Despite its best efforts, Manchester City couldn’t complete the comeback on Monday night against Arsenal.

The Gunners picked up a crucial three points after defeating Man City, 2-1, at the Emirates Stadium, closing the gap with English Premier League leaders Leicester City to two points. As things stand, the Foxes sit atop the table with 38 points, while the Gunners trail with 36. With the loss, Manchester City falls six points behind Leicester City.

Arsenal was inferior in possession on the evening, however, the Gunners held their own in every other aspect of the match. Attackers Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud gave the home side a 2-0 advantage heading into the halftime interval, scoring goals in the 33′ and 45’+1′ minutes respectively.

Midfielder Yaya Toure managed a sublime finish with eight minutes remaining in regular time to give Manchester City a lifeline, but it wasn’t enough for his side to take a share of the points.

DEL BOSQUE TO STEP DOWN FROM SPAIN JOB AFTER EUROS

After a decorated managerial career, Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has announced his plans to retire following the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France.

“My retirement is close. If everything goes according to plan it [Euro 2016] will be the end,” Del Bosque said.

The former Real Madrid coach won essentially every trophy imaginable while in charge of both the La Liga side and the Spanish national team. During his stint with Los Blancos, Del Bosque captured two UEFA Champions League titles in a span of three seasons (1999-00, 2001-02).

While serving as Spain’s manager, the former midfielder captured the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA European Championship. Del Bosque has managed 105 matches for his country, posting an incredible record of 83-8-14 over the span of six years.

DUFF ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After playing just shy of two decades, former Ireland national team star Damien Duff has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

The 36-year old midfielder enjoyed a superb career playing with various English Premier League, most notably Chelsea, before concluding his career with Shamrock Rovers in Ireland. Duff began his lengthy career with Blackburn Rovers, where he made 103 appearances and scored 21 goals.

Arguably Duff’s greatest contribution though was to the Irish national team, where he earned 100 caps with the squad and appeared at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The Irish great released a statement on Shamrock Rovers’ website announcing his decision.

“After much deliberation, I have today decided to bring my professional football career to an end,” Duff said on Monday. “My heart wants me to continue playing, but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop.

INLER LOOKS TO MOVE AWAY FROM LEICESTER CITY

After making a name for himself with Italian Serie A sides Udinese and Napoli, Gökhan Inler made the move to Leicester City, current English Premier League leaders.

As it turns out, Inler’s stay with the rising club may be short-lived as the 31-year old looks for consistent playing time ahead of the 2016 UEFA European Championship.

Since joining the English club over the summer, the Swiss midfielder has made two Premier League starts and appeared in four matches overall. As captain of his native Switzerland, Inler’s agent Dino Lamberti is reasonably concerned for his client.

“Leading up to Euro 2016 and being the captain of the Swiss national team Gokhan does need more regular match practice under his belt,” said Lamberti.

EGYPTIAN CHAMPIONS QUIT LEAGUE OVER POOR OFFICIATING

Reigning Egyptian Premier League champions Zamalek SC is concerned about the state of the league’s officiating and have reportedly decided not to complete the current season.

Zamalek, 12 time victors in Egypt’s football top-flight, made the decision to seize playing following Sunday’s 3-2 loss to El-Gaish. The team’s brass are scheduled to meet again at some point on Monday to clarify its future plans.

Prior to the side’s match against El-Gaish, Zamalek had placed a request with the Egypt Football Federation to remove Mahmoud Al Banna, the game’s head official. After that plea wasn’t granted, a Zamalek defender was sent off in the opening minutes of the match and were subject to two penalties conceded.

According to Egyptian Premier League stipulations, Zamalek could be relegated to Egypt’s fourth tier of football if the club fails to withdraw its request for removal.