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    What Arsenal’s win over Man City means for title race as Premier League supercomputer predicts final table

    ARSENAL’S vengeful demolition of Manchester City might not mean much for the Premier League title race come May.That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions.Arsenal battered Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates on SundayCredit: GettyThe Gunners moved six points behind Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: AFPGabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0Credit: RexThe Gunners put in a superb performance over hapless City as they ran out 5-1 winners in a spiky showdown at the Emirates on Sunday.Erling Haaland cancelled out Martin Odegaard’s opener before Thomas Partey hit and teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri scored either side of Kai Havertz. But the goals told half the story as Gabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0 and Lewis-Skelly brutally mimicked the Norwegian’s meditation celebration.Haaland bit back by showing the home fans his golden Prem badge on his City shirt, before dad Alfie trolled Arsenal on X.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe win has Arsenal fans dreaming of a title push as they moved within six points of Prem leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Merseyside rivals Everton pending.But the CasinoHawks’ number-crunching machine thinks Arne Slot’s side will run away with the Premier League.The AI calculator believes Liverpool win finish a huge NINE points above Mikel Arteta’s chasing men in a boring two-horse race.It is predicted that Liverpool will win 29, draw six and lose just three to finish on 93 points – six shy of Jurgen Klopp’s title winning 2019-2020 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Arsenal are forecast to lose two more games and finish second for the third consecutive year.And the AI boffins have Nottingham Forest finishing third to record their best-ever Prem finish on 74 points, 10 behind Arsenal. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City It comes after Forest smashed Brighton 7-0 on Saturday, as Chris Wood’s goal tally hit 17 after bagging a hat-trick.Meanwhile, seven-time champs City, who are suffering by their standards, are set to finish inside the top-four and qualify for the Champions League next season. That would be Pep Guardiola’s lowest-ever finish in the English top-flight since he took over the reigns at the Etihad nine years ago.But rivals Manchester United have it far worse after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.The miserable Red Devils are predicted to finish 12th after equalling a humiliating 132-year home record.That would be the lowest the iconic club have EVER finished in the league since its inception in 1992.Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Newcastle are set to beat Chelsea for Europa League qualification, as the Blues might be forced to play Conference League football for consecutive seasons.Fulham (61) take eighth with Aston Villa (61) ninth, both ahead of Brentford (50) and Brighton (48).While Tottenham, who finished fifth last year before being decimated by injuries this term, could finish a lowly SIXTEENTH, and one point behind Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it spells good news for Leicester fans as Wolves, Ipswich and Southampton are predicted to be relegated.The Saints are set to finish on 18 points and overtake Derby’s embarrassing, record-low tally of 11 points from the 2007-08 season.The AI computer has Tottenham finishing 16thCredit: PAArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe has Man Utd fans seething with unpopular decisions but they’ll thank him if he finally clears deadwood

    IT’S fair to say Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s relationship with the fans has crashed and burned during his first year at Manchester United.But while the away end hurled C-bombs in his direction during United’s scrappy 1-0 win at Fulham last Sunday, there’s one thing Britain’s richest man can do to get them back on board.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced the wrath of United fansUnited fans have staged protests against the rise in ticket pricesThe Red Devils seem even more of shambles on and off the pitch compared to when the Glazers were running the show alone pre-February 2024.Fans are protesting the decision to scrap concessions and hike prices to a minimum of £66 per ticket for members.Resentment grows each month and often coincides with Ratcliffe being compared to football’s version of Scrooge after announcing a brand new cost-cutting measure.Things haven’t gone to plan, with United’s shock warning letter to The 1958 fan group over Profit and Sustainability Rules concerns the latest in a string of PR own goals.READ MORE MAN UTDTwelve months into Ratcliffe’s initial 27.7 per cent minority takeover, the “new” United lurches from one horror show to another under his Ineos officers, who sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth just five months after fighting Newcastle to get him.But manager Ruben Amorim’s right – fans must weather the storm and expect more heartbreak – including ANOTHER defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.Staff redundancies, replacing cash bonuses with M&S Christmas vouchers, cutting donations to player charities and a record low of 13th in the Prem have left many seething.But the United faithful could soon be thanking Ratcliffe if he just clears the deadwood in the dressing room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s harsh to consider Marcus Rashford “deadwood” but the academy graduate’s relationship with his boyhood club has disintegrated.The 27-year-old has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season and said it was an “easy decision”.Alejandro Garnacho gets into training with Man Utd first team Away fans hurled X-rated abuse at Ratcliffe at Craven Cottage on SundayAnd Unai Emery will have the option to BUY the England winger for around £40m in the summer.The move helps cut United’s crazy wage bill with Villa reportedly paying the majority of Rashford’s salary, which is worth a whopping £325,000-a-week.Any income from a sale of the academy graduate would also represent pure profit on United’s books with regard to FFP and PSR rulings.However brutal, Sir Jim would argue his cuts are necessary as irresponsible spending over the last decade has left the club’s finances in a dire state.United have been living a Champions League lifestyle on a Europa League income.Aston Villa unveiled Marcus Rashford late on Sunday nightFormer gaffer Erik ten Hag was, at an alarming rate, allowed to sign ex-Ajax players at will, for inflated fees, on extortionate salaries.But Ratcliffe won’t be sucked into panic buys like the £200m splashed on transfers in the summer of 2022 by the Glazers under Ten Hag.Amorim appears to back him up and warned fans that United wouldn’t repeat the “mistakes” of the past during this winter window.Those days are gone. In fact, Ineos admitted they need FIVE windows to allow the club to compete when they arrived a year ago.Before Ratcliffe arrived, Casemiro and Antony were brought in for a combined £152m after United were battered 4-0 by Brentford in Ten Hag’s first month in charge.The pair were costing around £575,000-per-week largely to keep the bench warm this season.However, Antony has joined Real Betis on loan and United have reportedly got the LaLiga side to pay 84 per cent of his £200,000 wages.Better still, if the flop winger performs well over the next six months, like he did last night, a permanent move elsewhere could be on the cards.Flop Antony has joined Real Betis on a six month loan this weekCredit: GettyNext up is United’s highest earner Casemiro. The 32-year-old could leave Old Trafford before Monday’s transfer deadline, with Roma said to be interested.The former Real Madrid man, who could also be lured to the riches of Saudi Arabia or back to his native Brazil, has failed to replicate the form he showed in his first season and has played 18 minutes in 2025.Sky Italy claim Roma would like a six-month loan deal, which would see the Brazilian return to Manchester with one year left on his contract.A permanent exit would get his ridiculous £375,000 weekly wages off the books. If that fails in this window, he could be out in the next.Casemiro has failed to replicate the form he showed in his first seasonRashford’s permanent exit would mean Alejandro Garnacho, 20, who is one of the few shining lights in the Old Trafford abyss for the majority of fans, can stay amid United’s worries about PSR.And transfer chiefs should do all they can to ensure that Garnacho doesn’t join a direct rival in Chelsea, who are ready to go right to Monday’s transfer deadline to grab the Argentine.While Ratcliffe clears the dead-weight, like Arsenal did when Mikel Arteta arrived in 2019, his transfer moves are a lot more thoughtful now.United unveiled Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, and Arsenal whizkid Ayden Heaven, 18, before their 2-0 loss to Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday. Dorgu’s arrival frees up out-of-favour Tyrell Malacia to leave the club on loan, with several European suitors interested.United have signed left-back Patrick DorguInjury-prone Luke Shaw returned to training last week, with his deal ending in 2027, but Ratcliffe must surely know the long-term future has to be planned without the hugely-talented England star.Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and keeper Tom Heaton will not have their contracts renewed in the summer.That will save a further £390,000-per-week, with Eriksen and Lindelof taking home £120,000 a week each.If all goes well, that’s almost half the squad out of the door in the next six months.It’s all the start of the long process that will see many more quite possibly leave, with Ineos claiming that everybody is up for sale to fund Amorim’s dream team. Silver lining signingsRatcliffe promised to buy young and NOT overspend – but fans think he might have got a few wrong, such as £36.5m signing Joshua Zirkzee.However, Zirkzee is performing better than Rasmus Hojlund, who the Glazers paid Atalanta £72m for in the summer of 2023.Ineos cleverly negotiated a combined deal worth £58.8m with Bayern for Noussair Mazraoui and Mathijis De Ligt, who both regularly start.Mazraoui, 27, has started 22 out of 24 Prem games this season and Bayern fans wanted to keep 25-year-old De Ligt.Meanwhile, United were shrewd enough to sign Arsenal’s rising bagsman Chido Obi-Martin as a 16-year-old during Ratcliffe’s first window.And in keeping with Ratcliffe’s under-25 strategy, the club spent £1million on bringing in 17-year-old Sekou Kone from Mali in August.With a return to Italy always an option for Zirkzee, the Red Devils have emerged as favourites to sign Amorim’s former striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.Other youngsters Harry Amass, Amir Ibragimov, Sam Mather, Ethan Ennis, Ruben Curley, and Habeeb Ogunneye have also been training with the first-team.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo a proper clear-out is Ratcliffe’s best bet.Who knows, there’s even a small chance the fans might be singing his name in a brand new Old Trafford one day if he sticks around long enough. 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    Inside Arsenal’s wild celebrations after thrashing Man City 5-1 as set-piece coach Nicolas Jover is carried down tunnel

    ARSENAL players were thrilled after beating Manchester City on Sunday.The Gunners defeated the reigning champions 5-1 at the Emirates.Gabriel celebrates into the cameraCredit: X / @ArsenalNicolas Jover was carried down the tunnelCredit: X / @ArsenalArsenal players hugged in the tunnelCredit: X / @ArsenalInjured Bukayo Saka was thrilled with the resultCredit: X / @ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side went into the contest desperate to win, having been wound up by Erling Haaland’s “stay humble” comment towards the Spaniard after September’s 2-2 draw.Following the final whistle, Arsenal players made their way back down the tunnel in celebratory mood.Academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri hugged the social media team’s camera operator.While plenty of others hugged each other in glee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDefender Gabriel yelled into the camera in elation.And set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was even carried down the tunnel.Injured star Bukayo Saka also looked buzzing at his team-mates’ triumph.Despite Arsenal’s huge celebrations, they remain second in the Premier League – six points off Liverpool having played a game more.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYErling Haaland was made the pantomime villainCredit: RexGunners supporters and players appeared to still be upset with City’s Treble-winning, two-time Golden Boot-holding striker Haaland.Gabriel seemed to have a pop at the Norwegian, who did grab City’s short-lived leveller. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City While hurt fans held up banners referencing his “humble” dig at Arteta.The wounded Gunners also played “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar upon the final whistle, again as a nod to Haaland’s comment.Myles Lewis-Skelly even performed the forward’s celebration after scoring Arsenal’s third.Haaland’s dad responded by taking a dig of his own on social media, referencing Arsenal’s lack of success under Arteta.Arsenal’s media team had shared a snap of a cross-legged Lewis-Skelly being mobbed.The Gunners added the words: “This team” – along with a clenched fist.Ex-Man City defender Haaland Sr quickly replied: ” «This Team» that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not” – followed by a blue heart.Gabriel took Treble-winner Haaland’s previous cheeky barb to heartCredit: GettyWounded Arsenal fans made banners for HaalandCredit: PA More

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    Revitalised Everton players emerge as surprise options for Dream Team managers ahead of Gameweek 23

    THE mere concept of Everton success seemed ludicrous just a fortnight ago.But things change quickly in the world of Dream Team.On the rise!Credit: Dream TeamDavid Moyes has overseen three straight victories to dramatically change the outlook at Goodison Park.The Toffees blitzed Tottenham in Gameweek 20 and while their 3-0 half-time lead was pegged back to 3-2 come the final whistle, that performance proved to be the catalyst for a sharp upturn.They followed that up with a resilient 1-0 win away to Brighton, just the second time the Seagulls have lost a league game on home soil this season.Most recently, Everton totally outclassed Leicester with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.The defence was relatively solid under Sean Dyche but the attack far too blunt and unimaginative.Moyes is not known for expansive attacking football but he has instilled some much-needed potency and belief in the final third, in quick time too.Moyes has made a big impact since his return to MerseysideCredit: GettyWhether this is a new manager bounce or something longer lasting remains to be seen but Dream Team bosses would be foolish to ignore the increased output from Goodison Park.No fewer than six Everton players registered double-digit hauls against the Foxes on Saturday: Beto (£1.9m), Jordan Pickford (£3.9m), Abdoulaye Doucoure (£2.5m), Iliman Ndiaye (£4.4m), James Tarkowski (£3.6m) and James Garner (£2.3m).Most read in FootballNo team had more players reach double figures over the weekend, not even Nottingham Forest, who thumped Brighton 7-0.For many Dream Team managers, this won’t be enough to convince them of Everton’s viability as there are other factors to consider.But the stars have aligned to make Pickford and company as appealing as possible ahead of Gameweek 23.Pickford is the most in-form goalkeeper in Dream Team right nowCredit: ReutersEverton are one of just three teams set to fulfil two fixtures this coming Gameweek.Bournemouth are due at Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday before Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park for the rescheduled Merseyside derby next Wednesday.Given the Reds and the Cherries are both among the most in-form sides since the turn of the year, this can hardly be considered a favourable double header for Moyes’ side.It would certainly be bold back Pickford, Tarkowski or any other asset at risk of minus points if Mohamed Salah (£8m) and friends are at their free-flowing best come derby day.But Beto, Doucoure and Ndiaye are all tempting differentials, particularly the latter.Ndiaye is rising up the Dream Team rankings at a rapid rateCredit: GettyThe Senegal international is one of the game’s most in-form players having scored against Spurs, Brighton and Leicester for a return of 33 points from his last three outings.The skilful 24-year-old also ranks joint-fifth for bonus points among all players.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Gameweek 23, the vast majority of clubs have just one fixture and heavy rotation is to be expected in the FA Cup fourth round; while Arsenal, West Ham and Brentford will BLANK entirely.Everton’s top stars are likely to play significantly more minutes than most their rivals and are therefore smart short-term options for gaffers who prioritise the schedule.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’

    CHELSEA star Sam Kerr called a cop “f***ing stupid and white” after a row over a taxi fare erupted on a night out, a court heard.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Samantha Kerr is due to stand trial todayCredit: ReutersThe Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyKingston Crown Court heard the pair were taken to Twickenham Police Station by the driver after refusing to pay clean-up costs.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, allegedly became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell.Footage played to jurors showed the footballer saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Australia international Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Most read in FootballKerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.Kerr has denied the offencesCredit: GettyThe Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisCredit: InstagramThe couple are expecting a baby togetherCredit: PA More

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    Awkward moment Lionel Messi’s former Navy SEAL bodyguard ‘is finally defeated’ by pitch invader

    LIONEL MESSI’S bodyguard was “finally defeated” as a pitch invader managed to get their hands on the Inter Miami star.The Argentine legend was playing in a friendly against Panamanian side Sporting San Miguelito last night.Lionel Messi’s bodyguard was dodged by a fan that ended up knocking him to the floorCredit: APThe fan was able to briefly hug MessiCredit: GettyThe bodyguard bounced back to his feet and pulled him awayCredit: AFPThe supporter was then escorted off to the authorities by the former Navy SealCredit: AFPMessi’s famous bodyguard was seen patrolling the side of the pitch as usual, ready to pounce on any supporter trying to sprint onto the pitch to grab a selfie with their idol.The security guard has developed a reputation for “spawning out of nowhere” and tackling fans.But for the first time ever, he was surprisingly beaten and knocked to the floor.A supporter wearing a Messi No10 shirt charged out the stands and sprinted towards the former Barcelona and PSG star last night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe ended up slipping and dodging the bodyguard’s tackle, accidentally sending him tumbling to the deck as well by wiping out his leg.The fan bounced back up and was able to briefly hug Messi before being dragged away by the security guard.Fans were left shocked, with one saying: “Someone finally defeated Messi’s bodyguard.”Another added: “That slide tackle had been practised for sure.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third joked: “Roy Keane would be so proud of that tackle.”Messi’s bodyguard is Yassine Chueko, who is a former soldier of the US Army.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action He has served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy Seal.Chueko was supposedly recommended to Messi by Inter Miami owner David Beckham.He reportedly leads a 50-man that works around the clock to ensure the eight time Ballon d’Or winner is kept safe at all times. More

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    Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

    A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015. Mike Williamson has reportedly been sacked as Carlisle boss after just 25 gamesCredit: GettyBut after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.”The club will give a further update in the coming days.”That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations. Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersSimpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign. Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival. However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent. That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025. Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019. He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term. READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army. He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league. Mike Williamson racked up 134 Prem appearances for NewcastleCredit: AFP – Getty More

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    Man Utd equal humiliating 132-YEAR record as horror relegation omen emerges after Crystal Palace defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED equalled a humiliating 132-year record with the defeat to Crystal Palace.And now a horror relegation omen looms over the fallen giants.Manchester United suffered their seventh home league defeat of the season against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyA bad omen looms from the 1973-74 relegation seasonCredit: Rex FeaturesJean-Philippe Mateta scored twice for the Eagles as they leapfrogged the Red Devils into 12th in the table with their fourth win in six trips to Old Trafford.The result was the SEVENTH Premier League home defeat of the season for United – from just 13 matches.That is their joint-worst record at this stage of the season in their entire history.In 1893-94, when still called Newton Heath, they went on to lose eight of their 15 home league games.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd, crucially, the club finished bottom of the First Division and were relegated.Then in 1973-74, United went down again – with seven home league losses. Now Ruben Amorim will be desperate for history not to repeat itself as the problems mount up at Old Trafford.Amorim himself hit a new low in his brief but turbulent tenure at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Palace defeat was his fifth home Premier League defeat – after just seven matches. Predecessor Erik ten Hag’s losses to Liverpool and Tottenham do not look too bad considering Amorim has been beaten by Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton and now Palace. Man Utd flops ‘hammered’ by Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in legends’ WhatsApp group – and current star is in chat tooMan Utd home Premier League results 2024-25Man Utd 1-0 Fulham, 16/08/2024Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool, 01/09/2024Man Utd 0-3 Tottenham, 29/09/2024Man Utd 2-1 Brentford, 19/10/2024Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea, 03/11/2024Man Utd 3-0 Leicester, 10/11/2024Man Utd 4-0 Everton, 01/12/2024Man Utd 2-3 Nottingham Forest, 07/12/2024Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, 22/12/2024Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle, 30/12/2024Man Utd 3-1 Southampton, 16/01/2025Man Utd 1-3 Brighton, 19/01/2025Man Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace, 02/02/2025The only matches in which he has avoided defeat at home were the 4-0 thumping of Everton in his Old Trafford debut – thanks to Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee doubles – and an Amad Diallo-inspired comeback victory over Southampton.And Amorim now holds the undesirable honour of the Manchester United manager to reach five home Premier League defeats.His tally of seven is half the previous record of 14 held by David Moyes during his ill-fated 2013-14 campaign.As per Opta, Ten Hag is third on 28 followed by Louis van Gaal (30) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (31).Sir Alex Ferguson needed a whopping 88 home Premier League games to rack up his five losses.But Jose Mourinho and Ralf Rangnick did not even reach five league losses at Old Trafford during their stints in the dugout.Ruben Amorim set a new unwanted record as United bossCredit: GettyMan 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. More