Sunday, April 5, 2026
Man City and Chelsea progress while Arsenal exit the FA Cup
Erling Haaland bags a hat-trick while Antoine Semenyo has one as Manchester City lead Liverpool 4-0 in the Etihad.
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🤩 WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY!! pic.twitter.com/tIP25Ud3by
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 5, 2026
Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer Neymar faces a potential 10-match suspension and could miss the 2026 World Cup following allegations he used discriminatory and misogynistic language toward a referee while playing for Santos.
Neymar’s hopes for a fourth World Cup are in jeopardy following reports of alleged referee abuse. The 34-year-old reportedly used a misogynistic term toward official Savio Pereira Sampaio, suggesting he was “on his period” after a recent Santos victory.
Under Article 243-G of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, such discriminatory acts carry a suspension of five to 10 matches, threatening his remaining domestic season.
National team manager Carlo Ancelotti has already expressed concerns regarding the forward’s fitness, stating, “Neymar is not at 100%, and therefore he is not on the list.”
With only ten matches remaining before the World Cup break, a lengthy ban would prevent Neymar from proving his physical readiness.
Failure to make the squad could finalize a legacy lacking major international trophies despite his record-breaking 79 goals
.
Neymar’s World Cup aspirations have been complicated by recent controversial remarks, following a period of injury that kept him sidelined. The comments have sparked debate and added pressure as Brazil gears up for the global tournament.
Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle has cautioned the club against appointing high-profile managers like Xavi or Jose Mourinho, arguing their respective styles and lack of Premier League experience do not align with the fans’ expectations for expansive football.
Newcastle United’s managerial future remains uncertain following Chief Executive David Hopkinson’s refusal to grant Eddie Howe long-term assurances.
Speculation has linked Xavi Hernandez and Jose Mourinho to the post, but Chris Waddle believes neither fits the club’s identity.
Regarding Xavi, Waddle noted, “It’s all right saying he was a great player but you’d have to judge him on his ability as a manager, and he’s never worked in the Premier League.”
Waddle also expressed concerns over Mourinho’s pragmatic approach, suggesting it would clash with the Tyneside tradition of front-foot football.
He argued that legendary figures like Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson are cherished specifically for their entertaining styles.
“I think Newcastle fans would find it hard to take Mourinho and his football if it was 1-0 every week,” Waddle added, emphasizing that the supporters demand entertainment alongside results.
Barcelona’s midfield hit by injury.
🚨 Arteta: “We have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us and now is the moment. In the season, you always have moments, normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with certain level of difficulty, we're going to say difficulty when we're going to… pic.twitter.com/qScWJOnY2L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 5, 2026
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Valentín Barco has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Chelsea ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentine midfielder, also known as Colo Barco, is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with all player-side conditions met.
The deal now rests with Chelsea, who are in complete control of the proceedings due to their affiliation with Strasbourg. This development signals a significant potential addition to Chelsea’s squad.
🚨🔵 Valentín Barco has said yes to Chelsea move, personal terms agreed ahead of potential summer transfer.
Colo Barco wants #CFC and it’s all set on player side.
Up to Chelsea if/when to proceed, in total control of the deal being at Strasbourg. 🇦🇷
🎥 https://t.co/dC1AD27dDg pic.twitter.com/qQP8HarCig
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 5, 2026
Egypt legend Mohamed Aboutrika has claimed that Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool specifically due to a fractured relationship with manager Arne Slot following a season of internal friction and poor results.
Mohamed Salah’s decision to leave Liverpool this summer is reportedly driven by a breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot.
Following a 4-0 FA Cup thrashing by Manchester City, Egypt icon Mohamed Aboutrika revealed that Slot’s management style pushed the winger away.
Aboutrika noted, “One of the reasons behind Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool is the presence of Arne Slot… You, Slot, pushed the man away.”
The “Egyptian King” previously accused Slot of “throwing him under the bus” after being dropped in December.
With Liverpool’s Champions League qualification in jeopardy and a dull playing style frustrating fans, Slot’s own future is now under heavy scrutiny.
As Saudi clubs circle the legendary forward, Salah reportedly seeks “peace of mind” elsewhere, ending a storied nine-year tenure defined by 255 goals and multiple titles.
Rodríguez’s World Cup hopes fade.
Real Madrid face a mounting crisis as Kylian Mbappé’s five-game goal drought and a shock 2-1 defeat to Mallorca have left them trailing leaders Barcelona by seven points.
Real Madrid’s domestic campaign has faltered following a surprise 2-1 loss to relegation-threatened Mallorca.
The defeat leaves the gap to Barcelona at seven points with only eight matches remaining. Compounding the misery, Kylian Mbappé has now failed to score in his last five appearances, equaling his longest drought since joining the club.
Concerns are mounting ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
The French forward’s lack of form coincides with a period where “Al-Meringi are struggling at this crucial stage of the season.”
Physical and tactical questions are being raised after Mbappé “failed the test” against Mallorca’s disciplined defense.
With the European showdown against Bayern looming, Carlo Ancelotti must find a way to reignite his star’s scoring touch to save Madrid’s season from a total collapse.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hit out at officiating consistency after a VAR intervention saved Barcelona’s Gerard Martín from a red card during a 2-1 defeat for the hosts.
Diego Simeone criticized refereeing standards after Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona. The flashpoint occurred when Mateu Busquets rescinded a red card shown to Gerard Martín following a challenge on Tiago Almada.
Comparing the incident to previous league rulings, Simeone remarked, “The incident is clear: he was late with his challenge, he stepped on the foot and ankle, and we must wait for the committee’s explanation.”
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick defended the decision, arguing, “Gerard touched the ball and there was no foul to begin with.”
The tension sets a volatile backdrop for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final rematch at the Camp Nou.
Despite losing Nico González to a separate red card, Simeone lamented the tactical shift, noting his side “defended as best we could” but ultimately failed to secure a draw.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has avoided a serious injury following a scare against Atletico Madrid and will be available for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League rematch.
Barcelona received a significant boost as Ronald Araujo was cleared of any major injury following his premature exit against Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan defender suffered a hamstring scare but has since been declared fit for Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Manager Hansi Flick, who is currently managing a thin defensive unit, will welcome the extra option for his tactical selection in this high-stakes fixture.
While Araujo is officially available, Flick may opt for caution regarding his starting lineup. With Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde returning to the fold, the manager has increased flexibility in his backline.
Araujo remains a vital figure for the squad, and his presence provides essential cover as Barcelona looks to solidify their defense for their upcoming European challenge against the Madrid side.
Al-Hilal stumble, losing ground.
🚨🎙️ | Ian Wright on Arsenal F.C.:
🗣️ “If Southampton can dominate you, and players look exhausted — like they don’t even realise they’re playing a quarter-final — then what standards are we talking about?
🗣️ This is April. Seven games left in the Premier League… and you… pic.twitter.com/xhJ84T9kwV
— Arsenal News (@ArsenalNews_Hub) April 5, 2026
“If Southampton can dominate you, and players look exhausted — like they don’t even realise they’re playing a quarter-final — then what standards are we talking about?
This is April. Seven games left in the Premier League… and you can’t win a quarter-final at Southampton?
These are the moments that show how ready you are to go and win the league — and right now, I’m disappointed.”
