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    Inside Mikel Arteta’s bizarre Arsenal team-bonding after hiring undercover waiter to ‘destroy’ one of his players

    OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO has lifted the lid on Mikel Arteta’s latest bizarre team-bonding exercise.The Arsenal boss, 42, has shown down the years that he is not afraid to think outside the box.Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up about Mikel Arteta’s motivational techniquesCredit: GettyThe Spaniard, 42, is never afraid to think outside the boxCredit: AFPIn 2022, fans were left baffled as it emerged Arteta had boomed “You’ll Never Walk Alone” out of speakers while players trained ahead of a game against Liverpool at Anfield.More recently, the Spaniard hired a team of pickpockets to swipe his stars’ belongings during a dinner – in a bid to teach his players the importance of staying alert at all times.He was also dubbed the “David Brent of the Premier League” after coming up with a new motivational word – “collaboretition” – a combination of collaboration and competition.In his latest wacky exercise, Arteta hired a professional football freestyler to show up one of his players.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking to The Guardian, Zinchenko revealed: “We stayed at the same hotel before a match, and we knew all the waiters.”But there was a new guy that day. So before we go to the stadium [Arteta] said: ‘OK guys, let me wake you up, because we need energy.”Last time, Alex, we played staff against players and you beat [the set-piece coach] Nicolas [Jover]. Let’s do it the same, but freestyling.”Everyone was like: ‘What? For sure, Alex will beat him, blah blah blah’. Nico started to do something with the ball and then suddenly it looks like he got an injury. It was so obvious but weird.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Then they called the new waiter. We didn’t know he was a professional freestyler.”He destroyed me with his tricks and all of us were in deep shock. But then we were all laughing and we went to the game with good energy.”Former Man Utd star Wayne Rooney thinks Arteta is copying his management skills Zinchenko, 27, has scarcely played this season due to a calf injury.He has made just two appearances for the Gunners, and none since the 1-1 draw with Brighton on August 31.The Ukrainian was back on the bench for the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, however, and could be in contention to feature against former side Shakhtar Donetsk this evening.Zinchenko was on Shakhtar’s books as a teenager, before leaving to join Russian side FC Ufa in a bid to secure first team football. More

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    How to watch Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk for FREE and why is the Champions League clash not on TNT Sports?

    ARSENAL host Shakhtar Donetsk in a huge Champions League clash at the Emirates TONIGHT.The Gunners claimed their first triumph in Europe last time out after a dominant 2-0 win over PSG.Arsenal claimed their first Champions League win of the season against PSG last time outCredit: PAKai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were on the scoresheet as Arsenal’s unbeaten start to their Champions League campaign continued.However, the Gunners did suffer their first defeat of the season on the weekend after a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth in the Premier League.Arteta was dealt a huge blow in first-half after William Saliba was sent off to take Arsenal’s red card tally to three for the season.The North Londoners will be looking to bounce back with a huge win in the Champions League tonight – and you can catch all the action for FREE.READ MORE IN ARSENALHow to watch Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League has seen a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk is the third Champions League clash to be broadcast on Amazon Prime this season.Most read in Champions LeagueWhy is Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk not on TNT Sports?TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – have held the rights to air European football in the UK since 2015.This year, the broadcasting giants will still show 184 of the 204 matches live, but both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC now have coverage rights until 2027.BBC’s coverage is restricted to highlights, but Amazon Prime Video will be exclusively showing the top Tuesday match for the next three seasons, including Arsenal’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk this evening.Who is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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    Why is William Saliba not suspended for Arsenal’s Champions League match tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk?

