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I’ve met plenty of people in my lifetime that hate Mondays and that includes myself. While I’ve never met Zlatan Ibrahimovic, I don’t think he’s particularly fond of Mondays either after the events that unfolded during the LA Galaxy’s game against the Montreal Impact.
Then again, Monday wasn’t exactly the best of days for many soccer fans around the world. Tuesday was better, but it’s still a long way to Friday. Here’s the dirt...
Domestic
As mentioned before, Zlatan Ibrahimovic may not be a big fan of Monday games. Why? Well, after having his toe (yes his toe!) stepped on by the Montreal Impact’s Michael Petrasso, Ibrahimovic lashed out with a firm slap around the side of the head.
In all honesty, it probably didn’t warrant Petrasso going to ground, but it was certainly a red card and Ibrahimovic can thank VAR for helping with the decision. The sending off didn’t seem to stop LA Galaxy though as they went on to win 1-0 thanks to Ola Kamara’s goal.
Ibrahimovic’s impressive theatrics deserve to be mentioned too:
After Video Review, Zlatan Ibrahimovic receives a red card for violent conduct. #MTLvLA https://t.co/qF8UcCZYuy
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2018
Looks like the Red Bull ecosystem is in full swing, as Red Bull New York and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams looks set to depart for the Bundesliga at season’s end.
Tyler Adams’ move to RB Leipzig from New York Red Bulls has been agreed, according to Kicker. The USMNT midfielder will remain in New York until the end of the MLS season. #RBL #NYRB #MLS
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) May 22, 2018
Patrick Viera, on the other hand, is apparently NOT leaving for Nice. In fact, there’s a possibility that he may #actually have been there to see his niece.
It looks like Patrick Vieira isn't going anywhere. After training today, he said there are no negotiations with Nice or any other club. His recent trip to France was a personal family matter. #NYCFC #MLS
— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) May 22, 2018
International
The managerial merry-go-round has already begun in Europe as Arsenal continue their search for a replacement of Arsene Wenger. While rumors of Mikel Arteta grew stronger by the day, it was reported on Monday that Unai Emery would be taking over at the club.
You would think that after years of protests and rants online, Arsenal fans would finally be content with the new appointment...think again. The response to the news wasn’t exactly met with open arms, which means the next few days should be fun.
Well then...
Unai Emery as manager and Petr Cech given the number one shirt is probably the worst 30 minutes to happen to this club since Samuel Eto'o and Juliano Belletti. #afc
— John Smith. (@ByJohnSmith) May 21, 2018
Elsewhere, Radja Nainggolan was left out of Belgium’s World Cup squad and subsequently retired from international soccer hours after the announcement. Andi Thomas dove into the odd decision a little further in his round-up.
Goal
Ola Kamara continued his good form for LA Galaxy, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over the Montreal Impact on Monday afternoon. The forward raced past two defender before calmly finding the back of the net. A simple, yet impressive finish:
.@OlaKamara outraces two defenders and beats the keeper for his fourth goal in four games! pic.twitter.com/PHnWyh7RMa
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 21, 2018
What to Watch For
World Cup squads are being released quicker than you can say Radja Nainggolan’s name five times fast (try it, it’s fun), so keep an eye out for those throughout the week.