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    ‘For the better? I don’t know’ – Match of the Day legend, 87, ‘surprised’ by BBC’s Gary Lineker replacements

    BARRY DAVIES made his name talking about the stars – he never dreamt he would be joining them.The commentating great has become the first from his trade to be inducted into the National Football Museum hall of fame.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Beeb have replaced hom with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: BBCIconic MOTD commentator Barry Davies has been left surprised by the decisionCredit: PAA day in his company and it is not long before it is clear that being pipped to few too many FA Cup finals by John Motson still grinds.But Davies, 87, now has an honour no other broadcaster can boast.Davies, sitting in his London home surrounded by a number of accolades from his career, cannot hold back a smile when he is asked how it all happened.He told SunSport: “Flabbergasted I was, absolutely.”I couldn’t believe it. When I looked at the list of people who are already members, it’s extraordinary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I heard through my son who really sort of looks after me like an agent these days.”And better than at least one of the agents that I had in my time, I might have got more Cup finals if he’d been there in the role!”Key Barry Davies MomentsFIRST GAME: August 9, 1969 – Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United Davies made his Match of the Day debut nearly 56 years ago from the gantry at Selhurst Park – though it never should have been that way.He said: “It’s extraordinary. It shouldn’t have been the first one.”I was in Leeds. It should have been Leeds against Tottenham which I thought was quite amusing as a Spurs supporter.”I knew quite a lot about Manchester United and had commentated on them several times.”But Crystal Palace had just been promoted and we didn’t do matches outside the top division. So that was a test and it was a good match.”LAST GAME: August 23, 2014 – Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham A decade after he officially left Match of the Day, Davies was called back into action to celebrate the 50th anniversary.That game was the final in an incredible career covering football, with one clear highlight.Davies said: “If I could watch England playing Holland in Euro 96, which I think is the best England performance I’ve ever seen, I would love to see that again.”Euro 96 was my favourite tournament by a distance. They should have been in the final.”I don’t know how we didn’t get there. It was amazing. I used the expression, I don’t believe that.”Davies added: “I have no idea why the decision was made.”I did two, and I took over David Coleman’s interview role for quite a time.Most read in Football’Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce'”I didn’t hold anything against anybody who was involved in the decision.”Davies may have had to play second fiddle at Wembley, but his voice still accompanies a great many iconic moments from sporting history – not just football.That variety made him the best in the game, but presented the odd challenge.Davies and his wife, Penny, recently totted-up that there were 17 different sports he put his voice to, with some of them requiring a fair bit of swatting up.He said: “I was asked to be involved with badminton. I learnt about that as I went on.”I did rather reach the stage where I hoped when I turned up that they would say, ‘Oh not him again!’ But they never did.”I usually got persuaded to do other sports, I mean the Olympics I went from hockey to gymnastics.”But I loved that. I just loved sitting in the chair.”Davies now sits in a rather different chair, in his living room, still consuming plenty of sport.Though he feels there is probably a bit too much football nowadays and certainly too much talking over it.He added: “The television over there gets well looked after.”I would say it’s all a bit too much.Barry Davies began working for the BBC all the way back in 1969Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDBarry Davies was pipped to several FA Cup finals by fellow icon John MotsonCredit: PADavies covered several World Cups for the BeebCredit: PA”I think your man in the street would say the same. He wants to see his team, of course.”But it has changed an awful lot.”I don’t like some of the tackling, that’s certainly going through a bad stage. And the acting. I find that very off-putting.”There are one or two very good commentators around, but too many in the chair at a match, in my opinion.”The viewer wants time to make his own decisions.”If we’re sitting down and watching a match on television there probably will be a couple of points where you’ll make a point or I’ll make a point.”But if we both keep doing it, I would say shut up for a minute. That is my attitude of watching now.”There are too many words. There are good commentators but it’s not their fault, it’s the producer’s fault.”It’s the decision that they think that’s the way it should be done. I don’t think I would have kept a job very long.”Despite not liking the way football has gone since the start