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      Etihad Stadium appears to suffer ‘LEAK’ during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans took an ironic dig towards rivals Manchester City after the Etihad Stadium appeared to LEAK during their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.Fan footage from inside the stadium showed water falling from the roof of the stadium.Manchester City’s Etihad stadium appears to have leaked during their clash with ArsenalFan footage taken inside the stadium shows the leakHowever, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the fiery 2-2 draw played out between Man City and Arsenal in their early title battle showdown.Regardless, Red Devils fans – who have put up with a leaky Old Trafford stadium roof for years – did not waste the chance to poke some fun at their noisy neighbours.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Happens to the best of us.”A second said: “There’s another leaking stadium in Manchester but it’s not Old Trafford.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third added: “Etihad leaking, but it’s like a ghost town out there.”Another said: “They are not ready for this conversation.”A fifth said: “Even your water feature will never be as MASSIVE as the famous Old Trafford Niagara.”The North Stand of the Etihad, where the video appears to have been taken from, is currently undergoing renovation work for a stadium expansion project.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis expansion features a significant enlargement of the second tier, which would explain why there were large gaps visible in the stadium roof in the video.Once complete, the expansion will see the Etihad’s capacity go from 53,400 to nearly 62,000.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’SunSport have contacted the club for comment.While City are undergoing an expansion plan for their home, Man Utd have released further details of their new proposed stadium and campus redevelopment plan.The project features a new 100,000-capacity stadium adjacent to the current Old Trafford site and a stunning redevelopment for the surrounding area that could cost up to £2billion.Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, confirmed no public money would be going towards the project.It is estimated the project will be worth up to £7.3bn per year to the UK economy, with as many as 1.8 million visitors and 92,000 jobs created.Man Utd have released plans for an ambitious new stadium and campus projectCredit: ReutersIt is estimated the project will be worth £7.3billion per year to the UK economyCredit: Man Utd More

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      Roy Keane apologises for ‘thinking we were friends’ as he’s bluntly shut down by Gary Neville

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      ROY KEANE had Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright in stitches after being shut down by Gary Neville during the latest episode of The Overlap.The former footballer foursome headed to Italy as they took their popular show on tour.Roy Keane revealed that he’d like to drive a ‘proper car’ around a trackCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapGary Neville laughed as Keane snapped back at himCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapIn the opening segment of the show, Keane was behind the wheel of their car, with Neville in the front passenger seat and Carragher and Wright in the back.Making conversation, Keane, 53, said: “I’d like to do a rally thing, drive a proper car.”Would you like to do that lads? Around a track?”After a brief pause, Neville cut in: “We’re not filming like, but…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMimicking hurt feelings, Keane replied: “So we can only chat when we’re filming?”Okay, I thought we’d have a chat as friends… Jesus, sorry – I apologise.”Camera, action, let’s pretend we like each other.”Neville, 49, began to laugh as soon as Keane hit back at him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile the Irishman’s last comment had Wright and Carragher in stitches from the back seat.Neville then replied: “I know but sometimes it’s nice to have peace, sometimes it’s nice to have just a bit of tranquillity.”It’s the new garlic bread,’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend slams method Gary Neville swears by as a ‘waste of time’Keeping a straight face, Keane said: “Agreed.”During the previous episode of The Overlap On Tour, the group headed to Istanbul, where Keane made a bizarre claim about ice baths.He huffed: “All that’s a waste of time, I’m telling you lads.”I looked into it, I’ve done my homework on it. Ice baths, the new garlic bread. “I’m telling you, it’s a waste of time. It’s the new thing. Leave it.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Arsenal backed into joint-favourites with Man City after Rodri’s season-ending injury

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      ARSENAL have been backed into joint-favourites to win the Premier League – despite throwing away two points late on at the Etihad.Mikel Arteta’s men are also already two points off holders – and new fierce rivals – Manchester City after just five games.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCoral: Claim £20 in free bets here*Premier League outright marketCoral pricesArsenal 11/8, Man City 11/8Liverpool 11/2Chelsea 22/1Man Utd 50/1Aston Villa, Newcastle, Tottenham 66/1But reports of pivotal midfielder Rodri’s injury ruling him out for the season has caused a shift in the outright market with bookmakers Coral.The Gunners currently sit fourth but could quite easily be top of the league had they not switched off in the dying seconds on Sunday.Arteta’s side parked the bus and almost left with all three points despite Leandro Trossard’s first half red card which changed the game.But the landscape of the game had changed earlier than that when Rodri went down clutching his knee on 20 minutes, forcing him off.Arsenal would equalise a minute later through Riccardo Calafiori.Reports yesterday claimed it was a season-ending injury the Spaniard picked up and he was later pictured arriving in Barcelona to have further tests carried out by a specialist.It’s a crushing blow to Pep Guardiola and co who have often relied on the defensive midfielder.That’s confirmed in the stats when City have lost A THIRD of the Premier League games he’s missed since arriving at the club (seven losses in 21 games missed) and holding an 11% defeat ratio in his 174 appearances.He led the stats last season in touches, carries and completed passes last season too.City missing their key man for the season has forced the bookmakers to react and despite Arsenal only taking a point on Sunday, their odds have been cut into joint-favouritism.The pair now lead the outright market at 11/8, with Liverpool starting the season strongly at 11/2.Chelsea are 22/1 and Manchester United 50/1, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham further back at 66/1.Coral’s John Hill said: “It’s rare for one player to have such an impact on a market like the Premier League outright betting, however, Rodri is such a key player for Manchester City, and we think this is a huge blow to their chances of defending their crown.“We now make Arsenal and Manchester City the joint-favourites for the Premier League title.”Coral: Claim £20 in free bets here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+ New UK & ROI Customers only. Min deposit £5. Min first £5 bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x 20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excl. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. More

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      Historic stadium of former Premier League club to increase capacity by 40% making it as big as Man City’s

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      LEEDS have announced plans to increase the capacity of their iconic Elland Road stadium by 40 per cent.This means the Championship ground will host the same amount of fans as seven-time Premier League champs Manchester City.Leeds have announced plans to upgrade Elland Road’s capacityElland Road will share the same capacity as the EtihadThe former Prem stadium will take its capacity from 37,600 to 53,000 – almost level with City’s Etihad ground at 53,400.The plans would see Elland Road become the seventh largest club stadium in England.The ground would also be modernised to meet Uefa Category 4 regulations for “elite” European stadia.Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.”Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club.”I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”Most read in FootballElland Road has been the home of Leeds United since 1919The Etihad is currently undergoing its own renovationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.This year the ownership of Elland Road, home to Leeds since 1919, was transferred back to the club for the first time in 20 years.Etihad Stadium appears to suffer LEAK during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us’Marathe is president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises who have experience in constructing stunning state-of-the-art stadiums.49er Enterprises built the 68,500 capacity Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.The company has hired acoustic consultants to work on preserving Elland Road’s fierce atmosphere.But Man City are currently undergoing a £300million renovation to take the ground’s capacity to above 60,000 – a jump of 13 per cent.And 400-bed hotel will open as part of the build.But Elland Road will be larger than the world’s richest club Newcastle’s St James’ Park (52,305).It will become the fifth largest football stadium in the country behind Wembley, Old Trafford, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, West Ham’s ground and Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeeds city council leader James Lewis said: “This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”Leeds fell short in their attempt to secure immediate promotion back to the Prem after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final – but will make it their mission to jump back up this term.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Inside incredible top-flight stadium in the shadow of huge WW2 BUNKER renovated with hotel, restaurants & rooftop garden

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      TALK about making your home a fortress.Well, one top-flight club has done exactly that by building their stadium in the shadow of a huge World War Two bunker.This former World War Two bunker now looms over a Bundesliga stadiumCredit: YouTube/pd90_officialThe Flakturm IV in Hamburg was built as an air defence towerCredit: AlamyA luxury hotel has now opened as part of the £84m renovationCredit: AlamyThat bunker may look menacing from the outside.But on the inside it has undergone an £84million makeover – and now features a hotel, restaurants and a rooftop garden. The daunting building still makes for an impressive and imposing presence behind St Pauli’s home, though.The German side, based in Hamburg, play their home matches at the Millerntor-Stadion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 29,500-capacity ground is once again a Bundesliga stadium in 2024-25 following the club’s promotion under Fabian Hurzeler last season.And the likes of Harry Kane and new English sensation Jamie Gittens face a daunting task with their trip to the Millerntor-Stadion. When defending in front of the South Stand, the visiting players can see the former bunker looming over the stadium at the north end. However, there is another two football pitches between St Pauli’s first-team venue and the bunker.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe pair of 11-a-side astroturf pitches sit side by side – providing football facilities for lower-level and youth teams and making for eery photographs and a stark reminder of European history.Beside those, there is a wasteland car park used for exhibitions, circuses and the annual Hamburger Dom funfair – a tradition that started all the way back in 1893.Incredible new vid goes INSIDE plan for world’s biggest football stadium under vast ‘tent’ & surrounded by plush gardensWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Despite the stadium’s regeneration, it is the bunker that has had the biggest renovation.The Nazis directed 1,000 forced labourers to build the colossal concrete structure in 1942.The German air force used the Flakbunker IV tower for air defence while as many as 25,000 people reportedly sheltered in its bunkers during raids. Standing at nearly 50m tall, the decision was made to keep it following the war – unlike similar buildings across Germany.And it has now been transformed into a thriving part of the cultural life in Hamburg.A whopping 23,000 trees and shrubs were planted to help soften the stark appearance of the grey block by adding green leaves to the exterior – including a roof garden with stunning views over the city.A “mountain path” up to the top has been created while inside there are a host of high-end restaurants, live music venues and even a nightclub on the top floor.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd now tourists can stay in the former bunker by booking one of the 134 rooms at the Reverb by Hard Rock hotel. Trees have been planted to make it into a green bunkerCredit: AlamyThe Millerntor-Stadion is the home of St PauliCredit: AlamyThere are two astro pitches between the stadium and the bunkerCredit: Google MapsThe bunker looms in the backgroundCredit: GettyThe new hotel has 134 rooms and is run by Hard RockCredit: AlamyThe revamped structure now features a nightclub and various restaurantsCredit: AlamyFabian Hurzeler led St Pauli back to the Bundesliga last season before joining BrightonCredit: GettyThe bunker was one of eight huge towers built in Germany during the warCredit: HILLDEGARDEN.ORG More

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      Supercomputer predicts Arsenal Premier League title boost with Man City to lose 11 POINTS after serious Rodri injury

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      ARSENAL are set for a Premier League title boost with Manchester City predicted to lose ELEVEN points after Rodri’s injury woe.The midfielder limped off during Sunday’s 2-2 Etihad epic.Rodri’s potential ACL injury is set to seriously dent Man City’s title hopesCredit: GettyArsenal are set to capitalise on Rodri potentially missing the whole seasonCredit: GettyAnd reports claim Rodri is now set to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL.City are yet to confirm whether or not the Spanish Euros winner has indeed suffered the huge setback.He is currently in Barcelona to see a specialist, who could rule him out for up to a year.And should Rodri be absent for the remainder of the campaign, a supercomputer reckons it’s finally advantage Arsenal in the title race.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.But when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd based on the above, the Standard has calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.Gary Neville makes shock Premier League prediction U-turn after ‘monumental, defining moment’ in Man City vs Arsenal Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal.And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.And if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the InvinciblesCity will now be praying for a miracle, with a potential finish of 91 points still on the cards if Rodri is somehow cleared of injury and returns to the team for Saturday’s clash at Newcastle.That’s the same amount of points they ended with last season to win a historic four titles on the bounce.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea have all enjoyed strong starts to the season and could fancy their chances in case of a City slip.If nothing else, the battle for top four is likely to be an intense one, with 68 points enough for Villa to clinch the final Champions League spot last term.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. More

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      New referee verdict on Trossard red card explains why incidents involving Arsenal ace and Doku were completely different

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      FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Leandro Trossard was sent off and Jeremy Doku went unpunished in Manchester City’s thrilling draw with Arsenal.Mikel Arteta’s men played all of the second half with ten men after Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva.Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second yellow card after kicking the ball awayIt is the second red card Arsenal have received this season after Declan Rice was dismissed in similar circumstancesCredit: GettyJeremy Doku went unpunished for kicking the ball away in the first halfCredit: Sky SportsFormer Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained both decisionsCredit: Action Images – ReutersGunners boss Arteta was visibly distraught about the decision on the touchline but restrained his comments after the game to avoid “big trouble”.It comes after Declan Rice was also dismissed for kicking the ball away against Brighton earlier this season.He said: “I’ve seen it and it’s that obvious so I’ll leave it to you guys.”I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was also furious because Man City winger Doku had avoided a caution in the first half when he appeared to kick the ball away before an Arsenal free-kick.Arteta added: “That’s what I’m saying. It’s that obvious [the Doku incident] that it’s not necessary to comment on it.”It’s the second time. I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be 10 against 11 or nine vs 10 this season. Let’s see.”However, Gallagher, who refereed in the Premier League for 15 years from 1992 to 2007, does not feel the two incidents were the same.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWe thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch about whether Arsenal could have complaints about Trossard’s red card, he said: “Well no because it is a foul no doubt about that.”And what you would say is would the player have kicked the ball like that if there was no foul and the ball is in play? The answer is no, certainly not, because he is not going to pass to Martinelli like that.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace “I feel for him because he has gone to pull out but it is too late, the damage is already done.”We have already seen it earlier in the season, referees are very hard on it this season. He should know not to do it. The referees have been hard and fast on it.”There is no doubt you could show me one or two that have got away [with it] but by and large the referees have been very, very strong on it.”And what I would say is if one player gets away with it then it’s not justification for another player saying ‘I am being punished’.”Gallagher then detailed the reason Man City’s Doku escaped a yellow card, insisting it was different to when Brighton’s Joao Pedro avoided a caution for kicking the ball away against Arsenal.He said: “I feel for them with Joao Pedro because I think that was one that got away from them.”This one, if you look, I don’t think this is kicking the ball away and delaying the restart.”The free-kick is in the wrong place, you see Michael Oliver looking at him and saying you have got to move it back. Doku actually looks at the referee doesn’t he.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you look, watch Doku here, the ball comes to him, he looks at the ref and then turns back to the Arsenal player to take the free-kick.”I don’t think that is delaying the restart, it’s passing the ball back. I think there is a massive difference.”Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      I’ll never forget Frank Lampard’s classy gesture when my England legend dad died, says Barrow boss before Chelsea clash

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      STEPHEN CLEMENCE will forever be grateful to Chelsea legend Frank  Lampard’s consoling words after he lost his dad, goalkeeping icon Ray.The Barrow boss was assistant to Steve Bruce at Newcastle when former England international Ray Clemence passed away aged 72 on November 15, 2020.Stephen Clemence will never forget Frank Lampard’s classy gesture as Chelsea bossCredit: RexLampard consoled Clemence at St. James’ Park just days after his dad Ray diedCredit: RexThe Toon took on Chelsea at St James’ Park just six days later.Touchingly, then-Blues chief Lampard went to find Clemence during the warm-up and embraced him.In an exclusive SunSport interview ahead of taking his League Two side to Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup tonight, Clemence said: “It was a class thing from Frank. He came to say sorry for my loss.“Frank lost his mum, so knows how it feels to lose a parent. I’ll be forever grateful for his kind words at St James’ Park. It shows what a  class man he is.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClemence, 46, was born while his dad was playing for Liverpool in his 1970s pomp and was the perfect role model for the youngster growing up.And not only did it put him in good stead for his own playing career — where he appeared for Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester in the Prem — but also in coaching where he worked predominantly for Steve Bruce at Sunderland, Hull, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and West Brom.Now he is in his second frontline job — having managed Gillingham in League Two before being sacked by owner Brad Galinson for failing to get the club promoted in his six months.His dad — who also played for Spurs — was a manager in the lower leagues and took charge of Barnet  in the fourth tier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClemence said: “The biggest lesson my dad taught me was grafting.“I was lucky to have been blessed with some talent but would never have gone on to have my career in the Premier League without doing all the hard yards. Dad was a very successful footballer but I was way too young to remember a lot.’You have to accept the way he is,’ says Enzo Maresca about Mudryk’s potential as Chelsea flop struggles for minutes “But when he worked for Tottenham and the FA — and managed Barnet — that was when I got real insight into all the work he had to do.“It was relentless. It was only then that I understood how much of a grafter he was. That is the blueprint I use to this day.”Clemence has learned one harsh reality — managers have a short shelf life, with club owners more impatient than ever before.He barely had time to take off his coat at Gills before Galinson pulled the trigger.But the ex-midfielder holds no animosity towards his former employer.He said: “I left them on good terms and I am grateful they gave me my first opportunity because it’s not easy when a job comes up because there’s always 150 applicants.“It was completely different from being No 2. I worked with Steve Bruce for 13 years and had wanted to step up for a while.“But once I took over at Gillingham, I phoned him after four or five games and said, ‘Jesus Christ, I’ve a lot more respect for you now for doing this for over 1,000 games’.“In most jobs, you get an appraisal once a year — but in football you get it twice a week, Tuesday and Saturday.Barrow manager Clemence is the son of former England goalkeeper RayCredit: RexLampard embraced Clemence before Newcastle played Chelsea in November 2020“And on social media, it’s non-stop. But it’s largely been enjoyable. I always gave Steve my opinions, sometimes he listened while others he did what he wanted. Rightly so.“Yet I just felt I wanted to be the one who has the final say.”Clemence took charge of Barrow in May, signing a two-year deal. The Cumbria club is a out on a limb on the Furness peninsula. So much so that the team trains in Greater Manchester to attract more players.But the owners are ambitious and want to take the club — who were in the National League 4½ years ago — to the next level.And their boss said: “Where the club has come from in the last five years is fantastic. I must mention the owners, who have come in and saved the club.“It’s a great town, everyone is so friendly. We’ve sold 2,500 tickets for Stamford Bridge and, when you consider our average home crowd is 3,500, that is absolutely fantastic.”READ MORE SUN STORIESClemence never beat Chelsea as a player — although he was Newcastle No 2 when Isaac Hayden’s late strike did it four years ago.But tonight will be a tall order against the West London giants. He said: “It’ll be tough  but Bradford went  there a few years ago and turned them over. So you’ve got to believe.”Clemence was appointed Barrow boss in the summer after leaving GillinghamCredit: AlamyThe Bluebirds visit Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday nightCredit: Alamy More