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    Justin Kluivert beats dad Patrick’s St James’ Park record in just 44 minutes in Newcastle vs Bournemouth clash

    JUSTIN KLUIVERT has made Premier League history after beating his father’s record by scoring a hat-trick at St James’ Park.The Bournemouth star netted twice in the first half of the Premier League clash with Newcastle before sealing a stunning hat-trick with a fabulous strike from range.Justin Kluivert beat his dad’s record by scoring three times for Bournemouth against NewcastleCredit: GettyPatrick Kluivert scored just one Premier League goal at St James’ Park for the clubCredit: GettyThe Bournemouth star was handed the Man of the Match awardCredit: GettyAnd by doing so at the Magpies home ground, the 25-year-old surpassed his father, Patrick.The 48-year-old played 37 times for Newcastle, scoring 13 goals.However, only six of these were scored in the Premier League, and only one of those was scored at home.That single goal came against West Brom on September 25 2004.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fast forward 20 years and his son eclipsed his old man in the space of 44 minutes.His first goal came in the sixth minute of the game, before adding his second in the 44th.And he then netted the pick of the bunch in injury time by lashing a shot into the goal from outside the area.The hat-trick moved him on to ten league goals for the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt means he has now matched his career best tally of ten league goals scored for Ajax in the Eredivisie in the 2017/18 season.Kluivert originally joined Bournemouth from Roma in 2023.Premier League fathers and sonsPrior to his hat-trick against his dad’s old team, Kluivert had scored 17 goals in 58 games.He also joined an illustrious list of stars to have scored two hat-tricks away from home in a Premier League season.It had only happened six times before, with Ian Wright doing it first in 1993/94 and Raheem Sterling in 2019/20 the most recent before Kluivert.The win also ensured Bournemouth maintained their stunning unbeaten run.Premier League players to score two hat-tricks away from home in a seasonIan Wright – 1993/94 Robbie Fowler – 2001/02 Michael Owen – 2002/03 Luis Suárez – 2013/14 Harry Kane – 2016/17 Raheem Sterling – 2019/20Justin Kluivert – 2024/25 More

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    Watch horror moment footballer’s eye ‘pops out’ as he blows nose during game before he casually jogs off

    FOOTBALL star Ion Nicolaescu’s eye appeared to pop out after he blew his nose during a game.The Moldovan striker was left with a shiner under his right eye following a collision with a rival player in Heerveen’s Dutch cup clash with Quick Boys.Ion Nicolaescu was left with a shiner under his right eye after a heavy challengeHis eyeball appeared to bulge out its socket after he made the mistake of blowing his noseNicolaescu didn’t look to be bothered by the heavy blow, shrugging it off before play got back underway.But he made the mistake many boxers and MMA fighters know not to make when they suffer damage around their orbital bone.The 26-year-old decided to blow his nose, a decision which made it look like his eyeball had POPPED OUT of its socket.The blowing of the nose prompted Nicolasescu’s eyeball to shoot up towards the outer rim of his orbital bone.READ MORE IN SPORTOnline would-be medics claimed the freak injury was due to air being trapped under the skin from the earlier blow and being forced up when he blew his nose.Nicolaescu briefly appeared to be in discomfort, touching his now bulging eyebrow as he casually ran back into position.He didn’t know it at the time, but his sneeze left him looking like he’d gone 12 rounds with a prime Mike Tyson.Footage of the incident went viral on social media and left footie fans absolutely stunned.Most read in FootballOne wrote on X: “WTF? Look what happens to Nicolaescu’s eye after blowing his nose.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRobin van Persie’s troops suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to the amateur sideCredit: REXAnother said: “Yuck.”And another said: “Doctor should keep an eye on things here.”Robin van Persie under-fire after bizarre coaching decision backfires in cup KO One remarked: “Oh s**t. That must hurt?!Another chimed in with a diagnosis, saying: ” I am going for a blowout fracture of the medial orbital wall with intraorbital emphysema.”The severity of Nicolasescu’s injury is currently unknown.Heerenveen were dumped out of the tournament by Quick Boys courtesy of a shock 3-2 defeat to the amateur side.Manager Robin van Persie said of the defeat: “In the first half we were too flat, they surprised us too often on the counter.”We started the second half well. With the last goal, we lost the ball too easily, which allowed a cross to be given.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Those balls are difficult to defend. This is painful.”Heereveen will look to bounce back from their embarrassing exit this afternoon against Dutch giants Ajax. More

