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EPL: Battle of Old Trafford: It’s Gyokeres and Sesko in eyeball to eyeball blockbuster

The Atlantic Bell
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EPL: Battle of Old Trafford: It’s Gyokeres and Sesko in eyeball to eyeball blockbuster

If history is anything to go by, then Sunday’s opening match of the English Premier League (EPL) between Manchester United and Arsenal Football Clubs at Old Trafford portends danger for Arsenal
Historically, Manchester United have been known as the opening weekend specialists having won the opening day fixtures over the years with 22 victories in a 66.7% success rate and they have, in recent times, played the opening weekend matches at Old Trafford, nine seasons in a row.
For the 2025/26 season which kicks off this week, Manchester United would be hosting Arsenal in the opening weekend only for the second time, the last happening in the 1989/90 season (36 years) ago, when United beat Arsenal 4-1.
The clash which is the stand out fixture in the first week of the new season is already eliciting the usual thrilling feuds, sparking a rivalry that encapsulates the blockbuster meetings of the clubs from their fans across the globe.
Manchester United fans are in an upbeat mood. Who wouldn’t be? At least if historical antecedents favour you. This clash, on Sunday, is only the fourth time the two teams will contest a league fixture in August, with United winning the previous three, including the famous 8-2 walloping and 2011.
However, for Arsenal Football Club and its supporters, history does not play football, as they believe that current realities of the potentials of both clubs give a clue as to what happens on Sunday at Old Trafford.
For a team that has consistently been runners-up of the English Premier league title in three seasons, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, it’s a pointer to the strength, at least, when compared to a Manchester United team that ended the last season on the 15th position, their worst in recent times.
What, however, makes this season opening encounter more interesting and fascinating is that both teams have broken the banks to bolster their teams.
In a move, signifying their intentions to drop the toga of perennial runners-up, Arsenal approached the transfer market with zeal and gusto. They brought in the likes of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51m, Christian Norgaard from Brentford for £15m, Christian Mosquera from Valencia, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke. The star signing was Viktor Gyokores from Sporting Lisbon of Portugal.
Not wanting a repeat of the worst performance of last season, Manchester United with an eye on returning to the top echelon of the league brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Diego Leon and star striker Benjamin Sesko. Not done yet, the team is still in the hunt for Carlos Baleba to bolster their midfield.
Sunday’s encounter is even more peculiar as two key signings from both sides, Victor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, were wanted by the teams they face in the encounter.
While Arsenal initially wanted Sesko, the player turned them down, preferring to join the Red Devils. On the other hand, Manchester United had eyes on Gyokeres, who had his mind fixed on joining Arsenal. This circumstance will further spur Gyokeres and Sesko to want to outpunch each other during the encounter.

While Arsenal initially wanted Sesko, the player turned them down, preferring to join the Red Devils. On the other hand, Manchester United had eyes on Gyokeres, who had his mind fixed on joining Arsenal. This circumstance will further spur Gyokeres and Sesko to want to outpunch each other during the encounter.
The statistics of both players coming into the encounter on Sunday have further raised the stakes. Viktor Gyokeres scored 39 goals in 33 matches last season with Sporting Lisbon in the Liga Portugal. He took 103 shots in 33 matches in the 2024/25 season, 73 of which were on target. The 1.87cm, twenty seven year old Swedish born player had a shot accuracy rate of 70.87% and a pass completion rate of 73.83%
Benjamin Sesko, on the other hand, plied his trade in the 2024/25 season with RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga, where he started in 30 matches and scored 13 goals. With a height of 1.95 cm, Sesko, the 24 year old Slovenian, showed how good he is in the air, winning 70% of aerial duels during the season.
Sunday’s encounter will be the 245th time Arsenal and Manchester United will be locking horns since 1919. In their last 244 meetings, Arsenal won 90 times, Manchester United won 99 times, while 55 matches had ended in draws. In matches involving both clubs, Manchester United has the record of the longest unbeaten streak of nine games from 1954- 1958 and 1991 – 1995. However, on current strength, Arsenal has the unbeaten streak of six games from 2023 to the present.
Whichever way victory goes on Sunday between both clubs, it will certainly be a pointer to how the teams would fare in the 2025/26 English Premier league season, which promises to be very exciting and extremely competitive.

US OPEN: All eyes on Canadian Teenage sensation,Mboko

The Atlantic Bell
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US OPEN: All eyes on Canadian Teenage sensation,Mboko

As the final Grand Slam of the year gets underway at Flushing Meadows in the United States of America, from August 24 2025, tennis lovers all over the globe would have their eyes on the newest teenage female tennis sensation from Canada, Victoria Mboko. It was her stunning Canadian Open triumph weeks ago over former world Number One, Naomi Osaka in the final, that turned the eyes of the tennis world on her. Victoria Mboko, the 18 year old had downed fellow Grand Slam champions, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff( the top seed), and Sofia Kenin in earlier rounds of the Canadian Open to send tongues wagging. The 18 year old raised in Burlington, Ontario, becomes the second – youngest player in the Open Era to defeat four Grand Slam champions in a single tournament. The only player to accomplish such a feat was 17 year old Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open. Mboko’s mesmerizing win in Canada vaulted her rankings, blossoming from the little known wildcard to the tournament headliner and household name in tennis, at least for now. Her feat in Canada has earned her a place among the female tennis players to be seeded at Flushing Meadows in the United States, having jumped from 85th to 24th in the world rankings. That’s certainly remarkable for a teenager who started the year outside the top 300. Mboko’s history: Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Congolese parents, but grew up in Toronto. Won her first professional singles title at the ITF W25 tournament in Saskatoon in 2022, which she successfully defended in 2023. Won four consecutive ITF World Tennis Tour events to begin 2025, adding a fifth in March. In second place for most ITF World Tennis Tour women’s singles titles won this year. Began 2025 ranked at No 333, but rose to be No 24 in the rankings updated recently following her victory in Montreal. Qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw at the French Open, where she reached the third round Coached by former world No 3 and 1998 Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat.

Teens from Local School Amaze as Runway Models at DisArt Show

The Atlantic Bell
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Teens from Local School Amaze as Runway Models at DisArt Show

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Top Fashion Trends to Look for in Every Important Collection

The Atlantic Bell
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0
Top Fashion Trends to Look for in Every Important Collection

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Designer Fashion Show Kicks off with Great Success at Variety

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Designer Fashion Show Kicks off with Great Success at Variety

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Olivia Wilde Looking Forward to New Patterned Dress Collection

The Atlantic Bell
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0

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Proenza Schouler Advice to Young Designers: Start Your Own Business

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Proenza Schouler Advice to Young Designers: Start Your Own Business

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Style Magazine Removes Its Rule About Running Woman Only Covers

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Style Magazine Removes Its Rule About Running Woman Only Covers

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Academy of Country Music Awards Hosts this Year’s Fashion Show

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Academy of Country Music Awards Hosts this Year’s Fashion Show

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Just in Time for Spring: Community Style Turnaround has Major Impact

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Just in Time for Spring: Community Style Turnaround has Major Impact

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

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