Pistons are forced to commute via subway as NYC marathon shuts down town

The Detroit Pistons are just like everyone else.

They take the subway to work.

The Pistons had to take the subway to the Barclays Center for their game against the Brooklyn Nets
INSTAGRAM/@DETROITPISTONS

Detroit had trouble making their way to the Barclays Center for their game against the Brooklyn Nets due to the New York City marathon that took place earlier in the day.

The marathon shut down much of the city’s big avenues as thousands of runners weaved in and out the streets of New York City.

That included the Brooklyn Bridge closing for the marathon.

The team stayed in midtown Manhattan, which would require going over the Brooklyn Bridge to get to the Barclays Center.

With the bridge closed off, they had to call an audible.

Luckily for them, the old reliable MTA was waiting for them to lend a helping hand.

They loaded up on the subway and made it to the Barclays Center with plenty of time to spare for their 3:30 ET tip-off.

Apparently the subway brought good luck.

Detroit won just its’ second game of the season, with a 106-92 victory over the Nets.

The Pistons are now sit at a putrid 2-5.

The Pistons had to buy tickets to ride the subway
INSTAGRAM/@DETROITPISTONS

Not much has gone their way this season, now including their commute to work.

Going into the season, the Pistons were projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, with some of the highest odds to land the no.1 draft pick.

That seems to be the case for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s team.


The good news for Detroit is the generational prospect that awaits whoever winds up with the first overall pick.

Insert Cooper Flagg.

The Duke freshman is the overwhelming favorite to hear his name called first on June 26, 2025.

If the Pistons keep up their disappointing play, then a major prize could land in their lap.

And the prize will come in the form of Flagg.

In the meanwhile, the Pistons better look ahead at their schedule and make sure they avoid any further disruptions on their game day commute.

If not, they can ride the subway like everyone else.

Categories: News

Tags:

Dak Prescott has X-rated assessment of Cowboys after injury as nightmare season gets worse

A nightmare season is only getting worse for the Dallas Cowboys.

On a day when Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t allowed on the team flight, the highest-paid player in NFL history was ruled out mid-game and faces an uncertain future.

Getty

Dak Prescott had a tough day in Atlanta[/caption]

Dallas trailed the Atlanta Falcons 27-13 in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

But the real story wasn’t Elliott being benched and inactive for reportedly missing team meetings.

It was a potentially troublesome injury for quarterback Dak Prescott, who is making a whopping $60million a year but couldn’t play the full four quarters in another disappointing defeat.

Prescott was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Adding insult to the loss of a QB recently promised $240 million by Dallas, the Cowboys lost their third consecutive game on a day when Washington improved to 7-2 with rookie Jayden Daniels.

“Time for them to tank,” one fan tweeted.

“This guy can never seem to catch a break,” a second fan wrote.

“Bro threw in the towel,” a third fan posted.

And cameras caught Prescott delivering a rather frank assessment of how things are going for the Cowboys this season.

“We f****** suck”, Prescott appeared to say.

x@nflonfox

Prescott is losing on the field despite being the NFL’s highest-paid player[/caption]

x@nflonfox

He dealt with hand and hamstring injuries on Sunday[/caption]

Getty

Atlanta punished the Cowboys for four quarters[/caption]

Controversy and drama have shadowed the Cowboys all season.

While Jones has defended his position as the franchise’s owner and general manager, teammates have bickered on the sideline during games.

But Dallas’ 3-5 season reached a new low point on Sunday, when Elliott was made inactive after failing to support his team during the week.


That paled to the loss of Prescott, though.

He’s the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense and was rewarded by Jones — despite a lack of playoff success — with a historic contract just before the start of the season.

“The hand issue, the hamstring issue, and Dak Prescott is done for the game,” an announcer said.

Backup Cooper Rush took over Prescott, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb eventually returned to the game after suffering injury.

Getty

Prescott is a long way from a big playoff win[/caption]

But even though Prescott is only 2-5 in the playoffs, he’s irreplaceable for the Cowboys.

Dallas has one of the NFL’s worst running games, making Prescott’s weekly success paramount.

Questions will now surround the future of Mike McCarthy as head coach.

With the trade deadline looming, Elliott could be dealt or simply released by the Cowboys, who foolishly believed they could recreate his rookie magic from almost a decade ago.

But even though Dallas is just 3-5 this season, the wealthiest pro franchise in the world is nothing without Prescott.

That’s why Jones chose to pay him $240 million at 31-years-old, since the Cowboys didn’t have any other legitimate options at the most important position in sports.

Dallas’ 2024 season is already on the verge of being over.

With $240 million promised to an aging QB who’s consistently disappointed in the playoffs and couldn’t finish Week 9, the nightmare could just be beginning for Jones and his sinking Cowboys.

Categories: News

Tags:

Govt allocates N18bn compensation for Lagos-Calabar highway

A total of N18bn has been allocated to compensate affected property owners on section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on Sunday. Umahi also stated that everyone on the compensation list of section 1 of the coastal road must have been paid in 10 days. He spoke during

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

US election: Harris, Trump in final push for votes tomorrow

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump began a frantic last push across the United States swing states on Sunday, with less than 48 hours of campaigning left to secure a decisive edge in a bitterly fought and historically close presidential election. “The fate of our nation is in your hands. On Tuesday, you have to stand

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Conor McGregor left visibly stunned after bare-knuckle fighter leaves ring in oxygen mask at BKFC 68 Newcastle

Conor McGregor was left speechless after a wild knockout during his promotion’s Newcastle event on Saturday.

McGregor is a minority owner in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and was in attendance for BKFC 68 on Saturday inside Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.

And there was one moment where the usually very vocal UFC legend was left stunned
BKFC

Agi Faulkner became BKFC’s new European heavyweight champion in a brutal main event that witnessed five knockdowns in the first round.

Meanwhile Northern Ireland’s Conor Cooke upset Matthew Hodgson in the co-main event, but the former couldn’t take home the UK light-heavyweight title due to missing weight.

All eyes were focused on McGregor as he entered the Newcastle Arena on Saturday midway through BKFC’s main card.

He was drowned out by flashes and photos as he made is way ringside, before getting up to the usual antics of hyping up the crowd and gulping his Forged Irish Stout.

After fast-rising Sedgefield cruserweight Karl Thompson eased his way to three fights undefeated under the BKFC banner, it was the next all-English clash that caught the attention of ‘The Notorious’.

Newcastle’s Lewis Keen was undefeated and a clear favourite as he entered his bout with Ben Bonner in the lightweight division

However, it didn’t take long for that zero to turn into a one, as with just 20 seconds remaining in the first round Bonner delivered a wild overhand right that instantly knocked Keen out cold.

‘The Bomber’ silenced the Utilita Arena crowd with his once-punch KO as the Middlesbrough man improved to a 3-1 bare-knuckle professional record with his victory.

The knockout was so bad that ‘The Machine’ Keen was left almost motionless inside the squared circle with his eyes rolled back.

Referee Chris Batcheldor didn’t take long to wave off the fight either as Keen was visibly dazed as he lay on the canvas, before receiving medical help and an oxygen mask to help with his breathing.

Speaking after the event, McGregor spoke passionately about his beloved sport and Newcastle’s Premier League victory over Arsenal earlier in the day.

“It’s an honour to be here in the beautiful Newcastle today, 1-0, we won today. Up the Toon Army,” he said.

“We’re on the hunt for the baddest m***** f***** around these parts. We’re crowing champions and putting on big shows.

“Thank you to all the combatants for putting it all on the line… you always have to thank the combatants. Let’s go Newcastle.”


Bonner first emerged as a bare-knuckle talent back in 2023 and beat Jamie Oldfield on his debut with BKFC in London.

He then lost to Robert Barry at BKFC 46 in July 2023, before gaining another victory this time over Ray Putterill nine months later in Milton Keynes for BKFC 60.

Confidence has never been an issue for 33-year-old Bonner, who enjoys hiking in and out of camp to keep himself grounded.

“I can fight anyone 170lb or 172lb, 168lb or 174lb, anyone in the top five or top ten.” he told Bare Knuckle News last year.

“I’m more than capable of dismantling them over a five round fight definitely and if any of them want it they know where I am.”

Bonner will now have his eyes set on bigger fights in America and Europe following BKFC’s recent success in Marbella and other venues abroad.

Categories: News

Tags:

Joel Embiid launches into X-rated rant as he hits back at criticism

Joel Embiid has given everything he’s had to the city of Philadelphia and the 76ers franchise.

