Premier League clubs will come together in November and December to celebrate the 2021-22 Rainbow Laces campaign; a show of support for all LGBT people in football and beyond.

This will provide all 20 Premier League clubs with the opportunity to celebrate their LGBT community; to make clear that football is for everyone.

The Premier League's activities will support Stonewall's campaign to encourage fans and athletes to be "active allies"; and to play their part in ensuring LGBT people feel included in the sport. 

From 27 November and 2 December, all Premier League fixtures across the two Matchweeks; there will be Rainbow Laces ball plinths, handshake boards. The substitutes boards as well as the LED boards around the perimeter at the stadiums highlight the campaign.

There will also be rainbow armbands for captains, rainbow laces, and pin badges to let everyone show their support. 

Jürgen Klopp from Liverpool and Zanka from Brentford has shown their support

Jürgen Klopp and LFC Women defender Meikayla Moore had a chat together regarding this campaign and shared and showed their support for this campaign by Stonewall.

"For me personally, I will be wearing the laces to show my support, obviously being an out and proud footballer," she said.

"It's to encourage others to speak out and to reach out if you need help or if you need guidance or any sort of form of information, to help you as an individual," said Meikayla Moore.

And when asked by Moore about what he thinks of Rainbow Laces, Klopp replied, "It's a great campaign, I have to say, and it looks good.

"I really love every year when it happens. I'm a perfect example for it - how the awareness level changes from the moment you put them in.

"It feels great and you can put awareness on something which is obviously really important."

On the other hand, Zanka during his interview with LGBeeTs has shared his support regarding this campaign.

"Rainbow Laces games are massive," he says in an interview with Gemma Teale from the LGBeeTs fan group.

"Some laces, a captain's armband, and a nice cover of a matchday program might look like small things but it makes a massive difference in creating awareness.
"Each time that people are made more aware of the LGBTQ+ community, it becomes more normalised. When it becomes more normalised, people carry these lessons with them and discuss at home, in workplaces, and in classrooms." Zanka further added.

The desire for fame frequently pushes athletes to pursue new opportunities, sometimes at the expense of loyal supporters. A few former Arsenal players have gone on to win the Premier League trophy with other teams, reaching the highest level of English football. 

Their experiences serve as an example of the unpredictability of football, where ambition and loyalty frequently clash. In this feature, we look into the stories of five players who donned the red and white before leaving their names in Premier League history elsewhere. 

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Robin Van Persie: Manchester United - 2012/2013

One of the most prolific forwards of his generation, Robin van Persie was renowned for his impeccable positioning, precise finishing, and powerful volleys from every angle. After joining Arsenal in 2004 for £2.75 million, a sum well below Feyenoord's initial asking price of £5 million, he quickly made his mark. 

Manager Arsène Wenger had a vision for Van Persie, converting him from a left winger to a central striker, a transition Wenger had successfully made with Thierry Henry. When Henry left for Barcelona in 2007, Van Persie stepped up as Arsenal's primary goal-scorer.

By the start of the 2011–12 season, Van Persie had taken over as captain following Cesc Fàbregas's move to Barcelona. That season, he finished as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, and in the process, became Arsenal’s eighth all-time leading scorer with 132 goals.

In August 2012, Van Persie made a high-profile move to Manchester United, with the clubs agreeing on a £22.5 million deal, potentially rising by £1.5 million depending on United’s success in the Premier League or Champions League.

Just a few months later, in April 2013, Van Persie sealed his place in United's history, scoring a stunning first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa that clinched their 20th league title with four matches to spare—his first and only Premier League championship. He would go on to leave the club in 2015 after three successful seasons.

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Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea- 2014/2015

Another player with strong roots in the club he made the move from Barcelona in September 2003 after noticing that he was going to find it difficult to break into the Barcelona first team.

He made his debut for the team not long after, on 28 October 2003, in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherman United. In doing so, he became Arsenal's then-youngest-ever first-team player, aged 16 years and 177 days.

Following the club's move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2006, Cesc Fàbregas was handed the iconic number 4 shirt, which Patrick Vieira left vacant after his transfer to Juventus the year before. Fàbregas became a regular in the heart of the midfield, often partnering with Gilberto Silva. 

On 24 November 2008, after 14 league matches in the 2008–09 season, Cesc Fàbregas succeeded William Gallas as captain. 

On 15 August 2011, Barcelona secured his signature for an initial €29 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons. Over the five years leading up to his departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring opportunities, registered 86 assists, and netted 48 goals.

On 3 May 2015, he won his first Premier League title at the ninth attempt, following a 1–0 home win over Crystal Palace.

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Ashley Cole: Chelsea- 2009/2010

Ashley Cole is widely remembered for his drawn-out contract dispute during which he sought to leave Arsenal. A key member of the iconic Invincible Squad, he won numerous trophies with the North London club.

His transfer to Chelsea caused significant disappointment among loyal fans, but ultimately, it proved to be a wise move. At Chelsea, he secured the Premier League title under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2009/10 season and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2012. 

Notably, he played in all 38 league matches during the 2010/11 season and earned the Chelsea F.C. Player's Player of the Year award for the second time. Cole is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest fullbacks.

Gael Clichy: Manchester City- 2011/2012

Gaël Clichy joined the club in 2003 from Cannes as a young and promising left-back. Initially a backup to Ashley Cole, Clichy seized the opportunity to cement his place in the starting XI following Cole’s move to Chelsea in 2006. Known for his pace, work ethic, and defensive reliability, he became a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline.

In 2011, Clichy moved to Manchester City in search of new challenges and greater opportunities for silverware. His arrival coincided with City’s rise to prominence under Roberto Mancini. At City, Clichy continued to impress with his defensive prowess and tactical awareness.

Clichy’s time at Manchester City proved successful, as he contributed to the club’s first Premier League title in 2011/12, He added another Premier League title in the 2013/14 season, along with two League Cup victories in 2014 and 2016. Over six seasons, Clichy made over 200 appearances for City.

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Samir Nasri: Manchester City- 2011/2012

The Frenchman brought flair and inventiveness to Arsène Wenger's midfield when he made a move from Marseille in 2008. Nasri immediately made a name for himself as a vital player in the team thanks to his technical proficiency, close control, and versatility in attacking roles.

He scored 15 goals in all competitions during his stellar 2010–11 season, including several incredible solo efforts. It was one of his best seasons to date. Because of his impact on the squad, he was nominated for both the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards that season.

Despite his achievements, Nasri's time in London was characterized by the team's inability to win any trophies. When Arsenal was going through a transition in 2011, Nasri decided to depart in search of better opportunities elsewhere. He made a high-profile move to Manchester City.

Nasri was instrumental in helping City win their first Premier League championship in forty-four years during his debut season (2011–12). He cemented his position in the club's history by providing a vital assist for Sergio Agüero's historic last-minute victory against QPR. In the 2013–14 season, Nasri was instrumental in helping City win the League Cup and another Premier League championship.

Premier League is considered the best football league in the world. It hasn't been easy for clubs to survive in the English top flight. Premier League was established in 1992 and since then, the fight is going on to survive in the top flight of English football. But some teams have made a habit of playing in the English top flight consistently for so long. Six clubs have remained untouched by relegation since the 1992/93 season.

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Teams that never got relegated in the Premier League era

Arsenal

Arsenal are one of the oldest Premier League clubs. They are playing the English top-flight matches since 1919/20 and are still yet to be relegated. The Gunners own a very rich history in the Premier League and have been one of the most prominent sides over the years.

The Gunners are the only Premier League club to have won the league and remained invincible throughout the season. They are going through a rebuilding phase at the moment but their future looks really bright and they may taste the success very soon.

Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in England and the London club has five Premier League titles in their cabinet. Their latest triumph came in the 2016/17 season under Antonio Conte. Chelsea were last relegated from the English top division in 1987/88 but returned to it in 1988/89 right before the Premier League era started.

Since then, they are one of six clubs to never get relegated. Roman Abramovich purchased it in 2003 and overturned the fortune of the club. Abramovich introduced Jose Mourinho as the club manager in 2004 who should get a large amount of credit for the club's success.

Everton

Everton are one of the six teams that never got relegated in the Premier League era. They are a mid-table club at present, but they have won 9 first-division titles before the inception of the PL era. The Merseyside team has never been relegated from the Premier League and their last relegation came in 1954-55.

Liverpool and Everton share a fierce Merseyside rivalry in the Premier League, which is one of the oldest rivalries in English football. Last season, Everton came too close to relegation but somehow they managed to finish 16th and missed relegation. They are not having a great season too this season but the Toffees may somehow manage to get out of trouble like they always do.

Liverpool

Liverpool are one of the Big Six of the Premier League. They are so close to Manchester United in terms of their top-tier titles but have only won once in the Premier League era. Liverpool have consistently been one of the top teams in the Premier League and Europe in recent times.

They are the most successful English club in Europe, having won six titles in total. Their only success in the Premier League era came in 2019/20 under german tactician Jurgen Klopp. They are also pushing for the title in the current season and are sitting at the top of the table.

Manchester United

Manchester United, the biggest football club in English history, are on this list too. They have won 20 first-division titles and three European championships. Although the Red Devils have not been at the same level in recent years, they are still one of the most popular clubs in the world.

Manchester United are the biggest attraction for all players around the world. For obvious reasons, they have always been home to great players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and many more. The Red Devils have won the Premier League for the most numbers of time (13). It is unlikely that they will be relegated from the English soon.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspurs is the third club from London on this list. Spurs were promoted to the English top tier in 1978/79 and have not faced relegation since that time. They may not have been as successful as other clubs but have always gone toe to toe against the strong competitors in the League.

They are still without a title to their collection. The club finished runner-up in the 2018/19 Champions League which is probably one of the biggest achievements in the club's history. However, Tottenham have never won any major titles but have produced world-class players like Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Son Heung-min, and many more.

When we hear the football word, the first thing that comes to our mind is "Goal". The word Goal is attached with another word Striker. A Striker's first priority is scoring goals. In the modern era of football, we have witnessed some exceptional strikers throughout the world. Premier League is considered the best football league in the world. If a striker needs to prove his goal-scoring ability, there is hardly any other stage to prove it. Premier League 2023-24 season is witnessing the performances of some phenomenal strikers.

From the start, the Premier League was the place to see goal scorers. The way the league has evolved over time has brought a huge variety in the styles of strikers. Premier League had some strikers who made their goal-scoring ability a piece of art. The English league has witnessed the Greatness of "Alan Shearer", "Thierry Henry", "Wayne Rooney", "Dennis Bergkamp", "Andrew Cole", "Didier Drogba", "Eric Cantona" & many more Legends of Football. In recent times, Premier League is observing even more who are going to share the place with the legends in the upcoming years. Let's go through the 2023-24 top 5 goal scorers list of the Premier League.

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Premier League 2023-24 Stats: Top Goal Scorers

Erling Braut Haaland is a sensation. He joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the 2022 summer transfer window for a record fee. Haaland was scoring goals in the Bundesliga for fun. The football pundits commented on his injury record and the value of the Bundesliga League.

They didn't consider the German League as a top-tier league because of the dominance of only a single club. Premier League is a place where one can prove himself right because of the attraction it has gained over the last time period.

Erling Haaland started his journey with a storm like a man on a mission and he did end up with Golden Boot Award, scoring 36 goals in 35 matches. He also started this season in hurry and have already scored 18 goals in 22 appearances for Manchester City. The season have gone past its halfway and he is in touching distance to winning Golden Boot. If the Norwegian continues his goal scoring prowess, then he can break his own record too.

Ollie Watkins was only providing assists during the early stages of the season, but now proving an all-round threat. Aston Villa is sitting in the top 4 right now and lots of its credit goes to Watkins. Watkins has already scored 16 goals in the Premier League 2023-24 season. He also owns 10 assists.

The English International is the first player to reach 25-plus goals involvement (26) in the Premier League 2023-24 season. Playing his 136th Premier League match, Watkins has raced to a total of 56 Premier League goals. He also owns 23 assists.

Mohamed Salah owns the third spot for now with 15 goals to his name. The Egyptian winger hasn't disappointed Klopp so far since making his debut in 2017. He is once again producing a brilliant season, helping Liverpool charge for the title. Salah has also contributed with 9 assists so far this season. This is going to be Klopp's last season in Liverpool and Salah would very much like to bid him goodbye with plenty of goals and trophies.

