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Newcastle United face a challenging task as they travel to the Emirates this afternoon. Despite the difficulty of the fixture, Eddie Howe’s side are aiming to continue their positive record against the Gunners in recent encounters.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have endured a tough run of results against the Magpies in recent seasons, and the pressure is building as they seek to finish their campaign strongly. After exiting the Champions League, the focus has turned fully to domestic competition, where every point is now crucial.
Arsenal Must Reclaim Momentum
Having dropped vital points in recent Premier League matches, Arsenal cannot afford another setback if they wish to secure a second-place finish this season. Their record against Newcastle has been disappointing, and this match offers a key opportunity to correct that trend. The urgency of their situation means they will need to approach the game with both tactical discipline and attacking intent.
The fixture takes on added importance in the context of the club’s ambitions, as they look to build a strong finish to the campaign. Arteta is likely to demand intensity and focus from his players, knowing that Newcastle have consistently proven to be a difficult opponent.
Howe Targets Another Big Result
For Newcastle, the match represents an opportunity to reinforce their reputation as a side capable of competing with the Premier League’s elite. Manager Eddie Howe is preparing his team to approach the game with confidence, as they aim to take maximum points despite the difficult challenge at the Emirates.
Speaking ahead of the game, Howe outlined his team’s intentions. As quoted by Arsenal Media, he said:
“We have done well against Arsenal this season but every game is a new game. You don’t underestimate any opponent and have full respect to them, but we are going into the game trying to win.”
Newcastle have proven to be resilient and tactically astute, making them a threat to any opponent. Arsenal will need to be fully prepared, both physically and mentally, if they are to secure a vital win and regain control of their league position.
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More must-reads:
- Newcastle's record bid for Isak replacement rejected as club shifts focus
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- The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz
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‘There is a feeling…’ – Former PL striker shares Isak transfer claim Liverpool fans will love
Newcastle's record bid for Isak replacement rejected as club shifts focus
With Alexander Isak dominating soccer headlines amid growing speculation over a move to Liverpool, Newcastle United is preparing for life without its star striker. It’s been a frustrating summer on Tyneside, as the Magpies have seen several transfer pursuits fall short. Newcastle missed out on goalkeeper James Trafford and forward Hugo Ekitike, with the pair opting to join Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively. That frustration has now extended to the club’s latest target, Benjamin Sesko. According to reports, Newcastle's club-record £70 million bid for the RB Leipzig striker has been rejected, equivalent to approximately $92 million. While it had been previously suggested that such a fee would meet Leipzig’s valuation, the Bundesliga side is reportedly holding out for a higher figure, with Manchester United also in the race for the 22-year-old. Sesko, who scored 21 goals across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, is believed to be open to a move to either Old Trafford or St. James’ Park. The Sun claims Newcastle is weighing up whether to return with an improved offer. However, if Leipzig proves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may look elsewhere. Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos has emerged as a potential alternative. The Portuguese international scored 19 goals in 46 appearances last season but struggled for consistent minutes in Ligue 1, starting just 12 of PSG’s 22 domestic games and averaging under 50 minutes per appearance. A starting role in the Premier League could appeal to the 24-year-old. Still, PSG is reportedly reluctant to let Ramos leave, viewing him as an important depth player for the upcoming campaign following its historic Champions League triumph. Newcastle opens its 2025-26 Premier League season away to Aston Villa on Saturday, Aug. 16, before hosting reigning champion Liverpool. Whether Isak will be lining up against his current club remains to be seen.
Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Gone, Standout Rookie 3B Has Emerged as Gem from Would-Be Lose-Lose Trade
Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes was the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Brewers‘ return haul from trading co-closer Devin Williams to the Yankees last December. Eight months later, Cortes is a member of the Padres, logging all of two starts in Milwaukee before injuries sapped his season. Over in New York, Williams lost his closer’s job, got it back, and has had one good month en route to a 5.04 ERA. Without the other part of Milwaukee’s incoming package, then minor-league third baseman Caleb Durbin, the trade would look at this juncture like a lose-lose scenario. Thanks to Durbin, it’s been anything but for the Brewers. Caleb Durbin is Milwaukee Brewers’ diamond in the rough Durbin didn’t make the spring training cut. Instead, the Brewers went with fellow rookie Oliver Dunn as the team’s starting third baseman. Durbin went down to Triple-A Nashville. Dunn didn’t last. After he struggled through the first three weeks of the season, he and Durbin switched places and the latter hasn’t squandered his shot. Following a slow start, he’s turned up the heat at the dish while playing outstanding defense. He’s had an OPS around .800 for over two months now and has his season slashline up to .263/.344/.372. His 2.2 WAR in 86 games played is tied for 10th among all third basemen, making him one of the position’s more valuable players. The Brewers saw plenty of promise in Durbin when they traded for him, coming off a strong season with New York’s Triple-A affiliate. Even though he didn’t, he was a decent candidate to make the team out of spring. The team likely didn’t see a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, which he is. By WAR, he and Braves catcher Drake Baldwin have contributed the same value to their teams, more than any other NL rookies. Cortes, on the other hand, was supposed to be a consistent cog in the rotation. Last year for the Yankees, he made 30 starts and recorded a 3.77 ERA. Instead, he’s still making his way back from injury ahead of start number three this season. In San Diego. Of course, Milwaukee did turn him into outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who will provide depth while Jackson Chourio is hurt. To dump Cortes’ salary, however, they had to attach a prospect, infielder Jorge Quintana. Neither Cortes nor Williams has been what the receiving team hoped. Both will be free agents this offseason. Only the Yankees, however, are at risk of walking away empty-handed. With years of team control remaining, the Brewers have in Durbin what looks to be their third baseman of both the present and future. The trade didn’t deliver according to expectations, but it’s hard to be too upset with the results.
Bill Simmons adds new dimension to Micah Parsons-Jerry Jones drama with crazy conspiracy
The Dallas Cowboys’ ongoing stalemate with Micah Parsons has been front-page news, but Bill Simmons has another theory. Jerry Jones is a smart businessman, and because of that, the ongoing discourse with one of his greatest players seems odd to say the least. A man worth $15 billion would typically know that publicly frustrating your star players is not exactly the greatest way to do business. The feud has led many former players to chime in with their opinions, and it wouldn’t be the first time that Jones has waited until the final moment to sign one of his stars to an extension. Simmons believes Jerry Jones causes drama with his players on purpose, keeping the Cowboys front of the queue The Dallas Cowboys have typically been late to sign their stars in recent years, namely both Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Many are starting to notice a pattern, with Jerry Jones holding out on the players that matter the most, often getting dangerously close to the season starting before eventually committing to a new contract. In 2024, CeeDee Lamb had to wait until many other wide receivers had gotten their deals before he got his. Justin Jefferson had signed a four-year, $140 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings on June 3rd, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had agreed his deal with the Detroit Lions in late April. DJ Moore agreed his extension with the Chicago Bears on the final day of July, but CeeDee Lamb was forced to wait until August 26th, just a couple of weeks before Week 1 of the new season. Oddly enough, he still got his extension before Dak Prescott, who signed his four-year contract just hours before the first game of the season on September 8th. It wasn’t a small deal either, with Prescott signing his name to a $240 million deal the morning of the game. Now in 2025, history is repeating itself, with Micah Parsons being forced to wait for an extension while the likes of Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, TJ Watt and company have all signed theirs already. Bill Simmons has a theory about it all, as he suggested on the latest episode of his podcast, with guest Diana Russini. Simmons said: “There’s this Cowboys documentary coming out on Netflix, and it’s actually really good. I think it’s going to be a big deal, and it’s about the Jerry Jones’ ’90s Cowboys and the celebration of this really meaningful team…” “Part of me wonders does he (Jerry Jones) just do this sometimes with these holdouts just to get people talking about the Cowboys all month, when he knows how this is going to end? They’re not trading Micah Parsons, nobody’s doing that.” It’s a theory that has surfaced before, but one that would require Jerry Jones either playing with fire with his star players, or cutting them in on the scripted drama in order to make sure his team steals the headlines. The drama has really spiraled out of control in recent weeks, with Jerry Jones naming former star Dez Bryant as a player he once had a problem with. Suggestion that Micah Parsons is in on the drama as Jerry Jones continues late-extension trend If the theory is correct, you would have to imagine that Jones is letting his players know about his plan. CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott may have had their deals agreed in principle long before they were made official, which in a way would be smart business. As other teams sign their stars, their names fade from the headlines and TV shows, leaving only those with outstanding negotiations to be discussed. It seems a little suspect that in recent years, the Dallas Cowboys always seem to be one of those teams, with a star player waiting to get the deal he feels he deserves. Parsons could be in on the deal and may already have the figure agreed with Jones and the Cowboys. They can then gallivant around on social media and at press conferences as if there is an ongoing feud, coercing the fans into the drama before agreeing the contract at the final hour. Many believe Jones, the Cowboys, and Micah Parsons will have a deal agreed before the 2025 season begins, which would only play further into Simmons’ theory. If it’s true, it certainly works, but it isn’t a particularly positive way to portray the franchise.
Lakers insider updates LeBron James' immediate future
LeBron James wasn't present at Luka Doncic's contract extension news conference. That doesn't necessarily mean anything, and he's more than entitled to some time off the clock just like everybody else. However, given all that has been said about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, it didn't take long before people speculated whether there was something else going on. The Athletic's Dan Woike reports that there's nothing to it. "James has not asked for a trade or a contract buyout, team and league sources have said. He’ll turn 41 on Dec. 30," wrote Woike. James' agent and friend, Rich Paul, also made it loud and clear that he hasn't even talked about potentially leaving the Lakers, and while he still doesn't know if he'll re-sign with them or will continue to play beyond this season, that's a bridge they'll cross when they get there. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka also shut down rumors by pointing out that he's been in constant talks with James and his camp. “Yeah, so all the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich (Paul) in particular, have been positive and supportive. So very professional and Rich has been great,” Pelinka said. “The dialogue with him has been open and constant.” The Lakers are doing the right thing by pivoting towards their younger star. Whether this will be the end of the line for James in Southern California remains to be seen.
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