Borussia Dortmund lifted the Emirates Cup after an impressive victory over Premier League champions Arsenal, drawing praise from Niko Kovac. The post ‘We played beautifully’ – Kovac sees Arsenal win as a sign of progress for Dortmund appeared first on SoccerNews.
Niko Kovac masterminded Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Arsenal (Credits: Sportimage) Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac offered one struggling Arsenal star a surprising vote of confidence following Sunday’s 3-2 win. Mikel Arteta’s side slumped to a second consecutive pre-season defeat, this time in front of their own fans at Emirates Stadium. Although he got on the scoresheet with a second half penalty, it was another disappointing afternoon for Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international looked well off the pace against Real Betis last week in his first outing since his World Cup exploits against Sweden and was again the focus of much criticism in the aftermath of yesterday’s reversal. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Despite another poor showing, Kovac singled out the former Sporting Lisbon star for surprise praise when asked if any Arsenal players caught his eye. He said: ‘There are a lot of top players when you see Gyokeres he is strong, he is quick, he is fast he is very direct. ‘We know him very well but I can mention all the players.’ Viktor Gyokeres struggled in Arsenal’s defeat against Borussia Dortmund (Credits: Alamy Live News.) Arteta, meanwhile, has backed ‘warrior’ Bruno Guimaraes to ‘ignite something different’ in the Premier League champions. Brazil midfielder Guimaraes was introduced to Gunners fans ahead of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat after completing his £75million move from Newcastle. The 28-year-old, who has signed a four-year deal, bolsters a star-studded midfield which already boasts the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled ahead of the game against Dortmund (Credits: Alamy Live News.) ‘You can see the immediate reaction,” Arteta told the club website after Guimaraes was given a warm reception by supporters. ‘I think he describes himself as a warrior. I think he’s a warrior with a tremendous quality as well and intuition and leadership and charisma that is going to help us, that is going to really ignite something different in the team. ‘I think he’s going to push everybody inside the team as well and that’s the type of player that we need.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
All aboard Rayanair, the airline of choice projected on to a giant flag with which Bournemouth’s players celebrated and one cherry-picked for their first European adventure. There was an inflatable plane bobbing around the away end and, for long periods, their unlikely Champions League dream was on. The Europa League will have to suffice. Andoni Iraola, whose name was serenaded on loop, will exit the stage having led Bournemouth to sixth, their best finish, a record points tally of 57 and having secured European football for the first time in the club’s history.It does not sound too bad. This result was quickly rendered redundant by Brighton imploding at home to Manchester United but Aston Villa’s shock win at Manchester City and Liverpool’s failure to beat Brentford denied Iraola the perfect ending. Continue reading...
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