Yet he feels as though he doesn’t get the proper respect for everything he’s gone through, because of the time he’s missed with injuries over the course of his career.

Embiid has missed a lot of games in his career due to injury, while also notably showing up to training camp out of shape on multiple occasions
Getty

The 30-year-old franchise star, has missed 372 regular-season games, including all four so far this season.

Since being drafted with the third overall pick in 2014, Embiid has missed eight playoff games as well.

Last season, he missed 43 games with a torn meniscus in his left knee, eventually returning right before the playoffs, only to injure his face, causing him to play with Bell’s pals.

The criticism of the former-MVP being able to stay healthy and on the court has only ramped up, which led Embiid to sound off to reporters this week.

“When I see people saying, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ … I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that. So I do think it’s b*******,” Embiid said, specifically referencing a Philadelphia Inquirer column that called for fans to receive refunds when Embiid doesn’t play.

“… I’ve done way too much for this f****** city to be treated like this.”

Embiid went on to list all the times he has played when he probably would have been better off sitting out.

Broken fingers, knee ailments, multiple facial fractures, the list of Embiid’s injury history goes on and on.

His body is like the game of Operation. Broken bones and torn ligaments everywhere.

Yet Embiid still tries to play through the pain.

Embiid is less than two full seasons removed in which he won the MVP
Getty

“I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice, came back early with the risk of losing my vision, had broken fingers (and) I still came back,” Embiid said.

“I wish I was as lucky as other ones,” he said later. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I am pretty soon.”

Embiid came out before the season had started and said he probably won’t be playing in any more back to back games for the rest of his career, which caught the ire of TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.


The seven-time All-Star is hoping to return to the court soon, as he has ramped up his practice workload.

And the 76ers can’t wait that much longer, after already stumbling to a 1-3 start.

Not to mention that Embiid’s supposed star running mate, and expensive free agent acquisition, Paul George, has also been out due to injury.

It’s Groundhog Day all over again for Philadelphia.

Whether the criticism towards Embiid is fair or not, probably lands somewhere in the middle.

But, for a man that just signed a three-year, $192.9 million maximum contract extension, he has to be on the court.

It is frustrating for everyone involved, including Embiid.

Playing professional sports in Philadelphia is not for the faint of heart, Embiid knows this.

He also knows the only way to ever make them quiet is by delivering the ultimate prize – an NBA championship.

Categories: News

Tags:

Mixed feelings as British-Nigerian woman emerges UK party leader

Nigerians have expressed mixed feelings after British-Nigerian politician, Kemi Badenoch, emerged as the new leader of the Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting. Badenoch, a Member of Parliament representing North West Essex, became the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom after getting 53,806

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Inflation forcing hotels to shut down, operators lament

The high rate of inflation in NIgeria is taking its toll on hotels, forcing them to shut down operations, industry operators have cried out. Hoteliers have called on the government to intervene in the industry to address the escalating cost of doing business. In separate interviews with The PUNCH, the stakeholders noted that their challenges

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

‘My heart!’ – Harry Kane nearly hits first ever hole-in-one in incredible style in YouTube game with Rick Shiels

Gareth Bale’s reputation as the best golfing football player could soon be ended by his former Tottenham teammate Harry Kane.

Bale has long been forever linked to golf, even before his infamous ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order’ banner damaged relations with Real Madrid.

Kane has made his claim as football’s best golfer
Rick Shiels Golf
The England captain was in bits after almost recording a hole-in-one
Rick Shiels Golf

However, even in his Pro-Am efforts since retiring, the former winger never showed the prowess that Kane has on YouTube.

The Bayern Munich striker joined Rick Shiels’ channel for a game, and one moment stood out among all the others during an hour of golf.

On the third hole, which was a par four, Kane showed how well he knew the course as he talked through the green, weather, and why he was stuck between clubs.

However, once he’d placed his ball on the tee, it was straight down to business.

The England captain drove a near-perfect shot.

And within seconds he was doubled over as he thought he’d just landed his first ever hole-in-one.

The ball ended up just a foot or so short, and Shiels and Kane were both stunned by what had just happened.

“Oh my god I thought it went in the hole,” Kane said with a giggle as he crouched down in shock.

“I honestly thought it went in the hole.

“It disappeared for like half a second. My heart… I’ve never had a hole-in-one before.”

