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    Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

    MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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    ‘I’m definitely not fast any more’ Lewis Hamilton’s damning verdict of his form after Qatar Grand Prix sprint qualifying

    LEWIS HAMILTON has given a damning assessment of his own performances this season after another disappointing effort in qualifying.Hamilton, 39, qualified seventh for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has claimed he is ‘definitely not fast anymore’Credit: RexHamilton finished 0.399 seconds slower than teammate George Russell in sprint qualifying in QatarCredit: AFPThe Mercedes ace, who will join Ferrari next season, has claimed he is “definitely not fast anymore” after finishing 0.399 seconds slower that teammate George Russell. He said: “Same as every other qualifying – not that great.”I’m just slow. Same every weekend. Car felt relatively decent. You know, no issues. Not really much more to say.”When pressed on if the issue is related to him or the car, Hamilton doubled down that it’s a him-problem.READ MORE IN SPORTHe added: “When you are always back where I am it makes it almost impossible to compete for wins from there. But that’s the sprint. I’ll do what I can tomorrow.”Not particularly [any positives]. The positive is the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow.”Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”Hamilton’s teammate Russell will start today’s sprint in second, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRussell has now out-qualified Hamilton 17 TIMES in 22 races, despite the seven-time world champ holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history (104).While Russell is averaging an advantage of 0.16 seconds per lap over Hamilton this season. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPThe 26-year-old, who won last week’s Las Vegas GP, is also one place ahead of Hamilton in the driver’s standings.Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc when he makes the highly-anticipated switch to Ferrari next season.Today’s sprint in Qatar is set to get underway at 2pm UK time with the race itself taking place on Sunday at 4pm.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    I was hauled off at half-time of dreadful FA Cup final thanks to Mick Jagger and his snake hips

    MICK JAGGER had an unexpected influence on one former Chelsea star’s display in the 2007 FA Cup final.Joe Cole has opened up on how the rock ‘n’ roll superstar’s “snake hips” left him unable to concentrate on the Wembley turf.Joe Cole has opened up on how Mick Jagger cut his FA Cup final appearance shortCredit: Youtube/Football’s GreatestMick Jagger was at Wembley for the 2007 FA Cup finalCredit: AFPCole, 43, started the 2007 FA Cup final for Chelsea, a heavyweight clash against a Manchester United side littered with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.But it wasn’t the big name players or the occasion of playing the first game in new Wembley that threw Cole off, rather the presence of one of his musical heroes.Speaking to former Blues teammate Ashley Cole on the Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic podcast, brought to you by Carling, Joe Cole opened up on being starstruck by the Rolling Stones frontman.He said: “It was a dreadful, dreadful game. Do you know what I remember about that game? Weird things that spring to mind. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember, because it was the first game at the new Wembley. So it was sort of extra exciting. For some reason, I’m a big Rolling Stones fan, right? And Mick Jagger was walking around. “Do you not remember this? See, Mick Jagger was walking around the tunnel. He must have been doing a song or something before the Cup final.”Might have been a national anthem, giving it these snake hips there. I don’t know what it was. “But I remember seeing him, but I’m focused on the game and nothing could take me off. There’s nothing that could put me off, I’m ready.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I wouldn’t even look at the opposition because you’re playing against, like, [former West Ham team-mate Michael] Carrick, who we know, or the boys from England, the United boys. “And I just see Mick and I just went proper fan boy. I think I went, ‘All right, Mick!’ And he’s probably why I got taken off at half time, my head was gone. I couldn’t concentrate. Mick had done me.”Joe Cole scores opening goal at Soccer Aid 2024Cole was hooked at half-time with the scores tied 0-0 after the first 45 minutes.But it ultimately proved to be the right decision as Chelsea went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 116th minute extra-time goal by Didier Drogba.That FA Cup is one of three won by the former England international during his career.While he also lifted the Premier League three times too.Joe Cole lifted the FA Cup in 2007 after being subbed off at half-timeCredit: Action Images – ReutersFootball’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic with Joe Cole and Ashley Cole, brought to you by Carling, the official sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. You can watch the show on YouTube and Spotify or listen to it wherever you get your podcasts. More

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    Van Nistelrooy must urgently sort out Leicester’s toxic dressing room – but that’s just one of five pressing problems

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY swept into Leicester City last night as Steve Cooper’s replacement.But he won’t be able to sweep the problems he has inherited under the carpet if he wants to succeed at the King Power.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been announced as the new Leicester City managerCredit: GettyHere are the five most pressing problems Van Nistelrooy must tackle if he is going to fix the Foxes – and avoid a Ruud awakening in his first permanent gig as a Premier League boss.SORT OUT A TOXIC DRESSING ROOMLast week’s video from a Copenhagen nightclub was an embarrassment to the club, the owner and the fans.But most importantly it should have been an embarrassment for the players.They might have thought it was ever so clever to display a sign expressing their love for Enzo Maresca and how much they missed him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIf it was meant to be a slap in the face for their former boss Steve Cooper, sacked hours later, then it missed the mark and the point by miles.They should remember Maresca walked out on them at the first opportunity, so their loyalty was misguided at best.They deserved to have the riot act read to them by owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha during showdown talks on Tuesday.Van Nistelrooy has previous and doesn’t suffer fools lightly after falling out with his PSV players and backroom staff after one season in charge – and that was after a successful season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis stellar reputation as a player will earn him instant respect – but the evidence is that won’t last long if the current squad take a dislike to him and start pining for Maresca again!It’s vital Van Nistelrooy has a harmonious dressing-room if Leicester are to prosper.Leicester City players were spotted partying in CopenhagenCredit: ekstrabladet.dkA sign was held aloft referencing former boss Enzo MarescaCredit: ekstrabladet.dkLeicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedDEAL WITH A DODGY DEFENCEThe best bosses build from the back.Because, as any builder knows, without the proper foundations your house is in danger of collapsing at any moment.Leicester have scored in all but one of their Premier League games this season and bagged as many goals as high-flying Nottingham Forest.But they have only kept one clean sheet and only Wolves and rock-bottom Southampton have leaked more goals than the Foxes’ 23.Cooper recognised the problem and his priority in January was to sign a savvy stopper.He watched enviously in the summer as his old club Nottingham Forest snapped up rock-solid Serbian Nikola Milenkovic.Caleb Okoli is a bright prospect but as raw as Sushi.Jannick Vestergaard is a Championship proven defender who struggles in the Prem.While Conor Coady is best suited to a three-man defence.Van Nistelrooy needs to source a reliable partner for Belgian international Wout Faes – and quickly!Leicester have had a leaky defence this seasonCredit: GettyFIND A LONG TERM REPLACEMENT FOR CLUB LEGEND JAMIE VARDYJamie Vardy is by far Leicester’s best striker – but at 37, that’s the problem.He may be enjoying an Indian summer but the great man can’t go on forever and he really should be used sparingly while younger legs do the donkey-work for him.Unfortunately for Leicester fans there is still no heir apparent to assume Vardy’s throne.Steve Cooper brought in Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Eduard but neither look like the long-term future.The Foxes have had the fewest shots on goal in the Premier League and their expected goals total is the second lowest in the Prem.Losing key winger Abdul Fatawu with an ACL injury for the rest of the season was a massive blow.If Van Nistelrooy is to survive at Leicester he has to find a younger version of himself from somewhere!But if anyone knows what it takes it is surely RVN!An ageing Jamie Vardy is still Leicester’s best front manCredit: AlamyVan Nistelrooy’s controversial appointmentBy Neil Custis, Football writerRUUD VAN NISTELROOY walking into the Leicester job must have managers further down the leagues tearing their hair out.This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Dave Challinor of Stockport was named manager of the year ahead of Pep Guardiola.Now that may be because organisers felt he would probably turn up to get his gong, unlike Guardiola.Still, two promotions in 2½ years to lift the area’s poor relation from the National League to League One — where they sit fourth — is incredible.Yet that and a managerial background at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool would sadly never put him on a Premier League club’s radar.Van Nistelrooy was on that radar at the Foxes in the summer after one season managing at PSV Eindhoven before they went for Steve Cooper.Now after a further four games as interim Manchester United boss and he is in at the King Power and Cooper is out.Big names excite fans and Van Nistelrooy has one, literally.But he also comes with a red flag or two…CONNECT WITH THE FANSPerhaps they have been pampered with previous success.After all, virtually every Leicester fan is old enough to remember their team winning the Premier League, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League and lifting the FA Cup!But those heady days of cardboard clappers and an electric atmosphere have been replaced with moans, groans and grumbles.Foxes fans can be a fickle lot, just ask former heroes Claudio Ranieri, Brendan Rodgers or Craig Shakespeare – let alone Claude Puel or Steve Cooper!Cooper was never given a chance by Leicester fans who couldn’t see past his Nottingham Forest past.Van Nistelrooy is already being viewed with suspicion by many fans who are dubious about his coaching credentials after just one full season with PSV.The Dutchman may have to turn on the charm to turn the tide with a fanbase who appear to have fallen out of love with many aspects of their club.Van Nistelrooy must win over the Leicester faithfulCredit: GettyRECRUIT THE BEST SCOUT AVAILABLESteve Cooper found it almost impossible to sell Leicester to many potential signings last summer – because they all feared a potential 10-point penalty over Profit and Sustainability breaches would condemn them to a relegation battle.Don’t expect much to change in January with Leicester still walking a financial tightrope.Money is in short supply at the King Power these days and there will be a limited transfer budget for Van Nistelrooy to work with.He will have to conjure up some pretty creative bargains – hence the need for a top talent spotter.The temptation will be to return to the Netherlands and a market he knows well.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut as Erik ten Hag discovered to his cost – the Eredivisie is no longer paved with gold nuggets!Van Nistelrooy will have a tight transfer budget to use in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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    England U21 sensation Jamie Gittens tipped to be better than Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as he shines at Dortmund

    HARRY KANE may be the Englishman most fans focus on when German football’s biggest rivalry is rekindled on Saturday night.But as far as Borussia Dortmund supporters are concerned, Jamie Gittens deserves all the attention.Jamie Gittens is already close to world class, says Karl-Heinz RiedleCredit: RexRaal Madrid’s Jude Bellingham might ultimately be usurped by GittensCredit: GettyFormer Dortmund Champions League winner Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Gittens can be the best English star to play for the club yetCredit: GettyThe winger from Reading was 17 when he walked out on Manchester City to join Dortmund in 2020, following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho’s Bundesliga footsteps.Now, the 20-year-old is a vital cog in new coach Nuri Sahin’s side, with four Champions League goals so far — including one against Real Madrid and Wednesday’s stunner at Dinamo Zagreb.Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle feels Gittens can shine in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.Ex-Liverpool striker Riedle, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.“He is very quick, very good in a one-against-one situation and with the ability to finish as well.“I see a young player who has the full package, plus he is someone who I see working on how  to make himself better.“And that comes from games — the more you play, the more you learn, the better your decision-making and  better you become.Most read in BundesligaChelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has struggled to match his Dortmund formCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The most important thing is  you have to be quick, to not be afraid of going one- on-one against a defender. That’s what we want to see.“It was why Sancho and Haaland brought people to the stadium. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woes”Fans wanted to see them do that and it’s there with Jamie as well.”Gittens — who dropped the “Bynoe” in  his double-barrelled surname  at the start of the season — has  played for every England  team from Under-15 to U21.That includes tasting 2022 European U19 Cham­pion­ship glory. Now he aims to make the final step to the senior ranks — and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as new Three Lions boss could speed that up.Riedle suspects Gittens will not be the last English rookie to see the Ruhr-based club as a stepping stone.He  explained: “Dortmund is a family. The guys who come to us   know we have everything here to let them become the best players they can be.“They can get a chance to play at the top level but maybe with less pressure than in England at football clubs such as Manchester United and City.“We give them the time to grow into players and be something special.“Jamie is an incredible talent and can make the same impression — if not a bigger one – as Jude and Jadon made before him.”Striker Kane has hit 50 Bundesliga goals in 43 games — the fastest pace ever.Despite this and Munich’s unbeaten domestic start, the England skipper was criticised by ex-Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for not scoring in the  “big” games.Riedle, though, thinks Hamann is talking rubbish.He said: “Didi criticised him even though he scored like crazy last year — and I’m not with him at all.“Harry’s just a fantastic finisher and fantastic football player.“No player can score every game or every chance. He has done very well for Munich and is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He just wants to play football. He loves the game. He is such a humble guy who likes to play and score and wants to win things.” KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to mark the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term investment in Singapore.Riedle was stunned by criticism of Bayern’s Harry KaneCredit: RexErling Haaland is one of the aces who Gittens could soon compare withCredit: Rex More

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    Liverpool away is perfect game for scared Man City – I think a part of Pep Guardiola will be enjoying this experience

    YOU might think Liverpool away is the last fixture Pep Guardiola and Manchester City want right now.But you’d be wrong. This match — the only possible one in which few people would give City any chance of winning — is perfect.Liverpool away could be the surprise fixture City need right nowCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has been left scratching his head at recent performancesAfter five straight defeats, followed by the incredible capitulation from 3-0 up against Feyenoord in midweek, City would be seriously worried if they were facing Ipswich or Leicester next up.Their players are looking genuinely scared on the pitch right now and, after years of dominance, it is an amazing thing to witness.Yet even when they have been amassing six titles under Guardiola, they have never won at Anfield in front of a crowd.Those players will be thinking, “So why not now?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWinning away at Liverpool is the one result which would then completely change the narrative around the team.I’m sure those players will not be holding back in the dressing room when they discuss what has been going on in recent weeks.The higher you go in football, the harsher the dressing room.Elite players get to where they are because they always challenge themselves and their team-mates.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt’s not a blame game — it’s just genuine honesty. That’s how you get out of a mess.Although there was genuine concern for Guardiola after he started beating himself up in his dugout during Tuesday’s 3-3 Champions League draw, I think there will be part of him laughing and learning and enjoying this experience.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordThe City boss has never suffered a run like this and a run like this is when you find out who you can really count upon.Nobody talks about poor morale or a lack of unity when a team is winning consistently — as City have been for pretty much all of the last eight years. Of course City are missing Rodri. When he’s not there, City aren’t as good.But it’s nonsense to suggest that the absence of one player should have such an extreme effect when they have so many other world-class players.Some of the theories around City’s meltdown simply have to be wrong.Like the idea that the team is too old. They weren’t too old when they won a fourth title in a row, so how are they suddenly too old six months later?They simply had a poor window this summer and their recruitment hasn’t been as good for a year or two now.Ilkay Gundogan is a legend of the club but to bring him back, a year after he’d been so desperate to leave, felt like a retrograde step.What is true is that plenty of people in football will be loving what is happening to City.There will be managers and players thinking, “Welcome to our world”.They’ll be thinking, “Welcome to the chaos and the bulls***”. The chaos and the bulls*** you only experience when you lose a few games in a row and people start to lose their heads.Right now, even a team as great as City need to concentrate on the basics — running your heart out, winning duels, heading or kicking it clear.Because it was a lack of those fundamentals which allowed Feyenoord back into the game on Tuesday.For so long, when City went 1-0 up, opponents lost heart. Now they even fancy their chances at 3-0 down.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and a 100 per cent record in the Champions League, where they have just beaten the holders Real Madrid.They have never been such hot favourites to beat Guardiola’s City — and that is exactly why the visitors will be relishing this match. More

