Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 188 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Many of Dream Team’s most popular defenders are floundering but is it time to panic?

    DREAM TEAM managers are facing a crisis.Points are drying up for many of the game’s most popular defenders and it’s not all that clear whether gaffers should stick or twist.Slim pickingsCredit: Dream TeamTrent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) remains the most selected defender with an ownership of 26% but he’s immune to this trend because he capitalised on a favourable FA Cup match-up with Accrington Stanley with a goal and clean sheet for a 17-point return on Saturday.But for William Saliba (£4.9m), Virgil van Dijk (£5.1m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m), the second, third and fourth most popular defenders, it’s been slim pickings of late.Arsenal’s French centre-back has mustered nine points from his last four outings while Liverpool’s captain has scraped eight points together from his three most recent games.Manchester City’s Croatian left-back has registered 17 points from his last five appearances.It’s a similar story for Rico Lewis (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£2.9m), Diogo Dalot (£3.2m) and Andy Robertson (£4m), who are all within the 15 most selected defenders at present.Gvardiol’s returns have dried up during Man City’s slumpCredit: GettyGabriel (£5m) is exempt because he scored against Manchester United last time out, his fifth goal of the season, but his owners received just six points from his previous three outings.Pedro Porro (£4.2m), Lewis Hall (£4.4m) and the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold are the only (relatively) popular defenders who have provided healthy returns lately.That’s the state of play but how should Dream Team bosses react?Most read in FootballThe first thing to note is that Gameweek 19 is not yet complete.A clean sheet for Arsenal in the North London derby this evening will put Gabriel and Saliba’s backers at ease.Ruben Amorim will be hopeful of a stress-free win at home to Southampton on Thursday night given Saints are rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points to their name.Gabriel and Saliba have been short on clean sheets latelyCredit: GETTYFurther blanks for the Gunners and Red Devils will really set the cat among the pigeons.Gaffers will be understandably reluctant to ditch most of the aforementioned defenders because the upcoming schedule favours Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Man United and Tottenham.These six teams have four fixtures to fulfil across Gameweeks 20 and 21 because of Champions League and Europa League commitments – the other 14 clubs will play just twice in the same time frame.UPCOMING DOUBLE GAMEWEEKSMANCHESTER CITY vs Ipswich (a) & PSG (a), Chelsea (h) & Club Brugge (h)ARSENAL vs Aston Villa (h) & Dinamo Zagreb (h), Wolves (a) & Girona (a)LIVERPOOL vs Brentford (a) & Lille (h), Ipswich (h) & PSV (a)ASTON VILLA vs Arsenal (a) & Monaco (a), West Ham (h) & Celtic (h)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Brighton (h) & Rangers (h), Fulham (a) & FCSB (a)TOTTENHAM vs Everton (a) & Hoffenheim (a), Leicester (h) & Elfsborg (h)There are plenty of points on offer there for Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs on paper but gaffers stacked with Man United and Man City defenders will probably be more keen on replacements.Mazraoui is a tackle machine but his points have dwindled in recent GameweeksCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s side just aren’t right at present, particularly at the back where they’re still conceding far too many clearcut opportunities.14.1%-owned Lewis didn’t play a single minute in Gameweek 19.Whereas Man United haven’t kept a clean sheet since December 1st.READ MORE SUN STORIESDepending on what happens at the Emirates tonight, Porro is likely to be a popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 20 deadline.While others have floundered, Spurs’ right-back has notched 31 points from his last four games and is up to third in the defensive rankings.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    How Arsenal could line up against bitter rivals Tottenham with ex-England man making only third Prem start of season

