ARSENAL got their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start against FC Zurich last night.
Eddie Nketiah's 62nd minute header was enough to see the Gunners escape Switzerland with all three points.
But the game was overshadowed by the tragic news of Her Majesty The Queen sadly passing away.
And the whole stadium paid tributes throughout, particularly at half-time where they an image of Her Majesty was put on the big screens followed by a two minute silence.
The Gunners match against Everton this weekend has now been cancelled.
Prem spending needs to be corrected, says Tebas
LaLiga’s Tebas said an “in-depth study” of Prem finances demonstrated “what has happened there needs to be corrected”.
He added: “There is a lot of inflation in the market in England and it is becoming a non-sustainable business.
“We have to decide if we want a sustainable European football.
“This summer, the Premier League’s net spend was £1.07bn. In Spain, it was £43m, in Germany a surplus of £43m.
“La Liga and the Bundesliga have turnovers of £3.5bn, the Premier League is £6.4bn – so are those spending numbers logical?
“Something doesn’t make sense there, so what’s happening? A lot of cheque books have come out, at City and other clubs.
“Look, over the past five years, including the pandemic, La Liga clubs lost £192m but Premier League clubs lost £1.13bn.
“It’s just not a sustainable model. And it’s not the model Uefa will allow in the future.”
English football 'unsustainable', says LaLiga chief
LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has branded English football “unsustainable” and demanded Uefa imposes brakes on the Prem’s “billionaire owners”.
Tebas has become the Prem’s most critical opponent, with Manchester City and Chelsea long-term subjects of his disapproval.
But while the outspoken Tebas conceded the Prem is “a horse galloping ahead” of the rest of European football, he suggested that it was time the English game’s finances were reined in.
Tebas said: “This is not just about the state-owned clubs like City, it’s about what’s happening in the Premier League.
“Clubs are getting contributions worth millions from their shareholders which allows them to buy players – and it’s only due to those personal contributions.“
Three points in Europa opener
In Switzerland, Arsenal eventually defeated FC Zurich in the Gunners' Europa League opener.
Marquinhos got a debut goal with an superb strike in the 17th minute.
Eddie Nketiah found the onrushing Brazilian who expertly finished into the top corner.
Nketiah then gave away a penalty just before half-time with a clumsy challenge. Mirlind Kryeziu slotted away the spot kick.
Nketiah made up for it in the second period by nodding in a wonderful Marquinhos cross.
Wiegman says Queen Elizabeth helped lead Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman, who led England’s Lionesses to glory at this summer’s Women’s Euros, paid tribute to Her Majesty.
The Dutch boss said: “The national anthem, sung with such respect by my players and staff, served as a reminder of what she meant to the country.
“The words ‘send her victorious’, a line written on our shirts, was also in our hearts.
“This summer she took the time to write to me and my players congratulating us for our success.
“In that letter she called us an ‘inspiration for girls and women’.
“It is you, Your Majesty, who was the inspiration with your unrelenting work ethic, leadership, dignity and kindness.”
Southgate pride at national anthem
England manager Southgate spoke on Friday of his pride at singing God Save the Queen before 57 matches as a player and 74 as boss.
The Queen was patron of the FA, who on Friday confirmed a period of silence will be held before England’s Nations League game with Germany at Wembley on September 26, with players to wear blackbands.
Southgate added: “I was proud to have her as our patron and to sing God Save the Queen before every match.
“The team will have the chance to pay our respects at our fixture with Germany later this month.
“An occasion that will, of course, bring to mind the World Cup final in 1966 and the moment when Her Majesty handed the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore. As Wembley and the country falls silent, I will think of that and her 70 years of impeccable duty.”
I was proud to have her as our patron and to sing God Save the Queen before every match.
For Queen and country
England manager Gareth Southgate paid tribute to the Queen for “her impeccable duty” as the ultimate British leader.
Southgate said: “My thoughts today are with His Majesty King Charles III, the FA president HRH The Duke of Cambridge and the Royal Family.