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    Bizarre reason Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp is named after Man Utd legend Denis Law despite different spelling

    ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp has his name in the roots of Manchester United.The legendary Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Red Devils fan.Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp was named after Man Utd icon Denis LawCredit: GettyThe Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Man Utd fanCredit: RexAnd he named his son after Red Devils icon LawCredit: RexHowever, an extra ‘n’ was added to his name for a bizarre reasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd such was his love, that in 1969 the Amsterdam electrician named his first son after the late Denis Law.During the 1960s Law was in the prime of his career, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1964 and helping Man Utd to win two First Division titles and become the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968.However, Bergkamp was forced to add another “n” into the name by the registrar, who wouldn’t allow him to have Law’s version of Denis.This was bizarrely because of an obscure Dutch baptismal regulation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, Bergkamp followed in the footsteps of his father’s icon by becoming a top striker in English football.It was announced on Friday that Law had passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.The King, as he is known to the United faithful, was the last surviving member of the Holy Trinity completed by George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Law is only Scottish footballer to have ever won the Ballon d’Or and holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Man Utd player with an incredible 18 – for reference Wayne Rooney scored eight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTributes poured in for Law from across the world following the news of his death.David Beckham wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.Former Man Utd footballer Denis Law looks back on his incredible career in Sky doc The Law Man “Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, said: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. “It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer, Rooney, took to X, writing: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Law’s ex-United team-mate Brian Kidd added: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”Singer Rod Stewart was one of his biggest fans, and shared a photo of them arm in arm in Scotland garb.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe image was taken after he had been filmed scoring a goal for Scotland in a match involving England stars Ray Clemence, Trevor Brooking and Jack Charlton for the title sequence of An Audience With Rod Stewart on ITV.He added the words: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace.” More

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    Joshua Zirkzee sent warning by FA after Man Utd star’s X-rated celebration in win against Southampton

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has dodged a ban after an X-rated celebration during Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Southampton on Thursday.Zirkzee, 23, came off the bench to transform the game in the Red Devils favour, allowing them to sustain attacks where Rasmus Hojlund had been unable to earlier on.Joshua Zirkzee has avoided a ban after a crude celebration in Man Utd’s win over SouthamptonCredit: AlamyAmad Diallo took the headlines with a 12-minute hat-trick to bail United out of a potentially embarrassing defeat.And during the celebrations for Amad’s third goal, a jubilant Zirkzee was seen grabbing his crotch with his right hand while the team celebrated by the corner flag.Jude Bellingham was handed a one-game ban and fined £25,000 for performing a similar gesture after England beat Slovakia at Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo was similarly suspended for one game and slapped with a £16,850 fine for making the gesture when playing for Al-Nassr.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, an FA statement revealed Zirkzee had not met the same fate, but had been given a warning.A statement said: “As guidance, we have issued Joshua Zirkzee with a reminder of his responsibilities, and he will face no further action.”It means he will be available for selection for Man Utd’s match against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.Zirkzee has enjoyed an impressive pair of matches off the bench against Southampton and Arsenal, the latter in the FA Cup where he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout to win the tie for Ruben Amorim’s side.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe turnaround comes days after fans appeared to cheer when he was subsituted against Newcastle at Old Trafford.Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the game, slammed: “I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? article”And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all. As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but, he has huge qualities.”He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone does not believe in him anymore.”We do believe in him inside the dressing room. I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position.”And the Dutchman has done his talking on the pitch with game-changing cameos against the Gunners and Saints in consecutive matches.Despite this, the former Bologna star has remained goal shy, with only four to his name in all competitions and his most recent strike coming in the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of January.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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    Inside stunning 60,000-seater new stadium set to leave former Champions League club in exile for two years

    EX-CHAMPION LEAGUE side Real Betis will be left in the football wilderness for two years as part of a stunning new stadium build.The one-time Spanish champions are embarking on an ambitious project which will see them move in to a 60,000-seater home.A look at how Real Betis’ new Benito Villamarín stadium might lookThe works will see the preferred stand torn down and rebuiltCredit: RexThe ground is aiming to be completed for the 2027/28 seasonCredit: Real BetisThe work will commence at the end of the season, but will force Betis to leave their Benito Villamarín home for two seasons, with the hope the new ground will be ready for operation from 2027.In the meantime, Betis will move into the Estadio de La Cartuja on the other side of Seville.Betis’ current Benito Villamarín Stadium has a capacity of 60,720, but the new project will modernise it with one stand being torn down – following the others which had changes made for the 1982 World Cup.New details of the plan were shared by club president Ángel Haro during a Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaro revealed it was hoped the new build would create a “a qualitative and quantitative leap in income” that will allow the club “to have a better team”.That being said, Betis do not want to emulate Real Madrid’s new-look Bernabeu.While the new Benito Villamarín will have the capacity to host concerts, Haro admitted this will be limited to two or three a year during the summer months when sport competitions are finished.This will ensure there are no issues with the grass at the ground, with the new stadium set to forgo the ability to have a retractable pitch.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe stadium will also feature an adjacent leisure facility in an adjacent building that will feature “a large hotel, a clinic and a wellness centre”.Improvements will also be directed towards better security and evacuation features.Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting fire to the old roof The plans have not come without criticism however, with fans taking issue with a controversial plan to increase the number of VIP seats from 1,200 to 3,700, or six per cent of the total capacity in the stadium.However, Haro claimed these VIP seats will “generate around 20 or 25 per cent of the turnover” which will contribute to keeping prices affordable around the rest of the stadium.By comparison, Barcelona’s new Camp Nou will have around 7,000 VIP seats, while the stadium of cross-town rivals, Sevilla, will have Sánchez-Pizjuán be around 10 per cent.Betis have a tumultuous history, having been relegated a number of times, leading to the club’s motto being “¡Viva el Betis manque pierda! (Long live Betis even if they lose!)”.The club last won the Spanish top flight title in 1935, while they last competed in the Champions League in 2006.They have previously outlined the main details of the new project, which will include a new roof, sound and lightning systems and club shop.In a statement on the stadium project released last summer, Betis said: “Real Betis has received the preliminary project for the new Benito Villamarín Stadium, with detailed designs, marking another step in the development of the next home for Betis fans. “This project will enhance fan comfort and significantly increase the club’s revenue…”The new Benito Villamarín Stadium will feature a new exterior, a facade representing the Thirteen Bars of the club’s crest, with light, translucent tones, offering the possibility to project colours and images.”The basic project also includes the installation of a roof, which will house two new video scoreboards, larger than the current ones located in Gol Norte and Gol Sur, equipped with the latest technology. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The roof will also integrate sound and lighting systems to enhance the match day spectacle and fan experience. “Additionally, it will collect rainwater for irrigation, aligning with the club’s sustainability policy.” More

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    I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

    LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Five reasons Man City have fallen away as title contenders – and why Pep Guardiola’s side can still win it

    I’M STILL not willing to write off Manchester City from winning the Premier League title this year.And yet, on Tuesday night, Phil Foden claimed that top four is what they are aiming for this season.Troy Deeney isn’t writing off Pep Guardiola and Man City just yetCredit: GettyPhil Foden declared City were aiming for the top four after the 2-2 draw with BrentfordCredit: PAWhat the f*** are you on about?Where’s the confidence of reigning champions?If City had beaten Brentford, they would have been six points off Arsenal, who are being tipped as Liverpool’s greatest threat.And with 17 games left, there is only one team, one squad and one manager on the planet capable of putting together a near-perfect run worthy of winning a title and that’s Pep Guardiola and City.READ MORE ON MAN CITYWho in their right mind would bet against that when they’ve done it before?But, and there is a big but, we’re also in a situation where it has become a taboo to question the great man that is Pep, which in itself is really scary.He needs to be called out when he is in the wrong and he has got a lot of big decisions wrong this season — including on Tuesday in the 2-2 draw at the Gtech.City were 2-0 up and cruising. Are you telling me taking off Foden and bringing on James McAtee was the best tactical situation to see out that game?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s not a dig at McAtee but is he going to put his foot on the ball, run it into the corner or kick it into Row Z if needs be?Pep left the far more experienced Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish on the bench.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainHis decision-making generally has been bizarre – why is Ederson not starting regularly? Isn’t he your No 1? Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t getting a kick and now he is starting most weeks.Why does it feel like there are more disgruntled players in the squad than ever before?Has Pep’s man-management changed with the underachievement so far this season?Why is Kyle Walker still at the club if he wants to leave?Normally, City get transfers done and dusted before you’ve even heard about it. Now, they’re dithering.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.Why didn’t they go big in the summer with signings? Because of the 130 financial rule breaches they have been charged with? Because the manager’s future was undecided before he signed a two-year deal in November?I get the feeling Pep is overthinking it, almost double bluffing himself and the club are following suit.As a result, City just aren’t as tough to beat or nick points off as they used to be and they no longer feel or look like an efficient machine away from the pitch.Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were dominant forces and then went off the boil – are we seeing this now with City and Pep?Maybe it is as simple as losing the best player on the planet in Rodri to a long-term injury, but I don’t buy that.City have nailed down Erling Haaland to an incredible long-term dealCredit: GettyBut it’s not just Pep. When you look at City as an organisation this season, it’s been sloppy.Signing up Erling Haaland until 2034 is great business but as a team and as a club, they have fallen asleep at the wheel.And because of that, we have heard more excuses coming from their camp in the last three or four months than the past five years.They have injuries but so does everybody. And look at that squad — world-class talent capable of beating most teams comfortably.There’s a lot of moaning. Maybe some of the players are not used to the fight because they usually win everything with ease.They’re not being accountable. They’re not stepping up.READ MORE SUN STORIESDon’t try and suggest they have an ‘ageing squad’ either. Last season, no one mentioned their ages because they have a terrific squad. This ‘ageing’ stuff is the biggest cop out.Yes, they have tough games coming up – Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool, Spurs and Nottingham Forest by March 8 – but they’re brilliant chances to get back on track. 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    Watch England U21 goalkeeper save TWO penalties after ‘incredible s***housery’ as opponent is left in tears

    JAMES TRAFFORD saved TWO penalties to deny Sunderland a crucial win in the race for the Premier League. The Burnley goalkeeper twice saved from Wilson Isidor during a chaotic 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. James Trafford was the Burnley hero after saving two penalties against SunderlandCredit: ReutersThe Clarets keeper twice leapt to his right to keep out Wilson IsidorCredit: ReutersTrafford hit the deck prior to the second penalty as a fracas broke out on the fieldCredit: ReutersIsidor was consoled by teammates and in tears after the second missCredit: ReutersTrafford was the hero after keeping out Isidor’s first spot-kick with just five minutes remaining of normal time.The England Under-21 keeper was animated on his line, jumping around and slapping the crossbar as Isidor began his run-up.He dived to his right and was able to successfully palm the penalty away.Scott Parker’s men didn’t learn their lesson though, with Oliver Sonne adjudged to have brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box four minutes into stoppage time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA fracas broke out as players from both sides piled in.And Trafford was hailed by Burnley fans for his “incredible s***housery” as he hit the deck in the melee, eventually earning himself a yellow card. Isidor was given a chance to appease his earlier miss by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris – but was made to wait for almost two minutes before tempers calmed down.The 24-year-old went for the same spot as his first attempt, slamming the ball towards the bottom right corner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Trafford guessed correctly again, palming the ball behind for a corner before being mobbed by his teammates.A gutted Isidor was spotted in tears, as one fan wrote on X in response to the madness: “Two poor penalty decisions by the ref, two poor penalties.”Behind the scenes with Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordAnother said: “Why on earth would you let him hit the 2nd after missing the 1st? Baffling decision.”And a third argued: “Embarrassing giving him MoM after the gamesmanship.”While one Newcastle fan laughed: “Sign him up right now hahahaha.”The goalless draw leaves Burnley sitting second in the Championship, level on points with leaders Leeds who now have a game in hand.Trafford’s heroics ensure Burnley stay in the Championship promotion spotsCredit: ReutersSunderland are back in fourth, just two points off the automatic spots.Midfielder Enzo Le Fee made his debut for the Black Cats at Turf Moor after a high-profile loan switch from Roma.Le Fee joined the Serie A club last summer in a £19.4million deal from French club Rennes.READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris said: “It’s a good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive.”The environment is positive to grow, to live big emotions and to improve.” More