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    ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

    PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He 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?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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    Bookies pay out on Liverpool Premier League title as Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal flops after West Ham defeat

    FURIOUS Mikel Arteta slammed his Arsenal flops and accused them of lacking the ‘levels’ to be champs.Bookies Paddy Power last night paid out on a Liverpool title after  Jarrod Bowen’s winner at the Emirates.Fuming Mikel Arteta laid into his Arsenal flops after defeat to West HamCredit: RexMartin Odegaard was equally scathing of his team’s performanceCredit: PAAnd Gunners boss Arteta fumed: “I’m very, very angry. I hope the team is angry. That was nowhere near the levels we have to hit to  win a Premier League.”Sub Myles Lewis-Skelly was also sent off  after a VAR review for tripping Mohammed Kudus — Arsenal’s FIFTH red card of the season.Asked if the title race is over, Arteta admitted: “It’s not in our hands.“I’m really annoyed with the things that ARE in our hands and we didn’t do as well as we could.Read more football news“We have to look in the mirror of what we can do better: the will, the desire and the way we want it.”Prem leaders Liverpool will go ELEVEN points clear with a win at  Manchester City today.Injury-hit Arsenal mustered just TWO shots on target yesterday after midfielder Mikel Merino was handed his first career start as a No 9  following injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArteta added: “Even though we had 20 shots, I never felt we were at the standard and the level we needed. We never got a grip of the game.Most read in FootballArsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)“I refuse to blame the lack of strikers. I am talking about the players’ standards, me included.“This level was not enough. You have to deliver and it has to be with quality to break down a good team.” The shock defeat ended the Gunners’ run of 15 unbeaten Prem games.Skipper Martin Odegaard echoed Arteta’s comments and declared:“The performance was not good enough. It’s a big blow,  really disappointed.“We have players missing but we have players here who are good enough and available.“It wasn’t good enough in front of the goal. With the red card, it was tricky as well.”Asked if he picked the wrong team, Arteta replied: “I would do the same, but when you lose you get it wrong, the tactics, the intentions, everything.”Lewis-Skelly’s 73rd-minute red for a halfway-line trip on Kudus was  upgraded from an initial yellow after VAR Peter Bankes persuaded ref Craig Pawson to view the pitchside monitor.The Prem’s Match Centre confirmed VAR “deemed it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.Kudus said: “I took the ball off and tried to get the shot off. If I wasn’t stopped, I was heading direct to goal against the keeper.Asked what needs to change between now and Wednesday’s visit to third-placed Nottingham Forest, Arteta added: “First of all, suffer, 24 to 48 hours, suffer and feel the pain.“Make sure we come back on Monday with  bite and anger still in the stomach.Arne Slot’s Liverpool take on Man City at the Etihad on SundayCredit: GettyIn-form Liverpool could open up an 11-point gap at the top of the tableCredit: Getty“Hopefully we have a positive reaction. We must understand we need to raise the level.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBowen, who scored his 50th Prem goal, said: “It was a beautiful ball in, I couldn’t miss.“It was really important to win the game.” More

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    Newcastle plotting to bring back former youth star who left in 2013 but is now shining at Premier League rivals

    NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.Tavernier and his brother James, 33 – now captain of Rangers – grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.Eddie Howe is eyeing a summer swoop for former Toon youth player Marcus TavernierCredit: RexThe 25-year-old was formerly on the books at NewcastleCredit: GettyBut the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer. Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers. Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo’s men – and bring Champions League football back to St James Park. Howe said: “The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.”We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. “It is not impossible for us to achieve it.“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. “If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. “They are important games coming up in the next few weeks.” More

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    Man Utd got lucky against Everton after major VAR blunder meant referee saw WRONG footage of Everton penalty claim

    FORMER Premier League whistler Mark Halsey has branded VAR “embarrassing” following Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Toffees were denied a last-gasp penalty after a controversial VAR intervention on Saturday afternoon.Everton were given a penalty late on against Man Utd – only for the decision to be overturnedCredit: AFPReferee Andy Madley was shown incorrect footage on the pitchside monitorCredit: RexEx-referee Mark Halsey has slammed VAR for the mistakeCredit: AFPAshley Young went down in the box following a shirt pull from Matthijs De Ligt, with referee Andy Madley initially pointing to the spot.VAR Matt Donohue recommended Madley review his decision – before the WRONG footage was shown on the pitchside monitor. Former Prem ref Halsey told SunSport: “The decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Everton near the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester United was clearly wrong.”VAR Matt Donohue should NOT have got involved because referee Andy Madley’s on-field call was in no way a clear and obvious error.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ashley Young’s shirt was pulled – and when an opponent does that in the penalty area he is asking for trouble.”When Madley went to the monitor on the advice of VAR he was then shown the wrong footage.”The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media that Harry Maguire’s challenge on Young had been checked and that no foul had been committed.”But they failed to take into account that Matthijs de Ligt had pulled Young back by the shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And had Madley been shown footage filmed from behind the goal he would have seen this.”The incident was embarrassing.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesEverton led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But United fought back after the break and levelled through Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.Relieved Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim claimed the decision not to award a penalty was fair.Amorim said: “No, I think it’s a soft touch, it was not [a penalty] from what I saw. “I think it was a soft penalty, that was clear. “If you start the game without the first half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points.”The VAR footage centered on Harry Maguire impeding Ashley Young, rather than focusing on Mattjis De Ligt’s shirt pullBut fuming Everton manager David Moyes hit out at the officials after his side were denied back-to-back Premier League wins.Moyes fumed: “I can’t understand. [De Ligt] pulled his jersey.”I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think everybody who watches football, we’re all looking forward to seeing a referee saying ‘No, no I’m sticking with it’.’If it’s absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.Man 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. More