of his career with Match of the Day in 1969, Davies can still find some gems.Barry Davies opened up about his iconic career in an exclusive interview with SunSport’s Jack RosserCredit: THE SUNDavies is extremely proud of his accomplishmentsCredit: THE SUNHaving grown up a Tottenham fan with goalkeeper Ted Ditchling his idol, before adoring any chance to commentate on Glenn Hoddle, there is one current player Davies would like to see join him in the hall of fame.He said: “The chap I enjoy watching most of all is Jack Grealish of Manchester City.”I’m very disappointed how things have worked out for him.”Obviously, his manager is considered to be the top in the land, if not in the world.”But Grealish is the sort of player you have to put in and let him play and offer what he can offer.”Sticking him out on the wing I find appalling.”Their last match on the air, I remember, every flipping attack City had in that match started from him.”His ability to see where to go and so on and so forth.”But if he’s being told, you do this, that and the other, I think some players have to be left.”And too many attacks have to go back to the goalkeeper to start again.”The number of passes going back in football now is so different. I don’t quite understand it, I must admit.”One thing Davies does have a deep understanding of is Match of the Day, having started working on the show in 1969 and ending in 2004 before being called back for one more gig in 2014.Huge changes are being made to the BBC’s flagship sports show, with Gary Lineker departing after 25 years to be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.Davies said: “I’m surprised at the decision that’s been made.”But then I’m quite surprised at the jobs that are given to various people these days, and the need apparently to use people.Barry Davies will be inducted to the National Football Museum Hall of FameCredit: THE SUN”They’re very good broadcasters, but I’m surprised that they think it’s better to have three people doing it.”Gary himself would feel that he’s done long enough.”They’re all very good broadcasters, and they know about the games, no doubt about that.”It should go on forever. Because it’s very popular, it’s recorded matches, some of the matches I’ve been watching these days are much better recorded!”I’m sure, as sure as I can be, television has changed and football has changed.”For the better? I don’t know, no.”Davies will be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with his family watching from the stands.Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Barry Davies is a true legend of the game.”His commentary has provided the soundtrack to some of football’s greatest moments and has brought joy to millions of fans.”To honour his incredible contribution to the sport at a venue that means so much to him is truly special.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re thrilled to celebrate Barry’s legacy at Selhurst Park and soon welcome him into the Hall of Fame.” The application window for the Hall of Fame is open, and football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are encouraged to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game. You can find the form at: nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame. More

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    ‘They wear you down’ – Romelu Lukaku reveals lengths Chelsea went to to get rid of him

    ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exitCredit: GettyThe striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summerCredit: ReutersAfter a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. Read More in Football”They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.”But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. “Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. “Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”Most read in FootballThe striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen “I am someone who does his job and then goes home. “In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season. More

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    Can Arsenal exploit the horror Man Utd stat that haunts Ruben Amorim’s flops? Weekend Wager’s best bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Arsenal take on Manchester United in the weekend’s biggest gameCredit: GettyThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters could make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture, Manchester United vs Arsenal, and the bottom of the table scrap between Wolves and Everton.While they also weighed in on the Six Nations action and the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.Manchester United vs ArsenalKewku Afari: Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals – 21/10READ MORE ON MAN UTD”If you look at Arsenal team, they’re strange when it comes to results. “Sometimes they can’t hit a barn door with banjo and sometimes, as we saw a midweek against PSV, they can put multiple goals in against the opposition. “I’m looking Manchester United here, and in six of their last seven games at Old Trafford the opposition has scored at least two goals. “And so I’m looking at them defensively. I’m looking at them in terms of Andre Onana the way that he doesn’t fill the fans of confidence. Most read in Football”They’re a team that do leak goals, especially at home.”Will Pugh: Mikel Merino to score first – 13/2″Merino’s got three goals in his last four appearances and notched one of the seven at PSV, didn’t he? and got two off the bench in that sort of striker debut [vs Leicester].”But as well as the Merino stats, since the weekend of Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge, only Leicester (13) have conceded the opening goal in more Premier League games than Manchester United, who have gone 1-0 down 12 times.”While Arsenal have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League away games against Manchester United.”They have 13 goals in those 10 games, having only managed to score 10 in their first 22 visits to Old Trafford.”Mikel Merino has scored three goals in four games since stepping in as Arsenal’s makeshift centre-forwardCredit: AFPSam Rosbottom: Arsenal HT/Draw FT – 12/1″I don’t think Arsenal are going to win this game. You have to go back to December 1 to find the last time Manchester United won a first half, that was against Everton at Old Trafford.”But they have won the second half in 8 of their last 11 matches.”The stats show that Manchester United are turning into a second half team”.Wolves vs Everton Kewku Afari: Beto to score anytime – 21/10″He’s scored five goals in his last five Premier League games. That’s more than his previous 44 games, which is… unbelievable.”And in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s been very, very important. So they are relying on Beto. “Also, in his last five Premier League matches, he’s had two or more shots on target. So I expect him to come to the fore for Everton this weekend.”Will Pugh: Jorgen Strand Larsen to 2+ shots on target – 11/4″Jorgen Strand Larsen has been targeted by passes in the box 85 times this season, which is the most of any player in the Premier League.”While only Dominic Solanke has made more forward runs into the opposition penalty box at 237 than Strand-Larsen has – he’s really a focal point for Wolves.”I think Strand-Larsen has been doing some good work and he’s a real asset to them”.Sam Rosbottom: Jack Harrison 1+ shot on target – 6/4″Jack Harrison has been very unfortunate. He has an unwanted record.”He’s got the highest expected goals total of any player yet to score in the Premier League this season at 2.9xG – meaning he should have scored three times.”I’m not actually going to go with him to score though, but I do think there’s value in him to have a shot on target.”He’s had seven shots in his last six games and we just need one of them to be on target this weekend.”Jack Harrison is due a goal this seasonCredit: RexEngland vs Italy – Six NationsSam Rosbottom: Italy +16 – 2/1 “England are absolutely massive favourites against Italy, but we laugh about how tight England games have been. “And Italy, so far this tournament aren’t the whipping boys that they usually are. Wales are the whipping boys, not Italy.”So I’m looking at the handicap market here and I think there’s an opportunity to get Italy on side at plus 16 which is 2-1.”So essentially, England can win the game But if they win by a margin smaller than 16 points then we win the bet.””I don’t think it’s going to be tight, obviously because England should do the business, but I don’t think it’s going to be as big a gap as everybody’s anticipating here.”England are strong favourites to beat Italy this weekendCredit: PABetfair Imperial Cup at SandownSam Rosbottom: Go Dante – 11/2, Bo Zenith – 11/2, Lump Sum – 8/1 and Knickerbockerglory e/w – 14/1″Obviously, lots of movement already in the market following the news that last year’s winner, Go Dante, was 25/1. “There’s been a big gamble on him, now backed into joint favour at 11/2, now joint favourite along with Bo Zenith.”Lump Sum, who was the favourite, moving the other way, was 5/1, now 8/1. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a horse in here that I quite fancy for each way for five places at 14/1 – Knickerbockerglory.”I think that’s a SWEET each way shout”.Go Dante has seen its odds drop massivelyCredit: Rex More

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    Champions League’s fastest players revealed as Erling Haaland claims top spot and team-mate same speed as Kylian Mbappe

    ERLING HAALAND has clocked the fastest speed in the Champions League this season.And the 24-year-old’s under the radar Manchester City team-mate hit the same pace as Real Madrid speedster Kylian Mbappe.Erling Haaland hit the fastest speed in the Champions League this seasonReal Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe completes the top threeBut Mbappe won where it counts after bagging a hat-trick in City’s second leg visit to the Bernabeu in the last 16 play-offs.And Haaland wasn’t fit enough to play as Madrid beat Pep Guardiola’s side 6-3 on aggregate and knocked them out of Europe.It was not a European campaign to remember for the Premier League champions, but some of City’s players still caught the eye with their pace.Haaland reached a top speed of 22.9mph, making him the quickest player in Europe’s elite club competition.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Norwegian striker is known for racing past defenders, so his ranking may not surprise many fans.But it is somewhat of a shock to see his team-mate Matheus Nunes placing fourth on the list (22.6mph).Nunes started six of City’s 10 Champions League games and clocked the same speed as Mbappe.The midfielder is just behind Paris Saint-Germain right back Achraf Hakimi (22.7mph) who comes in second.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBrest’s Mama Balde (22.4mph) completes the top five.Hakimi played a full 90 minutes for the French champions as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starPSG defied the odds and penned Arne Slot’s side back for most of the game, registering 29 shots to Liverpool’s two.But Alisson’s heroic performance of nine outstanding saves was rewarded by Harvey Elliot’s late smash-and-grab winner.Mbappe fared much better as Real beat city rivals Atletico 2-1 to ensure they have a slim advantage heading into the second leg at the Metropolitano.January signing Abduqodir Khusanov (22.1mph) was the third City player to make up the top 10.City spent £33million to sign Khusanov from Ligue 1 outfit Lens at the start of the year.There is still plenty of time for these numbers to change as teams enter the business end of the Champions League over the coming weeks.The return legs of the last 16 ties will be played next week.Matheus Nunes clocked the same speed as Mbappe More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 27: Dejan Kulusevski and Lewis Hall among absentees

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 27 in one convenient location.Matheus Cunha, Tariq Lamptey and Anthony Gordon are all suspended having been shown red cards in what was an ill-tempered FA Cup fifth round.The latter was among the most popular midfielders in the game but his ownership has plummeted this week as he’s set to miss Newcastle’s league fixtures against West Ham and Brentford as well as the Carabao Cup final.Gordon saw red against BrightonCredit: ReutersGordon’s suspension is far from the only availability headache for Newcastle.Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and will be a big miss for the Magpies having registered seven assists from left-back this campaign.Centre-back Sven Botman is also facing several weeks on the sidelines and may have to undergo further surgery on his troublesome knee.In brighter news, Alexander Isak has been declared fit by Eddie Howe.The Swedish striker, who is the third-most selected asset in his position, was considered a doubt following his withdrawal against Brighton last weekend but he’s since trained without complaint.Kaoru Mitoma appeared in discomfort at St James’ Park last week too but Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that the Japanese winger merely had cramp.The Seagulls have reported no new injuries.Most read in FootballKulusevski won’t return until AprilCredit: GettyDejan Kulusevski is expected to be unavailable until after the March international.The Sweden international did not travel with Tottenham to AZ Alkmaar because of a foot injury.Kulusevski is the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 27 but at the time of writing he still appears in 12.3% of teams.Dominic Solanke returned in the Europa League on Thursday but took a knock before full time.Speaking about the Spurs target man, Ange Postecoglou said: “I think he got a knee into the backside so it’s probably a bit sore. It’s a knock so hopefully it settles down pretty quickly.”First-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are “in the mix” to face Bournemouth.Ruben Amorim admitted he is unsure whether Harry Maguire or Manuel Ugarte will recover in time to face Arsenal on Sunday – the pair skipped Manchester United’s Europa League meeting with Real Sociedad.Gakpo is a “close call”Credit: ReutersCody Gakpo remains a doubt for Liverpool ahead of Southampton’s visit to Anfield.The Netherlands international travelled to Paris in midweek but did not even make the bench against PSG and was unable to train on Thursday.A late decision will be made on the 7.1%-owned forward.Jean-Philippe Mateta will not feature for Crystal Palace against Ipswich this weekend.The in-form striker suffered a nasty cut against Millwall in the FA Cup that required many stitches.Pep Guardiola gave a timeline of ten to eleven weeks for Nathan Ake’s recovery following surgery on the Dutch defender’s foot.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross Barkley, (doubt), Amadou Onana (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Enes Unal, Ryan Christie (doubt)Suspensions: Illia ZabarnyiBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Sepp van den BergSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, Matt O’Riley (doubt)Suspensions: Tariq LampteyCHELSEAInjuries: Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni MaduekeSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Jean-Philippe MatetaSuspensions: Will HughesEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman (doubt), Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman NdiayeSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson, Adama Traore (doubt)Suspensions: Sasa LukicIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Wes Burns, Julio Enciso, Arijanet Muric, Sammie Szmodics, Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess (doubt), Omari HutchinsonSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Cody Gakpo (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan AkeSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte (doubt), Harry Maguire (doubt)Suspensions: Patrick DorguNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis HallSuspensions: Anthony GordonNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos MiguelSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart (doubt), Ryan Fraser (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt), James BreeSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Dominic Solanke (doubt), Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Ben Davies (doubt), Dejan KulusevskiSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal (doubt), Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, Lucas Paqueta (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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    Arsenal files: Update on Raheem Sterling’s future after impressing coaches and historic North London derby on the cards

    RAHEEM STERLING joined Arsenal on loan with the hope of getting more minutes under his belt and lifting his confidence.However, it hasn’t quite worked out that way.Raheem Sterling has had limited minutes at Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyHaving fallen out of favour at Chelsea, the winger was looking for a new challenge to get his smile back.But with limited minutes to his name, Sterling could leave the Emirates feeling disappointed.In this weeks edition of Arsenal Files, Jordan Davies looks at Sterling’s time at the club as well as Ethan Nwaneri’s influence and potential pre-season tour plans.STERLING’S LACK OF CHANCESMore than anything, Sterling was desperate to build a real bond with the Arsenal fans when he joined on Deadline Day last summer, excited to start over after falling out of favour with Chelsea’s ownership.A player in much need of love and support, the Emirates could have been the perfect fit.Sterling has started just nine games so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe forward is yet to score in the Premier League this seasonUnfortunately, seven months into the season, it feels like he will never feel it – purely because he has had very few chances to build any momentum to leave a lasting impression on the Gunners supporters.The call to switch from West to North London was a late one, and so the expectations of what Sterling was going to achieve had to be rational and realistic.A unique opportunity presented itself that Sterling took with open arms, especially because the alternative was sitting in the reserves with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wanting a different profile of winger, or going to the Middle East – something that was never a considerationAt 30 years old, Sterling knew what his role would be under Mikel Arteta – a man he grew to respect and admire when working under him at Manchester City as an assistant under Pep Guardiola.It was not about being the main man, the hero – a title he earned during an impressive seven-year stint at City that saw him lift four Prem titles and score 131 goals in 339 appearances.Mikel Arteta makes light of Arsenal goal rush after PSV thrashing At Arsenal, it was more about being a valuable asset to an already talented squad, using that winning mentality to help Arsenal go on to do the same.And in many aspects, off the pitch in particular, he has executed that part as well as anyone.SunSport understands that he is highly rated and respected by the coaching staff purely for his professionalism and work rate in training, setting standards high.He has worked tirelessly to be a mentor for the young players coming through like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly – a real calming influence in what is a pressurised, cut-throat environment.He has been a likeable and happy presence around London Colney, building a real rapport with staff, thanks partly to his son being in the academy set-up there and loving life in London.He has a great and honest relationship with Arteta.He has never felt frozen out like he did at Chelsea, even when chances have not been presented to him – which is where the real issue lies.Sterling never expected to start every week, but there is a recognition that had he been given more time to prove his worth, to build his confidence, Arsenal would be reaping more rewards, especially given their injury concerns now.He has started just two games back-to-back this term, in October at home to Southampton and then away at Bournemouth – subbed off in the first half of the latter in a 2-0 defeat after William Saliba’s early red card.From November 2 to January 12, he started just once – a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace – albeit with two weeks out during that period due to a minor knee issue.Since then, opportunities have been rare. In one of just TWO games where he has played the full 90 minutes so far this season, he put in a promising performance in a 2-1 Champions League win at Girona on January 29, seeing a late penalty saved.After a challenging display in the 2-0 Prem victory at Leicester on February 15, Arteta told reporters that Sterling needed to have a “big impact” on games with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all out injured.Sterling has been a mentor for young players like Ethan NwaneriCredit: APAnd yet, in the next three matches, he was given a combined 41 minutes from the bench to do so.Critics will say that one goal in 22 appearances is nowhere near good enough, but you can’t do much when you are consistently on the bench, thrown on as an impact sub looking to see out a game.This is down partly to Arteta’s stubbornness as a coach, very rarely rotating even when he has an opportunity to do so – yet that could change for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against PSV next week with a comfortable 7-1 advantage.The latter stages of that competition is where Sterling has historically shown up in his career, with eight goals in the knockouts, something Arteta should take into account.Fellow Englishman Harry Kane has only recently overtaken that tally, scoring his ninth this week for Bayern Munich.So, where does his future lie? SunSport understands that Sterling remains incredibly calm and focused on the present, knowing there are still plenty of games left this season to make his mark.No conversation between club and player regarding his future has taken place just yet, nor has Chelsea been engaged.Perhaps he will only be recognised fully for his achievements for club and country – winning 82 caps for England – once he hangs up his boots, yet Sterling is far from contemplating that just yet.BAGS PACKEDArsenal’s players were filmed boarding the plane for Eindhoven on Monday afternoon following a light training session at London Colney.It is a familiar scene on Prem club social media platforms ahead of a European trip – footballers all smiles strolling across the tarmac, usually clutching a shiny leather holdall or travel bag.Riccardo Calafiori was seen boarding a flight to Eindhoven with an Arsenal-branded bag earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / arsenalThe bag is valued at £90 on Arsenal’s websiteCredit: arsenaldirect.arsenal.comSome of these bags are eye watering in price. In the clip, Brazilian defender Gabriel’s appears to be a carrying a brown Louis Vuitton bag that usually costs around £2k.And yet, when the camera flicks to Italian Riccardo Calafiori, he has – slumped over his right shoulder – an Arsenal-branded bag from the club retail shop costing just £90.SunSport understands that Calafiori sometimes opts to use club retail range luggage on match days instead of a more luxurious personalised one.It appears to be doing the trick, the full-back scoring the seventh of Arsenal’s record-breaking 7-1 win over PSV – popping up on the right wing with an Erling Haaland-style finish.With a Champions League quarter final spot all-but confirmed, Calafiori should be getting some more use out of that bag in the coming weeks.ASIA SUMMER PLANSArsenal are putting together their pre-season plans, with a switch from the United States to Asia this summer potentially on the cards. Hong Kong is an option.Last year, the Gunners played Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles and Liverpool in Philadelphia across seven days in late July.The Gunners could jet to Asia this summer for a pre-season tourCredit: GettyThe Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong could host a matchCredit: APBut the staging of the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA from June 14 to July 13 across 11 host cities has complicated another trip across the pond.There are suggestions Asia could now play host to the first ever North London Derby outside of the UK with Tottenham likely to be in that area with Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou.One of the venues that could hold the match is the newly-developed Kai Tak Sports Park – the 50,000 capacity stadium with a customisable pitch system and retractable roof was only opened on March 1.And a spokesperson from the Hong Kong government has exclusively told SunSport: “We are in active discussion to bring world-class football matches to be staged at the new Kai Tak Stadium. Details will be announced in due course.”Arsenal’s last pre-season in Asia was in the summer of 2018 – Unai Emery’s first months in charge after replacing Arsene Wenger – where they played Atletico Madrid and PSG in Singapore.WAYNE’S WORLDEthan Nwaneri is growing into his role as one of the Prem’s most exciting young players, scoring his eighth goal of the season in all competitions away in Eindhoven.He is now just one behind matching Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen’s record of netting nine senior goals before turning 18.Nwaneri is on the verge of matching a record held by Wayne Rooney and Michael OwenCredit: GettySeventeen-year-old Nwaneri has 14 days to go and beat that before his birthday on March 21.Rooney – the Manchester United and England great – was a pundit for Amazon at the Philips Stadion to watch Nwaneri find the net in the 7-1 thumping of PSV, and was very impressed.But how do the pair compare? There is a pleasing symmetry in terms of their first senior goals – both scoring twice in a League Cup tie.Rooney got his for Everton away at Wrexham in a 3-0 win in October 2002. Nwaneri bagged his brace in September 2024 in a 5-1 victory at home to Bolton.Where Nwaneri perhaps has the edge is that Rooney’s other seven came solely in Prem games – home and away against Arsenal as well as the likes of Leeds and Newcastle.Nwaneri meanwhile has strutted his stuff in the Champions League already, scoring against PSV and also Girona in January.Rooney would likely argue that he was scoring against the reigning Prem champions Arsenal in October 2002 when he was still only 16.Owen perhaps was on another level entirely, scoring a hat-trick against Grimsby in the League Cup in November 1997 as part of his nine, going on to share the Prem Golden Boot with Dion Dublin and Chris Sutton with 18 goals as well as the Prem Player of the Season.How fitting would it be if Nwaneri scores his ninth goal to equal the record at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday – the place where Rooney become a global superstar.Also, both Rooney and Owen had their breakthroughs a year before going to light up a major tournament for England at Euro 2004 and the 1998 World Cup respectively.Will Nwaneri do enough to get his chance under Thomas Tuchel in 2026? 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    Liam Roberts slapped with huge extended ban after Mateta horror challenge as Millwall release ‘disappointed’ statement

    MILLWALL goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been hit with an additional three-match ban by the FA.Roberts was sent off for a horrendous tackle on Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta in the FA Cup last weekend.Liam Roberts was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: GettyThe keeper has been hit with an additional three-match banCredit: GettyMateta received oxygen and was taken to hospitalCredit: GettyMateta received oxygen on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he received 25 stitches in his ear.Roberts was shown a red card by Michael Oliver, who initially did not even award a free-kick.The keeper was set to serve a three-match ban for dangerous play, but has now been handed a more severe punishment by the FA.Millwall revealed they were “disappointed” by the decision to extend Roberts’ ban but respect the processes undertaken.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe FA appealed the usual three-match ban because they believed the nature of the offence mean the standard punishment was “clearly insufficient”.Mateta was released from hospital after a few hours as outrage grew surrounding the incident.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish declared it “the most reckless tackle I’ve seen”.He said: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.Most read in Football”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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    Who are the managers for the Sidemen Charity match 2025?

    SIDEMEN FC are taking on YouTube Allstars at Wembley on Saturday in a massive Wembley clash.The match will be played by the Sidemen alongside fellow YouTubers and celebrities.KSI will captain Sidemen FC at WembleyCredit: AlamyJosh ‘TheBurntChip’ Larkin will be the YouTube Allstars managerCredit: GettyOriginally played at St Marys Stadium, Southampton, the match has scaled up in size the more the group have played.For three years the match was played at Charlton’s The Valley, while in the most recent iteration in 2023 the match was played at The London Stadium, home of West Ham.Since the reincarnation of the match in 2022, each side has been drafted a manager by the Sidemen.In 2022 and 2023, the manager of YouTube Allstars was streamer Mark Goldbridge, and for Sidemen FC it was former memeber of the F2 freestylers Billy Wingrove.Read more SidemenWho are the managers for the Sidemen Charity Match?There will be two new managers in the dugout for both sides this year.For Sidemen FC, YouTuber Calfreezy will be in the dugout, and for YouTube Allstars YouTubers TheBurntChip will be in the dugout.Calfreezy is known for his YouTube channel, where he now primarily does food reviews on famous spots around London and America.TheBurntChip makes a range of content, with his recent uploads including travel vlogs, pub golf, a recreate of the series Come Dine With Me and YouTuber kart racing. Most read in FootballHow to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?In previous years, the game has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be the same.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off is expected to be at 3pm, but further details will be confirmed closer to the day.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.SunSport will blog all the action as it happens. More