Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth this evening has seen them equal an unwelcome record that was previously set during the 2019/2020 season. Since that campaign, the club has shown clear signs of progression and has evolved into a much stronger side. However, this improvement has not yet translated into the capture of major silverware, with the Premier League and Champions League titles continuing to elude them.

This season, Arsenal were contenders for both prestigious competitions until recent weeks, and while a place in the Champions League final remains a possibility, their domestic campaign has been undermined by recurring issues. Chief among these is their inability to maintain leads, a problem that has surfaced repeatedly throughout the term. Matches that begin with promise often end in frustration, as the team either loses or draws after taking an early advantage.

The pattern continued in the loss to Bournemouth. Arsenal took the lead and remained in control until the 67th minute, when Bournemouth found an equaliser and ultimately went on to claim victory. This outcome has become all too familiar for the club, reflecting a worrying trend that undermines their pursuit of trophies.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

As reported by Opta on X, Arsenal have now lost 21 points from winning positions this season, equalling their highest total in this regard, which was also recorded in the 2019/2020 campaign. The statistic paints a concerning picture of the team’s ability to manage games effectively, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Such a figure is disheartening for a club with ambitions of winning top honours, and it highlights the critical need for improved game management and defensive resilience. As Arsenal continue their push for success, especially in the league, there must be a concerted effort to eliminate these lapses in concentration and to close out matches more effectively. If they are to fulfil their potential and compete consistently for major titles, learning to protect a lead must become a fundamental part of their identity.

Arsenal conceded two avoidable goals in the match against Bournemouth, a result that now places their hopes of finishing second in the league standings at risk. Having been regarded as the second-best team in England over the last two seasons, expectations were high for a similar level of performance this term. However, their recent form has fallen short of those expectations, raising concerns among supporters and pundits alike.

The defeat to Bournemouth marked the fourth time in their last five league fixtures that Arsenal have failed to secure a victory. This inconsistency has been particularly disappointing for fans, especially in light of the club’s strong showing in the Champions League. A notable factor in their recent struggles has been the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, which have become more pronounced in recent weeks.

Arsenal have managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last six league outings, a statistic that highlights their defensive decline. This downturn coincides with the absence of Gabriel Magalhães, who has been sidelined due to injury. His presence has clearly been missed, particularly in defending set-pieces, an area in which the team has notably struggled.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp emphasised the importance of Gabriel to Arsenal’s defensive structure. As quoted by Sky Sports, Redknapp stated, “It’s been recurring them – 48 per cent of their goals have been conceded from set pieces. They need to work harder at this aspect of the game. There are certain things that can stop you winning the title and this certainly can. A set piece coach can get a lot of credit when you’re scoring goals but they are not good enough. They miss Gabriel – he’s a massive player when he plays.”

Redknapp’s comments underscore the broader issues within the team, particularly their set-piece organisation and overall defensive coordination. As the season nears its conclusion, Arsenal must address these weaknesses and improve their performances in the remaining matches. Despite the setbacks, there remains an opportunity to finish the campaign strongly, provided the team can regain their defensive solidity and deliver more consistent results.

Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth this afternoon, increasing their risk of finishing this term outside the top two.

Arsenal want to win the Champions League, but they risk slipping further down the Premier League table.

This makes winning more league matches important, and Bournemouth are a team capable of providing a proper test.

The Cherries were a good challenge ahead of the Champions League return leg in Paris next week, so Arsenal began strongly.

However, Bournemouth were as fearless as expected and demonstrated their quality with some fine early chances.

Ousmane Dembélé was the decisive figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League clash with Arsenal, scoring the only goal of the match to hand the French champions a valuable away victory. The Parisians were determined to secure a win in London, and Dembélé’s early strike proved to be enough to give them the upper hand in the tie.

The winger has been in superb form since the beginning of 2025 and has already played a key role in helping PSG secure the Ligue 1 title. With their domestic campaign effectively concluded, the club’s focus has now shifted entirely to conquering Europe, and they are currently in a strong position to progress further in the competition after the first leg against Arsenal.

Dembélé, who has become a mainstay in PSG’s starting eleven, was unable to complete the full match against Arsenal, having limped off before the final whistle. It has since been confirmed that the player has sustained an injury, although the full extent and timeline of his recovery remain uncertain. However, as reported by the Daily Mail, the injury appears to be more serious than initially anticipated, placing his availability for the return leg in doubt.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Should Dembélé miss the crucial second leg, it could significantly impact PSG’s attacking threat, which would be a welcome development for Arsenal. His pace, creativity and goal-scoring ability have made him a standout performer, and his potential absence could tip the balance in Arsenal’s favour as they aim to overturn the deficit.

