Philippa Kaur

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    Rodri back running after ACL surgery as Man City hope midfielder could play in Premier League THIS SEASON

    RODRI has his sights on a stunning Premier League comeback — THIS season.The midfielder, 28, was initially ruled out for the entire campaign after rupturing the ACL in his right knee against Arsenal in September.Rodri could return for Man City before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBut the Ballon d’Or winner is already a couple of months ahead of schedule in his rehab following surgery on the damage.Spaniard Rodri has been on the running machine and impressed medics with his range of motion.He had already targeted a return at the new Club World Cup in June and July — but there are now suggestions he could be back in action before the end of the Prem campaign.City’s form has nose-dived without their central midfield rock and they have won just one of their last ten games.Read more football newsBoss Pep Guardiola could turn to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as cover next month.The right-back, 29, who also operates in midfield, would cost £10million and Pep knows Kimmich having brought him to the Allianz Arena in 2015.Rodri insisted his time on the pitch this season might not be over when he scooped the Ballon d’Or trophy.Guardiola insisted we wouldn’t see the anchor man until the 2024-2025 season.Most read in FootballBut Rodri is aiming for Fifa’s Club World Cup, which takes place in the US in June and July.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamBallon d’Or winner Rodri has previously said he will return in the summerCredit: GettyCity’s talisman said: “The seasons are getting longer and this one has the Club World Cup.“It is good to have a challenge and I have it in my head to return this season — we’ll see when.”Meanwhile, City hope to persuade Rodri to extend his Etihad deal, which runs until 2027.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has not ruled out a return to his homeland.Rodri added: “Renewal with City is not my priority right now.“I want to recover and we’ll see.“I have a contract and I’m very, very happy.“But I see the Spanish league and I’m not closing doors.” More

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    Paul Pogba ‘sounded out by Man City over shock free transfer when he is free to play again’ despite Man Utd history

    MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly planning a shock move to sign Paul Pogba on the eve of the Manchester derby.The misfiring champions side have “sounded out” a potential deal for the former Man Utd star ahead of his return from a doping ban in March.Man City are interested in bringing Paul Pogba back to the clubCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola is desperate for midfield reinforcements with City’s Premier League campaign derailed by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s ACL injury.SunSport reported earlier this week that Guardiola could spend in the January transfer window for the first time in seven years.He is keen on both Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.But The Independent claim he could look to make a far more controversial move for divisive Old Trafford old boy Pogba instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the report admits Pogba is reluctant to join City due to his connection with their bitter rivals.In fact, the 31-year-old Frenchman is said to have reservations about returning to England all together. Pogba still wants to play top level football again, however, with LaLiga, Serie A and the Bundesliga his preferences.He is currently serving an 18-month ban for testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension but it was reduced following an appeal.The ban led to his contract at Juventus being terminated.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraFrom January, the 2018 World Cup winner can train with a club again.Pogba said back in October: “I am not a cheater, I am someone that loves my sport. “I love the game and I would never, ever. I like to win fairly and people know that.”You see me. I’m a bad loser, but I am not a cheater – that’s for sure.”I would just love to be [back] on the pitch, on any pitch.”It’s tough to be alone doing passes for yourself on the wall. “My main focus right now is to get back training, get fit, be on the pitch and be doing what I love.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPogba made 233 appearances for Man Utd in two spells at the club.He left on a free in the summer of 2022.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7 More

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    Tom Brady’s Birmingham lining up another big name signing with former England star set for January loan transfer

    BURNLEY star Nathan Redmond is a surprise target for ambitious Birmingham.Redmond, 30, started his career at St Andrew’s and could return on a loan deal.Tom Brady is ready to ensure Birmingham get promotedCredit: ReutersNathan Redmond could move back to BirminghamCredit: ReutersThe winger has been hit by injuries and although available shortly, he will struggle to make Scott Parker’s side as they boast so many wingers.Redmond, who earned one cap for England in 2017. has not made an appearance for Burnley this term.Blues have money to help them win promotion and a wages-only move could work for all the parties.Birmingham-born Redmond made 82 appearances for the club before he moved to Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since had a six-year stay at Southampton and a brief stint at Turkish giants Besiktas.Blues are able to splash the cash thanks to their American owners, with NFL legend Tom Brady involved in the consortium.They showed their spending power in the summer by breaking the League One record transfer fee by signing Jay Stansfield from Fulham for £15million.The owners are also looking to invest off the pitch by building a stunning new stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBirmingham have already acquired 60 acres of land in the east of the city.And they have unveiled plans to construct an incredible Sports Quarter, containing a state-of-the-art ground, new training facilities and more. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash More

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    Arsenal and Everton pay emotional tribute to Kevin Campbell in their first fixture since his death aged 54

    ARSENAL and Everton fans united to pay an emotional tribute to Kevin Campbell. Today’s Premier League 0-0 draw was the first time the two sides have met since the former striker’s sad passing in June.Arsenal led the tributes to Kevin Campbell at Saturday’s gameCredit: GettyCampbell adorned the front of the matchday programmeCredit: GettyHis sister presented Bukayo Saka with his Player of the Month trophy before kick-offCredit: RexCampbell died aged just 54 following multi-organ failure due to a heart infection. Tributes poured in from the sporting world in the summer.And now two of his former sides came together to honour him on Saturday. The Gunners – for whom Campbell won a league title, FA Cup and League Cup – erected a poster outside the Emirates with pictures of the forward in action for Arsenal and Everton.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt was captioned with his chant “he’s one of our own” plus “Kevin Campbell 1970 – 2024” and the Gunners club badge. Campbell also featured on the front of the matchday programme and the giant screens inside the ground. KC’s family were guests in the directors’ box as part of a celebration of his life and Arsenal’s partnership with the Kevin Campbell Foundation. His sister Lorna presented Bukayo Saka with his Player of the Month award before kick-off in North London.Most read in FootballThen as the players walked out of the tunnel, Arsenal supporters unfurled a spectacular tifo showing old red home shirts with ‘Campbell 7’, ‘Reyes 9’ and ‘Rocastle 7’ in tribute to the trio of former players who have passed away.Jose Antonio Reyes played for Arsenal from 2004 to 2007 but died tragically in a car crash aged just 35 in 2019 while David Rocastle died of cancer in 2001 when he was only 33. Inquest into death of football icon Kevin Campbell Like pal Rocastle, Campbell came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and went on to score 59 goals in 213 appearances for the first team between 1988 and 1995.He had stints with Nottingham Forest and Trabzonspor before joining Everton in 1999, initially on an emphatic loan with nine goals in eight games. The striker secured a £3million permanent move and turned out a further 151 times, adding 39 goals, before finishing his career at West Brom then Cardiff. A spectacular tifo honoured three late Arsenal starsCredit: ReutersArsenal fans displayed a banner to former striker CampbellCredit: PAA lovely photo was displayed on the giant screenCredit: GettyCampbell played alongside Wayne Rooney at Goodison ParkCredit: PA More

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    Nottingham Forest 2 Aston Villa 1: Elanga fires late winner as Forest come from behind to stun Villa and go FOURTH

    JHON DURAN handed himself a belated birthday present to fire Villa in front.But it was Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga who provided the icing on the cake with a deadly late double for Forest!Super-sub Anthony Elanga sealed a dramatic comeback for ForestCredit: PAJhon Duran’s looping header gave Villa the leadCredit: ReutersDuran took his opportunity on a rare Premier League startCredit: PAUnai Emery’s men thought they had the three points all wrapped up when Duran bulleted a header from John McGinn’s cross beyond Matz Sels, one day after celebrating his 21st birthday.But it was Forest who were partying at full-time after stunning Villa with a classic comeback to move above Manchester City into fourth place.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side simply refused to accept defeat as they gatecrashed Duran’s celebrations to rock their Midlands rivals.Not even the disappointment of a Chris Wood disallowed goal for offside could halt Nuno’s Forest fighters.Read More Football newsMilenkovic headed them level three minutes from full-time and – as Villa reeled – it was inspirational sub Anthony Elanga who pounced to add a second, three minutes into stoppage time.It was a fabulous finish, just as we were beginning to think Forest and Villa had served up a Saturday night stinker.The first half was a slow burner to say the least.Both of these Euro hopefuls played as if they were playing away from home in Europe in the days when away goals counted double.Most read in FootballBecause they gave the impression they would happily have settled for a goalless draw from a long way out.Villa suffered a blow before a ball had been kicked when Tyrone Mings limped off during the pre-match warm-up and had to be replaced by Pau Torres.But there was little to suggest Forest could cash in on the upheaval during a turgid first 45 minutes.Forest have done well this season despite having less possession han any other side in the Premier League.Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleEmi Martinez pulled off a world class save moments before Duran’s openerThe problem was Villa seemed content to hit on the break too.So we sat back and waited for the action to begin …. and we waited …. and waited.Duran and Ryan Yates swapped shots which they blazed over at either end.Then Neco Williams picked out Chris Wood at the back post but the Kiwi striker’s header across the face of goal went begging because none of his teammates had gambled on picking off an easy finish.Nikola Milenkovic levelled it for Forest in the 87th minute with a towering headerCredit: ReutersMartinez spilled the ball into his net minutes after making a wondersaveCredit: GettyMilenkovic and Elanga were the heroes for ForestCredit: PAElliot Anderson crashed a shot off Boubacar Kamara’s knee and Murillo rose to get on the end of an Anderson corner, only to shoulder his effort wide.The only mildly controversial moment came after 34 minutes when Anderson grabbed hold of Morgan Rogers wrist as the forward burst into the Forest box, causing him to tumble.But VAR John Brooks agreed with referee Sam Barrott’s assessment that contact was only fleeting, as the pair of officials decided against risking any form of excitement!Ezri Konsa then glanced a John McGinn free kick wide before we were treated to the first shot on target… in first half stoppage time!Even then Matty Cash’s attempt from the corner of the Forest box was parried out by Sels – but yet again no forward gambled on following the ball in.Only Liverpool and Arsenal had conceded fewer than the 18 Premier League goals Forest had shipped by the time they headed off for their half-time cuppa.Nuno’s men had also shipped just 22 big chances to their opposition – the joint-fewest along with Arsenal.Villa were doing little to trouble those stats although Jhon Duran did his best with a bit of pure theatre 10 minutes into the second half.The big Colombian fluffed his first attempt at taming John McGinn’s corner – then flashed a spectacular scissors kick onto the roof of the net.Forest thought they had grabbed the lead on the hour when Gibbs-White flicked on Anderson’s corner and Nicolas Dominguez headed past Emi Martinez.But somehow the World’s No.1 produced a miraculous save to claw the ball back off the line with his left glove – which Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp later described as like “Gordon Banks vs Pele”.Duran cashed in with the opening goal three minutes later, powering a header beyond Sels from McGinn’s dinked cross to grab his 11th goal of the season.Chris Wood then had an equaliser agonisingly ruled out by VAR as Elanga was judged a fraction offside before cutting the ball back for the striker.But Forest were no to be denied.READ MORE SUN STORIESMilenkovic drew them level when he squeezed a backpost header in off Martinez, one week after opening his account for the season against Manchester United.And incredibly, three minutes into stoppage time Anderson bundled Cash over and cut the ball back for Elanga to ram the ball beyond Martinez from close range to complete an amazing victory.Elanga struck in injury time to send Forest fourthCredit: Getty More

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    WSL clash suspended after medical emergency as Brighton and Spurs players both forced to leave pitch

    A MEDICAL emergency halted Tottenham’s Women’s Super League clash against Brighton.There was just three minutes left to play at the Broadfield Stadium when the game was temporarily suspended.Brighton’s clash with Spurs was halted due to an emergencyCredit: RexPlayers from both teams initially waited on the field.But they then headed down the tunnel amid growing concern for a fan sat in the stands.Medics rushed over to the supporter in worrying scenes.There was a 14-minute delay in play before the players re-entered the pitch to finish the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs released a statement on social media that read: “Our thoughts are with the individual receiving care.”Brighton added: “Everyone at Albion sends their wishes.”There is yet to be a further update on the fan’s condition.But a reporter at the ground claimed the “medical emergency had been dealt with”.Most read in FootballThe game finished 1-1 as Bethany England opened the scoring before Brighton’s Marisa Olislagers brilliantly equalised.A point sees the Seagulls stay in fifth and Spurs are one place behind in sixth. More

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    Everton’s new stadium could be named after major car brand as incoming owners eye huge £220MILLION rights deal

    EVERTON’S new owners-in-waiting are lining up a massive ground-naming deal for next season.American Dan Friedkin has been working on the project — which could net £220million when the new dawn begins at Bramley-Moore Dock.Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock stadium should be ready next seasonCredit: GettyUS billionaire Dan Friedkin has big plans for his Toffees’ takeoverCredit: GETTYFriedkin is spending fortunes to buy the Toffees but can recoup a large chunk by letting a major company put their brand on the new stadium.The identity of the firm behind the monster deal is being kept secret.But Friedkin does a lot of business with car manufacturer Toyota, who are the kind of company who could afford it.And the cash would help Everton’s financial issues with the Premier League and give them a chance to spend money on players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes as the Toffees clung on for a 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday.The point lifted Sean Dyche’s men to 15th – three points and three places above the drop zone.The £760million Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, replacing Goodison Park, is on course for completion next year.Videos released over the winter have given a glimpse into the new matchday experience awaiting fans.Most read in FootballThe basic structure was finished in February this year and the huge waterfront stadium has also transformed the local area.Also finished are the dressing rooms, along with artwork.Stefan Borson reveals why Everton’s new owner is the best option the club could have hoped for If all continues to go to plan, Everton will move in at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season.Goodison has been their home for 132 years – but Friedkin is hoping to launch a new era on and off the field. More

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    Aston Villa star Emi Martinez makes save so good against Forest even Sky Sports cameras can’t find ball

    EMI MARTINEZ produced “the best Premier League save” so stunning that even Sky Sports had no idea where the ball ended up.Nottingham Forest fans inside the City Ground and watching their clash against Aston Villa on TV thought their side had gone in front on the hour mark.Emi Martinez produced a stunning save at the City GroundCredit: ReutersNicolas Dominguez thought he had equalisedCredit: GettyThe Argentine ended up over the line but crucially the ball did notCredit: Sky SportsThe ball stayed in play but was lost by the Sky camerasCredit: Sky SportsBut it turned out Martinez, 32, had produced a moment of sheer genius to deny Nicolas Dominguez from heading in.And it was so good that the Sky Sports cameras could not work out what was going on as the ball went out of shot – even though it was still in play. Unmarked at the back post, Dominguez headed a corner goalwards and looked for all the world to have scored.But bizarrely the net did not ripple – to his clear confusion as he lay in the penalty area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it was not until the replays were shown that fans and commentators realised what had actually happened. Martinez had somehow managed to spin around and claw the ball back from on the line and pull it back into the six-yard box before it was hoofed away by a Villa defender.It looked as though it has gone out for a corner and the camera stayed on the cluster of players in the penalty area. Weirdly, though, the ball stayed in play near the corner flag – but the Sky operators lost track of it – before the players carried on and the yellow ball suddenly came back into the frame from a cross. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust moments after Martinez’s magic stop, Villa broke the deadlock at the other end. Jhon Duran headed in emphatically before another fine save from Martinez.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans He escaped a Chris Wood equaliser by a narrow VAR call but then Nikola Milenkovic got the better of Martinez as the Argentine unluckily got his arms in a muddle as the header bundled over the line in the 87th minute. Then in incredible scenes, Anthony Elanga grabbed an injury-time winner to flip the match on its head and secure a memorable victory for Forest. But even so, all the talk on social media was about the two-time world’s best goalkeeper’s heroics. Approximately 3,000 fans on a Sky Sports X poll dubbed it the save of the season so far.And supporters flooded the comments with praise for the World Cup winner.One said: “That’s an all-timer.”Another wrote: “That was insane Martinez always comes up big when it matters.”A third added: “Unreal my word save of the season easy.”A fourth typed: “Slow motion that is absolutely sensational.”A sixth replied: “Unstoppable reflexes under pressure!”And a final user boldly declared: “Best save ever.”Then Jamie Redknapp on punditry duties in the Sky studio claimed it was the best save in Premier League history.He said: “I can’t think of a better save. Somehow he reacts. It’s the best save.”I can’t think of a better Premier League save in my life. People talk about Gordon Banks against Pele.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s behind him, he doesn’t just save it but drags it back.”Absolutely incredible. That is truly sensational.”Dominguez had a free header at the back postCredit: Sky SportsMartinez somehow kept the ball out with his super saveCredit: Sky SportsDominguez was left utterly confusedCredit: Sky SportsMartinez failed to keep out a far easier header from Nikola MilenkovicCredit: PA More