    ARSENAL fans had been preparing themselves for life without William Saliba following his red card against Bournemouth – but he is available for selection TONIGHT!The French phenomenon earned his first-ever sending-off after VAR intervened and upgraded an initial yellow card to a red.William Saliba committed a foul on EvanilsonCredit: RexThe ref had a look at the challenge on the monitorCredit: RexWilliam Saliba’s yellow card was upgraded to a redCredit: GettyAnd in normal procedures, Saliba would be suspended for the next match on the fixture list.However, the highly-rated centre-half is part of the squad for Arsenal’s home fixture tonight due to rules and regulations.SunSport can explain what this is below.Why is William Saliba not suspended for Arsenal’s Champions League match tonight?William Saliba is eligible to play for Arsenal tonight as his suspension is for domestic competitions only.Read more on ArsenalAnd with this upcoming fixture being a European encounter, the Frenchman will be able to partner alongside Gabriel once again.Saliba became the third Arsenal player to see red in eight Premier League matches for the Gunners this season.Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton while Leandro Trossard received a red in the frenetic Manchester City clash.Leandro Trossard was the last player to get sent off for ArsenalCredit: GettyWhy did William Saliba get sent off?The Frenchman was initially booked for pulling back Bournemouth striker Evanilson.Most read in Champions LeagueSaliba attempted to stop the Brazilian who was ready to burst completely clear mid-pitch.VAR Jared Gillett summoned on-pitch ref Rob Jones to the monitor.And after looking, Jones had no doubts as he waved a red to reduce the Gunners to 10 men.How many matches will William Saliba miss for Arsenal?Fortunately for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, William Saliba will miss just ONE game.Had it been violent conduct, he would have been suspended for three matches.However, that one match is against red-hot Liverpool this coming weekend at the Emirates.What has been said?Mikel Arteta highlighted that his side playing with ten men is always a problem.”Playing with 10 men always is an issue.”The trust is, when you analyse it, three different very actions and the outcome of them, the reasons are very different.”Regardless of that we cannot continue to play with 10 men at this level. We need to eradicate that, it’s clear.”Arteta added: “The reasons, how; it doesn’t matter. We have to focus.”We cannot continue to play with ten men, easier to say it then to get it done,” he said. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Specific moments. Reacting, we have a defeat. Very specific conditions as well.” More

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    Aaron Ramsey says ‘he’s not going to be happy with me’ as he reveals he is gunning for Premier League icon’s manager job