In contrast, Arsenal are expected to be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, whose presence in midfield offers a valuable combination of composure, defensive solidity and experience in big matches. His return could provide the lift Mikel Arteta’s side needs as they prepare for what will be a pivotal fixture in their season.

Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs showing serious interest in Dean Huijsen following his impressive campaign with Bournemouth. The young defender has caught the attention of several top sides, and as Arsenal prepare to face the Cherries, the match provides an additional opportunity for the Gunners to observe the Spain international first-hand as part of their planning for the summer transfer window.

According to a report by iNews, Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen is not merely dependent on his performance in this fixture, as the club already have concrete intentions to pursue a move for the talented centre-back. Mikel Arteta’s side is said to be ready to take decisive action to secure his signature, despite stiff competition from several European heavyweights.

Huijsen’s performances this season have attracted the attention of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid, all of whom are reportedly tracking his progress closely. However, as cited by the same source, Arsenal are prepared to trigger his £50 million release clause in an effort to outmanoeuvre their rivals and ensure the player joins their squad ahead of the next campaign.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

While Bournemouth are open to the idea of selling the defender, Huijsen has yet to make a final decision on his future. Any progress on Arsenal’s part would depend on the player opting to join the Gunners. Given the current state of the transfer market, where fees for elite young talents have risen significantly, the quoted figure is not considered excessive for a player of Huijsen’s quality and potential.

Arsenal’s pursuit reflects their broader strategy of investing in emerging talents who can contribute immediately while also developing into long-term assets for the club. If they are successful in convincing Huijsen to make the move, it would be seen as a strong addition to their defensive ranks, especially as the club looks to build on recent progress both domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season, showcasing maturity and composure well beyond his years. Despite this being his debut campaign with the senior squad, he has consistently delivered assured performances, including against high-profile opponents such as Real Madrid. His emergence has been a source of pride for the Gunners, who view him as a long-term solution at left-back.

Lewis-Skelly’s talent has allowed Arsenal to shift their focus away from recruiting reinforcements in that position, as the youngster has shown he possesses the quality and temperament to thrive at the highest level. As the Gunners continue to regularly compete strongly in both domestic and European competitions, the teenager has played a vital role in their success. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute effectively in high-stakes matches has underlined his potential and value to the team.

(Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His impressive displays have not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. The Englishman is now regarded as the first-choice left-back for the national team, which speaks volumes about his development and rising status in the game. Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has also praised the youngster’s performances this season. When asked to name his top five Premier League players of the campaign, Walcott included Lewis-Skelly on his list, placing him fifth. Speaking via Amazon Prime Video, Walcott remarked, “One of the best players that Arsenal has produced in many years.”

The other four players on Walcott’s list were Milos Kerkez, Anthony Elanga, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, all of whom have had strong seasons in their own right. For Lewis-Skelly to be mentioned among such experienced names is a testament to the impact he has made in such a short period.

It is easy to overlook the fact that Lewis-Skelly is still a teenager, given the consistency and maturity of his performances. His continued rise offers Arsenal fans plenty of reasons for optimism, and he appears set to play a crucial role in the club’s plans for years to come.

Arsenal face Bournemouth today ahead of the return leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. With Liverpool having already secured the Premier League title, there is a widespread belief that the Gunners should not exert too much energy on their remaining domestic fixtures and instead concentrate on overturning their deficit in Paris to secure a place in the Champions League final.

However, while a comeback victory in Europe is a clear objective for Mikel Arteta’s side, Arsenal must also ensure they finish the season in a strong position in the Premier League. This makes today’s fixture against Bournemouth particularly important, as dropping points could affect their final league standing. Despite the allure of the European stage, the Gunners cannot afford to overlook their domestic responsibilities, and a win against the Cherries remains essential.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Bournemouth are expected to present a stern challenge, and Arsenal will need to be fully focused if they are to come away with a positive result. Martin Odegaard has emphasised the importance of maintaining performance levels in the league, acknowledging that every match still carries significant weight. As quoted by Arsenal Media, he stated in his captain’s notes, “Today’s game against Bournemouth is also really important in the league – we have to win for our position in the league, and we want a big game like this because it keeps our focus high. It’s a bit of a different challenge but it’s important for us to get back to winning ways, not only to take a good feeling into next week, but also because we want to finish as high as we can.”

