Arsenal keep winning momentum going with nervous victory over Olympiacos
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Bukayo Saka eased some increasingly frayed Arsenal nerves with a late strike to secure a 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos. Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring with a 12th-minute tap-in on what looked set to be a routine evening at the Emirates Stadium. But the Gunners missed chance after chance to bury the Greek champions, and for all their dominance they were indebted to a stunning one-handed save by David Raya from a point-blank volley from former Wolves forward Daniel Podence. With the tension rising Saka was summoned from the bench, and the England winger had boss Mikel Arteta breathing a sigh of relief when he hit the second two minutes into stoppage time. The Gunners, who also started without Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, should have taken the lead with less than two minutes on the clock when Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross found Martinelli unmarked, six yards out, but the Brazilian’s header flew wide. Olympiacos briefly threatened when Raya held Ayoub El Kaabi’s header, but moments later Arsenal went ahead. Martin Odegaard played through Viktor Gyokeres, who outmuscled two defenders as he bore down on goal. Olympiacos keeper Kostas Tzolakis took the sting out of Gyokeres’s shot but it rolled against the foot of the post and Martinelli tapped in the rebound. open image in gallery (Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Then came Raya’s big moment as Podence got in front of his marker and perfectly caught a low cross on the volley, eight yards out, only for the Gunners keeper to instinctively leap to his left, fling out an arm and divert the ball over the crossbar. The Gunners continued to press for a second before the interval but Gyokeres cut inside and fired over before Leandro Trossard skied another decent opportunity from Martinelli’s cross. Arteta introduced Rice on the hour and the increase in tempo provided by the former West Ham midfielder almost had an instant impact. open image in gallery (Action Images via Reuters) Rice won the ball on the left, held off a defender and fizzed a low pass to Odegaard, who in turn found Trossard only for the Belgian to be denied by Tzolakis. Arsenal had another let-off moments later after Raya saved El Kaabi’s header and Chiquinho prodded in the rebound, with an offside trap bailing them out. The Gunners needed to finish the job and so Arteta threw on Saka and Eze, although the growing tension around the Emirates was not helped by the loss of defender Gabriel Magalhaes after he collided with Raya. open image in gallery (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) Odegaard had two bites at the cherry when he ran on to a Saka cross but Tzolakis saved his first and Panagiotis Retsos somehow blocked the second on the line. But when Odegaard found Saka in the box he needed no second invitation, rifling the ball through the legs of Tzolakis to make it two wins out of two for Arsenal in Europe this season.
Impressive Dortmund score four in victory against Bilbao
Borussia Dortmund maintain their unbeaten start to the Champions League season with a 4-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao at Westfalenstadion.
New Caledonia defeat Fiji and make history – FBC News
[Photo Credit: OFC] New Caledonia defeated Fiji 2-0 to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Poland and secure a spot in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 final. Fiji dominated the first half and created several chances, but goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben stood firm, denying Adi Reva, Sereana Naweni and substitute Emele Vunivalu. Against the run of play, New Caledonia broke through in the 59th minute when Kheiméra Gondou fired home after Fiji failed to clear. Article continues after advertisement Aziliz Naaoutchoue doubled the lead in the 71st minute, following up after a free-kick struck the crossbar. The result is historic for New Caledonia, marking their first-ever qualification for a FIFA women’s tournament. They will face either New Zealand or the Cook Islands in Saturday’s final, while Fiji will contest the third-place play-off. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal’s squad depth after resting Rice, Eze and Saka
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s strength in depth makes them better equipped to go even further in this season’s Champions League. The Gunners reached the semi-finals last term before bowing out to eventual winners Paris St Germain. Arteta was able to rotate his squad for Tuesday’s 2-0 league phase win over Olympiacos with a stacked bench including Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka. And it was England winger Saka who settled some frayed nerves when he climbed off the bench to score their second goal. “With all respect, last season we were looking (at the bench) and we had five academy players there, that probably never played professional football in the Champions League, so it makes a difference,” said Arteta. “Today we decided to change six players because I want everybody to really be involved and feel part of it, and it was great. “We had the feeling as well that physically we were dropping because we played a really intense match in Newcastle a few days ago. “The ones that came in again, they lifted the level, and they helped us to win the game, and that’s great.” Gabriel Martinelli tapped Arsenal into a 12th-minute lead but they needed a David Raya wonder-save to deny ex-Wolves man Daniel Podence an equaliser. And the tension was palpable around the Emirates until Saka plundered the second two minutes into stoppage time. “I’m very happy, winning in the Champions League is always very complicated,” added Arteta. “We started really well, got the goal, a lot of threats and two or three big chances, but when you don’t put them away in this competition you have to be careful. “We had to make an incredible save to deny them a goal which you need in this competition as well. “After that we had moments of overall dominance but we got a little bit deeper and every time they put balls in the box it was dangerous. “We missed two big chances but found a way with Bukayo and breathed a little bit.” It was a surreal evening for the Gunners chief as he was up against veteran Olympiacos boss Jose Luis Mendilibar, who had coached Arteta when he was just 13. “It was great to see him,” smiled Arteta. “So glad that he’s doing so well. Very happy for him. “And it’s strange at the same moment because he was my coach. So when you have to play against your former coach, it’s always something weird. “I’m getting older – which I think is good. I learned a lot from him and from my time with him. It was a good experience. “Thank God we won the game and I wish him all the best.”
