Although Infantino has criticized the infamous Super League for lacking competitiveness, the inclusion of Inter Miami under questionable circumstances (awarding a Supporters’ Shield winner) has stirred up some controversy among fans and critics. However, the FIFA president justified the inclusion of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. He said that in the United States, they’ve shown that “they are consistently the best club on the field of play” despite winning zero MLS Cups since Messi joined in 2023.

How Inter Miami found itself in this competition

Thirty-two teams will compete in the 2025 Club World Cup, representing six confederations. For those unfamiliar, this competition used to be called the Confederations Cup. FIFA rebranded it as the Club World Cup in 2019.

UEFA has the highest representation with 12 teams, and CONCACAF initially has four. However, with the addition of Inter Miami, the participation of the CONCACAF has increased to five teams for this tournament.

Although the MLS Cup winner is still undecided, FIFA has already awarded a spot in the Club World Cup to Inter Miami.

Most teams qualified through a new points-based process, which considers performance over the past four seasons in each confederation’s premier club competition.

Starting from the group stage, the system awards points, with three points given for each win, one for each draw, and additional points for each stage advanced.

The inclusion of Inter Miami, however, has caused some confusion. They haven’t accumulated enough points, as they only recently won the Supporters’ Shield and finished in first place in the Eastern Conference. To justify their participation, Infantino has granted them a “host nation” spot. This sets a precedent for host nation involvement in future tournaments.

While the decision is controversial, FIFA must hope that the inclusion of Messi will attract commercial interest and global attention.

It has already helped FIFA who this week announced their very first commercial sponsor for Club World Cup 2025 – Hisense. Infantino’s response to the announcement included his usual over-the-top remarks, saying “We all know that this means the beginning of a new era of club football – the biggest and best global club competition that the planet has ever seen. An open and inclusive competition because in order to participate, of course, you need to qualify. Every club in the world has a chance to participate in the (FIFA) Club World Cup.”

Why has there been backlash?

Although this revamped tournament has been Infantino’s flagship project, it has faced backlash from all sides. Domestic leagues are pursuing legal action, and players are considering strikes due to the increased workload

In July, the global players’ union Fifpro and the European Leagues body, representing 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs across 33 countries, submitted a joint complaint to the European Commission. They are accusing Fifa of “abusing its dominant position” in the sport. With players, leagues, and unions unified in opposition, a player strike now seems a real possibility.

Concerns about player health have been central to the opposition to the expanded Club World Cup. More games ultimately mean a higher risk of injury. Yet another tournament now overshadows any chance of a summer break for players.

Notable Premier League players, including Alisson, Heung-Min Son, and Rodri have openly discussed the possibility of a strike. It’s telling that Rodri suffered an ACL injury just a week after that press conference.

Clubs aren’t the only ones pushing back. FIFA is also facing challenges with broadcasters. The organization is in dispute with its long-term partners Adidas and Coca-Cola over sponsorship rights. They’re both “unwilling to enter a tender process.”

Broadcast negotiations have also stalled. FIFA targeted $4 billion in television revenue, but broadcasters have “balked at the quoted sum.” The “lack of concrete details regarding venues and scheduling” halted the talks.

As FIFA tries its final push to captivate a global audience, the excitement of seeing Messi may indeed draw in fans.

However, without addressing the mounting concerns over player welfare, the ambitious relaunch risks losing the very players it hopes will make this tournament a success.

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

In that match, Arsenal played with 10 men and relied on their defense—which was statistically the best last season—to secure a result. They are also missing their chief playmaker, Martin Odegaard.

However, labeling them as defensive overlooks their adaptability. Arsenal created a record 35 shots against Leicester and then 29 shots against Southampton last matchday. They also managed the game brilliantly against PSG with a 2-0 win. Their ability to adjust shows they are a top team. Despite criticism, their versatile approach makes them unpredictable opponents.

