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    Premier League title race won’t be decided until May 10 with Arsenal triumph now a serious possibility

    ARSENAL have emerged as serious title contenders after moving four points off Liverpool.The Gunners racked up their 12 victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over rivals Tottenham on Wednesday.Arsenal have many reasons to feel they could beat Liverpool in the title raceCredit: EPAAnd it means the race for top spot in the Premier League won’t be decided until Arsenal take on Liverpool in a crucial clash on May 10.Arne Slot’s men have shown they may not be able to steamroll their way to the title, having drawn four matches in the past six weeks.Indeed, there are plenty of reasons for Gunners fans to feel positive about their season, having narrowly finished behind Man City in the past two years.Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at why it could finally be Arsenal’s time to end their Premier League title drought…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLIVERPOOL’S TOUGH RUN-INARSENAL and Liverpool face each other on May 10 in what will be their third-final match of the Premier League season.However, the quality of opponents in their other remaining games differ greatly.Before going to Anfield, Arsenal have home games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to look forward to.There’s another tricky home test against a resurgent Newcastle side afterwards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the Gunners end their season with a trip to bottom-place Southampton, which should be a straight-forward victory.As for Liverpool, their final two games are away to Brighton and at home against Crystal Palace.Arteta not sure about trophy hopes after ‘incredible’ Arsenal loss But before Arsenal, Liverpool first welcome Tottenham to Anfield.They then travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.And the tough run of games could take their toll on several ageing senior stars.Arsenal have the better record in a mini-table between the teamsCredit: GettyMINI TABLE JOYBOTH teams have played just eight of the exact same fixtures this season.But it’s Arsenal who come out on top in a mini league.The Gunners have won six of those eight games while drawing one and losing one.As for Liverpool, they have won five of the same eight, drawing two and also losing one.Arsenal scored 21 goals in those matches, with Liverpool bagging one more for 22.But the Reds also conceded more goals, shipping 11 to Arsenal’s seven.Arsenal vs Liverpool mini-tableBrighton (H) – Arsenal 1-1, Liverpool 2-1Crystal Palace (A) – Arsenal 5-1, Liverpool 1-0Leicester (H) – Arsenal 4-2, Liverpool 3-1Man Utd (H) – Arsenal 2-0, Liverpool 2-2Newcastle (A) – Arsenal 0-1, Liverpool 3-3Nottingham Forest (H) – Arsenal 3-0, Liverpool 0-1Tottenham (A) – Arsenal 1-0, Liverpool 6-3West Ham (A) – Arsenal 5-2, Liverpool 5-0Arsenal – W6 D1 L1 F21 A7Liverpool – W5 D2 L1 F22 A11Liverpool are still sweating over the futures of three starsCredit: EPAREDS’ CONTRACT DISPUTESLIVERPOOL have been on a roll this season, with key men Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all playing major parts under Slot.However, the trio have also been dealing with an additional narrative over their futures.Each star is out of contract this summer, and none of them look close to penning an extension.Van Dijk has remained tight-lipped over his future while Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid.As for Salah, he’s already declared it will be his final season at Anfield.Foreign clubs can now strike pre-contract agreements with all three players as manager Slot faces an anxious wait.And it’s just one more major headache for Liverpool to deal with as they also focus on their football and results.Arsenal have been hit by numerous injury issuesCredit: GettyARSENAL’S DUE LUCKARSENAL are sure due a bit of good fortune this season.The Gunners have been hit by multiple injuries, with key men including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard missing chunks of the season.Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been big misses in defence.While Gabriel Jesus has become the latest casualty after picking up an ACL problem.It means things can only get better for Arsenal as more and more players return to action.As for Liverpool, they have been fortunate to keep their key men fit while also playing in the Champions League.And starting the same players several times a week could come back to haunt Slot down the line.Arsenal fans also feel they have been on the receiving end of several dodgy decisions from referees.And the second half of the season could see things balance out for Mikel Arteta.Man City will be out to spoil the partyCredit: AlamyCITY PARTY POOPERSA fifth consecutive title may look out of reach for Man City right now.But the champions are sure to have a big say in this season’s race even if they are not there.Pep Guardiola’s men have consistently ruffled the feathers of both Arsenal and Liverpool through the years.And their dismal form this term is sure to come to an end shortly.City have already been beaten by Liverpool while managing to secure a draw against Arsenal.But the Gunners’ next fixture against City is at home.It’s sandwiched between a Champions League group stage game against Girona, which they should win comfortably.While on the other side is the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi at Newcastle, where they already trail 2-0 and may be happy to field a weakened XI.However, Liverpool face a different story as they have to go the Etihad for their City clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn top of that, the match is sandwiched between two crunch Premier League games against Wolves and Newcastle – both of which will be must-wins in Slot’s eyes.City have also lost one title race to Liverpool in the past and may deem them the greater threat to their long-term dominance. 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    Footballer rushed to hospital and opponent arrested as shock ‘out of the blue’ attack sees match abandoned

    AN amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attack during a women’s football match.The 24-year-old was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC last Sunday afternoon against home team Tonyrefail Welfare Ladies.An amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attackCredit: WNSThe footballer was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC against home team Tonyrefail Welfare LadiesCredit: Google MapsOfficials abandoned the game after the incident.South Wales Police confirmed a 25-year-old woman from Tonyrefail was arrested on suspicion of assault and is on bail pending further inquiries.The injured woman is from Newport. Goytre Women’s FC tweeted: “Everyone at the club is appalled at the violent assault inflicted on one of our players yesterday which saw the game abandoned, our player hospitalised and the attacker arrested.Read More on Football”If anyone is able to provide a witness statement or video footage to help with the police investigation please get in contact with us. “Our thoughts and well wishes are with our player and her family & friends as she begins her recovery.”We’d also like to thank the paramedics and staff at the @CwmTafMorgannwg Royal Glamorgan Hospital for taking care and treating our player for her injuries and @swpolice for responding so quickly to events yesterday and we await the results of their investigation.”Goytre FC club secretary Simon Ritter said the player was attacked suddenly about an hour into the game when the team was winning 6-0.Most read in FootballRitter added that she is now recovering at home after getting a scan at the hospital.He said: “I’ve been involved in football for 20 years and never heard of anything like this before. “The assault came out of the blue.” More

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    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney add third football club to portfolio after Wrexham success

    RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have bought Colombian top-flight side La Equidad.The duo, who have owned Wrexham since 2021, are part of a star-studded consortium that have completed the purchase.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their latest purchaseCredit: GettyLa Equidad play at the 10,000-seater Estadio Metropolitano de TechoCredit: GettyIn addition to Reynolds and McElhenney, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria is also part of the ownership group, as well as MLB star Justin Verlander and model wife Kate Upton, podcaster Scott Galloway and former NBA player Shawn Marion.The consortium is fronted by real estate investor Al Tylis and business associate Sam Porter.In 2021, they completed the purchase of Mexican side Club Necaxa.Reynolds and McElhenney came onboard last April, with the consortium taking a reciprocal stake in Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon the consortium completing their latest takeover, Porter told The Athletic: “I am pleased to confirm that Al Tylis, our investment partners, and I have successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad.”This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football.”We are privileged to collaborate with an outstanding group of investors, including Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Shawn Marion, who have been instrumental in our project at Club Necaxa in Mexico.”Together, we are committed to elevating the club to its highest potential.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYEva Longoria is also part of the star-studded consortiumCredit: GettyLa Equidad were founded in 1982 and won the Copa Colombia in 2008.Last season they finished 13th in their country’s 20-team top flight.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThey could now receive a similar boost to Wrexham and Club Necaxa.Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the upper echelons of League One since being taken over.They are also the subject of hit documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham” and have seen their profile grow substantially worldwide.The Welsh side have toured the US during the last two pre-seasons.Club Necaxa also have a docu-series in the works.Titled “Bienvenido a Necaxa”(Welcome to Necaxa), it is set to air on FX and Disney+.Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen a sharp rise at WrexhamCredit: Getty More

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    Joey Barton appears in court after ‘sharing malicious posts about Jeremy Vine & football pundit Lucy Ward’

    JOEY Barton has appeared in court after allegedly sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: PAHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton, who is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, appeared via video-link at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.The 42-year-old is charged with two counts of malicious communications between January 3 and March 20 last year.According to the charges, the messages were of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress and anxiety.Barton indicated he would be pleading not guilty pleas to both offences.Read more newsHe has already pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial this year.The former Man City star was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 13.Barton previously branded the fresh charges as “more woke nonsense”.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December 2023.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: PAHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal target Brentford ace Yoanne Wissa to solve striker woes but face transfer competition from Premier League rivals

    ARSENAL are lining up a shock move for Yoane Wissa to solve their striker crisis, it’s been reported.The North Londoners are in the market for a new centre forward after Gabriel Jesus suffered a torn ACL in their FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United last weekend.Arsenal are in need of attacking reinforcements following Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injuryCredit: PAThe Gunners are said to be interest in signing Brentford’s Yoan WissaCredit: REXAnd according to reports, Brentford hitman Wissa is on the Gunners’ shortlist of candidates to fill the void left by Jesus.The Telegraph claim the Democratic Republic of Congo international is “on Arsenal’s list” of forwards they’re considering signing.Arsenal’s interest in Wissa comes as no surprise as the Bees star has been in fine form this season.The 28-year-old has found the back of the net 12 times in 22 appearances in all competitions this campaign, also bagging two assists.READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal forwards Jesus and Kai Havertz, meanwhile, have seven and 12 goals to their names respectively.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could face competition for Wissa’s services from Nottingham Forest.Wissa is said to be on Forest’s list of potential replacements for Taiwo Awoniyi, who West Ham are trying to lure away from the City Ground.The Midlands club are said to be seriously considering a move for him they lose Awoniyi.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal fans will be hoping Arteta can land a new attacking player to ease the blow of losing both Jesus and Bukayo Saka.When pressed on his transfer plans, the Spaniard said: “The news of Gabi takes the scenario to another dimension.Mikel Arteta hails ‘sensational’ Arsenal after comeback win over Tottenham “We have lost two very creative, very important, very unpredictable players for us, so that has an impact on the team.“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. It would be naive not to.“But there is not one player can guarantee they come in today and perform.“We’re going to hope, to believe, and we’ll try to get somebody. “We have very clear ideas of the players we want.” More

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    ‘Lab-built’ Myles Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal’s beating heart in their title charge – and is doing it all for his grandma

    THE Arsenal dressing room have a theory that Myles Lewis-Skelly is not human – instead suggesting he was built in a laboratory.But right now, this 18-year-old sensation is quickly becoming the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners as they attempt to breathe life back into their Premier League title charge.Myles Lewis-Skelly is quickly becoming an integral part to Arsenal’s starting XICredit: GettyThe teenager revved up the Emirates crowd after being subbed off against SpursCredit: GettyNo one – not even boss Arteta – predicted this rapid rise when Hale End midfielder Lewis-Skelly joined up with the seniors on their pre-season tour to the States last summer.Fast-forward six months and he is arguably Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, making the most of injuries to the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber an Oleksandr Zinchenko this term.One of the squad’s smaller members at 5ft10, his strength on and off the ball is something to behold. His technique, positioning and calmness under pressure is just as impressive.Following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich on December 27, Declan Rice said: “This kid can go to the top. He is special. It is like he was built in a lab, the boy. It is ridiculous how good he is.”read more arsenalAnd after the vital 2-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham – to put Arsenal within four points of leaders Liverpool – Rice compared Lewis-Skelly’s physique to ex-Spurs favourite and man-mountain of a midfielder Moussa Dembele.Yet what is more eye-catching is Lewis-Skelly’s personality, despite being the first 18-year-old to start for Arsenal against Tottenham in the Prem since Cesc Fabregas in 2005.Where most teenagers would cower, Lewis-Skelly embraces challenges with a cheeky smile and a confidence bordering on arrogance – strutting his stuff with the swagger of a top-flight veteran.He has already earned a reputation as a fearless pest. On his Prem debut in September, he boldly squared up to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at full-time, already with a booking to his name for being a nuisance on the side line as a substitute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd towards the end of the Tottenham clash, he sparked a shoving match with several agitated Spurs players before being subbed off – only to rev up the home crowd with a few fist pumps and a kiss of the badge as he left the pitch to much adulation.That may have something to do with impressing his grandma. His mum Marcia has also been vital to his development, recently launching a blog to help other parents guide their kids through academy systems after studying for a Masters in football business.Lewis-Skelly – who has been with Arsenal since the age of nine – explained after his first North London Derby: “Never afraid of no one. I want to go against the best. I want to be the best.“My mum, my grandma, my friends [were at the game]. I had to put on a show for my grandma, make sure that I did not look soft in front of her!“I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her and hopefully she is proud of me.“I was a kid watching the derbies and know how much it means to the fans, it’s everything. To experience it, I can’t stop smiling.”Arteta has been gushing over Lewis-Skelly for weeks, like a proud dad, previously revealing his incredible attention to detail and constant asking of questions during training sessions.The Spaniard said: “It is very rare to see. Eighteen years old, playing against Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson in a big London derby for the first time, performing with that composure, with that attitude and control emotionally. He had never played full-back [before this season].”Keeper David Raya added: “He is incredible. He doesn’t look 18, he doesn’t feel 18, because the character that he has on the pitch.”He is playing beyond his years, and is now trusted by the club to hold his own in interviews and media requests, but this should come as no surprise. Lewis-Skelly played for Arsenal’s U18s when he was just 14.All eyes this term have been on another academy grad in Ethan Nwaneri, 17, who broke records when he made his top flight debut aged 15 years and 181 days back in September 2022.But with Nwaneri currently out injured, Lewis-Skelly has seized the limelight, and following his first senior contract in October 2023, he is currently in talks for a brand new deal.And after featuring for England from the U16s to U19s, there are even whisperings of a potential senior call-up with Thomas Tuchel watching on at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Three Lions star Rice said: “Who knows what England holds for him. I know they think highly of him there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNo doubt he would grab that opportunity with no hesitation. No environment is too intimidating, too much. Maybe this kid was made in a lab? More

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    Fans can’t get enough of Arsenal star Lewis-Skelly’s ‘wholesome’ interview about his grandma after win over Tottenham

    FANS have loved Myles Lewis-Skelly’s “wholesome” interview after the North London derby.The youngster impressed in the defence as Arsenal beat arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.Myles Lewis-Skelly gave a ‘wholesome’ interview after Arsenal beat SpursCredit: Optus SportsThe Arsenal star has impressed this seasonCredit: PASon Heung-min gave the visitors the lead before the Gunners fired back with an own-goal from Dominic Solanke and Leandro Trossard.Lewis-Skelly, 18, spoke after the game and revealed his family and friends were watching on.He admitted that he had to “put on a show” for his grandma and that he did not want to look “soft” in front of her.He told Optus Sports: “My mum, my grandma, my friends (were at the game).READ MORE ON ARSENAL”And I had to put on a show for my grandma to make sure that I did not look soft in front of her.”I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her, and hopefully, she is proud of me.”The match was amazing, and everything that lived up to my dreams.”I couldn’t believe it. I just had to take in every moment and every second.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Honestly, it was amazing, and it is moments like this that we live for.”Fans have reacted to the interview Lewis-Skelly gave to club legend Ian Wright on social media.Mikel Arteta hails ‘sensational’ Arsenal after comeback win over Tottenham Many hailed the youngster for being so “wholesome” and predicted big things in his future.One posted: “This is so wholesome.”A second wrote: “He gets it.”A third commented: “You are a million dollars and more baby.”A fourth said: “I absolutely ADORE this kid.”Another added: “Doing it for his mum and his grandma. Definitely made them proud! Future captain and legend.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters are not the only ones with high expectations of the teenager.Declan Rice hinted that the England set-up “think highly” of the midfielder and suggested he could be handed his debut soon.Arsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time. More

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    Ange Postecoglou has worse Tottenham record than both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as horror run continues

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a worse Tottenham record than former bosses Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last night made it just one win in their last nine Premier League outings.Ange Postecoglou endured another frustrating eveningCredit: GettyThe North Londoners’ awful form has seen them slump to 13th in the Prem table.Postecoglou, 59, went unbeaten in his first 10 league games in charge last season, winning eight of them.But that honeymoon period now feels long ago, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and incapable of stringing together strong performances.The Aussie has won 36 of his 73 games in charge – while drawing 12 and losing 25 – giving him a 49 per cent win percentage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConte, 55, lasted three more matches at the helm with 76, winning 41 of them at a percentage of 54 – drawing 12 and losing 23.Mourinho, meanwhile, took charge of 86 games at the Spurs helm.The Portuguese achieved a win percentage of 51, triumphing 44 times, drawing 19 and losing 23.Sandwiched in between the two former Chelsea bosses was Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 17 matches in charge.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in 2021Credit: Marc Aspland – The TimesAntonio Conte’s Spurs reign ended in a furious rantCredit: ReutersNuno Espirito Santo lasted just 17 games in charge of SpursCredit: Marc Aspland – The TimesThe Portuguese, now flying high with Nottingham Forest, won eight times, drew just twice and lost seven games.Tottenham’s last truly long-term manager was Mauricio Pochettino.Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him The Argentine, who transformed Tottenham into legitimate contenders both in the Premier League and in Europe, managed 293 games as Spurs boss.He won 159 of them, giving him a win percentage of 54, drew 62 and lost 72.Tottenham’s lowest finish since Pochettino’s appointment was eighth in the 2022-23 campaign – although they are currently on track to be worse this time around.Mauricio Pochettino was Tottenham’s most successful manager under Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More