Odegaard’s comments reflect the mentality within the squad, which is to approach each match with full commitment and concentration. It is vital that the players focus solely on the task at hand and avoid being distracted by the looming Champions League fixture. Securing all three points against Bournemouth will not only strengthen their league position but also provide valuable momentum heading into the decisive clash in Paris.

Declan Rice is Arsenal’s most expensive signing, and the English midfielder has been justifying the significant investment the Gunners made to secure his services from West Ham United. Rice had already established himself as a standout performer at the London Stadium, attracting interest from numerous top clubs keen to add him to their squads. Despite competition for his signature, he chose to move to the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed to meet West Ham’s valuation.

Since joining Arsenal, Rice has quickly become an integral part of the team, playing a pivotal role in midfield. In his first season at the club, he came close to winning the Premier League title, and he has continued to be a consistent and influential presence on the pitch. His contributions have been especially notable in the UEFA Champions League, where his strong individual performances were instrumental in helping Arsenal eliminate Real Madrid and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Arsenal is considered one of the leading contenders for winning the Champions League. Rice’s form will be crucial to their success, particularly in the match to be played in Paris. His presence and performance could prove decisive as the team looks to turn opportunities into trophies.

(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

If selected for today’s fixture against Bournemouth, Rice would make his 100th appearance for Arsenal. Ahead of this potential milestone, manager Mikel Arteta was asked to share his thoughts on the midfielder’s impact at the club. As quoted by Arsenal Media, Arteta remarked, “Consistency, availability, the way he’s performed, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. I think it’s been an unbelievable signing.”

Rice has undeniably been an outstanding addition to the Arsenal squad. His professionalism, adaptability and consistent performances have earned him widespread acclaim, and the praise he continues to receive is well deserved. As the season progresses, his influence on the team is expected to remain central to Arsenal’s pursuit of both domestic and European success.

State organizations that advocate for disabled residents in New Jersey and Arkansas announced this week that they will have to limit their work due to not receiving the full federal funds they are owed by the US federal government.

Each state, territory, and Washington, DC, has a protection and advocacy agency to support the rights of disabled people, including providing one-on-one legal services. These agencies were created by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975, which means their work is federally mandated. It’s currently unclear whether all protection and advocacy agencies have been impacted by shortages in federal funds.

“Are we going to a worldview that just contracts all those social services and basically says people must stand on their own or fall on their own?”

NJ.com reported that Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) has received only $1.6 million of the $3.1 million it needs this year to represent disabled people, including those in group homes and in prisons. As a result, the agency—which also receives some state funding—is shutting down its services until May 5, and says it will not be able to make payroll next month if it does not receive its designated federal funds. The White House did not respond to NJ.com‘s request for comment on funding issues.

In Steubenville, Ohio, many students are considered to be economically disadvantaged. But unlike some similar towns and cities across the United States, standardized testing doesn’t strike fear among members of the school board, principals, and superintendent.

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That’s because for the past two decades, 93 percent or more of students in Steubenville’s public schools have scored proficient on state reading tests by the time they’re in third grade.

“It was astonishing to me how amazing that elementary school was,” said Karin Chenoweth, who wrote about Steubenville in her 2009 book How It’s Being Done: Urgent Lessons From Unexpected Schools. According to research from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, Steubenville has routinely scored in the top 10 percent or better of schools nationwide for third-grade reading, sometimes scoring as high as the top 1 percent.

On Friday morning, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in New Orleans deported members of two families, including young children and a pregnant mother, under circumstances that have raised serious due process concerns. Among those deported were three children who are US citizens, including a two-year-old who was born in New Orleans and a child with a rare form of metastatic cancer who’d been receiving treatment in the US.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alleges that ICE did not allow the mothers and children detained to have substantial or any contact with attorneys and family members, including with the two-year-old’s father.

“If this is what the Trump administration is orchestrating just three months in, we should all be terrified of what the next four years will bring.”

“These families were lawfully complying with ICE’s orders and for this they suffered cruel and traumatic separation,”  Mich P. Gonzalez, founding partner of Sanctuary of the South, which provides legal assistance, said in a statement. “If this is what the Trump administration is orchestrating just three months in, we should all be terrified of what the next four years will bring.”

Ed Martin, the far-right activist–turned–acting US attorney for DC, apologized this week for praising an alleged Nazi sympathizer at an event last year.

But Martin’s ties to Timothy Hale-Cusanelli—who is known for wearing a Hitler-style mustache and who once allegedly told a co-worker that the Nazis “should have finished the job”—are far more extensive than just that one meeting.