    AARON RAMSEY wants to succeed Craig Bellamy as Wales manager.The Dragons captain, 33, completed his Uefa A licence last month and is set to enrol on the pro licence course.Aaron Ramsey has revealed he is one day aiming to take the Wales jobCredit: X @SkySportsPLHe joked current Dragons boss Craig Bellamy will not be happy with himCredit: RexStar midfielder Ramsey, who has won 86 Welsh caps, has set his sights on becoming a boss one day and fancies taking charge of his country.The ex-Arsenal and Juventus ace said: “It would be a very proud moment for me one day. Hopefully that is a few years away yet but it would definitely interest me one day.”I’ve done my A licence now so I will be starting my pro soon. It’s definitely something I am interested in.”Ramsey is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury so the Cardiff star has been helping out on the coaching side and picking up tips along the way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “It’s addictive. I’ve been around the u18s at Cardiff. I’ve been lucky enough to coach them.”I watch games differently now. You do get addicted and you want to try something new. Hopefully one day I will have the opportunity to do that.”Ramsey was a guest on Sky’s Monday Night Football and did not pick boss Bellamy in his all-time team, selecting close pal Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo as his wideman.The Welsh great joked his national manager may not like the snub or his comments on eyeing up his job in the future despite planning to play on for many more years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey said: “He’s not going to be happy with me, is he?”However, Ramsey says he remains troubled by the horrific double leg break he suffered at Stoke 14 years ago that sidelined the then teenager for an initial nine months.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe still has the metal rod and screws in his right leg following the sickening challenge from Ryan Shawcross which snapped him in half and fractured both his tibia and fibula.Ramsey has rarely spoken about the horror tackle, but concedes one of the Premier League’s most shocking incidents has had a major impact on his career with feelings of what might have been.He said: “The injury was a massive setback because of the way I was going at the time. I was in the team, playing regularly and feeling good. I was really asserting myself at that level.”Then the injury happened. All kinds of things went through my mind. Was I going to play again? Was I going to walk again? It wasn’t a nice time.”I did have some really good people around me. I had a lot of messages from people who had suffered similar injuries.”Ramsey was a £5million signing from Cardiff back in 2008 after he rejected Prem giants Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.Following the brutal injury, he went on loan at Nottingham Forest and then boyhood club Cardiff to boost his fitness before returning to the Emirates.Then the injury happened. All kinds of things went through my mind. Was I going to play again? Was I going to walk again? It wasn’t a nice time.Aaron RamseySky SportsYet Ramsey reckons the mental trauma of the injury and the lengthy layoff stayed with him as he recalled the rough house treatment dished out to the Gunners.Ramsey added: “The way that Stoke played back then was to try and be aggressive against Arsenal (who were seen as) being soft. They tried to play on that a little bit more.”That was probably driven by the manager at the time. I don’t think anybody goes out there to break someone’s leg, no, but there was definitely a feeling that they wanted to leave a bit on the players.”I have suffered a load of injuries and maybe it has had an impact on me on the way I move differently and my body has had to adapt to certain things.”Beforehand I never really got injured. I was still pretty young but I could play all day, every day. Definitely, after the injury, it has had a bit of an impact. I still have the metal in my leg as well. That can have an effect on the body as well.”Anything can happen throughout your career. But, of course, from an injury point of view, I wish that never happened and I could have seen how I would have been injury-free throughout my career and what that would have looked like.”Ramsey returned from the injury but admitted he had to overcome psychological battles to tackle again. He scored Arsenal’s winner against United at the Emirates in May 2011 as he took a big step on the road to recovery.Ramsey was sidelined for nine months after a horror leg break against StokeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “That was a huge moment. Psychologically to go into tackles again, it has an effect. “You do go into them half-hearted or thinking, ‘Am I going to be alright doing this?’ It took time after the injury to overcome that.”Ramsey won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal, win Serie A at Juventus and represented Wales at two Euros and the 2022 World Cup before returning to his homeland.He told Sky’s Monday Night Football: “I’m proud of what I have done in my career. To come back from that and still get to the level and play is something I’m proud of.”But he was most disappointed at his Arsenal exit in 2019 when his 11-year association ended as the club made a U-turn on a contract. He then joined Juventus as a free agent on a lucrative £400,000-a-week deal.Ramsey, who scored two FA Cup final match-winning goals at Wembley, added: “It was a weird time. I wanted to commit my future to Arsenal. They had just gone through a change of manager. “I said I’m happy, let’s go and sign it but then it all went quiet. I imagine it went quiet because of the new manager coming in and maybe he wanted to see the squad before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was disappointing because I didn’t see anything beyond it. I was Arsenal through and through until I hung up my boots and went back to Cardiff eventually. “I had to make a decision. You can start talking to foreign clubs in January so a few discussions went on.”Ramsey admits the injury had a long-term impact on himCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed how he believes Thomas Tuchel could transform the England side.The German, 51, was last week confirmed as the new Three Lions boss on an 18-month contract, set to begin on January 1.Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as England boss last weekCredit: GettyJamie Carragher had a go at picking Tuchel’s starting XICredit: AlamyTuchel’s first game in charge will be next March.Following the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss’ arrival, ex-England defender Carragher had a go at predicting how he will pick his side.Appearing on Monday Night Football he selected his XI, making some bold choices along the way.With Jordan Pickford remaining in goal, Carragher added some inexperience to his defence alongside stalwarts Trent Alexander-Arnold and John Stones.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Liverpool ace went for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has so far earned just one cap, to partner Stones.He also reckons that Chelsea’s three-cap star Levi Colwill could solve the Three Lions’ left-back issue.In an attacking 4-2-3-1 system, Carragher opted to move Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield position alongside Declan Rice.With captain Harry Kane remaining the focal point up front, Carra selected pace and trickery in the trio behind him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarra wants to surround skipper Harry Kane with speedCredit: GettyThe former England defender picked this trip to play behind KaneCredit: Alamy”(Bukayo) Saka has to play on the right wing, he has to,” the pundit began, before pointing at the No10 position. “Cole Palmer for me has to play there.”Not necessarily because he’s been amazing for England, hasn’t had too many choices.Thomas Tuchel England Press Conference”But when someone’s playing that well in club football, they have to play.”And right now I’d play Gordon there (the left). Because if Kane for me is still England’s best centre-forward, you need pace around him.”It was then pointed out that Carragher had made a huge omission in leaving out Manchester City star Phil Foden.On the reigning PFA Player of the Year, Carragher added: “You know how much I love Phil Foden.”But Phil Foden still hasn’t done enough in an England shirt. And you’re getting to the stage now where he’s probably played 40-50 games for England.”He’s still… Palmer’s not really had his chance yet, neither’s Anthony Gordon, certainly the chances that… (Foden has).”READ MORE SUN STORIESFoden, 24, has so far earned 41 England caps since debuting in 2020, scoring just once in three major tournaments – against Wales during the World Cup in Qatar.Palmer, meanwhile, has two goals in nine caps – one as a substitute in the Euro 2024 final – with Gordon having made six appearances, featuring for just one minute in the summer’s tournament in Germany.Phil Foden has been left out of Carra’s England teamCredit: Splash More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say no

    AARON RAMSEY has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson phoned him to try to convince him to join Manchester United.Cardiff star Ramsey, 33, appeared as a guest on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football show to analyse Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace – which was won 1-0 by the hosts.Aaron Ramsey revealed how his career could have been very differentCredit: GettyRamsey revealed how he was on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson but did not like the club’s plan for himCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the midfielder admitted he ‘felt wanted’ by Arsene WengerCredit: Arsenal FC – GettyBut during his appearance Ramsey was asked to clear up a rumour about a run-in with Sky pundit Gary Neville near the start of his career.The midfielder then went on to explain how interest had been shown in him by both Man Utd and Liverpool, along with phone calls to Ferguson and Rafael Benitez.Ramsey said: “No it wasn’t Gary [that showed me around Man Utd’s training ground], I think he was busy that day. It was the assistant manager at the time.”Presenter David Jones joked that Jamie Carragher was hoping to blame Neville for the reason he ended up not joining the Red Devils, before Ramsey explained his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “No it wasn’t main man (Ferguson). He was away but we spoke on the phone a few times with him trying to convince me to go there. “But the initial thought was for them to loan me back [to Cardiff] but I wanted to go on [fully] then.”What about Liverpool? Yeah there were some discussions with Rafa but at the time they couldn’t really get to that fee. “I think they could do something around the million or two mark but then I think it went above that toward the five.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey went on to join Arsenal in 2008, where he would stay until 2019, having made 369 appearances and winning three FA Cups.The Welshman explained how “he felt wanted” by the North London club after grabbing lunch with Arsene Wenger.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHe added: “I felt like he really wanted me. He was doing the European Championships at the time so they flew me over there and I met him when he had a few hours off and had lunch with him.”Everything about him and his vision and plans for me. “I can’t remember the ins and outs but he had a really detailed plan obviously with the amount of young players that he brought through and had given great opportunities to go on and be successful.”That was really appealing to me as well. For example like what he did with [Cesc] Fabregas, brought him in at a very young age and giving him that opportunity really young as well.”So I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”Despite his vast talent, Ramsey’s Arsenal career would be stunted early on by a horrific double leg break that kept him out of action for nine months.And after that he would continue to be dogged by injuries.After leaving Arsenal, Ramsey joined Juventus, winning Serie A and Italian Cup before he returned to Britain with Rangers on loan, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsey then joined Nice in 2022 before rejoining boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.He played 13 games in the Championship for them last season and scored three goals, but suffered a major knee injury that kept him out for months. More

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    I played under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea – but I remember what reserves manager did over both of them

    FORMER Chelsea star Carl Magnay worked with Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti but praised another manager for having the biggest influence on his career.The defender won a contract at Chelsea after winning the second series of Sky show Football Icon.Carl Magnay saw many managers at work at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former defender is now in charge of GatesheadCredit: Instagram @gfc_officialHe beat many hopefuls to secure a place in the Blues squad in 2007, and saw plenty of change at the club before leaving on permanent basis in 2011 without making an appearance.Magnay, 35, saw several high profile managers come and go including Mourinho, Ancelotti, Luiz Filipe Scolari and Avram Grant.He said of the experience in an interview with Chronicle Live: “That was a strange one because from an early age I’ve always been interested in coaching and see the manager styles. “Mourinho was a really intimidating character.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He had the respect of the players undoubtedly, when he’d walk into a room you’d sit upright and make sure you checked yourself. He had that presence and that aura about him.”I was there when Carlo Ancelotti was there – who I really liked – I thought he had more of a personal approach with his players and was very organised with his set-ups, similar to Mourinho. “Then there was Andre Villas-Boas who tried to change things quite drastically.”However none of those managers impacted Magnay as much as his reserve manager at the time – Brendan Rodgers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former full-back praised the now Celtic boss for his detail on the training pitch and revealed he uses his tricks at Gateshead, having taking charge of the National League side this month.Magnay continued: “The biggest influence on my career, without a doubt, was Brendan Rodgers. The History Of Chelsea’s Logo “He was my reserve manager for two-and-a-half years and he was incredible. His content with his sessions but also his personable approach, he’s someone that I take a lot of into my work now.” More

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    Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

    THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his commentsCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose SaCredit: Sky SportsReferee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves More