Crystal Palace manager, Patrick Vieira, has claimed Arsenal now have a squad that will be closer to competing for the Premier League title.

Vieira stated this on Thursday during his pre-match press conference.

The Frenchman will put emotion to one side when he faces his former club on Friday night.

But Vieira has been impressed by their summer business ahead of the new season.

“I think it is about focusing on the game and how we can perform.

“Arsenal are in a better place than last year.

“They have brought in new players and they have the squad to be closer to the title,” Vieira said.

…Lagos Gov Mourns

Omotayo Sanyaolu, the Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Education, Youths and Students Affairs to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is dead.

As gathered, Sanyaolu died in a lone auto crash in the Maryland area of the state during the early hours of Friday around Army Cantonment, Maryland, Ikeja.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, Dr, Femi Oke-Osanyantolu, said the deceased’s vehicle rammed into an ATM located around the cantonment.

”Upon arrival at the scene it was discovered that a black Toyota Camry with registration number LAGH 32, while on top speed rammed into the Keystone Bank ATM located close to the Army Cantonment, Ikeja.

“Unfortunately, an adult male, Sanyanolu, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle died on impact and his remains were immediately bagged upon arrival of emergency responders.

“These have been handed over to the cantonment officer on duty (Officer Musa)

Meanwhile,  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has mourned the passing of his Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Education, Youth and Student Affairs, Omotayo Sanyaolu, who died on Friday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, expressed his sympathies to the family of Mr Sanyaolu, whom he described as a “loyal, committed, hardworking and dedicated co-worker in the Greater Lagos agenda.”

The governor said the death of Mr Sanyaolu is a personal loss to him and the Lagos State Government, as well as the deceased family, friends, Lagos APC, and tertiary institutions within the state.

“The death of a loved one is usually painful as it is irreparable but we must thank God that Omotayo Sanyaolu made a positive impact during his short but eventful lifetime. He served our party, APC passionately and meritoriously as a Youth Leader and contributed to its victory in many elections.

“Tayo as my Special Assistant on Tertiary Education, Youth and Student Affairs was very instrumental to the Greater Lagos agenda. He contributed positively to issues affecting the youths and students in the state.

“I sympathise with his widow, children, siblings, friends and the entire family as well as Lagos State and the APC family. I pray that God will grant the late Omotayo Sanyaolu eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We will miss Tayo.”

…Portable Reacts

Maverick singer Habib Okikiola (Portbale) has been disqualified from taking part in this year’s Headies Award. 

Organisers said Portable, who has been at the centre of many controversies was removed from its list nominees to send a strong warning they dont tolerate criminalities.

“The music industry demands all-round excellence, and it is extremely important for young artists being potential role models to exude professional responsibility, proper decorum and have respect for others.”

According to the organisers, Portable was disqualified due to a series of misdemeanours via his social media platforms.

Portable had threatened to kill anyone who wins in the categories for which he was nominated.

Meanwhile, ppular Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, AKA Portable, has reacted to his disqualification from the Headies Awards..

Reacting to the disqualification, Portable in an Instagram video said he does not regret his action.

“I am a child of light. I have fame, I have money, I have cars, I have wives, I have children. I am rich. People know me everywhere. I don’t regret my actions,” he said while caressing his wife.