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    Identity of mystery girl seen out with Jack Grealish is revealed after family man footballer said ‘she’s not with me’

    A MYSTERY woman seen leaving a celeb nightspot with Jack ­Grealish is ex-model Emma Silverton, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.The Manchester City and England star was followed by Emma out of the ­Chiltern Firehouse in central London.Ex-model Emma Silverton was seen leaving a celeb nightspot with Jack GrealishGrealish was followed by Devon-born Emma out of the Chiltern Firehouse in central LondonCredit: SplashGrealish with girlfriend Sasha Attwood, who gave birth to his daughter in SeptemberCredit: InstagramNew dad Grealish, who was with pal Jaydon Gibbs, was heard shouting, “She’s not with me”, before doubling back inside. He re-emerged to get into a chauffeur-driven car.Witnesses said Emma then popped her head out of the window of a black cab to ask: “Are you guys coming or not?”Gibbs, whose twin Kieran is a former Arsenal defender, told the cab driver to “follow that car” before getting inside.Read More on SportThe next day Grealish, 29, celebrated Valentine’s Day with girlfriend Sasha Attwood, who gave birth to his daughter in September.Emma used to work as a hostess at the Chiltern Firehouse, looking after high- ­profile guests discreetly.The Brit was on the books of a New York modelling agency for six years and worked for designers including Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Sonia Rykiel and Burberry.For the last three years 5ft 11in Emma has worked as a freelance photographer, and on film and music video projects.Most read in FootballJack and influencer Sasha, 29, share a £6million mansion in Cheshire.Emma was approached for comment.’Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart More

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    ‘Glitch in the Matrix’ – Bizarre moment Jean-Philippe Mateta ‘teleports’ in Crystal Palace celebrations

    JEAN-PHILIPPE Mateta proved he is as elusive on camera as he is in opposition penalty boxes.The French striker, 27, has been in blistering form for Crystal Palace in this campaign.Jean-Philippe Mateta disappears from camera in the bizarre clip trending onlineMateta was a constant threat to Fulham in Palace’s 2-0 win over FulhamCredit: GettyAlready, he has scored 11 Premier League goals for the Eagles – as they march up the table.The former Mainz 05 man played a key role in Saturday’s match against Fulham.Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet, he proved a menace for the Cottagers’ defenders.And for his side’s second goal, scored by Daniel Munoz, it was his counter through the middle that conjured up the strike for the Colombian hitman.Read more football news Strangely though, as Munoz celebrated with the away fans, behind him a spinning Mateta appeared out of nowhere.One fan even joked that it looked like Mateta had ‘teleported’ into shot.While another suggested, ‘I think we had a glitch in the Matrix at Craven Cottage today.’The Eagles’ win over Fulham was remarkably the first time in 119 years they have won four consecutive games away from home in the top flight.Most read in FootballEXC My former Premier League footballer ex threatened to kill me – now he refuses to pay child supportThey were sent on their way when old boy Joachim Andersen scored an own goal in the first half.Former Genk striker Munoz put the seal on the win in the second half.Interestingly, moments before Munoz scored, Mateta had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside.Perhaps if he tried his ‘teleporting’ trick, he might have got that call. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ‘sick’ of hearing about Man Utd’s decline and ‘some think Sir Alex Ferguson is to blame’

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and the rest of INEOS are “sick” of hearing about Manchester United’s glorious past and recent decline.And some within United’s hierarchy believe the recent struggles go down to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who remained with the club as an ambassador after retiring from the dugout in 2013.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of INEOS are “sick” of hearing about Manchester United’s glorious pastCredit: PASome within United’s hierarchy believe the recent struggles go down to legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: AFPAccording to The Mirror, minority shareholder Ratcliffe, 72, and director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford “want absolutely nothing to do with the past” and are done hearing about how Man Utd used to dominate.Brailsford feels the past’s achievements are weighing heavily on how the Red Devils now go about the business of bringing back the glory years.So much so that it’s become an “obsession” not to mention the period when Man Utd were one of the best teams in the world.In fact, some influential figures at Old Trafford even feel that Ferguson is to blame for the Manchester giants’ decline the last 12 years.Read More on Man UtdFergie won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during a stunning 27-year reign that ended in 2013.But club chiefs feel Sir Alex’s presence didn’t allow the club to embrace developments in coaching and scouting. The Scottish legend’s multi-million pound contract was ended in October by the new regime, who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.SunSport revealed another savage round of redundancies is imminent.Most read in FootballEmployees have been called up for a meeting that will take place at Old Trafford on Monday.They are expecting to be told that up to 200 more jobs are set to be cut. Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices That’s just seven months after INEOS laid off 250 members of staff at United. More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Jorgensen’s catastrophic error costs Blues but Caicedo a rare shining light in midfield

    BLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.Chelsea lost back-to-back gamesCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez fired Chelsea ahead inside nine minutesCredit: RexMarcus Rashford provided TWO assists for fellow new signing Marco AsensioCredit: GettyFilip Jorgensen’s howler saw Villa win 2-1Credit: ReutersBut the Blues soon fell apart after Villa loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time. Malo Gusto and Reece James couldn’t cope with Rashford – who looked like a different player from his recent woes at Old Trafford.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea with two Prem wins from nine games.Here SunSport’s Graham Hill gives his Chelsea ratings from a booming Villa Park.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSFILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.Most read in FootballMARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids. His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRIS NKUNKU- 5 Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESSUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. More