Martin told the Forward this week that he was “sorry” for bestowing an award on Hale-Cusanelli during an August 2024 event at Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

“I denounce everything about what that guy said, everything about the way he talked, and all as I’ve now seen it,” Martin said. “At the time, I didn’t know it.”

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was charged with two felonies after being arrested by federal officers early Friday morning for allegedly helping a man without legal immigration status avoid arrest while in her courtroom on April 18. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Dugan helped direct an undocumented immigrant through a side door in her courtroom and down a private hallway into a public area when the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived to apprehend him.

The arrest of a sitting judge is a pivotal moment in the Trump administration’s escalation of immigration enforcement. It comes just months after the Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors to push forward criminal cases against local government officials who impede Trump’s immigration crackdown and go after state and local laws in court.

A spokesperson for the US Marshals Service in Washington, DC, confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Dugan was taken into custody at around 8 a.m. at the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Wisconsin. The spokesperson also told the newspaper that Dugan was charged with obstruction and concealing an individual. 

FBI Director Kash Patel posted the news on X on Friday morning, writing that the FBI arrested Dugan “on charges of obstruction” during an immigration arrest operation last week. According to Patel, the judge “intentionally misdirected federal agents” away from their target, allowing the man to evade arrest. (Patel later deleted his post.)

The Department of Justice has restored two previously canceled grants supporting victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence, following a Mother Jones report on Thursday that highlighted the critical roles the programs played for survivors.

The DOJ informed the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) on Thursday night that officials would restore the grants they previously canceled on Tuesday. Those cancelations were reportedly part of mass cuts to grants worth more than $800 million, according to Reuters, that supported victims of gun violence, addiction, and domestic violence. The terminations came as especially ironic in light of President Donald Trump’s campaign trail pledge to “protect women” if re-elected and to offer “unending support to every victim of crime” per a proclamation he issued for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week earlier this month.

Mother Jones was the only news outlet to report on the NNEDV grant cancelation, which supports an email hotline that offers personalized legal information for survivors in English and Spanish. The canceled, and since-restored, $2 million, three-year grant was intended to “increase awareness of and enhance access to its Spanish email hotline services.” On Tuesday, NNEDV officials learned that the remainder of the grant, about a half million dollars, was cut. A spokesperson previously said that while the NNEDV hoped to keep the services going with alternative funding, they would wind up being  “drastically reduced.”

In a statement provided to Mother Jones on Friday, Stephanie Love-Patterson, the organization’s president and CEO, said that while officials are “relieved and appreciative” that the grant cancelation was reversed, “the concerns and heartache remain, as this highlights the vulnerable state of services for survivors, which will affect those who need them most.”

This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

China will continue to push forward on the climate crisis, Xi Jinping has said while appearing to criticize the “protectionism” of Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

The Chinese president was attending a closed-door virtual meeting with the UN secretary general, António Guterres, Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and about a dozen other heads of state and government to discuss the climate crisis.

Xi told the meeting that China would “not slow down its climate actions,” according a draft of his remarks. He did not name the US or Trump but made apparent reference to them while noting that China had “built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy systems as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain.”

When we think of “organizing,” we tend to think of protesters—of scruffy and earnest demonstrators taking on giant corporations, of people with cardboard signs standing in the cold or the sun. But really, organizing is any concentrated attempt of the (relatively) small and many to stand up to the mighty and few, and the last few days have seen some of the most unlikely and potentially effective organizing in a long time.

In this case, the small and many were not people used to thinking of themselves that way. Instead, they were university presidents and boards of trustees—almost without exception people of real distinction and power in their communities. I’ve served on university boards and broken bread with hundreds of college presidents (the price of lecturing to their students), and I know the breed: They tend toward the cautious and the conciliatory, but they have big reserves of local influence. They are, invariably, pillars of the community.

And so when President Donald Trump decided to try to crumple those pillars, they decided to stand up, circulating a letter that’s now been signed by more than 400 college presidents. It was—perhaps only after the Hands Off demonstrations and Tesla Takedowns—the most effective response yet to the creeping fascism in the Oval Office.

Everyone took their lead and their nerve from Harvard University, where President Alan Garber and board chair Penny Pritzker pushed back hard a week ago against the administration’s attempt to basically take over the university in order to enforce something called “viewpoint diversity.” Harvard’s sharp response obviously stunned the White House, which had doubtless been lulled by Columbia University’s pathetic capitulation; as is often the case with bullies, Trump started looking for a way to back down, with his people eventually claiming that they had sent Harvard their diktat “by mistake.”