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      Mikel Arteta’s road to 100 Prem wins at Arsenal, from battling for top half finishes to challenging for titles

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      MIKEL ARTETA notched his 100th Premier League win against Tottenham in the North London Derby last weekend – another landmark moment in his short managerial career.As a result, the Spaniard joins a list of great managers to do so in the Prem, taking 169 games to do so – 10 games less than Arsene Wenger managed the feat with the Gunners.Mikel Arteta reached 100 Prem wins with the victory at rivals TottenhamCredit: AlamyArteta first took charge of Arsenal at Bournemouth on December 26, 2019Credit: PACoincidentally, both Arteta and Wenger reached the milestone on the same day 23 years apart – the 28th of April. Wenger’s came in a 2-1 victory away at Derby in the 2000/01 term.Only four top flight managers have managed it quicker – Pep Guardiola [134 games], Jose Mourinho [142], Jurgen Klopp [159] and Sir Alex Ferguson [162].However, Arteta is the youngest manager to do so at 42 years and 33 days, the closest being David Moyes at 45 years and 190 days.Arteta has a 59 per cent win percentage in the Prem, losing 42 and drawing 27.read more arsenalHaving taken over on December 20, 2019, Arteta managed nine Prem wins before notching 18 in his first full campaign in charge, followed by 22 in 2021/22, 26 in 22/23 and so far has 25 this term.Below are a few standout moments on his way to his centurion Prem legacy:PREM WIN #1 – 2-0 (H) vs Manchester United on January 1, 2020In his opening two matches as boss, Arteta oversaw a draw at Bournemouth and a defeat to Chelsea before welcoming United to the Emirates.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNicolas Pepe scored to help Arteta to his first Prem win as Arsenal bossCredit: ReutersNicolas Pepe and Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored first half goals to seal the three points and kick-off Arteta’s tenure, taking Arsenal up to 10th in the table.In a season ravaged by COVID-19, Arsenal managed just eight more league wins and finished eighth, ending up 43 points off winners Liverpool and 10 points off the top four.PREM WIN #10 – 3-0 (A) vs Fulham on September 12, 2020Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and debutant Gabriel grabbed the goals in an impressive opening day victory of the 2020/21 season.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored at Fulham in a 3-0 winCredit: ReutersA bright start of three wins from four was ruined by a run of seven league games without a victory from November 8 to December 19 to mark Arteta’s 12 months in charge.They dropped as low as 15th during that period.PREM WIN #25 – 1-0 (A) vs Chelsea on May 12, 2021An upturn in form from the beginning of the calendar year salvaged Arsenal’s season somewhat, finishing in style with five straight wins.Emile Smith Rowe earned the Gunners a narrow win at Chelsea in May 2021Credit: ReutersThat spree included this one as Emile Smith Rowe grabbed the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge.Arsenal ended the season in eighth for the second year on the spin, six points off the top four and 25 points off eventual winners Manchester City.PREM WIN #50 – 2-0 (A) vs Crystal Palace on August 5, 2022After agonisingly ending the previous season in fifth, two points off Spurs in the top four and 24 points off winners City, Arsenal start this season with a bang.Gabriel Martinelli ensured Arsenal’s 2022/23 season started wellCredit: ReutersThe win at Palace saw goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Marc Guehi into his own net late on in the Friday night campaign opener.This result meant Arteta was the second quickest Arsenal manager to 50 Prem wins after his former boss and mentor Wenger.PREM WIN #75 – 5-0 (H) vs Wolves on May 28, 2023An unexpected title charge was met with heartbreak in the last weeks of the season as Arsenal squandered an eight-point lead and lost the title to City by five points.Granit Xhaka had a memorable goodbye to see off Wolves at the EmiratesCredit: AFPOn a positive note, they finished second for the first time since 2016.Granit Xhaka scored a double on his last appearance before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen, as well as goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Jakub Kiwior.PREM WIN #90 – 3-1 (H) vs Liverpool on February 4, 2024Building on the season before, Arsenal lost once in their opening 15 games before a slump of one win in five over Christmas.Bukayo Saka opened the scoring as Arteta’s Arsenal downed Klopp’s LiverpoolCredit: AFPThey recovered, and recorded 13 wins from 15 in 2024, including this crucial win over title rivals Liverpool with goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.The win ensured they remained in the hunt for top spot, and ensured Klopp’s last visit to the Emirates as Reds boss ended in defeat.PREM WIN #100 – 3-2 (A) vs Tottenham on April 28, 2024Having returned to the Prem summit despite City’s games in hand, Arsenal secured a third win on the bounce after a disappointing week.READ MORE SUN STORIESKai Havertz enjoyed giving Arsenal a 3-0 lead at rivals TottenhamCredit: AlamyA 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, orchestrated by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery was followed by being knocked out of the Champions League quarter finals by Bayern Munich.At Spurs, they went 3-0 up inside 38 minutes thanks to Saka, Kai Havertz and an own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before surviving a late fight back in North London. 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      Mohammed Kudus and the other best Dream Team performers who feature in fewer than 5% of teams

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      AT this late stage of the season, many Dream Team managers will be in need of a difference maker.The likes of Bukayo Saka (£5.8m) and Ollie Watkins (£5m) are fantastic players but their returns are unlikely to change the outlook of many Mini Leagues, such is their popularity.With that in mind, let’s run through the seven best players, as determined by total points, who currently feature in fewer than 5% of teams.CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!World-class dribblerCredit: Dream TeamMohammed Kudus
      274 points
      2.4% ownership
      £5.4 million
      West Ham’s skilful midfielder leads the way in this department having averaged 6.5 points-per-game this term.The Ghana star has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists but it’s his ability to rack up bonus points that makes him such an appealing asset.Only Bruno Guimaraes (£4.4m) has earned more bonus points (75) than Kudus (64) with the former having played four more games.The 23-year-old is sixth among midfielders in the rankings and tenth overall at the time of writing – what a signing he’s been for the Hammers.Most read in FootballPascal Gross
      247 points
      1.7% ownership
      £4.3 million
      Brighton’s results have fallen off a cliff in the second half of the season and so many Dream Team bosses will want to stay clear of Roberto De Zerbi’s favourites until they’re back on track.However, the Seagulls have four fixtures remaining in 2023/24 when most teams have just three to play so Gross, who averages 5.7 points-per-game, could be considered a viable differential.UnderappreciatedCredit: APThe German midfielder has registered 14 assists and, like Kudus, he’s a keen bonus point hoarder having pocketed 55 to date.Gross is an underrated, adaptable player who suits Dream Team’s new scoring system.It’s worth noting that Brighton’s remaining fixtures are relatively tricky: Aston Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United.Conor Gallagher
      240 points
      2.2% ownership
      £3.9 million
      Cole Palmer (£5.4m) is obviously the best Chelsea player to own for the final Gameweeks of the campaign but gaffers should at least consider reinforcements given the Blues have four fixtures to play from the start of Gameweek 34.Gallagher found goal involvements hard to come earlier in the season but he’s now notched 16 (six goals, ten assists) and he’s just three tackles short of a century.Add in 46 bonus points and the Blues’ homegrown midfielder has to considered a well-rounded asset with multiple avenues to points.Chelsea face Tottenham this week but their remaining fixtures are fairly friendly: West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth.240 points and countingCredit: GettyJoao Pedro
      236 points
      2.9% ownership
      £3.9 million
      The Brazilian forward was almost a must-have asset at one stage of the season but there’s no doubt he’s tailed off.He’s yet to score since his comeback from injury, which sidelined him for almost two months, and he hasn’t even registered a shot on target in his last four outings.Still, his overall tally of 19 goals has to respected, even if a significant portion of those came from the penalty spot.Dominic Solanke
      231 points
      3.5% ownership
      £3.9 million
      Bournemouth’s No9 has proved all his doubters wrong this season having bagged 20 goals in all competitions.Only four players have scored more Premier League goals this term with the likes of Mohamed Salah (£6.5m), Jarrod Bowen (£4.8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.6m) behind Solanke in the Golden Boot race.The Cherries’ target man averages 5.9 points-per-game this term – a fantastic effort.One of the Premier League’s best strikers this seasonCredit: GettyJohn McGinn
      227 points
      4% ownership
      £3.9 million
      Aston Villa are certainly a team to target in the coming Gameweeks as they’re the last English team active in Europe.If the Villains get past Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-finals then they’ll be the outright busiest team from Gameweek 34 to the end of the campaign.Leon Bailey (£3.7m) and Moussa Diaby (£3.1m) are tempting options (alongside the essential Ollie Watkins) but McGinn is actually the top performer among Villa’s midfielders.The Scotland international has 17 goal involvements to his name but, like Gallagher, he tops up his returns with tackles and bonus points.Douglas Luiz
      226 points
      4.4% ownership
      £3.8 million
      Much of what applied to McGinn is also relevant for his Brazilian team-mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuiz has the benefit of being Villa’s first-choice penalty-taker when on the pitch but gaffers should be aware that he incurs more than his fair share of bookings – he’s racked up 14 yellow cards in all competitions this season.The schedule suggests that backing at least one Villa midfielder is likely to yield healthy returns but it’s not all that clear who is best placed to capitalise on the extra fixtures.Decisions, decisions…Credit: GettytalkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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      Newcastle to snub new stadium and expand St James’ Park in ‘one of most ambitious rebuilds seen in UK’

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      NEWCASTLE are set to extend their stay at St James’ Park after snubbing plans for a new stadium.The club’s Saudi ownership had been weighing up whether to build a new ground or undertake the costly renovations to bring St James’ to modern standards.Newcastle look set to stay at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyThe club face a few issues when looking to expand, howeverCredit: The SunBut The Telegraph have reported today that the club plan to expand St James’ Park rather than move in “one of the most extensive ambitious rebuilds seen in UK”.That follows an “extensive” six month feasibility study carried out by the club’s ownership to see if plans to expand the ground were achievable.The club will have to overcome significant obstacles if they are to expand their iconic home.The current stadium borders on listed Georgian houses which can’t be knocked down to make way for a burgeoning ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLikewise, the club have previously purchased land behind the Gallowgate End to make way for a fanzone, but this has its own complications.That land has a road leading to a busy hospital running by it and also has part of Newcastle’s underground service underneath it – making laying new foundations there tricky.Before the current plans to expand are green lit, the club would like to discuss extending their lease at the stadium, which has 70 years left to run.The Telegraph have said that talks between the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and Newcastle City Council will be “delicate”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club had been considering relocating to the Metro Radio Arena on the banks of the River Tyne but that land has now been sold to build housing.The club also considered rebuilding the ground next to its current site in Leazes Park.Fans utterly baffled by ‘most hype manager announcement video ever’ starring forgotten ex-Premier League starThe plan is to build a multipurpose arena that could also be used for events and concerts.Despite the feasibility study, works are not expected to be carried out before the end of the year and relevant stakeholders still need to agree to the project.There remains a slim possibility that the club may still move their stadium if PIF cannot find an agreement on extending their lease with the council.The renovation is complicated by the fact that St James’ Park is set to be used for the 2028 European Championships hosted by England, Scotland and Ireland. More

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      Who is ITV Euro 2024 presenter Seema Jaswal?

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      ITV’S coverage for Euro 2024 is expected to include Seema Jaswal, who is well travelled in the field of sports presenting.The 39-year-old from Richmond has presented the Premier League’s global coverage, as well as Channel 4’s coverage of Motorsports.Jaswal also spent three years working for Channel 5’s The Wright StuffJaswal is expected to get involved in the Euro 2024 coverageShe also appeared on Channel 4’s coverage of the BDO Darts and the BBC for Snooker’s Triple Crown events.ITV employed Jaswal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, working as a reporter and summariser.Jaswal also anchored FIFA’s coverage of the U-17 World Cup in 2017.And now she is expected to cover England’s bid of winning their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.The Three Lions are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.Gareth Southgate’s men have been drawn in a group that includes, Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark.How old is she?Jaswal has now been in TV and radio for over a decade.That is after she got her big break on CBBC in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024Born in 1985, she is currently 39 years old.Is Seema Jaswal married?Seema’s maiden name is Pathan but she likes to keep her private life out of the public eye.Former England boss Fabio Capello says ‘fear’ will end Euro 2024 dream as he identifies player as the weakest linkShe is married but prefers to keep her husband out the limelight. More

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      How Chelsea used ‘Fifa reel’ ploy to persuade Jude Bellingham to sign for them in move ‘different to every other club’

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      CHELSEA used a unique approach to try and persuade a teenage Jude Bellingham to join the club.A former Blues scout has revealed how the club used a “Fifa reel” ploy in a bid to be “different to every other club”.Chelsea used a ‘Fifa reel’ ploy in a bid to convince Jude Bellingham to join the clubCredit: GettyBellingham emerged as a target for Chelsea as he progressed through the academy at Birmingham.However, they faced competition from a host of European giants, with interest only increasing once Bellingham made his first-team debut.Former scout Yousuf Saijad has now revealed details of Chelsea’s failed pursuit of the midfielder.He told Rising Ballers’ YouTube channel: “We had a really good scouting team that worked across the top players, like Jude Bellingham for example, who was probably the most work I’ve ever done on a player in that season that we tried to sign Jude.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had reports on him from when he was an Under-12 and all the way up to Under-16 when he was Birmingham.”We had like 62 reports from 25 different scouts and so when we got to a point where we felt like we wanted to sign him it was about how can we make what we present to him different from every other top club?”So we had all of the content that we needed from Under-12 to Under-16 from a reporting perspective so let’s try and create trends on what’s stayed the same for him as a player – such as his celebration – but at the same time pick up what he has developed and what he still needs to develop.”We then attached that with footage and had a real long video of him playing at 12, 13, 14 and all the way up and highlighting those traits and then at the end we’d put him on a FIFA reel in a Chelsea kit and trying to think outside the box really.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I spent a lot of my time on the end part where we were making decisions, presenting that information to players, collecting information and making it as unique as possible to get a deal over the line.”He was always on our radar from the moment I joined as a top talent to keep an eye on.Jude Bellingham shows off bizarre new goal celebration as England wonderkid nets winner in El Clasico”Of course in terms of recruiting he was outside of distance at the younger ages but got to Under-14 and we had a full-time schools programme so it was easier at the time but he didn’t want to move.”We just continuously followed him. He was always a player who we rated highly and was always on our radar.”Bellingham joined Birmingham as an under-8 in 2010 before making his debut aged 16.He remains both the club’s youngest ever player and scorer, with Birmingham even retiring his number 22 shirt.However, despite Chelsea’s best efforts, Bellingham completed a £25million move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 after just a single season in the first-team at St. Andrew’s.The England international spent three years in Germany before becoming the most expensive British footballer of all-time last summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £115million move to Real Madrid, the 20-year-old has scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists from midfield.Bellingham is even the current favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. More

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      Who is ITV Euro 2024 presenter Mark Pougatch?

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      PRESENTER Mark Pougatch fronts ITV’s major coverage of both football as well as rugby and is expected to get involved in the Euro 2024 team of TV stars and pundits.The 56-year-old replaced Adrian Chiles as ITV’s chief football presenter six years ago to cover Champions League and England fixtures.Mark Pougatch’s broadcasting career began in 1995 for Radio 5 liveHe won the broadcaster of the year award in 2012Mark Pougatch, left, was part of the BBC’s 5 Live team with Nicky Campbell and Victoria Derbyshire for the 2002 World CupCredit: BBCHe hosted ITV’s coverage of Euro 2016, and has also been presenting the Six Nations rugby since 2016, and also the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.Before that though he spent TWENTY-TWO YEARS, where he cut his teeth presenting for BBC Radio 5 Live.He also joined BT Sport in the summer of 2016 to host the show BT Sport Score, to rival Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday.In addition, Pougatch presented ITV’s live coverage of Euro 2020 with fellow presenters Seema Jaswal and Reshmin Chowdhury.Read More on FootballThey were jpoined by the likes of Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Eni Aluko, Ashley Cole and Patrick Vieira.As well as ITV’s live coverage, Pougatch hosted 12 Euro 2020 special episodes of the ITV Football Show podcast alongside Luton Town winger Andros Townsend.Euro 2024 gets underway on June 14 as hosts Germany take on Scotland.England’s campaign gets underway on June 16 when they face off against Serbia.Most read in Euro 2020The Three Lions have been drawn in a group that also includes Slovenia and Denmark. England will be looking to win their first ever trophy since the 1966 World Cup.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueGareth Southgate’s men are among the top favourites to win the competition.England play Scotland at Wembley on June 18The Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg hosts the first game which ITV will show live this summer More

