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      Kai Havertz proving doubters wrong as Arsenal star’s incredible Emirates stat emerges after goal against PSG

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      KAI HAVERTZ has buried his critics with a jaw-dropping stat.The striker led Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain by scoring for a SIXTH successive game at the Emirates.Arsenal striker Kai Havertz had a swagger about him as he celebrated his opener against PSG in Tuesday’s 2-0 home Champions League winCredit: RexHavertz showed PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma he was up to the challenge as he continued his remarkable Emirates run with a brave goalCredit: GettyRobin van Persie, seen here rejoicing with Theo Walcott, scored for a record seven games in a row at the Emirates 13 seasons agoCredit: GettyOnly Robin Van Persie has done it more times in a row – seven in 2011-12 – immediately before the Dutchman joined Manchester United.And Havertz’s brave header in Tuesday’s Champions League win showed he’s become a stand-out star with one of the season’s most incredible individual transformations.Bought from Chelsea as a £65million midfielder in July 2023, he suddenly looks the natural centre-forward Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta has long craved.Havertz and Bukayo Saka struck at the peak of Arsenal’s impressive first-half superiority against PSG.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd the way the German leapt to beat PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma even had shades of an old-fashioned British targetman – far removed from the player who flickered in and out of games and was such an erratic finisher, especially for Chelsea.Arteta himself raved about the 25-year-old after his dynamic leading of the line.The Spaniard told Amazon Prime: “He has been unbelievable. “His football brain, the way he understands space, his timing, he brings people together. Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThese figures show how busy Havertz was in attacking areas”His work ethic is incredible and he is a real threat around the box. He is one of our main players at the moment.”The Gunners now have four points from two Champions League games, without conceding a goal.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pairBut suddenly it’s Havertz at the other end who is making the difference.Now, on Saturday, he has what appears a dream opportunity to equal Van Persie’s record of netting seven matches in a row at the Emirates.Third-placed Arsenal are at home to sieve-like Southampton.The newly-promoted Saints have let in 12 goals in picking up just one point from their first six games.A goal would also take Havertz ahead of Emmanuel Adebayor (2007-08) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2019), who matched his six trick.Few would have bet on Havertz achieving his current feat at the start of the season.Now few would bet against him equalling RVP’s landmark figure.The German was also heavily involved in creating moves More

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      CBS Sports pundit Peter Schmeichel not given Man City clash to cover after controversial rant about former club

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      PETER SCHMEICHEL covered Celtic instead of Manchester City – following a controversial rant about his old club’s support.CBS Sports sent the former keeper to see Borussia Dortmund thump the Scottish champions 7-1 in Germany – rather than watch City triumph 4-0 at Slovan Bratislava.Peter Schmeichel this time gave his views on CelticCredit: GettyThe Dane’s unexpected destination for Tuesday’s Champions League action follows a blistering verdict on a “dead” Etihad atmosphere in the 0-0 draw against Inter Milan last month.It did give him the chance to see son Kasper in goal for Celtic – but the 60-year-old might have flinched as Dortmund were 5-1 up by half-time.Schmeichel Senior retired as a player in 2003 after a single season with City, following a career dominated by eight years at Manchester United.So it was perhaps no wonder his outburst ruffled feathers – although no specific reason has been given for him missing out on the Bratislava feast. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSchmeichel responded to the September 18 Etihad stalemate in front of 50,922 spectators by telling CBS: “I love good football and I like excitement from the crowd but it was dead – the Etihad today was absolutely dead.”He added: “The only people we could hear were the Inter supporters, who were quite good, but there was no atmosphere in the Etihad.”Normally, you’d think ‘well big European night’, but it didn’t happen for them.”Schmeichel wasn’t much more impressed with City themselves that night.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Aston Villa stopper said: “I don’t think it was a good draw.”I thought it was a really, really boring game and I’m sorry to say that.Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s career”I thought Inter did really well in stopping Man City.”Some fans thought Schmeichel was too harsh, especially as many regular followers struggle to afford tickets amid a wider cost of living crisis.And this time he saw Celtic become the first British team to let in five goals before the break in a European match since 1997-98.That was when Cwmbran Town exited the Cup Winners’ Cup 12-2 on aggregate against Progresul Bucharest. More

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      Former Man Utd star Ashley Young attends EFL clash to watch son, 18, in action

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      FORMER Manchester United star Ashley Young was in the stands for an EFL clash to watch his 18-year-old son in action.Young, 39, is currently at Everton after an incredible top-flight career sides including United and Aston Villa.Ashley Young was in the stands to watch his son in actionCredit: RexTyler Young, 18, joined Peterborough from QPR this summerBut his talents appear to run in the family.Son Tyler Young is still a teenager.And he is now at League One side Peterborough after a summer switch from QPR.Tyler is a central midfielder who is hoping to make it big like his old man.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teen is yet to make an appearance for Posh.But he was named on the bench for Tuesday’s league clash at Wigan.And dad Ashley made sure he was not going to miss the occasion.Young was spotted in the stands for the clash, which Wigan won 3-0.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSon Tyler unfortunately did not come off Peterborough’s bench for his debut.But his father was sure to be proud seeing him among the subs nonetheless.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Young enjoyed the game but son Tyler did not come off the benchCredit: RexYoung Snr has been in the wars himself this season.The ace has struggled for form alongside Everton teammates, who have blown several leads in the Premier League this term.However, things could be about to turn around after the Toffees secured their first win of the season against Crystal Palace at the weekend. More

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      Fans convinced Declan Rice handed Riccardo Calafiori a VAPE in middle of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against PSG

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      DECLAN RICE kept Arsenal fans guessing during Tuesday’s Champions League clash with PSG.Supporters were convinced the Gunners midfielder handed teammate Riccardo Calafiori a VAPE during the contest at the Emirates.Fans spotted Declan Rice giving teammate Riccardo Calafiori an object during Arsenal’s win over PSGCredit: Amazon PrimeThe Arsenal defender took the item moments after being bookedCredit: Amazon PrimeSome fans claimed it was a vape as the Italian walked away from the refCredit: Amazon PrimeRice and Calafiori put in strong performances as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in the Champions League tie.Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in the first half gave the Gunners a comfortable victory. But it was an incident during the second half in North London which had social media abuzz. Calafiori was in the process of being booked after a coming together with PSG’s Fabian Ruiz.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs referee Slavko Vincic produced the yellow card, Rice appeared and gave an item to his teammate.Calafiori walked away from the referee, immediately putting the object into his mouth. One fan wildly speculated on X: “Who just saw Declan Rice giving Calafiori a vape and Calafiori vaping in the middle of the game? WTH is that!”Another claimed the same idea: “I thought Rice gave Calafiori a vape at first I had to rewind.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a third added: “What did Rice just pass to Calafiori? It looked like a vape ffs.”While a fourth laughed: “Calafiori hitting a vape midgame is crazy, but whats crazier is how come Rice had it in his pocket like is he their vape holder?”PSG fans vandalise rivals’ team coach after finding it on same ferry ahead of Arsenal clashDespite what it looked like, other eagle-eyed fans noticed the supposed vape was infact an energy gel. One fan laughed: “It’s clearly a gel, come on guys.”And another added: “Who just chucked an energy gel at Calafiori while he was getting booked?The gels are designed to give an instant boost energy boost and there are no rules against taking them during a game. Arsenal sit eighth in the new-look Champions League table after Tuesday’s win. It follows a disappointing 0-0 stalemate with Atalanta in Gameweek 1.READ MORE SUN STORIESHavertz nodded home a brilliant cross from Leandro Trossard on 20 minutes to open the scoring. Saka deservedly doubled that lead 15 minutes later, swinging over a free-kick that evaded everyone, including keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. More

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      Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda signs for his 13th club as career nosedives 15 years after heroics against Villa

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      MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has signed for his THIRTEENTH club just 15 years after his iconic debut against Aston Villa.The Italian striker, 33, was most recently at Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu, where he netted just once in 14 games.Federico Macheda has just signed for his THIRTEENTH club with Greek side Asteros TripolisMacheda is a Man Utd fan favourite after his incredible debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMacheda made just ONE appearance for them last season after falling out of favour.But he is now set for a brand new start after moving to Greece.Macheda has penned a deal with top-flight side Asteras Tripolis.And he will be managed by none other than Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, who took charge last month after a trophy-laden playing career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMacheda is now at his 13th club, having made his pro debut at United 15 years ago in 2009.The forward immediately endeared himself to fans by netting a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa aged 17.And he remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer to this day.But a dip in form and several injury setbacks saw Macheda get less and less chances under Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe embarked on a series of loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.And Macheda was finally released in 2014 after five goals in 36 outings, with Cardiff quickly moving for him.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Macheda came off the bench to net a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorMacheda remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe will be managed in Greece by Chelsea legend Claude MakeleleCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Italy U21s star netted eight goals in 33 games for the Welsh side while also taking in a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest.In 2016 he moved to Italy’s second tier with Novara, scoring 11 times in 52 games across two campaigns.And Macheda then ended up spending four seasons with Panathinaikos, clocking up 116 appearances and 40 goals in the process.His 2022 move to Ankaragucu did not work though, with Macheda joining his 12th club APOEL on a six-month loan.But the ace is determined to have another successful stint in Greece, with Makelele hopeful of helping Macheda rediscover his best form with 13th side Asteras. More

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      Watch Jobe Bellingham score 25-yard screamer for Sunderland that Real Madrid star brother Jude would be proud of

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM bagged a stunning 25-yard strike for Sunderland in their 2-0 win over Derby.The midfielder, 19, is known by many as the younger brother of Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham.Jobe Bellingham let fly from 25 yards out to score a stunning goalCredit: Sky SportsThe screamer set Sunderland on their way to a comfortable win over DerbyCredit: Sky SportsBellingham has made an impressive start to the season in the ChampionshipCredit: PABut he began making a name for himself at Birmingham and is now enjoying a superb start to his second season with Sunderland.He has not missed a single minute of The Black Cats’ league campaign so far.And on Tuesday night Bellingham produced his moment of the season so far with a breathtaking goal.The England U20 star picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and fizzed a sumptuous effort beyond the despairing dive of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to Bellingham’s first goal of the season, one fan said: “It is a beauty.”While another added: “🔥 What a stunning goal from Jobe Bellingham! Excited to see more from him this season! 🌟”A third replied: “England might as well put him in the side now because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”And a fourth simply responded: “Unreal.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJobe’s brilliant goal comes as brother Jude prepares to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night.He missed one month of action due to a calf injury but has played their last three LaLiga games – including Sunday’s derby draw away at Atletico Madrid.Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchThe match was halted in the second half due to objects being thrown at Real keeper Thibaut Courtois by Atletico fans. More

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      Laura Woods pays herself HUGE dividend sum to celebrate her move to ITV and TNT Sports

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      TELLY presenter Laura Woods paid herself a £400,000 dividend to celebrate her move to ITV and TNT Sports.The football and boxing host, 37, saw her earnings shoot up after she departed talkSPORT in June 2023.Laura Woods paid herself a £400,000 dividend to celebrate her move to ITV and TNT SportsCredit: GettyPaperwork from her company The Pig and I, which handles her TV cash, showed she paid herself the dividend — the equivalent of £35,000 a month.It is the first time she has paid herself anything since setting up the business in 2014.She also received an advance worth £512,292, according to company accounts which cover to the end of 2023.After giving herself the massive pay out, her firm still has assets of £635,247, including £460,501 cash in the bank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe is said to have earned £250,000 a year at TalkSPORT and is rumoured to have had a huge pay rise on her move to TNT Sports.The Arsenal fan worked her way to the top by starting as a runner on Sky Sports. Laura, who is engaged to former Love Island star Adam Collard, 28, announced in July that she was pregnant with her first child.Inside Adam Collard and Laura Woods’ romantic engagement as Love Island star gets down on one knee at five star hotel in Cornwall More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Brave Havertz ends debate over his position against PSG but Calafiori needs to iron out errors

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      KAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie Opening scorer Kai Havertz was also the star performer overallCredit: PAGabriel Magalhaes was solid, fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori less soCredit: ReutersBut Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Havertz nodded home a brilliant cross from Leandro Trossard on 20 minutes.Saka deservedly doubled that lead 15 minutes later, swinging over a free-kick that evaded everyone, including keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.But PSG were far more forceful after the break, whereas the Gunners’ lost both some fluency and control of possession.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, Arteta’s men looked more secure in the final quarter of the match to close out victory – making it four points from two group ties.Here’s how the Gunners rated at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7 Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home. Most read in Champions LeagueHelplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.Inside Sharlene Mawdsley’s London trip where she swapped athletics for Premier League football giantsA mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.PSK keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma couldn’t keep out Bukayo Saka’s goalCredit: GettyBUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.Kai Havertz climbed to head Arsenal in front on 20 minutesCredit: PASUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESLooked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/AMikel Arteta will be delighted with the scoreline and much of the displayCredit: AFP More