    ARSENAL host fierce rivals Tottenham this evening with boss Mikel Arteta having plenty of key decisions to ponder.The Gunners go into the match with the right side of their attack having been decimated by injury.Mikel Arteta has plenty of selection dilemmas to ponderCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus was taken off on a stretcher against Man UtdCredit: GettyBukayo Saka remains a long-term absentee with a hamstring injury, while Ethan Nwaneri also has a muscular injury.Gabriel Jesus became their latest attacker to be struck by the injury bug on Sunday, when he was taken off on a stretcher with an ACL issue.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will have little sympathy for Arteta, with the Lilywhites having plenty of injury issues of their own.Nevertheless, the Spaniard will have his work cut out in selecting the correct combination up front.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGabriel Martinelli would seem a shoo-in to start on the left flank, with Kai Havertz likely to continue down the middle.The right wing is harder to predict, given Arsenal’s injury issues.Raheem Sterling replaced Jesus on Sunday, and could come in to make just his third Premier League start for the Gunners.Arteta could alternatively turn to Leandro Trossard.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYArsenal’s goalkeeper and centre-backs pick themselves, with David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to start.Jurrien Timber is likely to begin at right-back, although Arteta could go for Thomas Partey.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Jesus injury Myles Lewis-Skelly may get the nod over Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are certainties to start in Arsenal’s midfield three – and could be partnered by any of Partey, Mikel Merino or even Kai Havertz.Should Havertz play in midfield, Sterling could be an option to fill in up front.In addition to Saka, Nwaneri and Jesus, Arsenal also have defensive injuries to deal with.Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori are all out with knee injuries.Tottenham, meanwhile, have several absentees of their own.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is out, as well as defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.Ben Davies has returned to training, but is unlikely to feature.READ MORE SUN STORIESRodrigo Bentancur remains sidelined with concussion protocols, while Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner will miss out with muscular issues.Richarlison could make his return following three months out with a hamstring injury.Richarlison is back in training for SpursCredit: Rex More

  • 238 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against Leicester

    CHELSEA have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his Crystal Palace loan just hours before the Eagles’ match against Leicester.The centre-back was shipped off on loan to Selhurst Park last summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca.Chelsea have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal PalaceCredit: PABut the Athletic claims Chalobah is now set to play an “important role” after being brought back to Stamford Bridge.The versatile centre-back had become a big player for Palace after returning from injury.He was in line to start tonight’s league clash against Leicester, having already played 14 times under Oliver Glasner while scoring three goals in the process.But it’s claimed that Palace did not stand in the way of Chelsea’s decision to recall the 25-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are said to “appreciate” Palace’s handling of the situation.As for Chalobah, could now slot straight into Chelsea’s XI alongside Levi Colwill following injuries to several Blues stars.Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season with a fresh hamstring blow.While Benoit Badiashile is also sidelined for the foreseeable with a thigh problem.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAxel Disasi is also thought to be in talks over a transfer exit and was left out of last night’s squad for the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.It meant Chelsea only had Tosin Adarabioyo and youngster Josh Acheampong available to partner Colwill.Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Player Ratings articleBut Chalobah’s return shores things up for the Blues at the back.And it likely rules out the need for a new centre-back purchase, with Chelsea having been linked with Palace captain Marc Guehi.It marks an incredible U-turn for Chalobah, who was axed to Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ over the summer.Training alongside other misfits like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, Chalobah was left out of the Blues’ pre-season tour to the US.Now, he could be the man who helps saves Chelsea’s season after a five-game winless run.Maresca’s men have picked up just three points from the last possible 15, throwing their title credentials into disarray and now leaving them in a dogfight for a top four finish which appeared a certainty a month ago. More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Micah Richards leaves Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in fits of laughter as he reveals weirdest job offer yet

    MICAH RICHARDS left Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in fits of laughter as he revealed his weirdest-ever job offer.The former Man City and England star enjoyed a glittering career as a footballer.Micah Richards revealed the most bizarre job offer he’s ever receivedCredit: Youtube / therestisfootballThe weird email left Gary Lineker in stitchesCredit: Youtube / therestisfootballAlan Shearer also had a laugh over the job offerCredit: Youtube / therestisfootballHe won a Premier League title and FA Cup during his time at the Etihad.And while picking up 13 England caps, he also spent time at Fiorentina and Aston Villa.After retiring in 2019, Richards then moved into punditry.He has worked for the likes of TNT Sports and CBS Sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Richards also links up with ex-England stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer for their Rest is Football podcast.But speaking on the latest episode, Richards revealed there was one bizarre job offer he did not take up.The ace had his pals in stitches as he described receiving an email asking if he wanted to become a STRIPPER.Richards didn’t fancy saying yes though and admits he is still in the dark as to whether or not it was a wind up.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “No joke, and I want to keep it PG, I got an email, I don’t know if it was banter or not, but they asked me if I wanted to get into male stripping!”This caused Lineker and Shearer to go into fits of laughter, with the latter exclaiming: “That’s the advert to sell this podcast!”Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Lineker then chimed in: “You know what happened. In the end they went for (Pablo) Zabaleta.”Fellow right-back Zabaleta was Richards’ teammate at City and ended up taking the Englishman’s spot in the team.Lineker’s joke caused Richards to squeal with laughter.The ex-City man continued: “Obviously I didn’t respond to the email. “They said something about ‘you’ve got a really good physique, a great smile. I think you could entertain the crowd’. I was like ‘god!’”Shearer then said: “This is worse than me saying I’d scored 35 or 40 goals!”READ MORE SUN STORIESRichards noted: “I didn’t respond so I didn’t know whether it was real or banter.”Shearer responded: “I’ve never been asked…”  More

  • 175 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Former Liverpool star, 34, moves away from football for luxury property business worth millions

    A FORMER Liverpool captain has opened up a luxury property business in Dubai as he continues his transition away from football.Mamadou Sakho, 34, has launched his career as an entrepreneur after leaving French club Montpellier under a cloud.Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has launched his career as an entreprenuerCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoThe main venture of Sakho & Co. is ‘Sakho properties’Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoSakho played for Liverpool for three seasons but left early into Jurgen Klopp’s reignCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former Premier League defender, who was a leader at Anfield from 2013 to 2017, set up Sakho & Co in Dubai in November.His property and interior design business runs with the motto of ‘Elevate Your Game’.The company also deals in consulting and video production. Sakho joined Crystal Palace in 2017 and spent three seasons at Selhurst Park before moving to Montpellier as a free agent in 2021.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he reportedly quit the Ligue 1 side two years later over a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible bust-up with their manager.At the time, Sakho said he will “leave like a man” – amid claims he grabbed and pushed boss Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground row.Sakho joined little-known Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi in June 2024, playing for them 13 times. But the 29-capped France international’s social media output has been focused on his lifestyle and business in the United Arab Emirates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis new venture has seen him rub shoulders with the likes of Max Verstappen, Bacary Sagna, Florent Malouda, and ex-Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke. The dominant strand of his business, Sakho properties, works across Dubai, Paris, Marrakech, and Senegal.Crystal Palace player Mamadou Sakho shows off his £250k Rolls Royce birthday present to himselfSakho has hired multiple professionals to aid himCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoOne property advertised is a 75th-floor penthouse with panoramic views in DubaiCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoThe ex-Liverpool star lives a life of luxury in DubaiA quick browse of his website shows luxury properties worth millions.One five-bed waterfront villa is selling for £9.6million in the exclusive Dubai neighbourhood of Palm Jumeirah, according to The Mail.Sakho regularly features in the business’ videos, walking prospective buyers around properties, decked out in his sunglasses. Alongside his launch party in November, Sakho posted: “It is finally time to share a project that unites my passion for football with my entrepreneurial spirit.”A spirit that has been forged and enriched in recent years and to which every minute of my free time has been dedicated.”I can’t wait to introduce you to Sakho & Co, an ecosystem that offers a complete range of interconnected services designed to support entrepreneurs, investors and individuals looking for tailor-made solutions!”Team Sakho and Co. are based in DubaiSakho regularly updates his 1.6million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoHis new life in the United Arab Emirates has seen him become a guest of Red Bull at the F1Liverpool signed Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain for £18million in September 2013.He arrived with a big reputation, having been PSG’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 17 years and eight months. He helped the Reds finish second in the Prem under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013-14 season.But Sakho, who captained Liverpool several times in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, fell out with Jurgen Klopp in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States after missing a team meeting and turning up late to a recovery session. The Frenchman spent that season on loan at Palace before joining the London side permanently for £26m in September 2017. Sakho linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke (right)Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoEx-Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna also attended Sakho’s launchJurgen Klopp banished Sakho from pre-season training in 2016/17Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe later spent three seasons with Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters More

  • 275 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Arsenal vs Tottenham: All you need to know ahead of North London derby and where huge clash will be won and lost

    ARSENAL host Tottenham this evening in what is set to be a mouthwatering North London derby.The Gunners will be desperate to resurrect their spluttering title chase, following devastating cup defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United.Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup on SundayCredit: AlamyTottenham will look to put a dent in the Gunners’ title bidCredit: GettyTottenham, meanwhile, hope to shake off their FA Cup scare at Tamworth to derail their fierce rivals’ campaign.Arsenal will have to cope without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri in their front-line, with the trio all crocked.While Spurs’ defence remains decimated, as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie miss out.Here, SunSport runs through the tantalising clash that could make or break both clubs’ seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow much pressure is on the manager going into NLD?Arsenal: This is the most pressure Mikel Arteta has been under in years, but is he close to the sack? No chance.Yet there is now an expectation and understanding around the club and the fan base that going a few games without a win is unacceptable.Lose to their most bitter rivals at home and that will be ramped up another notch with major questions being asked of Arteta, as well as putting another dent in their withering title charge.Tottenham: Some, but not as much as you may think given Spurs have lost half their 20 Premier League games this season.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYAnge Postecoglou remains backed by the hierarchy who are understanding of his injury crisis, while the Aussie still has the team in all cup competitions.The “very poor” form in the league, as Postecoglou put it, must improve though and you would fear for him if the losing ratio does not improve.Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassSupporters, at least the ones that attend games, are still generally on Postecoglou’s side too.Unlike his predecessors, the 59-year-old has not aimed any thinly-veiled digs towards Daniel Levy and the board over backing and says the responsibility lies squarely with him.That will not be enough to save the ex-Celtic boss if there is not an upturn eventually, but cannot hurt when Levy is mulling over his latest manager’s fate.Some questions have been asked of Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyPostecoglou, 59, has had to deal with several key injuriesCredit: GettyWhere has it gone wrong this winter?Arsenal: To put it simply: injuries, illness and key players out of form. Losing Bukayo Saka was a huge blow, and without him the squad look bereft of ideas, inspiration or belief.Kai Havertz and skipper Martin Odegaard suffered the most from the Christmas sickness bug that hit the players, and their performances have slumped as a result.The likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus are also either injured or preparing to come back from injury.It has been a brutal winter for Arsenal, one they need to shake off fast.Tottenham: Injuries mainly, and also, in part, Postecoglou’s refusal to adapt in spite of them.Spurs have been decimated, particularly in defence.Starting centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven – as well as back-up Ben Davies – have all been out for a while and continue to be absent.The same can be said for left-back Destiny Udogie, while Guglielmo Vicario’s fractured ankle was so key that the club pushed forward plans to buy another goalkeeper and brought in Antonin Kinsky last week.Yet Postecoglou continued to persevere to play out from the back in Vicario’s absence, even when Fraser Forster, the man who came for the Italian, was ill-suited to it.But being down the to the bare bones, as Harry Redknapp would put it, was the key.Richarlison is back for the North London derby but has been injured for nigh-on the whole season.Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off against Man UtdCredit: PARicharlison has returned to Tottenham trainingCredit: RexDo they need to buy in January?Arsenal: Yes, badly. An attacking threat is required with Saka, Jesus and Nwaneri currently out as well as Havertz missing his shooting boots the last few weeks.Arsenal are actively on the lookout for recruits, but they have their limitations when it comes to finances, and could even eye a makeshift loan move.That is how desperate they are.Tottenham: Yes, and they already have.Kinsky, 21, has been recruited from Slavia Prague for £12.5million plus add-ons.He has made an electric start and became the first Spurs keeper for a hundred years to keep a clean sheet in his first two games after Sunday’s shut-out against Tamworth.But more is needed with the club identifying centre-back, central midfield and a versatile attacker before the window opened.A midfielder is looking less likely at the moment but up top is definitely an area they want to have bolstered by February.Arteta is keen for new recruitsCredit: GettyAntonin Kinsky has hit the ground running at SpursCredit: RexWhat is an acceptable finish to the season?Arsenal: While top spot is what Arteta, the players and the fans dream of, there must be a realisation that given how this season has gone and the gap between themselves and Liverpool, a top four finish – preferably in second place – would just about be acceptable.However, supporters will not be happy if the Gunners end up battling for fourth spot with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea.Tottenham: The cups and Europe have become hugely significant.For fans, the league is gone. Spurs are nearer to the drop zone than fourth spot, so hopes have dwindled of reaching the Champions League.Postecoglou still feels his side can go on a run when they get their players back but winning the Europa League looks their best route to qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition.Levy and the board will not like to see regression after last season’s fifth-placed finish and generally have not seemed to put too much stock in the cups.Indeed, Levy even hinted that the League Cup should be done away with when speaking at a fans’ forum earlier this season.Ironically though, if Postecoglou can win that competition, then it could go a long way to quelling the fan disharmony towards Levy, given the lack of trophies is the stick they beat him with during his 25-year tenure.Arsenal could be dragged into a top four battleCredit: ReutersPostecoglou is chasing a trophy with TottenhamCredit: GettyDescribe the mood of the manager in three words…Arsenal: Edgy, impatient, determined.Tottenham: Jekyll-and-Hyde (IF THAT’S ONE WORD), spiky (then) charming.Where will the derby be won and lost?Arsenal: The wide players.Arteta has a choice of whether to throw Raheem Sterling on the right, or use one of either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli as a makeshift right winger to link up with playmaker Odegaard.Get that right, and Havertz could finally get the service he needs to end his mini-rut.Tottenham: Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal, especially without stricken striker Gabriel Jesus, is an obvious boost to Spurs.But for all the talk of Postecoglou’s side being wide open at the back, Spurs’ nine goals conceded on the road in the league is actually the lowest in the division.Tottenham looked more pragmatic in their 1-0 win over Liverpool and Postecoglou could try to replicate it here.Too often his midfield has been too easy to play through but one of Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma and wonderkid Lucas Bergvall could be more resilient.That of course would mean benching James Maddison, but that Postecoglou has done that quite frequently this season and will not be afraid to again.Arsenal’s 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season was a tight affair and a similar game would not be a surprise.READ MORE SUN STORIESPredictionsJordan Davies: 2-1 ArsenalTom Barclay: 1-1Leandro Trossard could be deployed on the right flankCredit: GettyIt will be interesting to see if James Maddison starts for SpursCredit: Rex More

  • 213 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League updates as Gunners host bitter rivals in blockbuster North London derby

    ARSENAL are taking on fierce rivals Tottenham in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to bounce back after they crashed out of the FA Cup to Manchester United last weekend.Mikel Arteta’s men still have hope of winning the Premier League title, but they will need a near-perfect second half of the season and a drastic drop-off from Liverpool to do so.Elsewhere, Tottenham have slipped into the bottom half of the table after claiming just one point from their last four games in the top flight.Ange Postecoglu will be hoping for a huge win at the home of their North London rivals to raise his stock amongst the Spurs fan base.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Arsenal team: To follow…Tottenham team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Early team newsArsenal will have to cope without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri in their front line tonight, with the trio all crocked.Ben White is also out alongside long-term absentee Takehiro Tomiyasu.Spurs’ defence remains decimated, as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are set to miss out.Rodrigo Bentancur remains in the concussion protocol after his scary collapse on the field against Liverpool earlier this month, while Richarlison looks set to feature for the first time since early November.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHead to headTonight represents the 211th instalment of the North London derby, one of English football’s fiercest.Tottenham are winless in the last five meetings between the two teams, going back to 3-0 victory over the Gunners in May 2022. And you have to go way back to 2010 for the last time they won a Premier League clash at the Emirates.Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal (September 2024)Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal (April 2024)Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (September 2023)Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal (January 2023)Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham (October 2022) Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPostecoglou discusses big Kinsky challengeAnge Postecoglou admits one part of Antonin Kinsky’s game will be severely tested in his first North London Derby this evening and explains why the Tottenham goalkeeper has a big role to play in the high-pressure encounter.He said: “It’s a different challenge but it’s more to do with mindset in that he’s prepared to embrace that challenge, and the challenge we found in the last game when we found out just how strong they are on offensive set pieces and the players they’ve got in terms of both delivery and execution.“You need to be well organised, but you also need your goalkeeper to play a pivotal role. So far what I’ve seen of him he’s embraced those challenges.“It’s not easy going to a place like Tamworth and they’re throwing balls literally under the crossbar and you’ve got about 20 bodies around you, and as much as it’s about technical ability it’s more about mindset and tackling that and he didn’t shy away from it.“That really helped us because it gives confidence to the players around him because they know if it’s in his area, he’s going to come for it and they can focus on their job.”Copy linkCopiedArteta recalls Wilshere’s viral momentMikel Arteta has recalled Jack Wilshere’s passion for the NLD after witnessing the former midfielder’s viral moment when he was a player.Arteta told TNT Sports: “I remember having a few conversations with Jack about it.”Because Jack was very passionate about the rivalry, as we all know about.”He made it public a few times, which was at the time very viral. So that’s probably something that’s stuck in my head from a player’s perspective.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou hits out at ‘narrative’Ange Postecoglou has taken issue with being perceived as someone who does not care about the defensive side of the game, explaining why he feels that his Tottenham side have done well at the back this season.He said: “You don’t want to hear my explanation, you’d rather hear that I don’t like defending, we’re open, that we have this ridiculously high line, that we get torn apart in every game. “That’s the narrative.”Copy linkCopiedKeown makes controversial team pickFormer Arsenal star believes only one Tottenham player would get into the Gunners team.Keown picked his combined XI as he spoke to TNT Sports.“Merino or Kulusevski?” Keown was asked.“Oh, Kulusevski is probably the only player who deserves to be in the Arsenal XI.Copy linkCopiedSol Campbell stars in hilarious advertGoogle have added to the NLD build-up by selecting Sol Campbell to star in a humuours advert encouraging buyers to switch to their Google Pixel phone.Copy linkCopiedTottenham receive injury boostTottenham Hotspur have received a significant injury boost ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal as Richarlison returns to the squad after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian forward, who is considered one of Spurs’ most important players, has been out for several weeks due to fitness issues but is now ready to make his comeback.Postecoglou said: “It’s just good to get Richy back, he’s had an unfortunate season for us, but last season when he played, and even the little bit he played this season when he injured his hamstring, he fights and scraps for everything, and he’s got quality as well.“Just having an extra attacking player, with him and Mikey (Moore) available now makes such a difference in what we can do during games, between games, in terms of the way we play.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou on the NLD derbyTottenham boss Postecoglou knows this is not just a normal game and has talked about the added spice of this fixture.Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the match, Postecoglou said: “If there’s territory involved that usually gives it an extra bit of spice. There’s definitely territory involved because there’s a piece of turf that people want to own.”What I’ve never done is dismiss it as, ‘it’s just another game’, because it’s not, that’s the reality of it.”We’re all sort of people who are still very much in our own communities and when you’re walking that’s the first thing people say to you so you know the significance of the game.”There’s no point me going in there and saying, ‘boys just treat this like any other game’, because it’s not.”There is a little bit more of an emotional presence in terms of you want the players to understand the ramifications of both the good and the bad, but also prepare themselves for the intensity, the tempo, the passion that exists for this fixture.”Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Arsenal vs Tottenham!North London derby day is here as Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners will be looking to bounce back after their painful FA Cup penalty defeat by Manchester United and keep alive their Premier League title hopes.Mikel Arteta’s side can go within four points of leaders Liverpool with victory, although the Reds will have one game in hand.While Spurs head into the match on a run of two successive wins in cup competitions including the 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last week.Tottenham, however, have failed to win in their last four Prem matches but victory tonight will have this as a minor memory.Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you ALL of the latest build-up to the big one at the Emirates.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

  • 213 Shares149 Views

    in Soccer

    Former Premier League star, 34, looks unrecognisable topless in freezing conditions as he takes on Iceman challenge

    FORMER Chelsea and Fulham star Andre Schurrle looked unrecognisable as he went topless in freezing conditions while taking on the Iceman challenge.Schurrle, 34, spent 18 months at Chelsea between 2013 and 2015 before returning to England in the 2018/19 season with west London rivals Fulham.Andre Schurrle went topless as he completed the Iceman challengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/The former Chelsea and Fulham star braved cold conditions without a shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/Pals joined him on the bonkers tripCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/Having retired in 2020 aged just 29, the German World Cup winner now enjoys hikes on mountains across Europe.And his latest endeavour saw him complete the Iceman challenge — AGAIN.Inspired by Dutch celeb Wim Hof, it saw Schurrle and pals take on an extremely gruelling hike before stripping down to just their shorts.The group then climbed a mountain in snow-covered conditions to prove their mental strength.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSchurrle and friends were all smiles as they posed for a photo at the top.And it turned out to be the THIRD straight year the group had completed the challenge.Schurrle said: “Look at us! What a day! Pushed through the absolute limit! With my brothers!“The coldest I have ever been! Discomfort! Pain! Suffer! Growth!”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSchurrle’s hiking ventures certainly mark a drastic change in his career.The ace was one regarded as one of Europe’s top wingers, having first starred at Bundesliga clubs Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen.Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Player Ratings articleSchurrle loves climbing mountains after retirementCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/He and pals have done the Iceman challenge three years in a rowCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/Schurrle retired from football aged just 29Credit: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/Chelsea then signed Schurrle for £18million in 2013.And he went on to score 14 times in 65 games while winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup under Jose Mourinho.Schurrle then spent 18 months at Wolfsburg where he won the German Cup and German SuperCup.A further two-year spell at Borussia Dortmund resulted in another German Cup.Schurrle won a Premier League title at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe enjoyed a loan spell at London rivals FulhamCredit: ReutersSchurrle bagged the assist that won the 2014 World Cup for GermanyCredit: Getty – ContributorAnd Schurrle then returned to England with Fulham in 2018, scoring six times in 25 outings for the Cottagers.The following season saw him loaned out to Russian side Spartak Moscow.But despite being shy of 30, Schurrle decided it was time to hang up his boots.He retired with 57 Germany caps to his name, scoring an impressive 22 times in the process.READ MORE SUN STORIESSchurrle bagged the assist for Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina.And his last cap for Germany came in 2017. More