Man City defending ‘lazy & stupid’ for late Monaco penalty
Champions League pundit Nicky Butt says Monaco’s late penalty against Manchester City was a result of “lazy defending” from the 2023 Champions, as they had to settle for a draw.
Late controversy denies wasteful Man City despite Erling Haaland heroics
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Eric Dier scored a controversial 90th-minute penalty to deny Manchester City as Monaco twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw at the Stade Louis II. Erling Haaland’s first-half brace had put City on course for a second consecutive win to start this season’s Champions League campaign, with Jordan Teze’s superb strike having cancelled out his first goal. But City failed to kill the game off and, with five minutes left to play, Dier and Nico Gonzalez tussled as they tried to get on the end of a free-kick. Replays showed Gonzalez, with his boot raised, got the ball first but also struck the former Tottenham defender in the face. Spanish VAR Cesar Soto Grado told Jesus Gil Manzano to check the monitor and, after a long delay and an off-the-ball tussle in which a Monaco coach was sent off, Manzano pointed to the spot and Dier sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way. City could question the decision but could and should have been further clear, with Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders striking the crossbar either side of Haaland’s second goal, which took the Norwegian to 52 Champions League goals in 50 appearances. City’s number nine did not get a touch until the 15th minute but when he did, he scored. Josko Gvardiol spotted his run across the Monaco back line and lifted in a pass which Haaland could flick over Philipp Kohn with an outstretched boot. open image in gallery Erling Haaland powered in a header for one of his two goals (REUTERS) What had been a slow match in a tepid atmosphere suddenly came to life as Monaco found some impetus, creating half-chances for Maghnes Akliouche and former Arsenal man Folarin Balogun before Teze levelled the scores only three minutes after Haaland struck. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, the Dutch defender took a touch before powering an unstoppable curling effort into the top-left corner of the net. City were looking vulnerable to Monaco’s pace in defence but, against a side missing five midfielders, were in control as long as they could keep the ball in the opposition half. Reijnders carved through traffic but sent his shot a whisker wide before Foden cracked a powerful strike off the underside of the crossbar. open image in gallery Man City ended up settling for a draw in Monaco (REUTERS) But a minute before half-time, Haaland had his second with another demonstration of his freakish ability. There was no pace on Nico O’Reilly’s high cross but, eight yards out, Haaland leapt high and generated the power to head beyond the reach of Kohn. Monaco threatened early in the second half, most clearly when Donnarumma had to get down smartly to keep out Akliouche’s shot as it came through O’Reilly’s legs. Rodri, back in the City XI after missing Saturday’s 5-1 win over Burnley with pain in his knee, then made an early exit, replaced by Gonzalez a few moments after going down in a collision. open image in gallery The hosts could celebrate a late equaliser (AP) City struck the crossbar again the 72nd minute, this time through Reijnders at the end of a smart counter-attack. Haaland then had a go from the edge of the box but his shot was touched wide for a corner. Their failure to find a killer third proved costly. Teze sent in a free-kick from the left and Gonzalez stretched out a boot in front of Dier, getting the connection but also striking the former England defender, who was then the one to strike the decisive kick.
Singh embraces pressure as Ba Hosts IDC – FBC News
Ba Football Coach Rodeck Singh. Ba Football Coach Rodeck Singh is ready to face the heat, admitting that high expectations are mounting as the Men in Black prepare to host the FMF Inter District Championship 2025 on their home turf at Govind Park after nine years. Ba is placed in Group B Alongside Extra Premier League champions Rewa, last year’s IDC Finalists Navua, and underdogs Nadroga. “It’s going to be a tough pool. Every team is at its best right now, and to be the best, we need to beat the best, and that is going to be a challenge for us coming to the pool games.” Article continues after advertisement For the former Rewa coach, this IDC is particularly significant, being his first time leading the Ba side in the major tournament. “This time I’m in the black colors. It’s not about me, it’s about the tournament, it’s about the park, and it’s about the fans and the players that will do their job that day. We are going to do our best to make sure that it’s going to be a memorable one for us.” The coach adds that the team is preparing well, with the squad benefiting from a good blend of young and experienced players. The FMF IDC 2025 starts next Tuesday in Ba. You can catch live commentary of all the matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Formula 1: Charlie Eastwood named simulator driver for Cadillac’s F1 team
Simulator drivers work at the factory of Formula 1 teams to develop the car and test new parts, and on race weekends they provide support to the race drivers by testing set-ups linked to the real-world Grand Prix. Eastwood said he was “extremely honoured” to be involved with the Cadillac F1 project. “I will be able to contribute to their Formula 1 entry by supporting the team through simulator work and development programs leaning on past experiences,” said Eastwood, 30. “I want to thank Cadillac for the trust they have placed in me, especially at such an important time.” Eastwood is a factory driver for Corvette, a sister brand of Cadillac under the General Motors banner, in the World Endurance Championship and won the most recent round in Fuji in the LMGT3 class. He also finished third at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, a race he won with Aston Martin in 2020.
