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    Erling Haaland OUT of Man City squad for crunch Liverpool clash as Pep Guardiola hit with yet another injury blow

    ERLING HAALAND has not been included in Manchester City’s squad to face Liverpool.The striker is the club’s top scorer this season with 27 goals in 35 games across all competitions this season.Erling Haaland is missing from Man City’s squad to face LiverpoolCredit: GettyHowever, Pep Guardiola has been sweating over the fitness of his talisman since he fell to the floor awkwardly holding his knee following an awkward landing against Newcastle last week.The 24-year-old was named on the bench for City’s mid-week 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout play-offs, but failed to make it on to the pitch.Guardiola told reporters in his Friday press conference that a decision was yet to be made about his participation against the league leaders.The Spaniard had said: “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we will know.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has now been confirmed that Haaland will miss today’s Etihad clash after he was missing from the Cityzens matchday squad.It is the first time he has not been named in a squad since the fourth round of the FA Cup against Leyton Orient earlier this month, and the first time it has happened in a league game since April 2024 when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.New £59million signing Omar Marmoush was chosen to spearhead City’s attack against Liverpool.Haaland’s absence from the pitch in midweek had seen ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher joke he was suffering with “Rudigeritis” while working as a pundit on CBS Sports.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen asked about the comments, Guardiola said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?”Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”Carragher responded on social media by clarifying the comment was a joke made at the expense of fellow pundit and ex-Man City star Micah Richards.During Sky Sports Super Sunday broadcast, Carragher was asked again about the comments. The 47-year-old said while smirking: “Listen that illness may have carried over and could be Van Dijkitis.”After a few jokes among the panel, including presenter David Jones, Richards, Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane, Carragher added: “Listen there’s no doubt, I think I said in this fixture at Anfield, I think [Virgil] Van Dijk has the edge in terms of being slightly better in his position than Haaland is.”But that is a brilliant match up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland has scored just one goal against Liverpool in the Premier League from four matches, while his overall record against the Reds stands at three goals in eight games.City have beaten Liverpool just once when Haaland has played, while picking up two draws and five defeats. More

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    Bizarre moment Premier League game comes to complete standstill as players just stand and look at each other for 10 secs

    FULHAM and Crystal Palace’s Premier League clash came to a complete standstill when two players fought for the ball.Palace defeated the Cottagers 2-0 on Saturday at Craven Cottage thanks to an own-goal by Joachim Andersen and a goal by Daniel Munoz.The Premier League match between Fulham and Crystal Palace came to a standstillCredit: X @CPFCPalace star Eberechi Eze and Fulham ace Joachim Andersen had a bizarre standoffCredit: X @CPFCAndersen, 28, though, didn’t go viral for accidentally sending the ball behind his own net against his former club.But for a bizarre standoff he had with former team-mate Eberechi Eze down the left wing.Eze, 26, gained possession of the ball and was marked by the Fulham ace.The England international waited for Andersen to come for the ball but his opponent stood there and looked at him.Read More on FootballThe Denmark international then pointed at his wrist like it had a watch on to tell the Palace star to get on with it.The forward tried to bait Andersen with some tricks but the centre-back wouldn’t leave his position.The standoff continued for about 10 seconds until Eze finally passed the ball away.Fans were left absolutely baffled and amazed as they stormed social media.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “The only way to defend against Eze.”Another commented: “Defender’s nightmare.”Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd A third wrote: “Just hope you’re not the one on the receiving end of that skill!”This fan said: “Scared of getting skinned alive by Eze.”And that one stated: “This is a funny game indeed.” More

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    ‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates

    WEST HAM fans gleefully mocked their Arsenal counterparts as their side delivered a Hammer blow to the Gunners’ fading title hopes.Graham Potter’s side conjured a brilliant performance to beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.Declan Rice takes a corner in front of the away endCredit: GettyHammers fans celebrate with their victorious team after the gameCredit: EPAThe Gunners’ defeat saw them remain eight points behind leaders Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s men possessing an opportunity to make it 11 when they face Manchester City this afternoon.After Jarrod Bowen’s 44th minute header gave their side the lead, it was truly party time for the Hammers’ faithful in the away end.With Arsenal having finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, and sitting in the same position at the moment, West Ham fans chanted: “Second again, ole ole.”Hammers supporters also directed a pair of cheeky songs towards their former captain Declan Rice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe West Ham academy graduate, 26, left the London Stadium for Arsenal in a £105million deal two summers ago.He won the Europa Conference League as Hammers skipper, but is yet to win a major trophy with Arsenal.As Rice went over to take a corner in front of the away end, they sang: “You should have signed for a big club.”The song was repeated as Rice was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was sent off just 17 minutes after coming on.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDeclan Rice was replaced during the second halfCredit: GettyThe midfielder looked fuming as he sat on the benchCredit: GettyWest Ham supporters also mocked their former captain with a chant bigging up this season’s cult hero Andy Irving.They sang: “You’re just a s*** Andy Irving.”Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidAfter he was substituted, Rice looked furious as he sat on the bench.West Ham’s win was just their second in seven games under new boss Potter.They remain 16th in the Premier League table, but are only behind Manchester United on goal difference.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left raging after his side’s defeat.’I AM VERY, VERY, VERY ANGRY’He said: “I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that played today, me included, and that was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win the Premier League.”Very disappointed, obviously very angry as well. I think you have to congratulate West Ham for the victory and the game that they played.”But there was a lot from our side that we never got right and didn’t allow us to get enough momentum, enough sequences of play with positive action that could deliver situations of threat for them.”He went on to add: “So I am very, very, very angry.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will return to action on Wednesday night with a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.West Ham, meanwhile, will host Leicester 24 hours later.Arsenal’s fading title hopes took a huge blowCredit: Getty More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot Erling Haaland’s subtle dig at Myles Lewis-Skelly after Arsenal kid’s red card vs West Ham

    MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as their bitter feud continues.Haaland, 24, sparked quite an intense rivalry with the Gunners in September when City drew 2-2 with their unlikely rivals at the Etihad.Manchester City star Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: Instagram @city_xtraLewis-Skelly trolled Haaland during Arsenal’s victory over Man CityCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland’s signature meditation celebrationCredit: APThe star striker scored the opener and threw the ball at opponent Gabriel Magalhaes’ head after John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser.After the full-time whistle, the Norway international got into an angry spat with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and told him to “stay humble”.That sparked a feisty confrontation with the North Londoners’ Gabriel Jesus, who tried to calm Haaland down.Lewis-Skelly, 18, also got involved in the confrontation after his debut and drew the ire of the Norwegian star who looked at him with disdain before mouthing off: “Who the f*** are you?”Read More on ArsenalThe versatile defender got some revenge in the second leg earlier this month as he helped Arsenal pick up a dominant 5-1 victory over the reigning Premier League champions.Lewis-Skelly scored his team’s third goal and mocked Haaland by mimicking his signature meditation celebration.Arsenal used that win to get even with the outspoken Man City star, who was booed by the home crowd throughout the match.Gabriel also laughed at his face after Martin Odegaard’s opener and the Emirates’ DJ played Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 track HUMBLE at full-time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut now the pendulum has swung back in Haaland’s favour after the Gunners’ title hopes were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday.Arteta’s side lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham at home and failed to cut the deficit with leaders Liverpool down to five points.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAnd Lewis-Skelly suffered a day to forget as he was sent off for a foul on Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was initially shown a yellow card but a VAR review upgraded the card as he was deemed to have denied Kudus a goalscoring opportunity and was given his marching orders.Some West Ham fans decided to rub salt into their rivals’ wounds by imitating Haaland’s meditation celebration outside the Emirates in an apparent attempt to mock Lewis-Skelly.The Hammers’ supporters posted the pic on Instagram and the ex-Borussia Dortmund star “liked” it.Haaland appears to have taken one more swipe at Arsenal after the stick he took in north London.However, it is also possible the ex-Red Bull Salzburg star was just pleased to see fans paying tribute to his celebration…Haaland liked a post of West Ham fans trolling Lewis-Skelly outside the EmiratesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly was sent off during Arsenal’s defeat to West HamCredit: Getty More

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    Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea

    JESSE LINGARD performed FIVE celebrations after scoring his first goal of the season as FC Seoul defeated Anyang 2-1 on Saturday.With the K League running from February to November, Lingard and Co have been hoping to get off to a good start.Jesse Lingard was thrilled after scoring his side’s opening goalCredit: RexLingard, 32, dabbed in front of the fansCredit: RexThe former Man Utd star excitedly performed several different celebrationsCredit: RexHaving been appointed FC Seoul’s club captain, Lingard was disappointed as his side slumped to a 2-0 opening day defeat to Jeju United last weekend.But he played an integral role in getting his side off the mark in their home opener, scoring on 49 minutes against local rivals Anyang.On first viewing it appeared that Lingard had brilliantly lobbed the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.But upon further inspection it emerged that the ball had actually been kicked off the former Manchester United man by a defender, before looping into the back of the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless of how it went in, thrilled Lingard ran straight to the fans to celebrate.The delighted star initially stuck his tongue out, before performing a dab.He then switched up to a shrug before producing his trademark “J-Lingz” hand gesture.Lingard hugged a pair of team-mates and, for his fifth an final celebration, threw in another dance move.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLingard also celebrated alongside a team-mateCredit: RexHaving endured a difficult start last year, the former England international is now thriving in South Korea.After yesterday’s match, a fan pointed out on social media: “Shows he is serious about trying to have an impact in Korea as a whole and not just a media move.”Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league In a recent interview with the Independent, Lingard opened up on how he has found adapting to life in Asia.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect but seeing the love and appreciation really settled me down and got my confidence up.”I started getting a couple of assists, a couple of goals. When people ask for pictures, I always try.”When you finish your career, and you’re not getting the applause you’re used to, it can really hit you. I feel like just enjoying every moment.”Lingard, 32, also revealed that he cried after his final Man Utd training session, as well as opening up on his relationship with Jose Mourinho.FC Seoul are next in action on March 2, when they host Gimcheon Sangmu, a team made up entirely of players completing their mandatory military service, at Seoul World Cup Stadium.The former England star has adapted well to life in South KoreaCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It is totally unacceptable’ – Max Verstappen’s dad Jos says F1 champ will BOYCOTT events held in England after booing

    MAX VERSTAPPEN’s dad has insisted that the F1 champ could BOYCOTT future events in England.The Red Bull Racing star was booed at Formula One’s season launch party.Max Verstappen was booed at the Formula One’s season launchCredit: GettyFather Jos has claimed he could boycott events in EnglandCredit: GettyVerstappen, 27, and team principal Christian Horner both received frosty receptions at the O2 Arena in London last week.The event saw all 20 drivers and ten teams celebrate F1’s 75th birthday.They all unveiled their liveries for the 2025 season which begins at the Australian GP in March.Jos Verstappen has spoken to his son and revealed that he was less than impressed with the response of the crowd.READ MORE ON F1He told RaceXpress: “Max doesn’t feel like being booed in front of 25,000 people.”He also says: ‘If this is in England again next year, they certainly won’t see me there,’ and I completely agree with him.”Jos insisted that the booing was “unacceptable”.He added: “You are there for Formula 1 to promote the sport a little bit and all.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Then you are booed by the public. I think that is unacceptable. “Look, I understand it.Christian Horner brutally booed at F1 75 launch event a year on from sext scandal”Max is the only one who puts the English drivers under pressure and who tells it exactly how it is, but I think it is unacceptable and a real disappointment what happened there.”In itself, I thought it was a reasonable set-up, but I thought it was embarrassing what happened there with Red Bull Racing, that Horner was booed so much.”Despite the many boos that could be heard, there were also cheers coming from the crowd.Horner mentioned the reception as he took the microphone on stage.He said: “Is that (booing?)… well, it’s fantastic to be here in the O2 anyway.”So I hope you’re all having a good evening.”Verstappen goes into the new campaign having won the four last World Drivers’ Championships. More

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    ‘The problem wasn’t him, it was the coaching’ – Inside Antony’s career revival after leaving Man Utd hell for Real Betis

    MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Antony is back on the road to glory – all thanks to a manager still hailed as an Etihad hero.The Brazilian winger finally found an escape route from his Old Trafford hell with a six-month move to Real Betis in January.Antony has found his goalscoring boots at Real BetisMan Utd flop Antony looks a far happier prospect playing in La LigaCredit: PAThree goals in his first four games made him an immediate hit with fans, in a flying start to life in La Liga.According to one Betis legend, it is all because Antony’s new gaffer has put the freedom and fun back in his game…and that man is ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini.The Chilean manager has an eternal place in the hearts of City fans as the man who led them to the title in the season always remembered for Steven Gerrard’s slip.And Antony should be just as thankful at swapping the shackles and stress of United for a boss who believes in him again.Read more football newsGabino Rodriguez is a Betis great, after nearly 200 games for his boyhood club, and the man who had a key role in David de Gea’s career during his days as Spain’s Under-21 coach.Now a respected pundit, Rodriguez is convinced Antony has struck gold and in the perfect place to rediscover the form which made him one of the world’s top wide boys.Rodriguez insisted: “It is obviously a bit too soon for a full assessment, but this footballer has class, no doubt about it. Technically he is a very gifted player.“The initial impression is he’s landed on his feet at Betis. He scored in his first game, I can see hunger in him and the fans are very happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Personally I have no doubts that Antony will adapt really well to Pellegrini’s system because the manager likes to play attacking football.“Betis continuously go down the wings and Antony is the type of player who suits this coach well.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever“Under another one he would struggle in all aspects, and that’s what happened at United. For me, Antony’s problem wasn’t him, but a coaching one.”While Pellegrini – replaced by Pep Guardiola in 2016 – had a cautious public profile, his side were full of in-your-face flair, hitting 102 goals as he led City to their second Prem crown.It is an approach he has stuck with in four years at Betis, and Rodriguez reckons Antony couldn’t have a better manager to get him back to the top.He added: “Watching how he has developed in the few matches he’s played so far, I think he’s one for a very distinct kind of coach – and the clearest and closest example is Pellegrini.“There are others who take a more defensive approach and focus more on running and marking or covering.“They are the ones who tend to have a more direct style and use long balls. Players like Antony completely disappear in those sort of matches.”The born-again Brazilian is a world away from the one which left Manchester without starting a Premier League game all season.Ruben Amorim decided to let Antony leave on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyBrazilians Vitor Roque and Antony have developed a good relationship on the pitchCredit: RexInsiders say he is already a popular figure in the dressing room, and a squad containing another couple from his homeland made settling in much easier.Rodriguez revealed: “He has a very good relationship with his compatriot Natan and don’t forget Victor Roque is also Brazilian.“There are other South Americans like Giovanni Lo Celso, Cucho Hernandez and Chimmy Avila too, which does help at the start when you are in a new place.“I’m told Antony has been well-received in the team and didn’t walk in with an air of superiority just because he came from United.“He’s been quite the opposite, very humble, with a real eagerness to work. Things like that are highly valued at Betis.“Antony just needed the type of coach who could spark him – and under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorin, everything surrounding United looked like a funeral.”Antony has scored three times in four games for Real BetisPrevious Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag failed to get the best out of the £80m signingCredit: GettyWhether Betis have the cash to turn the loan move into a permanent one is debatable. Rodriguez reckons they will certainly give it a go.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I believe there is no definite buying option to his loan, but if he continues playing at this level, I am sure the club will try and find a way to keep him.“The player clearly likes the club and Sevilla is a very welcoming and friendly city. I am sure he is very comfortable here with his family.” More

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    ‘I don’t think I’ve seen a Man Utd team this bad’ – Rio Ferdinand slams flops’ ‘unforgivable’ antics in Everton draw

    RIO FERDINAND slammed Manchester United’s “unforgivable” performance against Everton and suggested he has NEVER seen his former team play this bad before.Ferdinand, 46, won a raft of silverware with United during a glittering 12-year stint at Old Trafford as he lifted six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy.Rio Ferdinand lambasted Manchester United after their draw with EvertonCredit: AlamyFerdinand slammed Man Utd for their ‘unforgivable’ performance at EvertonCredit: ReutersBut the legendary centre-back has seen his beloved team hitting new lows this season by dropping to 15th place in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from European qualification.And Man Utd’s troubles continued on Saturday when the former England international watched Ruben Amorim’s side draw 2-2 at Everton after finding themselves two goals down by half-time.Ferdinand was left fuming and didn’t hold back on his brutal post-match analysis as he stated this might be the worst United have ever been during his lifetime.The popular pundit lambasted the players’ “embarrassing” display and lack of desire, which he found especially unacceptable.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Leeds star advised manager Amorim not to hold back on his assessment of the players and let them know how disappointing they were once more in the dressing room.Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.“We said they were going to have to come out and roll their sleeves up, because Everton would come out fighting.“Man Utd haven’t done that. They’ve been pressed, they’ve been harried. They haven’t been able to deal with the press at all.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes “They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation.“You’ve got to fight. You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More