NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
How did Arsenal fall so far and what can they do to rebuild?
The story of the Invincibles who became the Inevitables. How much longer until they rise from their ruins?
Will this be Leicester’s strongest season in the Premier League since their 2016 Championship?
How tameable if at all, are Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes this 2019/20 Premier League season? Not so much is the short answer.
English Premier League: Who will challenge for European football?
The world’s favorite league is back with bang. Eager to look at who will likely finish above the rest this campaign? We got you, we have rounded most of the promising sides who could push for titles and European football in the new season.
How will the English Premier League's "Big 6" rank this season?
FT’s own Siphosethu has thrown his predictions into the hat regarding the final placement of the “Big 6” on the English Premier League table come May 2020 and Arsenal fans won’t be quite impressed. How do you think they will fare? Or will perhaps an underdog creep in and still any of the spot?
Even without a Top 4 finish, Emery deserves some accolades
Unai Emery and Arsenal were faced with the tantalizing prospect of landing a Premier League Top 4 spot and bringing Champions League football back to the club. Considering the all-round changes, they have undergone as a club and stiff competition from their top 6 rivals, the Spaniard could be deserving a mighty shout-out as the Gunners still have a chance.
Aubameyang vs Koulibaly: The fate of the furious
Napoli vs Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final will be treated as a final by both sides. Even more interesting will be the Wakanda battle between Aubameyang and Koulibaly. Check out who we think will emerge victorious?
Emmanuel Frimpong: The end of a chapter
For a long-time, the former Arsenal midfielder has had to play through the pain. Now, at the tender age of 27, the former Ghanaian international has decided to hang up his boots. Lest we forget, he has left us with solid memories created across his experience in the Premier League, Russian Premier League, UEFA Champions League, English Championship etc
This may be Iwobi's best chance to build a legacy at Arsenal. Can he seize it?
The 22-year-old Nigerian international clearly has the manager’s backing, as well as age and talent on his side when faced with the task of becoming one of Arsenal’s key players. But the time may be now or never for him to take the next step and secure his place at the club.
Auba has been clutch, but can his goals bring CL football back to the Emirates?
Aubameyang’s legend is growing quickly in London, as Arsenal’s official club website have already labelled him, “a man for all seasons.” In the midst of the issues enveloping the club, the Gabonese international cannot just stop scoring. But will his and Lacazette’s goals be enough to secure a Top 4 finish in the Premier League?
Are Africans peaking in the English Premier League?
The African football stars all over the world in premium leagues such as the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and quite recently the Chinese Super League, have been usually, a part of the pack. It however seems like they are starting to lead the pack as far as the English Premier League is concerned.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #6 Mo Elneny
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder is also on the ten-man list.
FT Sideline: Why has Aubameyang been so prolific?
The Gabonese captain has seamlessly switched to the Emirates stadium and has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most respected strikers. With 20 goals for Arsenal in 31 matches and joint EPL top scorer alongside Sergio Aguero this season, the numbers are starting to look like his Dortmund days. But what makes him tick?
What’s happening with Mo Elneny at Arsenal?
The Egyptian international has moved further down the pecking order at Arsenal in recent years reducing his appearance in mainly cup ties such as the Europa League and Carabao Cup. Having reached the ‘prime’ footballing age, should he still settle or perhaps consider moving on?
Aubameyang shows enduring class but is Iwobi the winger that Arsenal needs?
Arsenal got off the mark with a 4-2 win in the Europa League against Ukraine’s Vorskla. Gabonese international, Aubameyang bagged a brace but Iwobi was the star of the Arsenal show. The 22-year-old Nigerian is knocking on the door for a guaranteed Premier League starting XI and Emery may not afford to ignore him any longer.
FT Hidden Gem Series: Who is Tinotenda Kadewere?
The young Zimbabwe warriors striker is quite just a pin in the haystack of global football right now. But he helped Swedish outfit Djugardens to a an unlikely title, won the COSAFA prize with his nation and got signed by French Ligue 2 side this summer, Le Havre. What we see in him, we have seen in many other younger players that left a mark, he is on the up.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Despite AC Milan's troubles, will Franck Kessie succeed in Italy?
Meet the Ivorian, Franck Kessie. The 21-year old’s life at AC Milan has been far from ideal, but can he still make a major breakthrough in the Serie A and follow the footsteps of the likes of Kwado Asamoah of Ghana?
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Mane Marches On
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Iwobi’s shaku-shaku
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut