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    Huge Premier League boost as Arsenal win over Real Madrid CONFIRMS fifth place will qualify for the Champions League

    THE Premier League will officially have FIVE teams in the Champions League next season.Arsenal secured the extra place with a huge 3-0 win over reigning European Champions Real Madrid on Tuesday night.The Premier League will officially have five teams in the Champions League next seasonCredit: APThe extra place was confirmed when Arsenal beat Real Madrid on TuesdayCredit: GettyIt took England’s coefficient points total up to 24.535 – leaving the nation top of the Uefa table.Both Spain and Italy are battling it out for second, with Spain on 21.678 points and Italy on 20.187 points.Regardless of competition, each Uefa win is worth two coefficient points, a draw gets one point and nothing is given for a defeat.Points gained by all teams in a coefficient are added together and the total score is divided by the number of clubs a country has in Europe that season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat gives the coefficient average, which the table is based on.Arsenal and Liverpool are both set to earn a Champions League place for the 2025-26 season.Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Fulham and Brighton are all battling for the remaining places.England needed just one team in Europe to win this week to guarantee five places in the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.Declan Rice broke the deadlock with a stunning free kick in the 58th minute.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsHe then bettered that with another strike into the top-right corner.And Mikel Merino made it three with a composed finish in the 75th minute.After the match, Mikel Arteta said: “When you’ve not played this team for 20 years then you have the chance to write your own history and it is nights like these where you can do that.”They were magic moments. We have a lot more to give. It will give us even more belief.”I did believe and you have to believe. The crowd was incredible, they gave us so much energy.”Race for the Champions League places More

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    Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal

    PAUL MERSON suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports after jumping up to celebrate one of Declan Rice’s incredible free-kick goals.The Arsenal star delivered two dead-ball strikes in the space of 12 minutes as his side thumped Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.Paul Merson suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction on Sky SportsThe former Arsenal legend was reacting to one of Declan Rice’s free-kicks against Real MadridCredit: EPAMikel Merino also netted in the quarter-final first-leg clash at the Emirates on Tuesday night.And Arsenal are now on the verge of setting up a semi-final tie against one of Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.There were star performances all over the pitch for the Gunners yesterday.But it was Rice who stole the show with two sumptuous free-kicks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England star, who had NEVER scored one single direct free-kick in his entire career beforehand, hit his first from distance in the 58th minute.However, Rice’s second goal in the 70th minute was even better.Standing at an angle akin to set-piece legend David Beckham, Rice curled a beauty round Real Madrid’s wall and into the far-top corner.Watching in the Sky Sports studio, former Arsenal star Merson was left delighted by the effort.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, as he jumped up in delight to celebrate, fan favourite Merse’s jumper rode up his body, leaving his tummy exposed.Supporters found his cheeky gaffe brilliant though.Declan Rice reveals Arsenal’s set-piece coach told him to CROSS… before firing stunning free-kickMerse’s jumped slid up his body, delighting his fans at homeOne said: “Take off your shirt Mese, I know you want it, come on you Gunners!”Another declared: “Brilliant from Merson.”One noted: “Lol Merson’s belly as he jumps up to celebrate.”Another added: “What an epic reaction, iconic.”Following his jump, Merson had to plenty to say about Rice’s goal too.He boomed: “What a goal, it’s a phenomenal free kick, Rice Rice baby!Read More on The Sun“What a goal, honestly, the first one was good, this one is better!“He’s bent it, whipped it, beat Courtois from there, what a goal.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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    ‘Isn’t she a Liverpool fan?’ – Dua Lipa spotted celebrating Arsenal win over Real Madrid at Emirates to fans’ confusion

    DUA LIPA was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates – to the confusion of fans. The singer joined the Gunners faithful in cheering on Declan Rice’s two stunning free-kicks as well as Mikel Merino’s late strike. Dua Lipa was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the EmiratesCredit: Premier SportsFans were surprised by her attendanceCredit: ESPNBut Dua – born in London – has shown her allegiance to Liverpool before – posing with Anfield legend Jamie Carragher. And her Grammy-award winning song “One Kiss” has become a staple of Liverpool matches – played before and after games. So it came as a shock to some when Dua was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win from the Emirates stands. One fan said: “One week Liverpool one week Arsenal.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother asked: “Isn’t she a Liverpool supporter.”A third joked: “Liverpool fans sorry.”Despite Dua’s history with Liverpool – she has been known to support Arsenal – posing in Arsenal attire in 2023. And she is not the only one. Most read in FootballThe singer has an affiliation with Liverpool, pictured here with Jamie CarragherDua Lipa pictured in 2023 showing her support to ArsenalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway is a Gooner while Kim Kardashian and her kids also support Arsenal. And YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI even has a box at the Emirates – meeting with Thierry Henry before the Madrid game. KSI was spotted going berserk after Rice’s free-kick heroics.Kim Kardashian is an Arsenal fanCredit: Instagram/@arsenalAnne Hathaway is also a GoonerCredit: Instagram @annehathawayKSI invited Thierry Henry into his box at the Emirates More

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    Shock moment Aston Villa and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League tie as chairs & punches thrown

    THIS is the shocking moment a huge brawl breaks out on the streets of Paris ahead of the crunch Champions League tie between PSG and Aston Villa.Footage shows opposing sets of fans fighting outside of a busy bar in the French capital, with punches, chairs and glasses thrown in the melee.Opposing sets of fans throw punches in a huge brawlCredit: FacebookFans hurl chairs and other missiles in ParisCredit: FacebookPint glasses can be seen flying in shocking footageCredit: FacebookEnglish underdogs Aston Villa are set to take on soon-to-be French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final showdown at the Parc des Princes tonight. Video taken from inside a bar where dozens of fans were drinking overnight shows the brawl in full swing.Fists can be seen flying as supporters clash in the street just outside the window.One set of fans appear to launch their drinks at the oncoming group.read more in Champions League Many of the younger, onrushing supporters have their hoods up as they approach the older looking men.As the fighting continues, a number of bar stools can be seen being used as weapons.One man can be seen carrying a stool across the pavement with the pointed legs directed at the other supporters.Chairs are also seen being hurled back and forth as stunned onlookers watch.Most read in FootballIt is unclear exactly how the brawl started.But unverified claims on social media allege that PSG hooligans had attacked Villa supporters who were drinking in the bar.’He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd starThe Parisians are seasoned campaigners in European knockout football, having reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past 13 seasons.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with an astounding six games to spare and knocked out tournament favourites Liverpool in the last round.But Villa are in outstanding form and are riding a seven-match winning streak.They breezed into the quarter finals with an emphatic 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the last 16. The side have also scored 20 goals and kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches and with four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery at the helm their fans are hopeful for an upset.Aston Villa have finally given us an English side we can all get behindBY Dave Kidd, Sun’s Chief Sports WriterIT was a night of nights in early October when Villa Park welcomed back elite European football after a hiatus of four decades.To be there at one of English football’s grandest, most historic and atmospheric stadiums as Bayern Munich were vanquished in a Champions League group match was a rare privilege.Villa won the game and I left the ground feeling delighted for Villa’s supporters. Which is strange because, usually, when English clubs play in Champions League football, I couldn’t honestly care less whether they win or lose.I don’t think I’m alone in this. The Premier League’s traditional Big Six were difficult to love even before they tried to sell English football down the gurgler by signing up to a breakaway Super League.And Newcastle, with their bottomless Saudi wealth, leave many of us equally cold. But Villa’s European adventure — next stop Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes in tomorrow’s quarter-final first leg — feels different.It feels like a throwback to decades gone by, when English football fans would genuinely want other English clubs to thrive in Europe.When Villa face Qatari-backed PSG in the French capital, most of England — except for the blue half of Birmingham and the Black Country supporters of Wolves and West Brom — will be firmly behind them.And that’s because Villa’s successes under Unai Emery give the supporters of many other clubs something realistic to aspire to.Villa are not a member of the modern elite, with all the spoilt-rotten sense of entitlement that status brings.They are an authentic club, competing at Europe’s top table with underdog status, with a modest net spend, with a likeable, talented manager and with supporters who have followed their club through thick and thin, providing consistently the best atmosphere in the Premier League.Four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery speaking at a press conference ahead of the gameCredit: GettyPSG come into the quarter finals after a huge win over LiverpoolCredit: PAEnglish star Marcus Rashford training with Aston Villa ahead of their UEFA Champions League clashCredit: Getty More

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    Kyle Walker undergoes surgery on elbow fracture and ruled out indefinitely in huge blow to AC Milan star

    KYLE WALKER has had surgery after fracturing his elbow in training. It is unclear how long the on-loan Manchester City right-back will be out for – with seven games left of the Serie A season. Kyle Walker has had surgery after fracturing his elbow in trainingCredit: GettyA statement read: “AC Milan can confirm that Kyle Walker sustained a fracture in his right elbow today. “To ensure better healing and optimize recovery time, the player underwent surgery in Milan to repair the olecranon through osteosynthesis.“The operation went perfectly to plan. Kyle will begin rehabilitation immediately.”Walker, who turns 35 in May, arrived in Italy in January after leaving City following eight trophy-laden years. READ MORE IN football He has since played eight Serie A matches — starting seven of them — as well as four in the Champions League and two in the Italian Cup.And Walker is expected to make his move to Milan permanent in the summer. The defender – who recently signed an underwear deal with Hugo Boss – did admit his City exit was an emotional one. He revealed on his podcast: “I said to the team manager…the player liaison officer, I said that I wanted to say goodbye to the lads in the canteen before I left when I knew the deal was complete. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And he actually texted the whole building! So, there were 150 people there and I had to say goodbye, which was a little bit nerve-wracking.”It was sad because as much as people might have this persona about me or whatever, I did speak to completely everyone in that building from the cleaners, to the cooks, to the kit men, to the physios.Kyle Walker signs big money deal to model huge fashion brand’s underwear just like David Beckham“There was the lady there, Emma, that would be behind the counter and serve you food, or get your drinks and whatever.”And even when I looked over at her, I wanted to cry because it was like every day I’ve said, ‘Morning’ to you and given you a cuddle, and all of a sudden now I’m not going to see you anymore, and you don’t think about that when the process is happening, but then when you come to say goodbye, it’s hard.”Walker admits his City exit was emotionalCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goals

    DECLAN RICE had injured Arsenal team-mate Gabriel pleading to have his right foot following his pair of stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid. Rice scored two sensational set-pieces at the Emirates to help the Gunners to a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory. Gabriel demanded he have Declan Rice’s right footCredit: https://x.com/now_arsenaIIt came after Rice’s two wonder free kicksCredit: https://x.com/now_arsenaIHis first beautifully curled around the wall past keeper Thibaut Courtois while the second rifled into the top corner. Mikel Merino put the game – and possibly the tie – to bed before the end but Rice rightly took all the spoils. And even crocked defender Gabriel – out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury – was left stunned. He told Rice: “Give me your right foot, please, please, please. Come here, Dec. Give me, give me. Unbelievable brother!” READ MORE Arsenal NEWSRice had only taken 12 free-kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one match. He said: “I don’t know whether it will ever sink in I’ve gone back to my phone then and it’s gone crazy. “To score my first free-kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one. I just had the confidence. I’m speechless really.”I don’t think it’s going to hit me, what I’ve done tonight. It’s a historic night.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal now travel to the Spanish capital next Wednesday in the return tie with a healthy lead thanks to talisman Rice. Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years.Declan Rice reveals Arsenal’s set-piece coach told him to CROSS… before firing stunning free-kick“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before. “And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”Mikel Arteta hailed Rice after his free-kick heroicsCredit: Getty More

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    Forget Declan Rice… eagle-eyed Arsenal fans think set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was real ‘hero’ vs Real Madrid

    DECLAN RICE scored two spectacular free-kicks against Real Madrid – but some Arsenal fans believe Nicolas Jover was the real hero.Arsenal brushed aside the Spanish giants 3-0 with a magnificent display at the Emirates.Arsenal fans think set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was to thank for Rice’s first free-kickRice revealed Jover actually told him to cross the ballCredit: EPAThe midfielder scored two stunning free-kicks against Real MadridCredit: GettyRice will go down in folklore after scoring two astonishing free-kicks in the second half.They are the first direct free-kicks the midfielder has scored at club level, with Rice becoming a talisman from set-pieces this season for the Gunners.However some Gooners think he would not have pulled off his strikes without the assistance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.The Frenchman was spotted on the touchline before the free-kick was taken and he performed a whipping gesture.READ MORE ON ARSENALFans took that to mean he was advising Rice to whip the ball around the Real Madrid wall, which he did to find the net.Many praised Jover for his contribution, with one fan saying: “Mr.Jover makes the magic happen.”Another added: “NICOLAS JOVER MY HEROOOOO FOR LIFE.”And a third wrote: “Nico Jover statue at the emirate by next week pls.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever Rice revealed after the match that his set-piece coach was actually instructing him to cross the ball to the back post.He said: “He’s telling me to cross… it just didn’t make sense and you know I’m happy I took it because it’s a magic moment.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goals”He was telling me to cross!… I know [he defied everyone]. That’s what I mean Bukayo said if you feel it go for it.”I thought you know what, I looked at the ball and at the keeper and thought ‘I can bend this around the outside’.”Rice then laughed at Jover after watching footage of the coach celebrating his goal, with the England star claiming he took credit despite telling him to cross the ball.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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    Aston Villa star Emi Martinez winds up PSG fans with customised hat – and could be hiding more s***housery underneath

    EMI MARTINEZ is winding up the French again — with an Argentina hat and his nation’s colours dyed into his hair.The Aston Villa keeper, who was the 2022 World Cup final penalty shoot-out hero against France, wore a baseball cap which appeared to mock his hosts as he arrived for the Champions League clash  against  Paris Saint-Germain.Emi Martinez wore a hat that showed off the four titles he has won with ArgentinaCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialA French cockerel seemed to be drawn on in penCredit: Instagram / emi_martinez26The Villa keeper has recently left his dyed his hair in Argentina coloursCredit: RexVilla boss Unai Emery has warned his goalkeeper to “control his emotions” ahead of the quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes. But Martinez was up to his usual “s***house” antics by donning a cap that showed the FOUR international titles he has won with Argentina — and featured a French cockerel drawn in pen.Martinez, 32, also seemed to have the blue and white Argentina flag coloured into the side of his head.He normally dyes his hair like that for international duty but has seemingly left it in this time to mock Les Bleus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Emery, who also managed Martinez at Arsenal, insisted: “He is mature and responsible. He’s getting better at controlling his emotion.”Since he arrived in Aston Villa five or six years ago, he is a different Emiliano Martínez.“He is more mature, he is a better player, a better goalkeeper. He is the best goalkeeper in the world.“My conversation with him is always the same — focus on the football, focus on the individual challenges.  And try to control your emotions.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs well as his heroics, Martinez’s gameship made him public enemy No 1 in France and he was barracked throughout Villa’s Conference League tie in Lille last season.Emery added: “Football is about understanding the supporters and how they support their team.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans “It’s only football. Our fans are going to support us and their fans will support Paris. Hopefully, everything will be respectful.”Midfielder Youri Tielemans made light of Martinez’s antics.He said: “I don’t really care what he does. I’m just here to play the game and whatever happens with Emi happens — as long as it stays respectful.“That’s just his style. He’s ready and has not spoken any differently than before any other game. He is focused and he’s looking forward  to it.”Martinez was the World Cup final hero against France in 2022Credit: PAHis antics have made him a hated figure in FranceCredit: AFP More