Kane’s skills go beyond the football pitch
Getty
Watch out, Bale!
Getty

Calming down after his shock minutes before, Kane then sunk the putt for a two-under-par Eagle.

“I’ll take that all day long,” he smiled.

Kane and Shiels would finish one under par after nine holes, and Kane’s handicap of four may well come down in retirement.


Over to you, Bale!

Categories: News

Tags:

Non-league Tamworth hand ex-Premier League Huddersfield FA Cup embarrassment thanks to ‘Rory Delap re-gen’

Tamworth showed why the FA Cup matters as they saw off League One Huddersfield Town on Friday.

The third tier side were in the Premier League just six years ago, but fast forward to today, and the Terriers have suffered a 1-0 defeat at non-league Tamworth.

This is what FA Cup dreams are made of!
Getty
This was the moment that sent them into the next round
BBC SPORT

And the home side’s winning goal has left fans reminiscing the days of Tony Pulis and Rory Delap at Stoke.

Just before half-time, Tamworth’s Tom Tonks left Huddersfield goalkeeper Chris Maxwell in a bundle on the floor.

He was no where near Huddersfield’s box, though, but rather firing in a seriously long throw from the sidelines.

Just like Delap often did, Tonks did his best to go straight for goal with his throw.

And his daring effort paid off.

Tamworth’s players did well to leave little opportunity for Maxwell to keep out the oncoming ball, with it hitting him, but still finding the back of the net.

The former Wrexham glovesman was left on the deck as his defenders called for a foul.

But the home side’s goal stood, and they made it count too, as Maxwell’s only goal was all they needed to reach the second round.

Fans on social media loved Tonks’ throw in, with one writing on X: “Move over Rory Delap!”

“Rory Delap re-gen,” a second wrote.

A third said: “A non-league side beating a league side on a plastic pitch in a cup game via a goal that came directly from a Rory Delap-style long throw is it?!”

There are 57 places between Huddersfield and Tamworth, with the latter playing in the National League, the fifth level of the English football league system.

Tamworth were already flying high after their back-to-back promotion up to the fifth tier.

They currently sit 16th in the league.

Huddersfield couldn’t contain Tanks
Getty
Tamworth sung Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’ together to celebrate
bbc sport

Now, they’ve created another night for the history books.

Tonks’ effort earned him the Player of the Match reward, too.

Asked post-match whether he works on his throws, he laughed: “Not at all!”

1922 FA Cup winners Huddersfield, meanwhile, will be licking their wounds when they return to League One.

Despite being relegated last term, they sit seventh in the table.

Categories: News

Tags:

Why Pastor Damina must withdraw misleading messages — Prof. Adesanya-Davies

In this interview with Biodun Busari, the secretary of the Elders’ Council for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, discusses what she describes as “heretic and fallacious” teachings by Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International Ministry How has your experience in the university system been as a linguist and

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

I dumped acting career to care for Agbako — Daughter

Motunrayo ‘Iwalewa’ Charles, a daughter of the recently deceased veteran actor, Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo and Agbako, has said that she had to abandon her acting career to take care of her father in his old age. Agbako died on Thursday, October 31, at the age of 101 at his Oniboku residence

Read More

Categories: News

Tags:

Footage shows ‘humble’ N’Golo Kante cleaning pitch up after fan delay tactic as ex-Chelsea star shows his class once again

N’Golo Kante has melted fans’ hearts once again after clearing hundreds of flags off the pitch in the Saudi Pro League.

The former Chelsea and Leicester star has played for Saudi outfit Al Ittihad since last summer following the expiration of his Blues contract.

talksport

Kante got stuck in helping to clear the flags[/caption]

He helped get the game get back under way – and fans are loving it
talkSPORT

In case you were wondering, the Frenchman is still just as wholesome as ever – and his latest antics have left supporters on social media in awe.

Al Ittihad faced Al Ahli on Thursday, with the home side winning 1-0 thanks to Saleh Alshehri’s first half goal.

But the game was halted for five minutes thanks to Ittihad fans throwing hundreds of flags on the pitch.

This was done to slow the game down as the visitors took control of the game while Al Ittihad defended their lead.

Most of the players went off the pitch to get a drink while the mess was sorted out – except for one.

Footage shows Kante walking around the field, picking up the fan-thrown flags and taking them to the sidelines to get them out of the way and allowing the game to resume.

Fans on social media loved the moment, with one writing on X: “Typical N’Golo Kante.”

“Such a humble guy, love him so much,” another said.

Meanwhile, a third wrote: “There are few people in football who are 100% likeable these days.

“N’Golo Kante is just the most wholesome footballer. Bring him back to England please.”

Kante oozes class both on and off the pitch
GETTY

This isn’t the first time Kante has shown his class beyond his talent on the pitch.

He once famously met an Arsenal fan at a mosque and decided to go back home with him to casually watch match of the day and play a spot of FIFA.

The Premier League and World Cup winner also used to rock up to training in a modest Mini Cooper thought to be worth around £10,000, whilst he teammates turned up in flashy cars.


And after winning the World Cup with France, Kante was too shy to ask to hold the trophy, so his teammates Steven Nzonzi and others handed it to him so he could have his moment.

Never change, N’Golo.

Categories: News

Tags:

Paul Pogba tipped to make Premier League return with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta who will ‘bring his quality out’

Paul Pogba is close to a return to football, and if Darren Bent has his way, he could be back in the Premier League.

The World Cup-winning France midfielder was banned from football for four years in February after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone in his system back in September 2023.

Pogba is set for a shock early return
Getty

That lengthy suspension has since been reduced to 18 months on appeal, and Pogba could be back playing in early 2025.

Still contracted to Juventus, the club have reportedly made it clear that they’re ready to cut ties with the 31-year-old who was formerly the most expensive player in the world when he joined Manchester United for £89.3million in 2016.

That should free up Pogba to move where he pleases, and while links to the MLS and the Saudi Pro League persist, a return to the top flight isn’t out of the question.

Someone who knows the Premier League better than most, member of the 100-goal club Darren Bent, could see the Frenchman arriving at the club he supports, Arsenal.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, he said: “I think this would have humbled [Pogba] a little bit. He’s spent some time off the pitch, it wasn’t really going that well before as he had injuries before the ban.

“He’s still got the quality there, he just hasn’t shown it. Arteta has been good in terms of judging characters and bringing characters into the dress room.

“He’ll sit down Pogba and be able to tell what kind of character is there and also how much hunger is left. If Pogba’s looking for a last pay day, Arteta will be able to suss that out and say no.”

He added: “If you can integrate Paul Pogba, bringing him off the bench with the qualities he’s got, wow.”

Pogba initially made his professional debut with United in 2011, later returning from 2016 to 2022 where he was largely deemed a failure.

But Bent thinks that Raheem Sterling’s loan spell with Arsenal has shown the Gunners can help rehabilitate out of form players.

Pogba’s United return didn’t work out, but he was at an unstable club post-Ferguson
Getty

Ex-England forward Sterling struggled to impress last season with Chelsea but is back getting minutes under Arteta – and Bent believes Pogba could follow that same path.

“[Pogba] going through something like that must be tough obviously,” he said. “I know how tough it can be because I know people that have been through that.

“He knows he’s not in that place of strength where he was where he could command, and do what he wants. He knows now if he’s going to go to a top club, he’s going to be a bit of a rotation, squad player. 


“A little bit like Raheem Sterling has had to do at Arsenal, he’s come to Arsenal, he’s not getting loads of minutes but he still looks like he’s putting in the effort when he gets the opportunity.

“He hasn’t caused any disruption in the dressing room. I would take Paul Pogba at Arsenal.”

On Sterling, he added: “Even last night [in the 3-0 League Cup win] against Preston, Sterling was going past people, still trying to make things happen, desperate to score.”

Bent wasn’t the first person to suggest an Arsenal move either, with former Gunner Bacary Sagna making the pitch for his old teammate.

Sterling has got his smile back at Arsenal, and Pogba could follow suit
AFP

“It would be great – he has experience; he loves to play with young players around him – that is when he is most efficient,” Sagna said.

“At the 2018 World Cup, that was when he was most efficient – he had friends around him.  

“Arsenal have a young, fresh team, and I see him performing in an Arsenal shirt. He will get love from their fans.

“Now, he can start from scratch again. He’s had time away from football, and he’ll be back with a desire to get back into a good space and play football again.”

Pogba last made an appearance in a Serie A game on September 2023.

Categories: News

Tags: