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      Mikel Arteta holds talks with Myles Lewis-Skelly to stop him being a ‘liability’ after Arsenal star lucky to avoid red

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      MIKEL ARTETA has held talks with Myles Lewis-Skelly over how to avoid being a ‘liability”.The Arsenal rookie, 18, has been sent off twice this year.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation for Arsenal since breaking into the first teamCredit: GETTYThe 18-year-old has shown skill and composure well beyond his yearCredit: REUTERSHe’s only shown some rashness with his challengesCredit: REXGunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen not to let the youngster become a “liability”Credit: GETTYAnd defender MLS was subbed after 35 minutes of Tuesday’s 7-1 mauling of PSV Eindhoven when he escaped a second yellow card for a rash challenge.Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United, boss Arteta revealed: “We spoke one-on-one today, when the dust settled, and we talked openly.“It was quite clear that we had a liability there, with the yellow card and the next action.”The line is really thin in the sport, and he needs to understand that. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”What can we learn from that situation? “What are the things that we have to try to avoid without losing his essence?“He is a superb player. He has attitude, he has courage, what he transmits — certainly we have to maintain that.“It’s just about understanding the risk and rewards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…“Those ones when you make that mistake and you mistime it, the consequences are terrible.”To learn when you have won, that is much better, believe me, for your confidence.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goal”And as well for how your team and your colleagues perceive you. So he was lucky on that.”MLS, who had his red card at Wolves overturned on appeal but was also sent off against West Ham, has made an incredible impression at left-back this season.And he is expected to get a first England call-up next Friday — along with young Gunners forward Ethan Nwaneri, 17.Thomas Tuchel will announce his first squad as England boss and both are serious contenders.Arteta said: “Knowing Thomas and the coaching staff and the environment they have created on the England campus, it will be an incredible experience for them, if that’s the case, whenever that is.”That’s not my decision — that will be their decision. Mikel Arteta believes Myles Lewis-Skelly will flourish in the England set-upCredit: Getty”We’ll leave it to coaches and people that are super experienced, much more experienced than me.”While Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have made the step up to Arteta’s first team, Arsenal have lost two other Academy stars, forward Chido Obi and defender Ayden Heaven, to Manchester United in the last year.Arteta said: “When a player decides that the best pathway for him is to leave, there’s not much you can do.“It was very unfortunate, we want to keep our players from the academy and to be successful with the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But with Ayden, we weren’t able to do that. “Chido has a massive goal threat, an attitude and love to be inside the box, and a capacity to score in many different ways.” More

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      Sidemen Charity Match shirts 2025 – how to buy the replica kit

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      THE Sidemen have unveiled their new football shirts as the highly anticipated game approaches this weekend.Sidemen FC are returning for the sixth iteration of their charity match this year, and after a brief hiatus the match is proving as popular as ever!KSI in the previous year’s football kit playing for Sidemen FCCredit: AlamyChunkz (right) will feature in the charity matchCredit: Kieran Cleeves/PA WireThe game has seen the likes of KSI, Simon Minter (Miniminter), Harry Lewis (W2S) and the rest of the Sidemen don the shirt as part of the team.Tickets for the game SOLD OUT when they went on sale late last year. The Game will also take place at Wembley Stadium in London.Launching with a flashy new Film Promo, which sees the likes of KSI, Minimiter and TBJZL span across Dubai unique architecture.Read more SidemenWhere can you buy Sidemen FC shirts?The stylish shirts come in a black and white colour scheme embroidery with the Adidas and Sidemen crested from right to left with sponsors Visit Qatar centred just below.The replica shirt can be purchased from Footasylum, and costs £50.How to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?The big match is being broadcast live on the Sidemen’s YouTube channel.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off will be at 3pm GMT.Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match?Confirmed for Sidemen FC will be their seven members:Most read in FootballOlajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaLast year’s match saw Sidemen FC beat rivals YouTube Allstars 8-5 in a thrilling game. More

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      Why Liverpool could still get a transfer fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer despite star becoming free agent

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      REAL MADRID are ready to pay Liverpool a fee to get Trent Alexander-Arnold BEFORE the Club World Cup in June.The Spanish giants put their move on hold after Kop chiefs rejected a £20million January bid.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s current Liverpool contract expires in the summerBut Real Madrid are ready to pay a fee to get Alexander-Arnold for the Club World CupAlexander-Arnold could join a new club for nothing when his Anfield contract expires on June 30.But Real want the England right-back, 26, in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in time for the start of the tournament in the USA on June 15.That would require an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer fee for releasing TAA from his contract early.Liverpool’s season could potentially run until May 31 if they reach the Champions League final in Munich. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe final round of Premier League games are set for May 25.But with a 13-point lead and just ten games left, Liverpool are on course to have the title wrapped up long before then.This summer’s transfer window is opening early on June 1 so new signings can be registered for the Club World Cup.And Fifa have created an ‘exceptional registration window’ before  the tournament’s last 16 — from June 27 to July 3 — allowing clubs to add two players to  their squads.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAncelotti’s side face Saudis Al-Hilal in their first group game in Miami on June 18.Anfield boss Arne Slot has not given up hope of persuading Alexander- Arnold to sign a new deal despite a lack of progress in negotiations that began 18 months ago.Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team were ‘lucky’ to beat PSG More

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      ‘He’s so famous’ – Pep Guardiola gives blunt nine-word answer when asked about Jack Grealish’s night out at social club

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      PEP GUARDIOLA appears to be growing frustrated with Jack Grealish’s high jinks off the park.The £100million star was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday night clearly enjoying himself.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appears to be growing frustrated with Jack GrealishMan City star Grealish was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday nightCredit: X @footballbreakzHe is understood to have put at least £500 behind the bar for the locals of the club that describes itself as “Washington’s No 1 entertainment venue”.Last month, he was snapped leaving a swanky London eatery at the same time as a mystery blonde, quipping: “She’s not with me!”Guardiola insists he is happy to let his players lead their own lives when they are off duty.When asked about Grealish’s night out near Sunderland, he acidly replied: “He’s so famous. People follow him. Nothing to comment.”Read More on FootballThe Manchester City boss went on to suggest that being Jack the lad is one thing,  producing performances on the pitch is quite another.Asked about his players’ behaviour when they have time to themselves, he said: “They know what they have to do.“A day off is a day off, there is no training. They have private lives to do whatever they want. I’m not going to control what they do in their private life.“I judge what I see on the pitch, the training sessions and the performances in the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola’s judgement of Grealish, who turns 30 in September,  in terms of the number of games he is selecting him for, indicates that he is far from entertained.City visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a clash crucial to both clubs’ chances of making next season’s Champions League.Man City boss Pep Guardiola apologises to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes Grealish impressed in a central midfield role the last time the sides met on December 4, with City winning 3-0.But reminded of that display, edgy Pep replied: “That was a long time ago.”Since then, Grealish has started only one Premier League game, in a 2–1 defeat against the Aston Villa team he left for City four years ago.Pep did apologise to the Treble winner a month ago for not giving him enough minutes on the pitch, saying  the performances of Jeremy Doku and Savinho had forced his hand.But he also added: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I play Savinho.“You can say it’s unfair. If you think that, it’s fine, but you have to prove, ‘OK, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’, every single day, every single week and every single month.”Sympathy fadingAny lingering sympathy Guardiola still had for Grealish appears to be fading.And he stressed: “I wanted Jack at his best. But he had setbacks and didn’t play. “That was sometimes for the injuries, he could not get the rhythm that you need for being ready every three days.”Grealish did start in last Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Plymouth but as part of an eleven–change team.But while Guardiola says he is fit to face Forest after seven days without a game, he is far from guaranteed a start.Grealish’s dip in form this season — he has only two goals in 26 appearances — means he is sweating on being selected for Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager.Grealish wants England returnHis first squad will be announced on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Guardiola said: “I want the best not just for Jack but for everyone.“Jack played really good the last game and hopefully he can have the consistency and I understand all the frustrations of all my players.“It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup with his national team. I’m not bothered with that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What happens in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone, they will be treated at the end of the season but now we are playing for many important things.”Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed defender Nathan Ake will miss the rest of the season after foot surgery and now faces a race against time to be fit for this summer’s Club World Cup. More

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      World Cup final is the greatest show on earth – it doesn’t need half-time show or Janet Jackson Nipple-gate to prove it

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      FIFA have never been one to shy away from spectacle but their latest decision to introduce an American-style, star-studded half-time show for the 2026 World Cup final has sparked controversy.For football’s purists, this is a step too far — an unnecessary intrusion into the most sacred match in the sport.The 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time showJanet Jackson was involved in a wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime showColdplay have been asked to choose the artists for next year’s finalFor others, it’s a modern evolution, bringing football in line with the commercial juggernaut that is the Super Bowl.Readers of a certain vintage will recall the FA Cup final was always adorned by a half-time musical break, but it was more the band of the Coldstream Guards than Coldplay.Next year, at the final in New Jersey, the boys from Coldplay have been asked by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to cobble together some ‘artistes’ to entertain the fans during the half-time break, just like they do at the Super Bowl.Let’s hope there isn’t another Janet Jackson boob, or ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as it was called back in 2004, when Justin Timberlake ripped off Ms Jackson’s bodice, revealing rather more than the quarterback’s master-plan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn the basis Fifa won’t want a rerun of that infamous Nipple-gate, you can be damned sure Dolly Parton won’t be getting the gig.But the World Cup final has always been about the football, not the half-time show.It is the pinnacle of the sport, watched by billions worldwide, where history is written and legends are made.The idea that Fifa now wants to shoehorn a Hollywood-style entertainment break into what should be an intense, uninterrupted battle for glory feels unnecessary, if not entirely out of place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Super Bowl’s famous half-time show regularly attracts more TV viewers than the game itself and previous performers have included pop royalty like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.Other than Janet Jackson, they’ve all managed to keep their clothes on.World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis Traditionally, half-time in football is a 15-minute tactical reset.Players regroup, managers deliver crucial team talks and fans either hold their breath or take a moment to recover from the first-half drama.  Or at least get a quick beer in.How will players feel about potentially waiting longer to restart the biggest game of their careers? Will the spectacle detract from the sporting drama?Do fans, emotionally invested in the match, want a pop concert when they are dissecting their team’s performance?After an eight-minute VAR delay at the Bournemouth vs Wolves FA Cup match last weekend, add a lengthy half-time show at the Vitality Stadium and supporters would have been in danger of missing the last bus home. And who is going to pay for it? A glance at ticket prices for the World Cup final show the cheap seats already start at £3,000 each, so it’s pretty clear who will be forking out for the fun — the supporters.Next year’s World Cup is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico and Fifa’s decision to introduce a showbiz-style interval seems to be a clear nod to American sports culture.The Super Bowl half-time show is a global event in itself, with A-list performers, jaw-dropping production and millions tuning in just for the spectacle.But football isn’t American football. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has gone viral for weeksTennis icon Serena Williams danced at the Super Bowl last monthAnd while Fifa are clearly eyeing new commercial opportunities, the World Cup isn’t in need of a marketing boost.This move is part of a wider trend — football, increasingly, is being shaped by commercial interests.Expanded tournaments, mid-season World Cups, club competitions that stretch calendars to breaking point — decisions are being driven by revenue rather than the rhythm of the game.Fifa will argue this move will “enhance the fan experience” but it feels like an attempt to sell an already premium product to an even bigger audience.Football doesn’t need a headline act at half-time. The real stars are on the pitch, not on a stage.If Fifa get their way, will we see DJs at full-time? Fireworks before penalties? Commercial breaks for VAR decisions?The fear is that once this door is opened, football’s traditions will continue to erode in the name of spectacle.This all feels a far cry from the days when you huddled around your cup of Bovril while reading the club programme at half-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd over the tinny PA would be the crackly sounds of Shakin’ Stevens or Sade.The World Cup final is already the Greatest Show on Earth. It doesn’t need a half-time act to prove it.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the major change More

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      England great Stuart Pearce suffers health scare on trans-Atlantic jet forcing it to make emergency landing in Canada

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      ENGLAND football legend Stuart Pearce suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ft.Crew hooked up the Three Lions hero and talkSPORT pundit, 62, to a monitor as shocked passengers looked on. Stuart Pearce suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunThe talkSPORT pundit was hooked up to a monitor by the cabin crew as shocked passengers looked onCredit: TWITTER @talksportThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was diverted to Canada where Pearce is said to be recovering in hospital.A source said: “He was clearly in a lot of pain.”The star’s worried partner and passengers spotted him wincing in pain several hours into the flight.Staff on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner checked him constantly and decided to change course to land at St John’s in Canada early on Monday.Read More on SportMedics rushed on board and took the former Nottingham Forest defender to hospital where he is recovering.He and his partner had been in the economy section of Flight VS156 that left the US at 8.45pm last Sunday.A source said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort. Most read in Football“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous. Tony Cascarino & Stuart Pearce recall hilarious memories during Irish Sun’s Goals Live event“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.Pearce had flown to Vegas to watch his rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors. He has been a fan since striking up a friendship with ex-Wolves coach Tony Smith.Pearce had been due to speak at Christ The King Parish Centre in Coventry last night.But the venue said that “due to unforeseen circumstances” he had been replaced by ex-England teammate John Barnes.Dad Pearce was an England favourite, earning the nickname Psycho for his ferocious tackling.He missed a penalty in the 1990 World Cup semi-final shootout with West Germany and left the pitch in tears.But at the 1996 Euros he smashed home his spot-kick in the quarter-final penalties win over Spain and roared in delight.He won 78 England caps and was briefly caretaker boss. He coached the U21s from 2007-13.He began his playing career at Wealdstone then Coventry, later signing for Forest, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESA Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said last night: “Due to an unwell customer on board, the VS156 on March 2 flying from Las Vegas to London Heathrow diverted to St John’s International Airport, Canada, and was met by the medical services. “The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we apologise for the delay to our customers’ journey.”The Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was diverted to CanadaCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports presenter reveals she’s battling brain infection after fighting cancer and pays tribute to manager boyfriend

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      SKY Sports presenter Emma Saunders bravely revealed she has been struck down with a brain infection after fighting cancer.Emma told fans she treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the 2024-2025 season in an emotional Instagram post.Emma Saunders is a regular face on Sky SportsBut the talented presenter has given her fans an update on her healthSaunders is dating English football manager Will StillAnd talented football journalist explained she’s off work at the moment while recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis.Emma began dating English football manager Will Still, 32, last year and went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.And the life-long Watford fan thanked him for his support as she has opened up on her health battle.She posted a picture from her hospital bed, while holding a mini giraffe stuffed animal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSShe captioned her heartwarming post with: “Hi folks 🤍, unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. “I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.””So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care🤍.Most read in Football”And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me ❤️.”Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersHe was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.He was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Meanwhile, her Sky Sports colleagues flooded her post with well-wishes.Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas wrote: “So sorry to hear you’ve gone through this Emma. “You’re missed! Look after yourself and hope you’re feeling much better soon.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile England star Kyle Walker replied: “Sending you love.”Premier League presenter Olivia Buzaglo added: “Sending you all the love in the world ♥️.”The couple posed together in Frankfurt at Euro 2024 More

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      ‘Normally a bottle of red wine down by then’ – David Moyes hints he’s not happy with unusual Everton kick-off time

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      DAVID MOYES has revealed that Everton’s late kick-off against Wolves might throw a spanner into his Saturday night routine.The Moyesiah worries Everton’s 8pm trip to the West Midlands might throw havoc into his down time.Everton manager David Moyes gave a quick-witted response to Everton’s unusual kick-off timeWolves host Everton at 8pm on Saturday due to broadcasting reasons.The Prem clash was selected for TV broadcast by TNT Sports.TNT will also show Nottingham Forest’s home clash against Manchester City during their usual 12:30pm Saturday slot.Still, Everton are set for 8pm because Sky Sports have the 5:30pm spot on weekends, and they are showing Brentford vs Aston Villa.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Moyes hinted that he’s far from happy with the strange late kick-off.On playing at 8pm, Moyes said: “I’m normally a bottle of red wine down by that time on a Saturday! “If you’re a traditionalist then you probably don’t see 8pm on a Saturday night as a good kick-off time.”But it’s the way it’s going and I think football clubs are signing up to it due to the money that is coming in from the broadcasters. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We have to go with it even if it will ruin some people’s Saturday night out.”Moyes is known for his love of a good glass of red, as he’s frequently recalled enjoying a bottle with Sir Alex Ferguson from time-to-time.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd TNT have 52 live Premier League matches this season.After deciding against selecting certain games in recent weeks, TNT have some extra slots for the remainder of the campaign.At the time of selection, Wolves vs Everton looked to be potentially important in the relegation battle.However, since then, both sides have pulled away from the bottom three, with Everton 15 points clear and ten above Wolves.Wolves will be without top scorer Matheus Cunha for at least the next three matches.The Brazilian will start the first game of his suspension following his red card against Bournemouth in Wolves’ FA Cup defeat last weekend. It is alleged Cunha “acted in an improper manner” after he was sent off for clashing with Cherries defender Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 25-year-old lashed out at Kerkez three times – fighting and kicking out at him before aiming a headbutt when the Hungary full-back got back to his feet.Meanwhile, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure returns after missing the Brentford draw due to the birth of his son. More