Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 238 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Arsenal suffer huge injury blow as Martinelli limps off on 35 minutes vs Newcastle days after transfer window failure

    ARSENAL have suffered another significant injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest casualty.The 23-year-old was forced off in the 37th minute of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.Gabriel Martinelli was forced off against NewcastleCredit: GettyMartinelli has joined Arsenal’s injury listCredit: GettyHe went to ground holding his hamstring before limping down the tunnel.Ethan Nwaneri – one of two attacking players on the bench – was on hand to replace him.But the latest blow adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December and was forced to undergo surgery.Read More in FootballThe England international is not expected to return until the spring.Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.The Brazilian fell awkwardly and was stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United last month.Should Martinelli also be assigned to the physio room with a significant issue, the Gunners will be limited to just four senior attacking players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe latest setback comes just two days after the conclusion of the transfer window.Arsenal failed to sign any players in January – much to the dismay of fans.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerArteta himself was also “disappointed” that his superiors failed to seal a deal.He said: “We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”The Gunners made one attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last week but their offer was immediately rejected.As well as the loss of Martinelli, Arsenal had to deal with a 2-0 defeat and exit from the Carabao Cup. More

  • 238 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    New VAR protocol seen just once before in England leaves fans divided as they claim Newcastle ‘robbed’ vs Arsenal

    FANS were left divided by a new VAR protocol used for only the second time in England.During Newcastle’s League Cup semi-final win against Arsenal, Alexander Isak raced through on goal after just four minutes before slotting in to seemingly make it 1-0.Simon Hooper announced the decision that Alexander Isak was offside after scoring against ArsenalCredit: Sky SportsIsak scored after just four minutes but when the goal was ruled out the TVCredit: GettyHowever, the goal was chalked off by VAR following an offside check.Referee Simon Hooper then announced the decision over the stadium speakers, only the second time this has been seen after it was used during Tottenham’s League Cup first-leg with Liverpool last month.Despite the announcement, fans at home were originally not shown the offside lines being drawn to confirm the decision.Fans rushed to social media to give their say on the new protocol, with some furious at the goal being ruled out without complete clarity being provided.One fan said: “The referee mic’d up. This is what happens when you let yanks anywhere near our beautiful game.”A second said: “Love this new referee announcement. Well done.”A third said: “They didn’t even draw any lines just straight offside lol.”Another said: “Newcastle robbed.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe offside was shown to fans at home later onCredit: Sky Sports/EFLA fifth added: “That is a daylight robbery against Newcastle.”A sixth said: “This referee live mic in is too funny. Sounds like a little kid breathing in his mic on Fortnite haha.”Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolAnother said: “Ref looked absolutely petrified there, not sure they signed up for public speaking in front of 50k.”An eighth said: “Referee on the mic is a complete waste of time, why doesn’t the ref announce a VAR check immediately after the goal is scored if they doubt the validity of it. As it stands there is still a 2/3 min, and more, delay in the stadium where no one knows what’s going on, nothing’s changed.”The offside lines were later shown to fans back home, revealing how far Isak had strayed offside before the disallowed goal.In a statement on the decision, the EFL said: “Isak’s goal was initially awarded on-field. “VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”Isak was involved once again later on when Newcastle did make a breakthrough.The Swede raced through on goal behind William Saliba seconds after Martin Odegaard fired the ball against the post.His curling effort beat David Raya but hit the post before it cannoned back out to where Jacob Murphy was for him to tap into an open net, with his shot amazingly also glancing the post on the way in.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnthony Gordon capitalised on a Raya mistake to make it 2-0 which is how the game ended, meaning a 4-0 aggregate win for the Toon.Newcastle will meet Liverpool or Tottenham in the final.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Luke Shaw seen walking on high street in his slippers amid fears injured Man Utd star suffered fresh setback

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Luke Shaw was spotted taking a walk in SLIPPERS amid fears of another injury setback.Shaw, 29, hasn’t started a game for United for almost a year due to a series of muscle injuries and counts a mere three substitute appearances since manager Ruben Amorim took over in November.Manchester United ace Luke Shaw was spotted taking a walkCredit: mancpicss66/aaronparfittThere were fears Shaw suffered another injury setbackCredit: mancpicss66/aaronparfittShaw was spotted in public wearing black slippersCredit: mancpicss66/aaronparfittThe left-back hasn’t played since December’s 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford but revealed he suffered another setback with a heartbreaking announcement just two days later.There have been fears the England international’s injury hell just got worse despite participating in training before Thursday’s Europa League victory at FCSB.However, SunSport understand the fresh issue is minor and the defender is expected back in training on Monday despite initial worries he faces another spell on the sidelines.Following the news, Shaw was spotted out and about in Wilmslow as Man Utd prepare for Friday’s FA Cup clash with Leicester at Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-Southampton star was seen donning black Ugg slippers in public.His all-black outfit saw him wear sweat pants, a bulky puffer jacket and a hoodie. United manager Amorim could use Shaw as a left wing-back in his signature 3-4-2-1 formation.The full-back may face stiff competition from January signing Patrick Dorgu.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDorgu arrived from Lecce during the winter market following a £25million deal.It seems like the Denmark international and Shaw will be the ones competing for a place in the starting line-up.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’That is after another injury-stricken star Tyrell Malacia was loaned out to PSV Eindhoven.Shaw counts a total of four goals and 25 assists in 278 appearances across all competitions since his arrival from Southampton in 2014.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside Man Utd’s ‘Mission 21’ plan to win Premier League again – spearheaded by Dave Brailsford and former Liverpool man

    SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD has revealed a new plan to Manchester United staff aimed at delivering a 21st English league title.The Ineos director of sport is taking on a bigger role in operations at Old Trafford alongside technical director Jason Wilcox following the surprise departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth five months into the job.Sir Dave Brailsford has laid out ‘Mission 21’ to land Man Utd’s 21st titleCredit: GettyIt comes under the broader scheme of ‘Project 150’ to win the league by 2028Credit: Getty Images – GettyA separate ‘Mission 1’ also aims to win the Women’s Super League for the first timeCredit: GettyAnd Brailsford, one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s key lieutenants across a successful sporting empire, has now drafted plans to ambitiously win Man Utd the league, according to The Times.The Red Devils last won the title in 2013.The “Mission 21” plans were laid out late last year at the club’s Carrington training centre, with the assistance of ex-Liverpool performance nutritionist James Morton.Morton previously worked at Team Sky cycling team, overseeing their nutrition strategy for FOUR Tour de France victories. Prior to that he worked at Liverpool from 2010 to 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA separate plan, labelled “Mission 1”, was also unveiled to help the women’s team – seemingly an afterthought to club chiefs – to win the Women’s Super League for the first time.Both missions come under the broader “Project 150″, which aims to get the club back to winning the Premier League by the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028.”Project 150” was unveiled to staff last summer by CEO Omar Berradam, while Wilcox, Brailsford and chief operating officer Collette Roche are the key figures behind the scheme.Brailsford’s focus is on the performance of the club, with his “marginal gains” mantra being a central theme in the 60-year-old’s early work that brought success in cycling.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, Roche is overseeing the modernisation of the club’s training facilities and the Old Trafford redevelopment strategy.External experts have also been parachuted in to offer their industry-leading insights.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferIt was reported last week United had hired the expertise of legendary athletics coach, Harry Marra, who was named World Athletic’s Coach of the Year in 2016.Speaking on the hire, manager Ruben Amorim said: “It was not me; it was the club.”We are always trying to bring experienced people to share the knowledge with the staff and to understand the body and how we can improve our players.”It was not me. It’s not something new; he’s not there to coach the team; it’s more to coach the staff about the running, etcetera. It’s a simple thing we are used to doing to improve as a club.”Amorim’s side continues to take one step forward and two steps back since his arrival and radical change of system to a 3-4-3 formation.After winning three games on the bounce, United then fell to defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.This form has put them 13th in the table, as close to the relegation spots as to the top five.Patrick Dorgu was added to the senior squad as a £25million purchase that should slot straight into the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins explained how the 20-year-old is a “perfect” signing for Amorim’s Man Utd. The Red Devils face Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday before visiting Tottenham in the Premier League the following weekend.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • 163 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Newcastle vs Arsenal live stream: How to watch Carabao Cup semi-final second leg

    ARSENAL and Newcastle meet for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Toon already have one foot in the final after their massive 2-0 win at the Emirates, but can Arteta’s men inspire a shock comeback?Alexander Isak was on the scoresheet in the first legCredit: AFPArsenal were left in shock after losing the first legCredit: GettyThe Gunners got off to the worst possible start to the two-legged tie after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon fired the Toon to victory in early January.Despite Arteta’s men’s domination, it wasn’t enough to break down Eddie Howe’s team or prevent them from scoring.Arsenal and their fans know they must put on nothing short of a perfect display to overcome the raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta will be desperate to reach the final, which would give him a chance to add another trophy to his sole FA Cup win in 2020.Eddie Howe’s men were in this exact position two years ago when they reached the final, beating Southampton in the semis – a lot of their players already have experience in this situation.While they have a two-goal advantage going into this game, the Magpies still cannot afford any slip-ups, as Arsenal will be ready to capitalise.How to watch Newcastle vs ArsenalNewcastle vs Arsenal will be available for UK viewers on Sky Sports. It will be shown on two channels, Main Event and Football.It can also be streamed on Sky Go. Sky Go is a free streaming service for Sky customers, however you must have the sky sports package to stream the match. Non-Sky customers will not be able to watch the match.SunSport will also blog all the build-up and the action as it happens.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup semi-final scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)Thursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

  • 225 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Duncan Ferguson gets public apology from non-league club after he’s caught on camera throwing cup of tea away

    A NON-LEAGUE club has apologised to Duncan Ferguson after he was spotted throwing away a bad brew from the stadium canteen.Cymru Premier side Flint Town United caught the former Everton star quite literally ‘spilling the tea’ during a recent match at the Essity Stadium.Duncan Ferguson was caught on camera trying a cup of tea from Flint Town UnitedCredit: X @FlintTownFCThe Scot didn’t seem to like it and quickly poured it onto the floorCredit: X @FlintTownFCDuring the game, a camera zoomed in on Ferguson just as he was taking a sip of the beverage.The Scot pulled a face before looking back down at his cup.He then looked around before flinging his entire drink on the floor and walking away.The video was shared on social media by Flint Town with a comment that read: “We would like to apologise to Big Dunc, and hope his next brew at the Essity Stadium is far more enjoyable!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA canteen assistant from the club was then quick to write: “As a level 1 catering assistant in said canteen I like to make the following statement: 1) We use Tetley tea bags. 2) The individual is in charge of making his own brew. 3) Our prices are the best in the town.”Big Dunc come back for a famous Keith burger next time.”Football fans loved the social media exchange, with one person writing: “That is absolutely fantastic 🤣.”Another commented: “This is amazing!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a third joked: “He should’ve gone with the Bovril instead!”Ferguson retired from professional football in 2006 following a six-year spell with Everton.Ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson spotted shovelling snow off Inverness pitch as he leads ‘army’ of helpers-The 53-year-old has since been placed in charge of the Toffees twice on an interim basis.He last took charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2024.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • 238 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘We really wanted him’ – Napoli chief reveals Alejandro Garnacho request that saw Man Utd star’s transfer fall apart

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’s transfer to Napoli fell apart after the star made an “unfair” request to join them.Garnacho, 20, at one stage looked destined to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window.Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Napoli failed due to one ‘unfair’ reasonCredit: GettyNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said they ‘really wanted him’Credit: GettyThis was due to him partly not fitting Ruben Amorim’s system, partly owing to a lack of minutes and partly due to PSR pressure on Man Utd.Napoli and Chelsea were among the main clubs linked with the winger, but ultimately a deal was not reached with Garnacho finding a new lease of life at Old Trafford.The Italian side had been looking to sign a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month in a deal worth £59m.But Giovanni Manna, sporting director of the Naples outfit, has now revealed why a deal to sign the Argentine fell apart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left, we made an important offer to United. We really wanted him.”The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January because in July it’s different; he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s fair when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.”It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We created a competitive team for a competition, and we are there thanks to the coach and the team, it wasn’t right.”Despite extensive discussions with the Red Devils, Napoli were also unable to agree a transfer fee despite the asking price being lowered to £55m.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceNapoli were also in the race for Patrick Dorgu, before he eventually moved to Man Utd in a deal worth £25m plus £4m in add-ons.Manna added: “Napoli must take strong players, whether they’re young or older. “For example, we negotiated Dorgu for the summer, then if United arrives and makes an offer outside the market it’s difficult to tell them to wait for us.”I’ll give you a practical example – if there’s an opportunity like [Scott] McTominay we’ll take it, but we’re not a club that takes a free agent for a five million salary and six million commission, that’s not our modus operandi, many others do it. “We take the good ones, the functional ones, if they have a prospect it’s better, but it’s not a necessary condition.”We took Buongiorno, Gilmour, but also Spinazzola, McTominay, Neres, Romelu, strong players in their market moment.”It seems that we had to do who knows what, we had to replace Kvara, we didn’t do it as we wanted but this summer we made few mistakes and the team is showing it.”Taking the step to please Garnacho means that I put someone in there with players who have been busting their asses since July… it’s not right, then we wanted to do it.”I’m not happy, we didn’t succeed, but the market didn’t end yesterday, it starts again and we will have to be good and show strength now. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Staying focused on the Champions League objective, which doesn’t mean not dreaming but staying focused, otherwise if you fly then you fall and hurt yourself. “This Napoli deserves only positive words, always and in any case, what is being done nobody expected.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • 200 Shares189 Views

    in Soccer

    Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann poses in racy lingerie as she lands deal with major underwear brand

    ALISHA LEHMANN took social media by storm in a racy lingerie photoshoot.Lehmann, 26, teamed up with major underwear brand Tezenis and shared pics of her shoot on Instagram.Alisha Lehmann took social media by stormCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann posed in raunchy underwearCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann shared the photos across social mediaCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann’s photos received over 500,000 likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe forward posed in a black lace ensemble ahead of Valentine’s Day and the snaps received over 500,000 likes.Lehmann posted the following caption: “My first Valentine’s Day with @tezenisofficial.”The Switzerland international’s photos left her 16.7million followers in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Looking good.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “You are wonderful.”A third wrote: “Always happy to see you.”This fan said: “Beautiful.”And that one gushed: “OMG.”Most read in FootballLehmann has been in a relationship with ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.The couple both left Villa for Juventus in the summer, making history as the first ever boyfriend and girlfriend transfer.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Luiz, 26, switched the Midlands for Turin in a £50million deal and reportedly signed a contract worth about £100,000-a-week.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has 16.7million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She now plays for JuventusCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans cheer her on across the worldCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More