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      Leicester star heard shouting ‘you’ve done f*** all all season’ to team-mate during dressing room celebrations

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      A LEICESTER star could be heard shouting “you’ve done f*** all all season” to a team-mate during their dressing room title celebrations.The Foxes earned promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last Friday when Leeds fell 4-0 at Queens Park Rangers.Abdul Fatawu danced in celebrationCredit: X @AbdulFatawuI10The exciting winger turned the dressing room into a dance floorCredit: X @AbdulFatawuI10Fatawu was joined by fellow wing wizard Stephy MavididiCredit: X @AbdulFatawuI10Jamie Vardy also joined in the celebrationsCredit: X @AbdulFatawuI10The whole team posed for a dressing room pictureCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side responded by wrapping up the Championship title with a game to spare last night, beating Preston 3-0 at Deepdale.Veteran star Jamie Vardy bagged two on the night, with homegrown local lad Kasey McAteer getting the other.After the game, the Foxes celebrated their amazing triumph in the dressing room.Fans’ favourite Abdul Fatawu, 20, wrapped himself in a Ghanaian flag before turning the changing area into a dance floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe winger stuck on Azonto by British-Ghanaian star Fuse ODG before throwing some shapes.He was joined on the dance floor by Stephy Mavididi, who also showed off his moves following what’s been an impressive season for both wingers.During the video, posted by Fatawu, a player can be heard trying to urge young winger Wanya Marcal to get up and dance.They said: “Wanya, come on, give us a dance!”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen the 21-year-old didn’t immediately oblige, they went on: “F***ing hell, you’ve done f*** all, all season! Get on there dancing now.”Marcal made his Foxes debut in January 2022, but had not appeared again prior to this season.Fans in stitches as Vardy’s ‘Klinsmann dive’ almost goes badly wrong after his goals earn Leicester Championship titleHe featured in two of Leicester’s first three games, but would only play one more minute in the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.Vardy, meanwhile, is the Foxes’ top scorer with 18 goals – ahead of Mavididi and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on 12 apiece and Patson Daka with seven.Leicester will lift the trophy on Saturday, when they host relegation-threatened Blackburn at the King Power Stadium.Leeds and Ipswich, meanwhile, will battle it out for the other automatic promotion spot.The Whites currently occupy second on goal difference, although the Tractor Boys possess a game in hand.Ipswich travel to Coventry this evening in a huge Championship clash that could see them climb three points clear of Leeds going into the final day.Kieran McKenna’s side then host virtually-relegated Huddersfield on Saturday, with Leeds welcoming fourth-placed Southampton.Fatawu, 20, also beamed as he celebrated on the pitchCredit: GettyThe Foxes celebrated on the pitch in front of their travelling fansCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Premier League boss Iain Dowie, 59, lucky to be alive after suffering ‘big cardiac arrest’ during spin class

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      IAIN DOWIE is lucky to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrest during a spin class.The former Premier League manager, 59, has thanked those who helped to save his life after the incident.Iain Dowie has admitted he is ‘very lucky’ to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunDowie collapsed during an exercise session at his local gym and has admitted he is “very lucky” still to be alive.He told BBC Sport: “I went to a spin class and don’t remember too much more. I had a big cardiac arrest, unfortunately.”Lots of people looked after me and did some great things in the gym, then the ambulance looked after me and I ended up in hospital for a good few days.”I’ve been brilliant since and the heart is in good shape. I’ve got a little thing, an ICD [implantable cardioverter defibrillator] fitted that I hope will keep me going for another 20 years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was probably more terrifying for my wife watching, but my view is I’m one of those lads who looks forward and I’ve been very, very lucky.”I was in the right place to have it and perhaps it just wasn’t my time.”Dowie has had three spells as a manager in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Charlton and Hull.He has also taken charge of QPR, Oldham and Coventry during his coaching career.Most read in FootballDowie has had spells with Crystal Palace as both a player and managerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHowever, he is now a director for Northern Irish champions Larne.As a player, Dowie scored 14 goals in 57 caps for Northern Ireland alongside an impressive club career.The striker scored 33 goals in 175 Premier League appearances for Southampton, West Ham and Palace. More