Jarrod Bowen scored his first English Premier League hat trick for West Ham when they beat Brentford 4-2 recently. Bowen is a huge threat for any opposition team as he is both a goal scorer and a creator. He can threaten the opposition defence constantly with his pace and skill. The English International has already contributed with 14 goals and 3 assists. Gareth Southgate now has so many options to choose upon for the Euros and before that, Bowen would like to continue his brilliant goal scoring form.

Dominic Solanke registered a brilliant 13 goal contributions in the top flight last season and he is continuing that this season too. Solanke is scoring goals for fun and he is leading Bournemouth from the front. Solanke has also contributed with 14 goals and 3 assists. Another English International who is in fine form this season.

Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League 2023-24 after Phil Foden's brilliance and Amrabat's gift to Haaland. Manchester United did score first and took the lead early in the first half but it was purely City's brilliance that they managed to make a comeback in the second half and win the match.

The match was intense, with both teams giving their best efforts. Manchester City's attacking play and solid defense allowed them to secure the win. Manchester United, despite their efforts, couldn't overcome Manchester City's dominance.

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𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 🔵#MCIMUN #ManchesterDerby #ManchesterCity #ManchesterUnited #philfoden #ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/FhY3deKnR4

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 3, 2024

Foden, who netted a hat-trick against Manchester United at Etihad last season, netted a second-half double to help Pep Guardiola's side to a comeback victory.

The 22-year-old canceled out an early rocket from fellow England partner Marcus Rashford and keeps the defending champions just a point behind leaders Liverpool ahead of next Sunday's meeting at Anfield.

For 45 minutes, Guardiola's side seemed to forget who they were. City were in too much of a hurry and winger Jeremy Doku had a half to forget. Kobbie Mainoo was sensational in the first half and Onana who had a terrible start since his signing, delivered a magnificent performance too. The Cameroonian is now finally looking like the player who ten hag wanted to sign.

Manchester United had their tactics set to stop City. They had the goal to rely upon and just had to stop City from scoring. They did that brilliantly in the first half, but Foden's left-footed screamer changed everything in the second half. Rashford had two more sighters in the first half after scoring the opener, but he stumbled both times. He could have doubled the lead very early in the first half but failed and United paid the price.

Phil Foden scored the equaliser in the 56th minute and then City started to regain control. The decisive moment came 10 minutes from time as Foden combined with substitute Julian Alvarez and beat Onana with a low drive across goal. Haaland then wrapped up the scoring with his 28th goal of the campaign.

Erling Haaland missed an easy first-half sitter but managed to score the third City goal in injury time after a mistake at the back from Amrabat. It is the first time United had lost a Premier League match after leading at half-time for almost ten years. Erik ten Hag's side suffered back-to-back league defeats to further dent their hopes of Champions League qualification.

The 27-year-old Ivan Toney has a year left on his contract with Brentford, and previously expressed his intention "to play for a top club". Toney has already found the net twice since his return from an eight-month ban for betting offences. But, Thomas Frank thinks that Ivan Toney is likely to leave Brentford this summer, assuming the club receives a suitable offer for the striker's services.

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Toney recently returned from an eight-month ban for betting offenses and has already scored two goals against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur in his first two appearances of the Premier League season. "It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer," Frank told the Danish media.

"We also know what he is worth. I don't think many strikers in the world are better than him right now. He is a skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney but one day it could be fun to see him on a top team."

Arsenal and Chelsea are both linked with Toney, but Frank revealed that the club had received no offers in January for the frontman.

"You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere. But, I think it's obvious I want to play for a top club. Everybody wants to play for a top club that is fighting for titles. Whether it's this January that is the right time for a club to come in and pay the right money, who knows? But my main focus is to do what I do on the pitch, and let the background work take care of itself," Toney said in an interview.

Toney wants to take his place back in England's squad. He wants to compete with Harry Kane and to do that, he will have to be more consistent than ever.

"To be the best, you have to play with the best and compete against the best," Toney added. "We all know Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world and he's been doing it for some years now. If I want to be England's No 1, then I have to compete against him. He's not a bad striker to be taking tips off and be training with. I just have to keep scoring goals, keep playing well and then who knows what could happen? If I just fall short, then hopefully I can become the second best in the world," the striker concluded.