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    LaLiga star HEADBUTTS and punches team-mate in bizarre scenes during capitulation against Barcelona

    MALLORCA star Johan Mojica bizarrely headbutted and punched team-mate Manu Morlanes during their LaLiga defeat by Barcelona.Mojica endured a moment of madness after conceding a penalty, before Mallorca would go on to lose 5-1 at home to LaLiga leaders Barca.Johan Mojica lashed out at team-mate Manu Morlanes after Barca went 2-1 upIt came after the aggressor, Mojica, conceded a penalty after fouling Lamine YamalHe also turned to punch Morlanes during his moment of madnessMojica escaped without any punishment but was booked for the penalty incidentIt had been looking up for the hosts when Vedat Muriqi cancelled out Ferran Torres’ opener on the stroke of half-time. But things quickly turned ugly when Mojica felled Lamine Yamal in the area to concede a penalty inside 56 minutes.And the Colombian left-back, who was booked for his clumsy foul on Yamal, was left fuming.Seconds after Raphinha scored the spot-kick, Mojica, 32, saw the red mist and remarkably lashed out at team-mate Morlanes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe pair exchanged a war of words, before Mojica HEADBUTTED Morlanes in extraordinary scenes.A shocked and frowning Morlanes verbally responded while covering his mouth.But Mojica’s thuggery continued as punched the 25-year-old midfielder on the arm after screaming in his face.Ref Jesus Gil Manzano had his back turned to the incident as Mojica escaped without any form of punishment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd fans were in a frenzy after the confrontation between the pals who played together at Villarreal.One wrote: “This is unacceptable šŸ˜”.”Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthdayA second said: “He’s got to apologise. Why he is lashing out like that?”Before another added: “He shouldn’t get away with this. Manager should drop him.”Mojica’s outburst capped a disastrous night for the Colombian, who struggled throughout against Yamal.He made a costly error for Torres’ opener and was regularly beaten by the 17-year-old Golden Boy.Former Leeds star Raphinha scored again in the 74th minute to extend Barca’s lead to 3-1.Ex-Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor also got on the scoresheet to leave Barca four points clear of Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Prem winger Raphinha, who Barca flirted with selling this summer, has now scored 11 goals in 16 league games this season.And it was the SIXTH time that Barca have exceeded five goals in a league game this term.Raphinha is in the form of his life in LaLiga this seasonBarca are now four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga More

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    Huge Wayne Rooney sacking update as Plymouth chief breaks silence after horror run of results

    WAYNE ROONEY is not facing the sack at Plymouth, according to chairman Simon Hallett.The Pilgrims have struggled this season and find themselves languishing just one place and two points above the relegation zone.Wayne Rooney is not facing the sack at PlymouthCredit: RexA 6-1 defeat away at Norwich followed up by a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Bristol City sparked reports Rooney had two matches to save his job.But Hallett has dismissed those supports as rubbish and assured the board are not considering getting rid of the Manchester United legend.Instead, Hallett told a fans forum that they want to support Rooney as they have a lot of belief in his abilities as a manager.As reported by the Plymouth Herald, Hallett said: “What we are going to do is not think about getting rid of him and changing him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are thinking about how we can support him. “So there are no conversations going on about replacing Wayne but there are conversations going on about how we can support him to help him become the great coach that we think is in there.”Hallett also provided fans with an update on investment into the club, stating it could take Plymouth to the next level.He added: “Our ambitions are essentially to compete in the top half of the Championship and at the moment we are competing in the bottom half of the Championship.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We have been very open about this, that we are looking for new investment, which we think will help us both continue to develop the infrastructure and continue to grow the revenue base, in order to invest or spend more on the first team squad, so that’s part of the strategy.”But I have always been clear since I first became chairman of Argyle that I thought my resources could get us to the Championship and if we wanted to push on beyond that we would need someone with different resources.Wayne Rooney teases shock Iā€™m a Celeb appearance as he praises wife Coleen for jungle stint in TV appearance”We have been disappointed in how long it has taken to find a new investor. I have been thinking this for about eight months, but I think we are on the verge of being able to come public with something.”We have actually got the EFL already beginning the initial approval process. The progress has been slow and every time I think we are close, you get a little bit closer but you don’t quite get there.”I’m still hopeful we are going to be able to land a new investor who is going to be able to help us push on, but this year we are competing in the bottom half of the Championship because we have failed to get the resources that we had hoped.” More

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    Graham Potter admits heā€™s ā€˜looking at thingsā€™ as speculation intensifies that heā€™ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

    GRAHAM POTTER has admitted that he’s “looking at things” as speculation linking him with West Ham intensifies.The former Chelsea boss, 49, was in attendance as the Hammers lost 3-1 at Leicester last night.Graham Potter was on punditry duty last nightCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui is facing the sack at West HamCredit: GettyWith the defeat coming hot off the heels of Saturday’s drubbing by Arsenal, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is facing the sack.Club chiefs have drawn up a three-man shortlist of potential successors for the Spaniard, including Potter.While working as a pundit for Amazon Prime Video, Potter was asked by presenter Dan Walker if he’s “looking at things”.He said: “Yeah, of course. As I’ve said before, you’re open to everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But at the same time I’m really enjoying this [punditry] as well.”Because it gives you another perspective, you get to see it from your eyes, how the media thinks about the game. That’s always interesting.”It’s a different lens, that can only make you better once you understand that as well, so I’ve enjoyed that.”Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe recently turned down Leicester, who appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy instead, and is thought to be interested in a potential vacancy at West Ham.Also on the Hammers’ radar is former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeThe German, 42, led Dortmund to last season’s Champions League final, but it is unclear whether he’d be interested in joining West Ham.Sergio Conceicao is the other name on West Ham’s list, having won three league titles in seven seasons with Porto prior to leaving at the end of last season. More

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    Harry Kane trophy curse strikes again as Bayern Munich dumped out of German cup after goal from ex-Premier League star

    HARRY KANE will NOT win this season’s German cup after Bayern Munich were dumped out by Bayer Leverkusen last night.Vincent Kompany’s side fell 1-0 to the reigning holders courtesy of Nathan Tella’s second-half strike.Harry Kane watched last night’s game from the sidelinesCredit: GettyKane, 31, appeared to suffer a hamstring injury against DortmundCredit: GettyKane, 31, was absent for the match after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund.Kompany vowed to “solve things differently” without the ex-Tottenham striker available against Leverkusen.But his side’s task was made much more difficult on 17 minutes, when Manuel Neuer was red carded for clearing out Jeremie Frimpong after racing off his line.Bayern held out with 10 men for more than 50 minutes, before former Southampton and Burnley winger Tella headed home Alex Grimaldo’s inviting cross.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKompany’s side pushed for an equaliser, with Michael Olise striking wide with just seconds remaining.But with their star striker missing, they were unable to conjure a goal as Leverkusen ran out 1-0 winners.This means that Kane will not break his duck in this season’s DFB Pokal, Germany’s domestic cup.Despite having been a prolific goal-scorer for the last decade, Kane is yet to win any major silverware.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNathan Tella rises to head home Alex Grimaldo’s crossCredit: RexTella, 25, celebrates netting Bayer Leverkusen’s winnerCredit: APDuring his time at Tottenham he finished as runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League and twice in the League Cup.He has also twice lost European Championship finals with England.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain Kane moved to Bayern in the summer of 2023 with the aim of adding some titles to his CV.But it has not yet worked out that way.Last season under Thomas Tuchel, the German giants slumped to a third-place Bundesliga finish.They were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by second-tier FC Saarbrucken, and fell to eventual winners Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-finals.Bayern sit four points clear at the top of this season’s Bundesliga table after 12 games.Kane has scored 20 in 19 appearances in all competitions, adding to the 44 in 45 he managed last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpdating fans on Kane’s fitness yesterday, boss Kompany said: “Thereā€™s a chance heā€™ll play again this year. Heā€™ll definitely miss a few games.”You canā€™t replace him one-to-one. Heā€™s a top player.”Vincent Kompany worked with Tella in the Championship with BurnleyCredit: Getty More

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    Julen Lopetegui facing sack after Leicester collapse as West Ham draw up three-man shortlist led by ex-Chelsea boss

    WEST HAM are preparing a shortlist of potential replacements for Julen Lopetegui following their 3-1 defeat at Leicester.Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceicao are all under consideration.West Ham have lined up three candidates to replace Julen LopeteguiCredit: GettyEx-Chelsea manager Graham Potter is in the running should Lopetegui goCredit: GettyLopetegui was close to the sack before West Ham’s game at Newcastle last month.An impressive victory bought the former Wolves manager more time.But a shambolic defeat to Arsenal and a humbling at Leicester on Tuesday night have piled the pressure back on.The Hammers leadership are often reluctant to sack managers mid-season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet it did not take long for concerns to build over Lopetegui’s role.Terzic led Dortmund to the Champions League final last season and is thought to be the favoured option within the club.There are, however, doubts over how keen he is on a move to the London Stadium.Conceicao, 50, won three Portuguese titles with Porto, who he left last summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, recently turned down Leicester and is thought to be interested.Coincidentally, he was on punditry duty for the Hammersā€™ Leicester defeat on Amazon Prime Video. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeEx-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is the preferred candidateCredit: AFPFormer Porto manager Sergio Conceicao is availableCredit: GettyPotter has been doing the rounds on TV in recent weeks and previously appeared on Sky Sports.And he will have seen close-hand exactly what problems West Ham are running into on the pitch.Jamie Vardy needed just two minutes to put the Foxes ahead on Ruud van Nistelrooyā€™s first game.Bilal El Khannouss doubled Leicesterā€™s lead in the second half.And Patson Dakaā€™s late strike ensured that Niclas Fullkrugā€™s 93rd minute effort was no more than a consolation for the visitors.West Ham at least face a kind looking set of fixtures up until playing Liverpool at the end of the year.Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton lie ahead in their next four games. More

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    Amorim adamant Arteta wouldnā€™t have been given time he got at Arsenal to transform things if he was at Man Utd

    RUBEN AMORIM doubts Mikel Arteta would have been given theĀ  same time to succeed at Manchester United that he has received at Arsenal.Arteta won the 2020 FA Cup in his first season in charge but the Spaniard, who celebrates his FIFTH anniversary as Gunners boss this month, has yet to bring in any further trophies to the Emirates.Ruben Amorim reckons Mikel Arteta woud not have been afforded the time he’s had with Arsenal at Man UtdCredit: GettyAmorim’s United head to the Emirates on Wednesday night in a crunch clashCredit: RexNo United manager has lasted more than three years at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Fergusonā€™s retirement in 2013.New Red Devils chief Amorim, who takes United to second-placed ArsenalĀ on Wednesday,Ā said: ā€œIt is always important for a coach to have that confidence, but we have to acknowledge that Manchester United is a little bit different.ā€œAll the attention that you guys put in here, all the time. So I know that sometimes it is not possible to have all that time.ā€œSo we will try to manage that and try to do things a little bit faster knowing that here is massive attention and massive judgment every day.ā€READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim is full of praise for the job Arteta has done during his tenure at the Gunners.Arteta took over in December 2019 but had highs and lows, including losing six out of 11 games to dop out of the Champions League spots to arch-rivals Tottenham.Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag, says he hopes to have the same presence of mind as Arteta in the tough times at Old Trafford.He said: ā€œHeā€™s done an amazing job. Sometimes coaches are just judged about the titles, but what he has been doing in Arsenal, I think is amazing. It transformed the team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSā€œHe bought some youngsters that now are the big talents in thisĀ  country.ā€œI hope to have the same mindset that he had in the difficult moments because I followed the Premier League for a long time.’TOTAL NONSENSE!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts as VAR helps Arsenal AGAIN with Saka & Timber calls at West HamLuke Shaw is injured and will miss United’s trip to ArsenalCredit: Gettyā€œItā€™s a very good characteristic in Mikel, so I think he did a great job.ā€United left-back Luke Shaw will not be facing ArsenalĀ after issuing an emotional statement last night revealing a new muscular injury.TheĀ England defender, 29, has had horrid luck with fitness problems since February.Ā He missed the final three months of last season with a calf issue but played for England in the latter stages of the Euros.He then suffered a recurrence inĀ pre-season but returned for three appearances under new boss Amorim before his latest setback.Heartbroken Shaw, who is expected to be out for several weeks, posted on Instagram: ā€œItā€™s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles but unfortunately Iā€™ve had aĀ setback.ā€œThis has definitely been my toughest period. Iā€™m absolutely devastated and itā€™s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment.READ MORE SUN STORIESā€œI understand there is gunna be people frustrated, angry, disappointed. No one is feeling that more than me.ā€œBut what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.ā€Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devilsā€¦ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithfulā€™s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like heā€™s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didnā€™t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and heā€™s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. 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    Pep Guardiola rages at Kevin De Bruyne fallout rumours with star still benched amid Man City crisis

    PEP GUARDIOLA hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne.The Belgian, 33, was out of the Manchester City side for two months with a groin injury but only made the bench for the last five matches.Pep Guardiola hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersWhen left out of the starting line-up in Sundayā€™s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was ā€œsadā€ and ā€œsomething isnā€™t right between those twoā€.But sarcastic Guardiola snapped: ā€œPeople say I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin?ā€œNo, I donā€™t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third ā€” I donā€™t want it!ā€œYes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.ā€READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPundit Gary Neville had claimed it was ā€œbizarre and strangeā€ to see KDB benched at Anfield.The ex-Manchester United star argued ā€œsomething is definitely going on in the dressing roomā€.While Gary Lineker and former City defender Micah Richards also felt there could be an issue.But De Bruyne said last week that he was struggling as he felt pain when he kicked the ball due to his niggling problem.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Belgian spent much of the last two seasons on the treatment table.And ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, boss Guardiola says he cannot afford to rush him back ā€” even though he is ā€œdesperateā€ to play him.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalThe Spaniard explained: ā€œHe has delivered to me the biggest success to this club.ā€œBut De Bruyne was injured for five months last season ā€” and two months injured.ā€œLike last season, itā€™s step by step. Heā€™ll try to do it and feel better. Iā€™m desperate to have him back to his best.ā€De Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitness ā€” with his manager saying he took a big step forward in recent days.But Guardiola warned his return to the starting line-up will not solve all Cityā€™s problems after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches.He added: ā€œIā€™d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. Heā€™d love it, too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.ā€œBut you think Iā€™m complaining for that? Itā€™s just normal ā€” itā€™s nature. He has played ten or 11 seasons of football with a lot of games.ā€œI know he is desperate to help us ā€” he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.ā€œBut always I have said, he himself will not solve our problems.ā€READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Bruyne will be hoping to play some part as City look to halt their slump against Forest.Asked if the veteran was ready, Guardiola said: ā€œHeā€™s closer and getting better. The last few days was even better.ā€De Bruyne has only made the bench for the last five City matchesCredit: EPADe Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitnessCredit: Manchester City FC More

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    Incredible stats show telepathy between Saka and Odegaard, now Arteta wants them to emulate two legends of the game

    MIKEL ARTETA has challenged Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to become Arsenalā€™s very own Andres Iniesta and Xavi.The Gunners skipper and playmaker Odegaard has forged a telepathic relationship with winger Saka down the right side of the pitch over the past few seasons ā€“ their sideā€™s primary goal-scoring source.Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are a key duo for Mikel Arteta’s ArsenalCredit: GettyBarcelona’s Xavi and Andres Iniesta were one of the game’s great partnershipsCredit: GettyIn fact, since Odegaard returned from a two month lay-off with an ankle ligament injury last month, 51.4 per cent of their chances have been created down the right flank ā€“ the highest in the Prem.In their 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on November 23, they shared 36 passes between each other ā€“ the second highest combo between two players, excluding defenders, this term.And last season, they created 40 open play chances for each other in the Prem, passing to each other 322 times.Excluding centre backs, only Manchester Cityā€™s Rodri and Mateo Kovacic produced more.read more arsenalThe stats are there, but the trophies for Arsenal under Arteta ā€“ as of yet ā€“ are not, something that Barcelona legends Iniesta and Xavi collected at an alarming rate during their careers.Together at the Nou Camp, to name a few, they won seven La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.Alongside star names like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Neymar, that midfield duo were the threads that knitted everyone together ā€“ the consistent, reliable catalysts that kept Pep Guardiolaā€™s Barca on the right track for European glory and historic Trebles year after year.This is what Arteta eyes for both Odegaard, 25, and Saka, 23 as the North Londoners aim to finally end their 20-year wait for a Prem title ā€“ especially with a mountain to climb this term currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAhead of Arsenalā€™s clash with Manchester United, when asked if he has seen a better relationship between two players, boss Arteta – a former Barca academy product – said: ā€œYes. I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. It was unbelievable.ā€œThey didnā€™t even need to look at each other.ā€œOur two centre backs [William Saliba and Gabriel] naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable.ā€œSo, we try to develop those more and more because there is something there that is very difficult to put a number to it.ā€œBut itā€™s close in a natural way and the more relationships you have make the team the better.ā€Arteta welcomes Ruben Amorim, 39, to the Emirates just weeks after the Portuguese coach took charge of Manchester United ā€“ drawing one and winning two of his first three games in charge in all competitions.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait Also in his late thirties when he arrived at his first job in the English football, Arteta knows what it takes to hit the ground running at a big club with results that demand patience and earn respect.Having been hired by Arsenal in December 2019 as a 37-year-old, asked what lessons he had for Amorim, Arteta ā€“ now 42 ā€“ explained: ā€œHow unpredictable the job is.ā€œI jumped into a new job in the middle of the season in very special circumstances socially. Then we got hit by COVID.ā€œYou can plan whatever you want but football brings different things and you have to deal with it. Take it as it comes and deal with it.ā€œBut you can see his fingerprints [at United] in what he wants to do straight away. Heā€™s been very clear with what he wants to do. What he did with Sporting Lisbon was remarkable after so many years.ā€œEspecially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing. It brings energy to a new club and the players which is always positive. But we have to focus on what weā€™re doing.ā€On whether United ā€“ currently 15 points off Liverpool ā€“ can still challenge for the title, Arteta added: ā€œWe are still very early in the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Any team that has got the capacity to put five or six wins in a row is going to be up there because it is so tough and you see very week how the teams are struggling to maintain winning, winning and winning.ā€œSo, I think anything I possible.ā€ More