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    Graham Potter opens up on Chelsea exit and return to football as he says he’s watching the ‘madness from afar’

    GRAHAM POTTER has lifted the lid on his football hiatus.Potter, 49, has been without a job since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge.Graham Potter has opened up on his absence from footballCredit: PADespite being linked with a number of jobs, including the England role, he has remained out of football management.However, he has now lifted the lid on what he has been doing since his Blues exit.Speaking on the BBC’s Planet Premier League, Potter said: “The time I’ve had has been, you know, amazing. I had 12, 13 years of non-stop football coaching, managing.”So from the fourth tier in Swedish football to last eight in the Champions League with Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So that doesn’t come for free in terms of how much you have to devote and how much you have to sacrifice for that, especially when you’ve got a young family. “So to be able to have the time to spend with them, to reconnect with them, to sort of get a bit of energy and reflect and can look back on the 12 years and think, ‘OK, what went well and what can I improve and what do I need to do and what do I want the next 12 years look like?’.”Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want it to happen. “But when it does happen, you have to try and take the positives and look at it as a bit of a gift and say, ‘OK, look, what does the next stage, you know, sort of bring and what does it look like and how do I want it to look?’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And now, yeah, I’m enjoying doing things like this, this is something I never really did because when you’re a football manager, you haven’t got time to do stuff like this. “And I quite like to experience new things. So that’s been good to be able to do that.  Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs “And at the same time, you give yourself a chance to watch the madness from afar and you get a perspective and then, you know, you look back and I can honestly say I’m more confident in my own ability now than I was before I went to Chelsea or before I went to Brighton. “So the process has been good.”Potter is married to Rachel, who he started dating in the 1990s.They have three sons together who live in Sweden, with Potter splashing out on a £2million mansion located just an hour from Ostersund – where he spent seven successful years as boss – in 2023.Asked about the England job and the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, whom he replaced at Chelsea, the ex-Brighton boss revealed: “Well, like I said a few weeks ago, I’ve been out of work for 18 months.”And I’ve had conversations with quite a few people, but I don’t want to get in a place where I’m confirming or denying anything because I don’t think that’s fair for anybody.”With regard to that I think they’ve made a really good appointment for a coach that is obviously successful, has won lots of things and I think if that’s the strategy and if that’s the criteria then it’s a fantastic appointment because Thomas’s record is brilliant and he’s won the Champions League.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.He added: “Do I think that an English coach can win the World Cup or a major trophy? Yes, absolutely I do.”So you look at the previous winners, the Spanish coach, I don’t think was a Champions League winning coach. I don’t think the Argentinian coach was a Champions League-winning coach. “If you look at the last, in the last European coach to, to win outside of Europe, the World Cup, Joachim Loew, his career was, was one of a coach. “But at the same time, I understand if that’s the criteria and it feels like that was the movement towards how we need a winning coach, a top coach that can help these top players, then Thomas is a fantastic coach and a great appointment.”In September, Potter also addressed rumours linking him with the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is sacked. He told Sky Sports: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week.”I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Potter has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag if he is sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

    CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal legend Ian Wright in wheelchair after surgery as Roy Keane helps him out after filming Stick to Football

    IAN WRIGHT arrived at the latest episode of Stick to Football in a wheelchair after undergoing surgery.The pundit took up his usual place on the panel alongside Gary Neville, Jill Scott and Paul Scholes, and even Roy Keane helped him out.Ian Wright arrived at the studio in a wheelchair before switching to crutchesCredit: YouTubeRoy Keane wheeled him out at the end of the episodeCredit: YouTubeWright made his entry with the assistance of crutches but Scott confirmed he made his way to the studio in a wheelchair.The former striker then left in the chair with Keane wheeling him out as Scott likened the scene to TV sketch show Little Britain.Wright, 60, revealed he was recovering from knee replacement surgery.He is good friends with Keane and the pair frequently work together providing punditry for ITV and The Overlap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they often row and bicker too with fans previously likening them to an old married couple.There was a time when the pair did not get on at all with Wright admitting he “strongly disliked” Keane over his jibe at Arsenal stars and their “loser’s medals”.Wright explained: “I see him as my friend now, but like I say, when we played I didn’t like him. I didn’t like him at all.”I remember when I won my Premier League medal, when the camera came in I remember saying ‘Roy Keane winners medal’ because Roy Keane one time said to me ‘Wrighty, you’ve got a cabinet full of losers’ medals!’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s the kind of comment I would have said to him if the shoe was on the other foot.”But when he said it, it hurts you but I was laughing deep down because it’s a killer, it finishes you, bam. Even when I reminded him, he said ‘nah I didn’t say that’. I said, ‘Roy, it’s not something you forget!’”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian Wright More

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    Man Utd fans injured after ‘being ambushed by 50 Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ ahead of Europa League clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were attacked by so-called Fenerbahce ultras ahead of the Europa League clash tonight.As many as 50 Fenerbahce fans are said to have “swarmed” a group of United fans who had travelled to Istanbul for the match.Man Utd fans appear to have been attacked in Istanbul before their match with FenerbahceCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared by a Fenerbahce ultra account boasted about the attacksCredit: X/BogazHooligansWitnesses have said multiple fans have been left injuredCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared on social media showed an attack taking place outside of the Grand Hisar Hotel.The videos showed footage of ultras charging and assaulting fans, leaving several injured.A self-professed “anarchist” account on X by the name of GFB Bogaz Hooligans boasted about the footage after posting it online.The account shared a 26-second video of the attacks with the caption: “This is İSTANBUL!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ominous post on their Instagram page showed an apparent group of hooligans on bikes.It was captioned: “On the first punch of a fight… Manchester is now truly RED :).”One Red Devils fan who was caught up in the attacks told StrettyNews how five fans were “swarmed” by a violent mob.They said: “About 50 of them swarmed us.Most read in Football”One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”They added that two members of their group were left injured by glasses and a crowbar.Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory A separate incident is said to have involved 20 Fenerbahce fans descending upon a smaller group of United fans.The Fenerbahce ultra account posted a screenshot of an apparent online conversation between them and a so-called United fan.They said: “A response has been given to the traitors who insulted our religious and national values ​​and gave us a position.”The pictures detailed how an offensive message was sent to start the exchange before messages of “see you soon”, and “let’s go” were sent before sending the location as the Celtic Irish Pub in Istanbul.The pub is approximately an 11-minute walk from where one of the attacks took place.SunSport were unable to track down a social media account with the details shared in the screenshot, meaning the message could have been fabricated or the original account was changed or deleted.Manchester United have been approached for comment.READ MORE SUN STORIESViolence has unfortunately become commonplace in football in Turkey, with Fenerbahce’s chairman attacked by a pitch invader and pelted with bottles earlier this season.United face former boss Jose Mourinho tonight as they look for their first win in this season’s Europa League, with the Portuguese gaffer his normal bullish self ahead of the game.Jose Mourinho will take on his old side tonight More

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    Ex-Rangers star Alfredo Morelos nicked after motorcyclist left with horror injuries in horror drink-driving smash

    ALFREDO MORELOS has been arrested in Colombia after an alleged drink-driving accident left a motorcyclist with horror injuries.It is understood the former Rangers star was caught by police on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Morelos spotted at the sceneMorelos’ car at the scene after the crashClose up shot of Morelos’ car after the accidentMorelos returned to his homeland Colombia this summerCredit: Willie VassAccording to local media reports, Morelos collided with a motorbike when he pulled into the opposite lane to pass a van near José María Córdova airport, in Rionegro, Antioquia.The motorcyclist suffered broken limbs and abdominal trauma and was taken to San Vicente Fundación hospital for treatment.It’s suggested Morelos didn’t suffer any injuries along with the driver of the van. Colombian outlet El Tiempo claim Morelos failed a breathalyzer test at the scene and was arrested for “negligent personal injuries,” claiming he had a “degree two of intoxication”.Noticas report that the forward will have to pay a £4,100 fine after being found guilty of drink-driving. Morelos’ driving license will also be suspended for a period of three to five years for the offence.It is stated that he must undergo 40 days of community service and his vehicle will be immobilized for six days.Reports also say his current club Atletico Nacional denied any claims the striker was under the influence of alcohol, before traffic authorities confirmed the test result. Most read in FootballHe has been dropped from their squad for their Copa Colombia quarter-final second leg against Jaguares de Cordoba. Morelos was on his way to training when the accident occurred.Ex-Rangers star Alfredo Morelos scores his first goal from open play for SantosThe motorcyclist has been identified as Sebastián Guillermo Dávila Valderrama. His current condition is considered positive and he is being closely monitored by doctors at the hospital. It is said he required surgery. Morelos, 28, returned to Colombia after eight years away from his homeland in July after he agreed a six month loan deal with Atletico Nacional. He ended his nightmare stint in Brazil after he was part of the Santos team that endured their first relegation from the top flight in decades.The former Rangers star spent six years at Ibrox after joining the club from HJK Helsinki in 2017. Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers careerJoined Rangers: Alfredo Morelos signed with Rangers in June 2017 from Finnish club HJK Helsinki. His transfer fee was reported to be around £1 million, and he was brought in to bolster the attacking options of the Scottish club under then-manager Pedro Caixinha.Prolific Scorer: From the outset, Morelos demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities, quickly becoming one of Rangers’ most reliable forwards. In his debut season, he netted 18 goals across all competitions. European Success: Morelos was particularly effective in European competitions, notably in the UEFA Europa League. His goals were often crucial in helping Rangers advance through the qualifying rounds and into the group stages, making him a key player on European nights.Record Breaker: He etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Rangers player to score in four consecutive European away matches. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform on big occasions and in challenging environments.All-Time Record European Goal Scorer: Morelos became Rangers’ all-time leading goal scorer in European competitions, surpassing previous records held by club legends. This milestone was a testament to his consistency and importance to the team on the continental stage.Disciplinary Issues: His time at Rangers was marked by several disciplinary issues, including multiple red cards. Morelos was sent off on several occasions, often for incidents involving retaliation or unsportsmanlike behaviour, which sometimes overshadowed his on-field contributions.Fan Favourite: Despite his fiery temperament, Morelos remained a favourite among the Rangers supporters for his passion and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to score important goals endeared him to the fanbase, but many questions were asked of his attitude and fitness throughout his time at the club. Old Firm Goals: Morelos scored his first Old Firm goal against Celtic in the 2019-2020 season. This was a significant moment for him personally, as he had previously struggled to find the net against their rivals, and it further cemented his place in Rangers folklore.International Call-ups: His performances at Rangers earned him call-ups to the Colombian national team. Morelos made his international debut in 2018 and has since been included in squads for major tournaments. Contract Extensions: Morelos signed multiple contract extensions with Rangers, indicating his value to the club. These extensions were often seen as a way to ward off interest from other clubs and to ensure that he remained a pivotal part of Rangers’ future plans. But he ran down his final deal and left on a free in 2023. Title Winner: He played a crucial role in Rangers’ 2020-2021 Scottish Premiership title win, ending Celtic’s nine-year dominance. Morelos’ goals and overall play were instrumental in securing the title, and the triumph was celebrated widely by fans and players alike, marking a significant achievement in his career.The controversial hitman left Glasgow last year on a free after becoming the club’s all-time record goal-scorer in European competitions. He only made 20 appearances for the fallen Brazilian giants following his switch before heading back to his homeland this summer. Morelos’ arrival at Atletico Nacional was viewed as a huge coup for the top flight club after his successful goal-scoring form in Europe with the Light Blues. Infact he was recently dubbed the player with the highest transfer value in the entire country, according to experts.Morelos playing for Santos in FebruaryCredit: AlamyThat’s despite former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao and international goalkeeper David Ospina both playing in the league as well. But much-like his fellow countryman Falcao, Morelos also had opportunities to test himself at other top clubs in Europe before running down his contract at Ibrox. The striker was linked with a stunning transfer to French side Lille in 2020 and he had reportedly agreed to a £16million switch only for the move never to materialise. READ MORE SUN STORIESPlenty of other suitors were also on his trail while in Glasgow, including Porto, Crystal Palace and even AC Milan. He left Rangers on a free transfer at the end of the 2022/23 seasonCredit: AFPKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    ‘That f***ing better not be you two’ – Nicky Butt reveals Sir Alex Ferguson caught him and Roy Keane doing extreme sport

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson caught him and Roy Keane red-handed after they decided to secretly go hang gliding.Red Devils icons Butt, 49, and Keane, 53, were sat around the pool in Brazil for the Club World Cup in 2000 when they spotted people flying overhead.Nicky Butt and Roy Keane snuck off to go hang gliding in BrazilCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe midfield pair were forced to deny having done the activity to Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyButt has revealed he and Keane flew over their hotel while shouting at one anotherCredit: Instagram @footballsgreatestpodAnd Butt has now detailed how the pair came to sneak off and try it themselves, before they were quickly forced to deny it to boss Fergie.Speaking on the Football’s Greatest podcast, he told Paul Scholes: “You have to run and jump off this cliff and drop like that.”And we said ‘Oh there’s our hotel’. Then Roy’s gone next to us [and] you can shout next to each other from like 40 yards away.”We’re shouting ‘Whey, whey,’ and the story goes that the manager is round the pool looking up with his shades – ‘That better not be any of my f***ing players.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHaving landed on Copacabana beach, Butt continues: “We get back to the hotel and I don’t know how it always happened but every time you did anything wrong the first person you see was the manager.”We walked into the hotel, the lift opened, the manager’s stood there and he’s gone ‘Tell me that wasn’t you two,’ and we went ‘No it weren’t us’.”He said ‘F***ing better not be you two,’ and I went ‘It wasn’t us’.”Fergie’s former assistant Steve McClaren previously spoke about the incident.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “There were helicopter rides and, secretly, some of the boys went hang-gliding.”The gaffer said ‘I don’t want to see anyone up there’ but a few sneaked in.Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory “They would have been strangled if the gaffer had found out.”We were sunbathing by the pool and I saw them coming down. I’m not naming the names neither.”Butt was a part of six of Ferguson’s 13 Premier League-title winning teams.He also won three FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League during his 12-year stint in Man Utd’s first team.Butt left Old Trafford for Newcastle in 2004, a year before Keane departed for Celtic. More

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    If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are OUT of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’

    LOSE to Liverpool, and Arsenal are out of the Premier League title race.That is according to Paul Merson, who believes the Gunners cannot afford to fall behind because the “gulf is massive” at the top.Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash against Liverpool is a must win gameMartin Odegaard remains unavailable for selection with the Norway star desperate to return to trainingQuestion marks hang over Bukayo Saka’s availability after the Arsenal ace limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations LeagueArsenal, who sit third in the Prem after a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, host leaders Liverpool on Sunday.But they will do so without the spine of their team.With captain Martin Odegaard out with an ankle injury sustained on international duty, Bukayo Saka a doubt and William Saliba suspended after a red card at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.And former Gunner Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash could determine Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMerson told Sky Sports: “This is a big football match, a huge football match. “I’d go as far as to say that if Arsenal get beat here, I think they’re out of it. I really do.”And people can say ‘Oh there’s 29 games left’ but after Manchester City beat Southampton, Arsenal will be six behind them.”And if they lose on the weekend, they’re going to be seven behind Liverpool.Most read in FootballArsenal suffered their first defeat of the season after going down to 10 men at BournemouthFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”These teams put up figures and don’t look like they’re going to get beat by the lesser teams. The gulf is massive. I think this is a huge game.”Arsenal could also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who came away from their cagey 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk injured, and Jurrien Timber, who picked up a knock against PSG, when Liverpool come to town.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta admitted his side were tired in the second half against Shakhtar, who could have earned themselves a point were it not for David Raya’s excellent save to deny Pedrinho’s long-range shot in the 92nd minute.Liverpool have a couple of injury problems of their own and have a day less to recover after their 1-0 trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.Goalkeeper Alisson is out with a hamstring injury while question marks remain over Diogo Jota, after the Portugal star limped off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.It may not be must-win just yet, but it’s close to must-not-lose for Arsenal.Because while the gulf is massive, the margin for error is small. Mikel Arteta’s side are already four points off leaders Liverpool and three points behind last season’s title rivals City, who host 19th place Southampton, who are winless this term.But Merson might be being too hasty as Arsenal suffered four defeats by New Year last season, going onto to lose five games all season.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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    I tried £9 ‘best jerk chicken in London’ that is a stone’s throw from Prem ground – I was blown away by the flavour

    PREMIER LEAGUE fans are treated to some of the best players and managers in the world – and at one ground they can have the best jerk chicken in London.Original Tasty Jerk is just a stone’s throw from Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium.Original Tasty Jerk has become a hotspot for Premier League fansThe takeaway has received rave reviewsSunSport reporter Robbie Murdoch labelled the food ‘outstanding’Fans can get their hands on some tasty jerk chicken for just £9There are a variety of items on the menu including rice and peasJerk seabass is amongst the specialtiesRobbie went for the OTJ mixSide dish options including plantain and dumplingOriginal Tasty Jerk is located a stone’s throw from Selhurst ParkIt is a hotspot for fans – both home and away – on matchday, with queues stretching out the door.And for good reason, having been listed in The Observer’s “30 things we love in the world of food right now” last year.Reviews on Google label the takeaway the “best jerk chicken in the UK” with “magic” in their recipes.Now SunSport can vouch for those claims after trying out a selection of Tasty Jerk’s offerings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReporter Robbie Murdoch ventured to South London where he tasted several dishes and shared his review.He said: “We went for the jerk seabass and the spicy fish melts off the bone.”We also had the OTJ mix, which is a variety of their best meats, plus traditional sides of dumpling, plantain, and rice and peas with extra gravy.”You get an absolute mountain of food which we could not wait to devour on the wall outside – just as thousands of fans do. Outstanding.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans can pick up a meal for as little as £9 with goat and pork also on the menu.And the establishment has become so iconic Crystal Palace even announced the appointment of Frank de Boer by filming the white smoke emitting from the Tasty Jerk chimney in 2017.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner had expected a better start to the season More