Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 225 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 188 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 238 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 175 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 225 Shares199 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 188 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    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

  • 238 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Tottenham fans say ‘I beg your pardon’ after they launch shock transfer for England star amid Axel Disasi uncertainty

    TOTTENHAM have made a shock bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.Ange Postecoglou’s side remain keen to sign a defender before tonight’s transfer deadline, despite recruiting Kevin Danso from RC Lens on Sunday.Marc Guehi is on Tottenham’s wishlistCredit: PASpurs’ defence has been decimated by injuries this season.Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are both missing with long-term issues, while Micky van de Ven has only recently returned to fitness following a lengthy lay-off.Spurs have been attempting to sign Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea.According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Tottenham agreed a deal with the Blues worth around £5m to take Disasi for the rest of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Frenchman would rather join Aston Villa, however, having already agreed terms with Unai Emery’s side.And Spurs have decided to look elsewhere.They hold long-term interest in England star Guehi, but Crystal Palace do not want to let their talisman go this month.A sale is entirely possible in the summer though when Guehi will have only one year left on his contract.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTottenham can expect a raft of competition for the ex-Chelsea man then with Liverpool and Newcastle expected to enter the conversation.Spurs supporters have been left shocked by their Guehi bid, which SunSport understands came before the North Londoners moved for Danso.Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid One wrote on social media: “I beg ur pardon.”While a second added: “Wow!”Tottenham have had a busy last few days of the transfer window.The Lilywhites agreed a £50million deal for Mathys Tel, only for the Bayern Munich forward to turn them down.They were then snubbed by Fikayo Tomori, who opted to stay at AC Milan.On Saturday night they hijacked Wolves’ swoop for Danso, signing the defender on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £20m in the summer.The Austrian international has agreed a five-year deal that will come into effect at the end of the season.Tottenham have signed RC Lens defender Kevin DansoCredit: Instagram @spursofficial More

  • 225 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Head is gone’ – Guardiola’s bizarre reaction after he is told about Lewis-Skelly mocking Haaland in Arsenal celebration

    PEP GUARDIOLA did not have much to say as he was told about Myles Lewis-Skelly emulating Erling Haaland’s celebration.Arsenal defeated the reigning Premier League champions 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday.Pep Guardiola had not been aware of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s celebrationCredit: XLewis-Skelly imitated Erling Haaland’s celebrationCredit: GettyHaaland loves to perform the eye-catching celebrationCredit: APLewis-Skelly, who was available after having his red card vs Wolves rescinded, scored the Gunners’ third of the afternoon.The teenager responded by sitting down in a meditative pose, a celebration made famous by Haaland.After the game, Guardiola was asked about the gesture in his press conference.Looking exasperated, he said: “Oh, I didn’t see. Did they do that? That’s good.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then continued: “That’s good. Haaland’s celebration, they have done it? Oh yeah?”Guardiola, 54, then added “That’s good” one more time before getting up and leaving the press conference.Arsenal fans were thrilled at the six-time Premier League winner’s response.One wrote on social media: “Head is gone.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhile a second commented: “This man is gone.”However another social media user responded: “City are battering Arsenal next game.”How Omar Marmoush helped Pep Guardiola reinvent Man City’s tactics in one gameAnother added: “He looks like a DEFEATED man.”Despite their big celebrations, which included Gabriel appearing to say something to reigning Golden Boot winner and Prem champion Haaland, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League table – six points behind leaders Liverpool.Arne Slot’s men also possess a game in hand.City, meanwhile, are fourth in the league – 15 points off top.Haaland continues to wind up Arsenal fansCredit: EPAGuardiola, 54, has won six Premier League trophiesCredit: Getty More