“In remembering and celebrating the life of Her Majesty the Queen, we are also acknowledging her remarkable leadership and lifetime of dignified service.
“She showed the world what it is to be British.
“Her values, her dignity, her resilience were an exemplar to us all and she has provided us with stability and reassurance in the best and also most difficult of times.”
A nation in mourning
All football has been called off this weekend following the death of The Queen.
But Uefa will allow British clubs to decide whether to fulfil their European fixtures next week.
Mikel Arteta’s team were already playing in Switzerland when official confirmation of Her Majesty’s passing was announced and held a minute’s silence during half-time of Thursday’s 2-1 win against Zurich.
Met Police give Arsenal hope for Europa clash
Arsenal are hopeful that next week’s Europa League game against PSV Eindhoven will get the go-ahead.
The Metropolitan Police have indicated that they are comfortable with the game taking place at the Emirates next Thursday evening.
Mykhaylo Mudryk reveals he “couldn’t say no” to Arsenal move
Arsenal transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk has admitted he “couldn’t say no” to the Gunners if they tried to sign him.
The Shakhtar Donetsk winger, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta attempted to sign him on deadline day, but a move did not come to fruition.
However, Mudryk has claimed he would have to take the opportunity in North London if it arose.
My dream is to play in Premier League, of course.
Arsenal is a very good team, very good manager – so from my side, I can’t say no to Arsenal!
But a transfer is not just up to my decision.
Bellerin registered at Barca as they are given spending boost
Barcelona's spending cap for the season has increased by £700million after leveraging club assets this summer.
The Catalan club registered new signings Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso ahead of their clash with Cadiz this weekend.
LaLiga confirmed on Friday that Barca had generated the income after a year of financial turmoil at the Nou Camp.
They sold 25 per cent of their domestic TV rights for the next 25 years and 49 per cent stake of its local TV production 'Barca Studios'.
It's allowed them to spend a whopping £130m on players this summer.
Ex-Arsenal defender Bellerin was given a Barca lifeline when he was allowed to walk by the Gunners this window.
Europa League fixtures WILL go ahead next week
Champions League and Europa League football WILL go ahead for Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal after The Queen’s death.
With the nation mourning the loss of the longest-reigned monarch in British history, no domestic matches will be played.
But the same does not apply for next week’s round of European Uefa fixtures.
If any Premier League side were not to play, they would be forfeiting the points.
Premier League statement after fixture postponement
In a statement, a Prem spokesman said: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”
Prem chief executive Richard Masters added: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
Premier League games POSTPONED
This weekend’s entire football programme has been postponed following The Queen’s death.
Prem, EFL and FA chief consulted with the Government at a breakfast meeting this morning.
And with the nation mourning the loss of the longest-reigned monarch in British history, it was agreed that no matches will be played.
Arsenal fans see the bright side after Brazil snub
Arsenal fans have seen the bright side after three of their Brazilian first-team stars were left out of the national team set-up.
Defender Gabriel, as well as attackers Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli were missing from Tite's Brazil squad.
However, fans are seeing the positives.
Arsenal fans would rather see their players stay injury-free, with the North London club currently sat top of the Premier League.
One fan tweeted: "I hate our players going and risking injury at international friendlies. I’m so happy they’re staying!"
Another said: "Nice little rest for them with the congested fixtures list."
Arsenal duo left out of Brazil squad
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been left out of Brazil's national team for the upcoming international fixtures, according to journalist Victor Canedo.
Meanwhile, Manchester United new boy Antony has been recalled.
Saudi Arabia, Greece and Egypt to bid for World Cup
Saudi Arabia are reportedly set to announce a joint bid with Greece and Egypt to host the 2030 World Cup.
It could mean ANOTHER winter tournament is on the cards following Qatar later this year.
The Times claim an announcement is imminent and that Saudi Arabia would be the lead contributor.
The Gulf nation would pay for at least some of the other two countries’ costs.
To avoid blazing hot summer conditions, the tournament would again be played during the colder months.
It would mean another break in the Premier League and other top tables around Europe.
Marquinhos scores on Arsenal debut
Arsenal new boy Marquinhos broke down in tears when he scored on his Arsenal debut last night.
The 19-year-old gave the Gunners a 1-0 advantage in the 16th minute.
He made the perfect run towards the back post to meet and fire home Eddie Nketiah’s cross after a swift counter-attack.
Marquinhos raced straight towards the corner flag to celebrate and fell to his knees.
Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 against FC Zurich.
19-year-old Marquinhos gets Arsenal up and running in the Europa League this season 💪
A goal on his senior debut for the club ⚽️ #UEL pic.twitter.com/hdJjgexKbv
Mykhaylo Mudryk reveals he "couldn't say no" to Arsenal move
Arsenal transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk has admitted he "couldn't say no" to the Gunners if they tried to sign him.
The Shakhtar Donetsk winger, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta attempted to sign him on deadline day, but a move did not come to fruition.
However, Mudryk has claimed he would have to take the opportunity in North London if it arose.
Speaking to CBS Sports, he said: "My dream is to play in Premier League, of course.
"Arsenal is a very good team, very good manager – so from my side, I can’t say no to Arsenal!"
He added: "But a transfer is not just up to my decision."
Champions League fixtures WILL go ahead next week
Champions League and Europa League football WILL go ahead for Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal after The Queen's death.
With the nation mourning the loss of the longest-reigned monarch in British history, no domestic matches will be played.
But the same does not apply for next week's round of European Uefa fixtures.
If any Premier League side were not to play, they would be forfeiting the points.
Premier League make statement after fixture postponement
In a statement, a Prem spokesman said: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”
Prem chief executive Richard Masters added: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
Breaking: Premier League games POSTPONED
This weekend’s entire football programme has been postponed following The Queen’s death.
Prem, EFL and FA chief consulted with the Government at a breakfast meeting this morning.
And with the nation mourning the loss of the longest-reigned monarch in British history, it was agreed that no matches will be played.
Premier League games expected to be called off
The Premier League and EFL are set to cancel all matches this weekend after the death of the Queen despite official government guidance saying that there is no obligation to do so, according to The Times.
An official announcement will be made in the next few hours, but there are concerns that policing issues may affect games.
Many clubs also believe it is the right thing to do as a mark of respect.
Theo Walcott shares "lovely memory" of The Queen
Theo Walcott shared a "lovely memory" of Arsenal meeting The Queen and time Emmanuel Eboue made her laugh.
Her Majesty invited Arsene Wenger's side to Buckingham Palace in 2007 after she was unable to cut the ribbon on the club's newly-constructed Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry introduced The Queen to his team-mates, including Walcott and Eboue.
A video on the day has been shared on Twitter, and Walcott replied: "Lovely memory this."
Former Arsenal defender Eboue once recalled how he made The Queen chuckle with an offer to care for her dogs.
He told The Telegraph in 2016: “We went there and Thierry Henry said to me: ‘Please, Emmanuel, this is Buckingham Palace, it’s the Queen’s house, don’t do anything.’
“‘No problem,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry.’ So the Queen came in and went along shaking each player’s hand.
“After she’d finished I saw all her corgis so I said, ‘Ma’am, Ma’am’.
“She turned back and asked, ‘How are you?’ and I said, ‘Ma’am, I am OK thank you but, please, I don’t want to be a footballer anymore.’
“‘I want to look after your dogs. I want to take them for walks, wash them, feed them. I want to be a dog carer.’
“The Queen, honestly, she was laughing. Prince Philip was laughing, too. All the team were laughing.”
Latest government guidance on sporting events this weekend
"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
"As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations."
DCMS advise no sporting events should take place this weekend
Julian Knight, chairman of the DCMS, has informed TalkSPORT that government advice suggests no sporting events should take place this weekend or on the day of Her Majesty's funeral.
It confirms that the final decision is up to individual sporting bodies.
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