Arsenal’s defense is still their biggest strength

Without a shadow of a doubt, Arsenal has the best defense in the league. Statistics prove it last season with only 29 goals conceded and David Raya winning the Golden Glove. Their defensive approach in the opening games of this season also has context. At 11v11, the statistics between Arsenal and Manchester City until the red card. The same was true against Brighton. They also secured a 1-0 win against their rivals Tottenham, a traditionally unpredictable match.

Mikel Arteta doesn’t plan for his team to be defensive; game circumstances often dictate that. Against PSG, Arsenal limited them to 0.31 xG, the lowest output ever recorded for the French club in a Champions League match since Opta started tracking data.

xG, or Expected Goals, evaluates the quality of scoring chances in a football match by assigning a numerical value to each shot. It reflects the probability of it becoming a goal based on factors like shot type or the assist.

This highlights Arsenal’s adaptability—attacking when needed and defending when necessary—proving they don’t have just one style but adjust based on their opponent.

The duo of William Saliba and Gabriel has become formidable over the last few years. The addition of Jurrien Timber and Ricardo Calafiori, who have seamlessly integrated into the team, strengthens this defense. Calafiori, in particular, has been a revelation. The Italian ranks first in tackles, aerial duels, and accurate passes compared to Premier League fullbacks this season. At just 22, he’s a star in the making.

Adaptability puts Arsenal among the elite

Another point of focus has been Arsenal’s’ reliance’ on set-piece goals. This understates just how effective they are in this area. Last season, Arsenal scored the most set-piece goals in the Premier League with 22. Gabriel has been crucial in this, netting 16 Premier League goals—more than any other defender since his debut. This strength demonstrates their ability to be dangerous on both ends of the pitch.

The Gunners had the second-most prolific attack in the league last season. Their offensive firepower remains a serious threat, with Bukayo Saka leading the assist ranking with seven so far. Kai Havertz is also in brilliant form. After his goal against Southampton, he equals Robin van Persie’s record as the Arsenal player to score in most consecutive appearances at the Emirates Stadium with seven goals.

Arsenal registered 35 shots against Leicester, with 16 on target—matching their highest tally since the 2003/2004 season. They also created 9 big chances, setting a Premier League record for this season. This performance demonstrates that Arsenal are far from a purely defensive team; their attacking strength was on full display.

The underlying numbers have also been impressive in 11v11 play. Their expected goals (xG) are among the highest. The xG graph below, combined with expected goals against (xGA) during open play, shows Arsenal’s ability to not only create quality chances but also limit their opponents’ opportunities. Ultimately, they excel both offensively and defensively.

They currently lead the table in this metric, which is especially impressive given the challenges they’ve faced—such as the red cards and tough away games against Spurs and Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s ability to adapt, whether through offensive dominance or defensive solidity, shows their evolution into a balanced, well-rounded team. One thing is certain—they’ll be fighting for the title again this season.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

This promising start to the season underscores the growing influence of American players in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament. Over the years, several U.S. stars have found their scoring touch in the Champions League. These players have left their mark in crucial matches, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. Let’s take a closer look at a list of American goal-scorers in Champions League history.

Top American goalscorers in Champions League history

5. American players with one goal

Six American players, past and present, have found the back of the net once in the UEFA Champions League. The list includes Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, and Jovan Kirovski for the former generation. Edu scored his goal while playing for Rangers, and Kljestan made his mark with Anderlecht. Perhaps, the most significant name in this group is Jovan Kirovski. He holds a special place in U.S. soccer history.

Kirovski became the first American to win the UEFA Champions League in 1997 with Borussia Dortmund. Despite not making the final 18-man squad, he still played a role for the German side, and it was a trailblazing achievement for American players abroad.

Among the current generation, Ricardo Pepi has scored with Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest. Adams made headlines in 2020 with his dramatic winner for RB Leipzig against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. He sent the German side to their first-ever Champions League semi-final.

Dest also scored in 2020 while at Barcelona during a group-stage clash against Dynamo Kyiv. Dest’s journey has since taken him to PSV Eindhoven, after a stint with AC Milan, where he now lines up alongside fellow USMNT teammate Malik Tillman. Meanwhile, Adams has transitioned to the Premier League with Bournemouth.

Ricardo Pepi added his name to this exclusive list in October 2023, scoring for PSV Eindhoven against Sevilla in a crucial 2-2 draw. At just 20 years old, Pepi’s goal marked a personal milestone and highlighted the growing impact of young American talent in Europe’s top competition.

4. Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Jordan Pefok: two goals

Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones are two retired players in this section. They were standout American midfielders who made significant contributions in the UEFA Champions League while playing for Bundesliga clubs.

Johnson scored his two Champions League goals during the 2015-16 season for Borussia Mönchengladbach. A versatile midfielder who also played as a wing-back, Johnson first struck in a crucial 1-1 draw against Juventus, leveling the score. He added another goal in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Sevilla, reinforcing his reputation as a key player for Mönchengladbach.

Jones, meanwhile, found the back of the net for Schalke 04 in two separate Champions League campaigns. His first goal came in a 3-1 group-stage win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2010. His second came in a tense Round of 16 tie in 2013 against Galatasaray, where Jones equalized to keep Schalke’s hopes alive. However, they were eventually eliminated 4-3 on aggregate. Jones’ aggressive and combative style made him a mainstay in Schalke’s midfield.

Jordan Pefok, the only active player in this group, made his mark for Swiss side Young Boys in 2021. His first goal was memorable not just for him but for the whole Champions League, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Manchester United. This instantly etched his name in Young Boys’ folklore. His second came in the same group stage against Atalanta in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Pefok has since moved to Union Berlin, where he continues to represent American talent in top-flight European football.

3. Weston McKennie: three goals

Weston McKennie has emerged as a key American figure in the Champions League for Juventus. The versatile midfielder has netted three times in the competition, all for the Old Lady. His first goal came in a 3-0 victory against Barcelona in December 2020. That came with a spectacular scissor-kick volley. In a match headlined ‘Ronaldo versus Messi,’ it was McKennie’s goal that caught the attention of U.S. supporters, underscoring his impact on such a significant stage.

McKennie added to his tally in October 2022 against Benfica. He found the back of the net to bring Juventus closer at 4-3 after trailing 4-1. Despite this effort, McKennie and Juventus were ultimately knocked out of the Champions League following this loss.

Most recently, he found the net against PSV Eindhoven in this season’s tournament, marking a successful return to Juventus, following a brief loan spell at Leeds United.

McKennie’s journey from FC Dallas’ academy to becoming a goal scorer for a European giant like Juventus serves as an inspiration for young American talents.

2. DaMarcus Beasley: four goals

DeMarcus Beasley had a memorable run with PSV during the 2004-05 season. He scored four goals in 22 appearances, including three goals in just 10 matches during PSV’s remarkable journey to the semifinals. Beasley’s electrifying pace and attacking prowess were central to PSV’s victories, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

His standout performances included a pivotal finish against Monaco, which helped propel PSV to the latter stages of the tournament. Beasley’s tireless work ethic and versatility on the wing endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Beasley became the first American to play in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, against Milan. In the first leg, PSV lost 2–0 at the San Siro, while in the second leg, PSV won 3–1, though they were eliminated based on the away goals rule.

His achievements at PSV not only highlighted the potential of American players in European soccer but likely inspired other Americans to join the club in subsequent seasons. Beasley’s legacy continues to motivate a new generation of soccer stars in the U.S.

1. Christian Pulisic: Eight goals

What is left to say about Christian Pulisic? He’s been a pioneer for American talent abroad. Few USMNT players have held the Champions League trophy. He’s only the second player after Kirovski to win it. However, Pulisic is the first American player to actually play in the final.

Christian Pulisic stands at the pinnacle of American goal scorers in the Champions League with eight goals to his name. His journey broke numerous records, beginning with Borussia Dortmund, where he became the youngest American to both play and score in a Champions League match. Pulisic netted his first goal against Benfica in 2017 at just 18 years old.

His move to Chelsea in 2019 opened a new chapter, where he continued to make history. Pulisic became the first American to score in a Champions League semifinal, finding the net against Real Madrid in 2021. This goal was crucial in Chelsea’s journey to the final, where they eventually triumphed over Manchester City.

Pulisic’s brief cameo in the final had historical significance as he became the first American to play in and win a Champions League final.

Now at AC Milan, Pulisic continues to represent American talent on the grand stage. His recent goal in the 2024–25 Champions League campaign adds another chapter to his illustrious European career.

As we’ve seen, American players have made significant strides in the UEFA Champions League. Kirovski’s groundbreaking triumph to Pulisic’s record-setting performances, represents more than individual accomplishments. They symbolize the growing influence for American soccer on the world stage.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

This difference highlights a broader cultural divide between U.S. and UK soccer. In the United States, fans often embrace paying higher prices. It is part of the high-end entertainment experience. Consequently, UK fans are more likely to view such pricing as exploitation. They hold the principle that soccer should remain connected to its grassroots traditions.

Signs suggest, however, that key decision-makers are already leaning towards a shift toward the American outlook.

Aston Villa vs major soccer events held in USA

It’s the norm for many that ticket prices are considerably higher in the United States than the average Premier League ticket. The Athletic recently reported last season that the cheapest ticket was only $11 offered by Liverpool. Aston Villa’s cheapest ticket was $52. Hence, the fans’ aggravation about the new prices is somewhat understandable.

Despite the fans who feel disgruntled, U.S. fans may look at that price as fair. Inter Miami has set the cost of their cheapest ticket at around $80-$110.

Furthermore, Americans face higher costs for the entire matchday experience. Inter Miami tickets cost almost double compared to Manchester United prices. Moreover, fans pay significantly more for parking, food and drink. But, as mentioned, this is standard for soccer in the United States.

Should American fans react similarly, or is the standard set in stone?

For many, the ‘expensive’ price isn’t seen as expensive. Copa America tickets were always going to be few and far between. However, the event still sold out. Reports indicated that the cheapest resale ticket cost over $2,000, while the highest reached $8,000.

American sports often market themselves as premium entertainment. Take the Super Bowl, for instance—its halftime show attracts millions of viewers worldwide. Similarly, the NBA All-Star Game consistently dominates headlines whenever the stars align.

This approach includes state-of-the-art stadiums, VIP experiences, and high-profile celebrity appearances. For example, SoFi Stadium, the newest and largest venue in the NFL, stands out with its expansive screens and modern design. Interestingly, SoFi Stadium was funded by Stan Kroenke, the owner of Arsenal. English soccer is gradually adopting this model, aligning itself with the luxury standards of American sports. As a result, more lavish stadiums are being built, reflecting the increased emphasis on premium experiences and entertainment. That includes Tottenham Hotspur, which has the second most expensive season ticket in the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign.

While MLS All-Star Games may not have the same prominence as NBA All-Star Games, they reflect a similar entertainment-focused strategy. This approach aligns with what is familiar to the American audience, making it unlikely to change soon. Simply put, the fans will continue paying for the product. Although there is a clear divide compared to the UK, there are signs that similar changes may be occurring there as well.

England ticket prices show drift from grassroots connection

English soccer has long been known as the ‘working-class game.’ It’s globally recognized as the birthplace of soccer, with ‘grassroots football’ emerging from local communities across England. However, that bond has weakened over time.

With the rise of the Premier League, foreign investment and increasing TV revenues, the focus has shifted towards commercial growth. Consequently, this has led to higher ticket prices, bigger stadiums, and a more corporate experience.

This sparked discussions about the ‘Americanization’ of the sport in England. Some of these include the possibility of hosting matches internationally, like in the United States, or introducing an All-Star game—an idea that may feel familiar to American fans.

Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s American co-controlling owner, stirred debate a couple of years ago with the suggestion of a Premier League North versus South All-Star match. The plans to transform the foundations of English soccer have not yet come to fruition, but he aimed to generate additional revenue, like the NBA and MLB. The co-owner suggested the Premier League could “take a lesson from American sports“.

The Premier League’s previous attempt to play a ’39th game’ abroad, particularly in the U.S., faced significant backlash from fans and opposition from FIFA. However, this idea seems to be resurfacing, with NBC Sports executive Jon Miller recently expressing interest in having Premier League games kick off the season in America.

Aston Villa defended their decision to raise ticket prices, signaling that the shift towards a high-end entertainment model, similar to American soccer, may be here already. As American sports culture continues to influence English soccer, this cultural divide could be narrowing faster than expected.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Remarkably, he’s only the second American to join Celtic in their 135-year history and will form a rare all-American center-back pairing with Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Although Rangers FC has had the most soccer players from the United States with four players, Aberdeen is the only other club to field an American this season.

Full list of Americans who have played in the Scottish Premiership

It’s important to note that the Scottish Premiership was founded in 2013. Before that, it was known as the Scottish Premier League from 1998 to 2013. Hence the reason why American legends such as Claudio Reyna, who played for Rangers from 1999 to 2001, are not included in the list below.

Here is the full list of U.S. players who have played in the Scottish Premiership:

Current American talent shaping the Scottish Premiership

It raised some eyebrows when Trusty moved from Colorado Rapids to Arsenal in 2022. He wasn’t a high-profile MLS defender, nor was he one of the most sought-after players. Nevertheless, despite never playing a competitive match for Arsenal, his loan spell at Birmingham City significantly changed perceptions.

Consequently, after being named their Player of the Season in 2022/23, he next secured a permanent move to Sheffield United in the Premier League. Following a surprise transfer to Celtic, Trusty has the chance to make his mark in Scotland.

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Cameron Carter-Vickers is Celtic’s first American player and has been pivotal since joining. He’s become a cornerstone of their defense, helping secure five domestic trophies and earning two PFA Scotland Team of the Year awards. Similarly to Trusty, Carter-Vickers had several loan spells before his Scottish success. As a result, Celtic hopes that his fellow American can follow a similar path and become a commanding presence at the back.

Dante Polvara is currently the only other American playing in Scotland’s top division. He joined Aberdeen in 2022 after a standout college career at Georgetown, where he won the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy, the highest honor in NCAA Division 1 soccer.

Is Scotland a successful destination?

Over the past 18 months, a total of six American players left Scotland. This group includes the promising Malik Tillman, who was on loan at Rangers, Ian Harkes, who has since returned to the U.S. to join the New England Revolution, and the former prodigy Matthew Hoppe.

Tillman swiftly emerged as a standout player in Glasgow. In his first season as a regular starter, he impressively recorded 12 goals and 5 assists. But, as the saying goes, ‘Never fall in love with a loan player.’

Initially, Rangers had the opportunity to purchase him, but Bayern Munich opted to exercise an option to buy that out. He was then loaned to PSV. There, Tillman continued to thrive, culminating in a Dutch championship victory. Subsequently, PSV acquired him for about $13.8 million in the latest transfer window. Therefore, it is evident that his time in Scotland played a pivotal role in his development.

Ian Harkes moved in 2019 to join Dundee United, where he made a total of 165 appearances. At the time, Dundee United was competing in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of Scottish soccer.

He was important for Dundee’s promotion that same year and was recognized for his impressive midfield performances. He was also named Dundee United’s Player of the Season for the 2021/2022 campaign.

Harkes is another example of an American player who found success during an extended period in Scotland, proving that the move can be worthwhile. However, while he thrived personally at Dundee United, the move didn’t result in a transfer to a larger Scottish club or a European team, leaving the overall success of his time up for debate.

Could we see more Americans playing in Scotland?

For some, the risk of moving to Scotland doesn’t always pay off. As noted earlier, six American players have left the Scottish Premiership in the past year, including once-promising talent Matthew Hoppe.

The USMNT international joined Hibernian on loan in 2023 after struggling to make an impact at Middlesbrough in the Championship. Hoppe first broke out during the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals for Schalke. Yet, since then, he hasn’t been able to replicate that form during his stints in Spain and England.

His time at Hibernian also failed to impress. Hoppe managed just one goal in nine appearances, though the team did qualify for Europe that season. Despite these struggles, Hoppe is still only 23. While time remains on his side, it’s starting to slip away.

Meanwhile, Americans in the Scottish Premiership like Tillman and Carter-Vickers have found success there, proving that the gamble can work for some. The path to success is rarely straightforward, but the Scottish Premiership has been a place where USMNT players have thrived. If Auston Trusty follows in the footsteps of his fellow American center-back partner, we may soon see even more U.S. players in Scotland.

Photo: IMAGO / PA Images.

This change follows UEFA’s expansion of each competition to include 36 teams, up from 32. Under the new league format, clubs will continue to play matches until the end of January.

As a result, fans will experience more away trips to at least four. Previously, these trips would have ended around December if the club had advanced from the group stage.

Successful lobbying from supporter groups

Following multiple fan campaigns over away ticket prices, UEFA has implemented a cap. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and the European Club Association (ECA) made this decision after about two years of consultation.

Ronan Evain, FSE’s Executive Director praises the work of the supporters’ group’s efforts, and describes this as a “positive achievement”.

“The revised price caps are further recognition of how integral away fans are to the atmosphere of European club fixtures.”

“This decision illustrates another positive achievement in FSE’s joint work with UEFA and clubs on improving conditions for fans travelling across Europe.”

Furthermore, FSE mentioned on their website that they want to thank the supporters’ groups. These groups “tirelessly campaigned” to bring about the reduction in ticket prices. They continue by stating the “in-stadium actions” played a key role to “monitor prices.”

Here is a diagram illustrating the progress these crucial talks have made in reducing away tickets for fans. Prices will go down further to $55 in the UEFA Champions League, $38 in the Europa League, and $22 in the Conference League. The previous cap in the Champions League was $77. This means there is almost a 30% total reduction over the next two seasons.

UEFA and ECA ‘committed’ to enhancing the matchday experience

UEFA President Aleksandr Čeferin also released a statement following the change. He stated that the organization will continue to ensure that it “values and recognizes” teams following this major change.

“Today’s decision marks another key step in reaffirming UEFA’s commitment to enhancing the matchday experience for all fans.”

“By introducing more fan-friendly policies, we continue our mission to keep football as an inclusive sport where supporters who travel across Europe to follow their teams are valued and recognised.”

Additionally, ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelafi released a statement recognizing the importance of the overall experience for fans during a matchday.

“Lowering the price cap of the ticket prices for visiting supporters in the new UEFA men’s club competitions is an important signal from all ECA’s member clubs in actively contributing to improving the overall match experience for fans.”

“ECA’s collaboration with UEFA and the fans’ representatives through FSE is fundamental in ensuring travelling supporters can enjoy following their teams across Europe to the maximum.”

Photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto.

It’s a blow for Arsenal, but hopefully the shoulder injury isn’t a fracture. If so, it may mean a longer wait until he makes his Arsenal debut.

When he’s ready, Merino will have a significant impact on Arsenal’s midfield. After all, before signing him, Arsenal didn’t have a natural number eight in their squad. Yes, a team that took the title race to the final day didn’t have a natural central midfielder in their squad.

Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta has finally got his man. There’s hope that Merino could finally stabilize that left-hand side and potentially unlock Gabriel Martinelli to play back to his best. 

A Season of Tactical Adjustments in Midfield

Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, and Leandro Trossard have all been used in that left ‘8’ position throughout last season. But it was Declan Rice being the superior option. Havertz was then shifted to striker, where he ended the season strong and started this one in a similar vein.

The German was initially brought in to replace Granit Xhaka, who himself had an illustrious season and became an ‘Invincible’, but for Bayer Leverkusen.

Havertz struggled to adapt in the first part of the season. He scored only six goals and a total of zero assists in all competitions playing as a midfielder. Compare that to the eight goals and seven assists in only 18 appearances as the central striker. An impressive return, all things considered.

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This meant that Declan Rice had to fill that left central midfield position. But this seemed to pay off, with the Englishman hitting his highest goal and assist tally in his career (17).

Whether Declan Rice will shift back to the defensive midfielder position is still uncertain, but all signs suggest he will. Rice’s physical attributes and Havertz’s technical skills mirror the skill set that Mikel Merino offers in conjunction. A true box-to-box midfielder. 

Mikel Merino and Arsenal can unleash Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli had a tough season last year. Saying he struggled is an understatement. The previous season, he scored 15 non-penalty goals, tying with Firmino for the most by a Brazilian in the Premier League. Last season, however, his goal tally dropped significantly to just six.

Several factors contributed to this decline, including a lack of service, difficulty building a connection with the closest midfielder, and eventually losing his place to Trossard.

With Merino now in the left attacking zone, Martinelli might finally form a crucial partnership, similar to the one he had with Xhaka in 2022/23. The question is whether Merino can replicate that successful connection.

As seen above, Xhaka loved to occupy that specific zone. He only has one thing on his mind: finding Martinelli. It may seem simple to play that through ball, but the weight of the pass is intricate and allowed the Brazilian to create separation to score. Merino has that ability to be just as imperative in the final third, as shown below. 

You’ll quickly notice from both images that both players are scanning for the winger before receiving the ball. Merino’s pass was exquisite, which made the winger attack that left wing. Martinelli probably missed that last season due to the lack of time to create a relationship on the pitch with whoever is playing that position, whereas Xhaka was a mainstay.

The duel-winning machine 

If you’ve watched the All or Nothing Amazon documentary on Arsenal, you’ll know how much Arteta loves his duels. Or how much he dislikes when he loses them. The cameras caught him after Arsenal’s shock early exit to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in 2022, and he had a lot to say in the changing room. 

“When I lose a duel, I am upset. When I lose the small-sided games, I am upset.”

Well, his namesake loves them just as much. Mikel Merino ranks the highest number of ‘duels won’ in 2023/24 across Europe’s top seven leagues, and was the only player to win more than 300+ with 326 (Squakwa). The ‘duels won’ stat measures how often a player successfully wins physical battles for the ball against an opponent, whether it’s during tackles, aerial challenges, or 50/50 situations.

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino is not only a technical genius but dominates his duels. This is a rare combination for your typical Spanish central midfielder. He brings a wealth of experience from his time in Spain, where he became the captain of Real Sociedad. So returning to play soccer in England is a full-circle moment for him.

Following the official announcement of his signing, childhood photos of Merino surfaced. They showed him in an Arsenal jersey from 2005, a year after their last title win.

Now, nearly two decades later, Mikel Merino joins Arsenal to help push them closer to winning the title once again. 

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

English soccer in the modern era has become largely about investment and revenue, so clubs have naturally had to make investments in their stadiums to improve the experience of attending games. So, to answer the question, ‘What are the loudest sections of Premier League stadiums?’ I’ve shared my findings below.

What section of each venue is the ‘loudest stand’?

Some clubs are synonymous with their famous stands, including Liverpool’s The Kop, the Stretford End, or the North Bank. Below is each stadium for each team in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

Do older, legacy stadiums help create better atmospheres?

In some cases, the stadium atmosphere is tied in with the historical significance of the stand, such as the renowned Kop at Anfield. Managers used to dread playing at Liverpool where the intensity and roar of the crowd intimidated opponents. Three-time Premier League winner Arsene Wenger once remarked “It’s the hardest place [to play] in Europe.”

Conversely, determining the loudest stand isn’t always straightforward, especially for newer stadiums that haven’t yet established a dominant area for fan noise. For instance, Tottenham’s $1 billion stadium, which opened over five years ago, presents a challenge. Discussions among fans reveal a split opinion. Some argue that the South Stand offers the best atmosphere despite being far from the goal. Others prefer the East Stand for its view, even if it’s not as loud.

There’s a similar debate among Brighton supporters concerning American Express Stadium, which was built in 2011. Most say the North Stand is the loudest, but the view may not have as much value for the money as the West Upper. Even though some stands may be louder than others, this doesn’t necessarily equate to the best place to sit or stand in the stadium.

Villa Park has stood since 1897, and The Holte End is named after Sir Thomas Holte. He was the builder of Aston Hall and the mainstay of the family who owned the area for centuries. Aston Villa’s stadium is particularly known for its roaring noise. The traditional design and proximity to the pitch aid in amplifying the sound.

The argument for modern stadiums being loudest in the Premier League

The legacy stadiums undoubtedly add character to a matchday experience. They don’t necessarily ensure the loudest environment compared to modern stadiums. More recently built stadiums, like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, benefit from the advanced designs. For example, the stadium’s acoustics were designed to create a “wall of sound” by trapping the crowd’s roar and reverberating it around the stadium bowl.

The overall atmosphere in stadiums is shaped by numerous factors. The most important of them all is a loud and passionate fanbase. They’re the soul of every club.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

Neto has been at Wolves since his move in 2019. He has since put up consistent numbers whenever he’s fit to play. He recorded an impressive 14 goals and assists in 24 appearances last season across all competitions, with nine assists in the league. That return is more than sufficient especially when he spent half the season injured.

But let’s talk about that elephant in the room. Neto has spent a lot of time on the injury table, and the jokes online about how Chelsea’s new right-hand side of Reece James and Pedro Neto will first meet up in the treatment room may come true with James already suffering a pre-season injury. After Neto’s major ACL injury in 2021, he has missed over 100 games. That’s not good reading for Chelsea fans and their medical team.

Yet, every time he returns, he instantly becomes Wolves’ biggest threat. With the news of Chelsea agreeing to a deal, Spurs reportedly also showed late interest, but Chelsea came out on top. So how will he fit in?

Neto’s profile is emblematic of the perfect modern winger

Since joining Wolves from Lazio in 2019, the Portuguese has made 135 appearances for his club, recording a total of 11 goals over his time in the Premier League. His goalscoring will need to improve, but his work-rate, direct play and tricky dribbles always made him a mainstay in the Wolves’ team, causing problems for any full-back in the league.

According to FBref, Neto is in the top 1% highest percentile compared to other wingers/attacking midfielders in assists. Putting that into perspective, only Kevin De Bruyne managed more assists per 90 minutes in the Premier League at 0.73 than Pedro Neto’s 0.53. Cole Palmer was also the only Chelsea player last season who provided more Premier League assists (11) than Neto last season (9). That will get Chelsea fans feeling jubilant about the prospect of those two causing havoc on the flanks.

He also recorded 5.8 progressive carries per 90 last season, which is also in the highest 6% percentile. This statistic measures the number of times a player dribbles the ball toward the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards. Jeremy Doku of Manchester City topped this statistic. That is not bad company to have considering Chelsea does not have a dynamic winger like this in the team.

How would Pedro Neto fit in the Chelsea side?

Chelsea has invested heavily in the flanks in recent years. Noni Madueke operates on that right side, and he cost Chelsea $37 million. Their pursuit of Raheem Sterling hasn’t been one to remember but cost a hefty $63 million. The Mykhailo Mudry saga has continued to be a sour spot for Chelsea. He signed a deal worth a whopping $108 million. Each of these profiles suits a particular flank. By comparison, Neto is both footed and can deploy both wings. So, let’s compare them.

As seen above through Squawka, not only does Chelsea’s new signing rank highest in assists compared to Madueke and Mudryk, but he also has more chances created with 38. Chelsea’s current wingers have a better goal tally, and it’s admittedly something Neto needs to improve on, but ranking highest in touches in the opposition box (88) is also a plus. It illustrates the threat Neto gives Chelsea, a different dynamic to their other players.

A front three of Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer could work. Neto, Jackson and Sterling are certainly an option. The possibilities are endless, and despite their disappointing season last year, their attacking options are undoubtedly one of the most interchangeable forward lines in the league. Whether they stay fit or not remains unclear, but they have a plethora of options in the attacking third.

The question will then inevitably switch focus to whether there’s enough quality in their options, and even though some of the players have slumped in the darkness of the last couple of seasons, Neto could be the light in the shadow that they need.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.