Arsenal vs Olympiacos live: Latest team news and line-ups as Martin Odegaard returns in six changes for Champions League match
Match stats Arsenal have won each of their last five games in the group/league phase of the UEFA Champions League, their longest such run since winning six in a row between December 2004 and November 2005. Olympiacos have only scored one goal in their last six UEFA Champions League matches (D1 L5), despite attempting 51 shots across those outings and hitting the target 11 times. Among teams who have been involved in the last two editions of the Champions League, Arsenal have conceded fewer goals per game than any other team in the competition (0.72, with 18 goal conceded across 25 games). Chris Wilson1 October 2025 19:37 Head-to-head Today’s match will be the 13th time Arsenal and Olympiakos have faced each other in European competition. None of the previous 12 matches have ended in a draw, with both sides winning six games apiece. Most recently, the Gunners beat the Greek champions over two legs in the Europa League in March 2021, winning 3-1 away but losing 1-0 at home. Chris Wilson1 October 2025 19:30 Match stats Arsenal have faced Olympiakos on four occasions during Mikel Arteta’s reign as manager (W2 L2); only facing PSV (6) more often in European competition. The Greeks eliminated them from the UEFA Europa League in 2019/20 (last 32), before the Gunners eliminated Olympiakos from the same competition the following season (last 16). Olympiakos have won two of their last three away games against English sides (L1); one of those being against Arsenal at the Emirates (1-0 in March 2021), along with a 4-2 win at Aston Villa in May 2024. This is as many victories as the Greek side managed in their first 17 away games versus English opponents in major European competition (W2 L15). Chris Wilson1 October 2025 19:20 Arsenal’s desperation for title demonstrated in Newcastle turnaround, says Mikel Arteta Chris Wilson1 October 2025 19:10 Odegaard returns Martin Odegaard returns to lead the Gunners as Mikel Arteta makes six changes to the Arsenal team from their previous Champions League outing. In the back line, Cristian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are replaced with Ben White, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Odegaard joins Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi in midfield while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard partner Viktor Gyokeres in the forward line. Mike Jones1 October 2025 18:57 Olympiacos team to face Arsenal Olympiacos XI: Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Dani Garcia, Hezze; Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi Subs: Paschalakis, Kouraklis, Biancone, Kalogeropoulos, Diogo Nascimento, Scipioni, Strefezza, Onyemaechi, Pnevmonidis, Mouzakitis, Taremi Mike Jones1 October 2025 18:50 Arsenal line-up to face Olympiacos Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino; Trossard, Gyokeres, Martinelli Mike Jones1 October 2025 18:46 Team news We’re expecting the line-ups to be announced in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early Arsenal team news… Arsenal were boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard from a shoulder injury last time out, leaving Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus as the major players on the sidelines. Piero Hincapie is unlikely to make an appearance as he struggles with a groin problem. While William Saliba’s minutes have been managed, he is likely to start on Wednesday after playing 45 minutes against Newcastle, following deputy Cristhian Mosquera’s howling error which led to the Magpies’ goal. Chris Wilson1 October 2025 18:40 Mikel Arteta: William Saliba deal further proof Arsenal stars see success coming Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s key players are committing their futures to the club because they can fulfil their ambitions to win trophies in north London. William Saliba has become the latest Gunners star to sign a new long-term deal, despite interest from Real Madrid. The France defender’s previous contract had been due to expire in 2027 and the PA news agency understands he has now extended his stay until 2030. Chris Wilson1 October 2025 18:25 William Saliba signs new long-term Arsenal contract after resisting Real Madrid interest But Saliba signed a contract extension on Tuesday, thought to be over five years, in what is a major boost to Mikel Arteta’s side. Chris Wilson1 October 2025 18:10
Man City’s Rodri not ready to play three matches a week, says Guardiola – FBC News
Source: Reuters Manchester City midfielder Rodri is not ready to play three matches a week as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of their Champions League group stage match against AS Monaco. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returned in May after spending eight months on the sidelines due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, but then suffered a groin injury during the Club World Cup in July. The Spanish midfielder has started just four games this season and was left out of the squad for their 5-1 win over Burnley on Saturday. Article continues after advertisement “The day before Burnley he didn’t feel too good. Today he feels much better so we will see. It’s different from the Club World Cup – now he is not injured,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “Right now, in my opinion if you ask me, he is not able to play three games a week at top, top level. “My feeling is right now he is not ready. Because he needs time. This type of injury (to recover fully) is minimum one year.” Bernardo Silva returns to familiar territory later on Wednesday in Monaco, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2017. The Portuguese midfielder was named City captain ahead of the season and Guardiola was delighted with his impact on the squad. “He cannot do better as a captain,” Guardiola said. “He is one of the best in training, he is an extraordinary player, so intelligent and smart. He can play in so many positions. We’re really happy to have him.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.