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    Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park

    OMARI HUTCHINSON was an internet sensation at the age of 12 — but only now is he on the stage he really craved.Hutchinson, 21, has been on a high since scoring his first Premier League goal as Ipswich drew 1-1 with Manchester United last week.More than 4million viewers saw Omari Hutchinson’s special skillsCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFootball fans went head over heels for his exhibition stuffCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelHutchinson’s career took many twists on the way to facing Man UtdCredit: RexNow Nottingham Forest are in his sights as the Tractor Boys battle to prove they are good enough to mix it with game’s established stars.And that is a feeling Hutchinson knows only too well despite having his super skills praised by Pele when he was a schoolboy.Chelsea released Hutchinson twice and gave him just two first-team outings before Ipswich paid a club-record £22.5million fee for the youngster in the summer.Inbetween was a spell at Arsenal that made him famous — but not on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen there were the unsuccessful trials at Tottenham and Brentford.Plus a couple of seasons at Charlton, who only signed the Londoner because they saw him playing in their car park.It has not been a conventional route to the top by any means for Hutchinson, even though his talent was always there to see.A collaboration with the F2 Freestylers when he was 12 saw more than four million viewers log on to watch his skills.Most read in FootballAdvice from Arsenal and Chelsea aces kept Hutchinson on the upCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “It had its pros and cons.“I got quite popular at a young age but at the time I wasn’t really playing much football.Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting“I wasn’t really a starter at Arsenal at that time and you want to be playing every minute of every game at a young age.“I would play football with my dad after a game and do extras.”One constant, however, was the refusal to give up on his dream.Hutchinson added: “One hundred per cent. As a young player you need that self-confidence and self-belief that you are going to make it and be one of the best in the league — or the world. That’s what I have been doing.“I have been at two of the best clubs in the world and trained with the first team in both of them.“I have seen what it takes to get to that stage and a lot of senior players have spoken to me saying, ‘You’re a very talented player, make sure you focus on this and that and you will make it’.“They also told me not to get distracted and I have taken it on board. I have gone a different route and shown myself from there.”Hutchinson is far too young to remember Pele, the world’s greatest player in the 1960s, but the Brazil legend still had a part to play on his journey. The three-time World Cup winner — who died in December 2022 — witnessed Hutchinson’s skills on a visit to London and let the youngster know he was impressed.Hutchinson said: “It was at a Brentford tournament when I was with the Under-12s at Arsenal.“He was there, he came towards the end, and we did some freestyling skills.“All the teams gathered round in a circle and a player from each team had to show some skills — I got forced to go up!“He saw it and he liked it. When we took a picture of him he told me to come up and rest on his knee.I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.Omari Hutchinson“I was doing kick-ups-round-the-world and putting the ball on my neck.“When I was young my grandma always used to say, ‘You’re going to be like Pele when you’re older’. She gave me a lot of books and cards and stuff like that.”It was no surprise that Hutchinson joined Ipswich on their return to the top tier after 22 years away, although there were other offers.The attacking midfielder, who can play wide or No 10, had helped them to promotion when on loan from Chelsea last season.And Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna promised Hutchinson the chance of the regular football he craved.He said: “I spoke to Kieran in the summer and it was a no-brainer to come here.“I knew I was going to play in the Premier League, which is a rare occasion.“I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.”Hutchinson still has one big decision to make however — to choose England, where he is in the Under-21s, or go back to Jamaica, for whom he has played a couple of friendlies and qualifies through his dad.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo Town player has represented the Three Lions at senior level since Richard Wright in 2001 — and only 12 have in total.That might change soon but Hutchinson insisted: “I have very high ambition but I’m not focused on that right now.”Hutchinson has gone on to play for England U-21s and JamaicaCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelNine years on from this, he’s up to his young tricks again – but in the PremCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills Channel More

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    Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

    RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More