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      I was dubbed Man Utd’s ‘secret weapon’ under Solskjaer and Ten Hag… now I’m 4,000 miles away in crazy new job

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      IMAGINE being a history-making coach on the way up at Manchester United – then deciding the job wasn’t “crazy” enough for you.That was pretty much the dilemma facing a multi-lingual master tactician – labelled an Old Trafford “secret weapon” for his set-piece planning.Eric Ramsay rejected Championship sides then switched to MinnesotaCredit: GettyRamsay left Man Utd for the MLS in FebruaryCredit: ReutersHe explained the strain facing Erik ten Hag and ex-Man Utd bossesCredit: AlamyEric Ramsay now 33, was also the youngest ever Brit to get the Uefa Pro Licence – all of five years ago.He was as highly valued by Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag as he was by the Dutchman’s predecessors Ole Gunner Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.Ramsay, however, craved to be the main man himself.Such offers arrived from the Championship – reportedly Barnsley, Blackpool and Swansea.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the former Wales assistant coach instead opted to take over Major League Soccer club Minnesota United in February this year.Ramsay has now explained why he believes it’s the perfect fit – despite some bizarre regulations – along with praising United’s recent procession of under-fire managers.He told The Times: “I don’t think you can really grasp that until you’re inside a club like that, the level of pressure that brings.”Turning to Solskjaer, Rangnick and Ten Hag, he added: “I’ve really learnt across all three of them.Most read in FootballHe spent three years coaching at Old TraffordCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The reason these guys get to this level is real conviction in their ideas, they are incredibly good communicators, very comfortable being guys at the front of organisations with millions of eyes turned their way all the time.”I think that takes real weight, real strength and an absolutely unwavering conviction.”Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal But if the strain of Old Trafford is intense, Ramsay revealed “really crazy stuff” in the MLS.Teams play on through international breaks, even though academy players not on the “main roster” can only play TWICE for the senior side.Ramsay said: “In England, if you had an injury crisis over a prolonged period, you’d be able to draw upon your best under-23 players. “Here, that can only happen up to two games because the players’ union feels like it’s exploitative to not give the player a first-team contract but for him to be playing for next to no money.”That issue, however, is only the start.Ramsay added: “The travel is lengthy. Every away game is a chartered flight and you’re often going to somewhere like Colorado where you’ve got a unique climate issue to deal with — you’re playing at altitude. “We really suffered there. It was far more marked than I’d expect it to be in terms of how it influenced the performance.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rated Ramsay highly“Everybody’s exact salary is well known… designated players can be paid beyond the salary cap and everybody else at a rate relative to their position in the squad.“It’s for all this that I wanted to come. I knew it would be a real challenge. “It would be something very different to going into the Championship in England as a head coach for your first role.”Minnesota are still challenging for a Western Conference play-off spot – after Ramsay’s instant success was followed by a poor run and then a revival.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut asked if he eventually expected to return to Britain, he replied: “Of course”.For now, though, he is “just taking it (the MLS) for what it is and enjoying it in its entirety”.Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More

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      I bribed a referee ahead of huge European clash – then he gave a penalty against us after five minutes

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      FORMER Valencia president Paco Roig has claimed he bribed a referee ahead of a Uefa Cup game – only for the plan to backfire. Roig was the majority shareholder and president of the La Liga club from 1994 to 1997.Valencia’s former president has opened up in a tell-all interviewCredit: Getty Images – GettyPaco Roig was in charge of the La Liga side from 1994 to 1997Credit: RexThe Spanish businessman’s tenure with Valencia was marked by controversy and scandal.Sports corruption in Spain was not classified as a crime until 2010.Roig has opened up on his three-year reign in a tell-all interview with outlet Relevo. When asked about the purchase of matches in the mid-1990s, he admitted: “There was that everywhere.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRoig claims he was approached by an agent as Valencia prepared to take on Bayern Munich in the 1996-97 UEFA Cup. Bayern were the defending champions, with the Spanish side drawing them in the first round.He explained: “This [agent] comes and says to me, ‘Paco, the referee you got is a son of a b*tch…”But I’m close friends with him, and it’s fixed, you have to give me three million [pesetas]. (about £70,000 now)Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I told him, well, OK, I’ll give [you the money] at the end. And he said no, that it had to be before.”Roig alleges he gave the agent the cash before the contest, which was held on September 10, 1996, at the Mestalla. ‘It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headHe continued: “I gave him the three million. “The referee came out and five minutes later they called a penalty against Valencia.”Jurgen Klinsmann would miss the penalty for Bayern, as Valencia eventually ran out 3-0 winners. But Roig added: “With that buying thing, it’s a real mess.”The Spanish side saw off Slavia Prague and Besiktas in the next round.However, their European adventure was cut short by Schalke in the quarter-finals.Current La Liga president Javier Tebas attended a fans forum in Madrid on Monday.He opened up on match-fixing and declared the issue a thing of the past in Spain.READ MORE SUN STORIESTebas said: “I think there is no more match-fixing. We work hard to monitor betting. “There is none in our categories. Sometimes we detect it in other sports and we report it.” More

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      EFL clash POSTPONED as Carabao Cup tie is sensationally moved to Premier League stadium after sinkhole found in pitch

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      LEAGUE Two outfit AFC Wimbledon have had their second postponement of the day after suffering shocking damage to their pitch.The Dons announced the change in schedule on Monday afternoon following “extensive flooding” at Plough Lane.The flooding has seen Wimbledon’s match with Crewe postponed after switching their Carabao Cup game to Newcastle’s stadiumCredit: PAWimbledon have announced a change for two fixtures following ‘extensive’ flooding at Plough LaneCredit: GettyThe club were due to face Newcastle in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening.However, damage to the pitch – including the creation of a sinkhole – caused by the flooding has seen the venue for the match switched to Newcastle’s St James’ Park on October 1.This has had a knock-on effect of seeing the previously scheduled match between Wimbledon and Crewe on the same date postponed.A Wimbledon statement, posted as a follow up to their original announcement about the Newcastle game’s postponement, said: “Our Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United has been rearranged – to be held at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Tuesday 1st October, kick off 7.45pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We will confirm ticket arrangements as soon as possible (including refund process for the original fixture), and we are actively working with local travel companies on coach travel for our supporters wishing to travel as we recognise this will be extremely difficult for supporters looking to travel to support the Dons for this hugely anticipated fixture.”Furthermore, our upcoming home EFL League Two match vs Crewe Alexandra, scheduled for 1 October, has been postponed. “Tickets purchased for this fixture will remain valid, with more details to follow in due course.”We will advise on arrangements for this Saturday’s scheduled match v Accrington Stanley as soon as possible.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe heavy rain also caused damage around the stadium.Wimbledon’s game against Accrington is due to play out this Saturday, but could face a postponement of its own if the damage to the turf is too severe to fix in time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWimbledon beat MK Dons 3-0 in their last fixture at Plough Lane.They currently sit fifth in the League Two table. More

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      ‘We are waiting for them’ – Gabriel breaks silence over Haaland’s ‘provocative act’ after Man City goal against Arsenal

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES has issued a chilling warning to Manchester City after emotions boiled over in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad.The Gunners had gone a goal behind early on through an expertly taken Erling Haaland goal.Gabriel has issued a chilling warning to Man City after their antics following the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on SundayCredit: GettyErling Haaland was seen throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after the late equaliserCredit: Sky SportsHowever, a Riccardo Calafiori screamer and Gabriel header saw the visitors take an unexpected lead over the reigning champions.But the game was turned on its head when Michael Oliver controversially sent off Leandro Trossard for delaying the restart – the same Declan Rice was red carded for against Brighton.After 50 minutes of stoic defending in the second half, John Stones eventually broke the Arsenal red wall with a 97th-minute equaliser. Following the goal, Haaland was seen running into the goal and grabbing the ball before throwing it at the back of Gabriel’s head while he had his shirt over his head.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked about the act afterwards, Gabriel said: “I don’t even remember this [Haaland’s throw]. “It’s normal, they were happy after scoring in the last minute. “They were playing at home, so their duty was to win the match, but our team did really well to resist.”The Brazilian also issued a warning to their title rivals before the return fixture at the Emirates stadium. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s a battle, a war, so it’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game. “Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground.”Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ Haaland was incensed at the full-time whistle and was heard saying: “Stay humble eh,” to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta before confronting Gabriel Jesus.Jesus was heard defending his manager, saying: “Come, come why you saying [that], you talking?”Jack Grealish stepped between the pair as Haaland pushed Jesus away, with the Brazilian firing back: “Don’t touch me.”Haaland replied: “What the f*** are you talking about? Get away from me you f***ing clown.”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.The 24-year-old was also seen aiming an X-rated blast at Myles Lewis-Skelley as he said: “Who the f*** are you?”Arsenal legend Ian Wright labelled Haaland as a “coward” for throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head. Taking to Instagram, he said: “You know what really boiled me up properly was Haaland’s cowardly move.”Throwing the ball at Gabi’s [Gabriel] head when he’s not looking. When Gabi’s back is turned to him, a real coward’s move. Gabi would look you in the eye.”I’m looking at this like a really good defender vs striker for years to come. I really like watching them two and then you’re doing a coward’s move like that?READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you were bigger than that bro.”The fallout from the game has also seen Rodri, who was forced off the pitch in the first half through injury, sidelined for what could be the rest of the season after sustaining a torn cruciate ligament injury.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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      Major change to handball rule with more penalties than ever before set to be awarded – but Premier League exempt

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      UEFA is set to tweak the handball rule – after admitting its referees made a huge mistake at Euro 2024.The Uefa Referees Committee claims hosts Germany should have been awarded a penalty during their quarter-final loss to Spain.Germany were incensed after not being given a penalty at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe ball struck Marc Cucurella on the arm and was on target, but Anthony Taylor turned down German’s appealsCredit: APGermany were left incensed after Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella appeared to handle in the area during extra time on July 5.Anthony Taylor, the on-field referee, and VAR Stuart Atwell, decided not to award a spot-kick after a lengthy review. Eventual champions Spain would go on to win the game in the 119th minute, leaving Cucurella to be booed for the remainder of the tournament. Following the incident, Uefa’s Referees Committee has recommended a change to its handball guidelines. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt wants to “strictly punish” instances where a player’s hand blocks a shot on target.According to Spanish publication Revelo, the report reads: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly.”And in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.”Referencing the Cucurella incident, it continues: “In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making himself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe committee concluded that although a penalty should have been given, Cucurella should not have been booked. Changes to the Uefa guidelines are likely to see more penalties awarded for handball. Watch Cucurella stand on table and sing about ‘drinking Estrella and making Haaland tremble’ during Spain celebrations The tweaks will not however impact the Premier League, a separate governing body. German coach Julian Nagelsmann was inconsolable following ref Taylor’s decision.But he called for the handball rule to be reviewed in light of the incident.Nagelsmann said: “They applied the rule and it was not a penalty. I do not feel cheated. “For me, the question is about making it more practical, more logical, in terms of how this [handball] rule is assessed. “I say this for football [overall], not just today. “You look at the hand. If it is at 3 o’clock, if it is a bit higher or a bit lower. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But there are people with bigger muscles than me, different movements.”Is it going into the clouds or is it going in the goal? In one case it is a penalty, in the other, it is not. If it is going into the stands, then it is no penalty.” More

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      Rodri ‘set to miss the rest of the SEASON as initial tests suggest Man City star has torn cruciate ligaments’

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      RODRI is expected to miss the rest of the season in a shock blow for Manchester City.City’s key midfielder reportedly suffered torn cruciate ligaments in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw against Arsenal.Rodri was seriously hurt against ArsenalCredit: GettyPep Guardiola knows few players in the world can do Rodri’s job so wellCredit: ReutersRodri famously went 74 games unbeaten for Pep Guardiola’s champions, a 475-day run only ended by FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United in May this year.But he went down in agony just EIGHT seconds into a dramatic Premier League match, forcing a long delay, The anchorman, 28, was eventually able to continue before being hurt again in a freak incident midway through the first half.This time Rodri had to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSNow Spanish outlet AS say initial tests on Monday suggest their countryman’s injury is worse than City were hoping.AS reckon the Euro 2024 winner is likely to sit out the rest of the campaign as tests revealed a serious ligament problem.However, it’s understood Rodri will head to Madrid for a “complete check-up” to see the full extent of his damage.John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser against the 10-man Gunners put City back on top of the Prem, one point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa.Most read in FootballRodri appeared to be injured in a collision with Thomas ParteyCredit: RexBut despite having a huge squad, Rodri is one of the few players, ability-wise, who Guardiola will struggle to replace.The former Atletico Madrid hero must have thought his week could not have got worse after collapsing, holding his face, straight after kick-off on Sunday.Gary Neville makes shock Premier League prediction U-turn after ‘monumental, defining moment’ in Man City vs Arsenal VAR analysed the incident and ruled that Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz’s collision with Rodri had been accidental.However, 20 minutes later, the 57-cap Spaniard was reeling once more, seemingly following a collision with Gunners’ counterpart Thomas Partey.And 24 hours on from that Rodri and City got the medical news they least wanted.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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      Fans say ‘now this is farmer’s league’ as Erling Haaland’s first club offer VIP tickets to watch match from TRACTOR

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      FOOTBALL fans in Norway have been offered the chance to watch games from a bizarre VIP area. Bryne FK is inviting supporters to enjoy their promotion push from the comfort of a pitchside TRACTOR. Fans at Bryne FK can park their tractors by the pitch in a VIP sectionCredit: Reddit Supporters of the club were spotted enjoying a recent game from the vantage pointCredit: RedditErling Haaland begin his career at the club as a teenagerCredit: GettyThe 1. Divisjon club are currently pushing for promotion to Norway’s top flight.Bryne are famous for nurturing a young Erling Haaland and last played in the Eliteserien back in 2003.Situated in an agricultural area, the club have come up with a novel way of packing the stands at the 4,000 capacity Bryne Stadion.Fans have been invited to drive their tractors directly into the stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club’s official website explains: “Drive your tractor to the match and park it at Bryne Stadium.”Drive the tractor into the gate at the clubhouse, park the tractor towards the pitch and watch the match from the cab.”Up to four fans can join the driver for the reasonable price of NOK 250, around £18. One group of supporters have since gone viral for their exclusive pitchside seats.Most read in FootballFREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERSA trio were seen seated on a sofa, raised up and supported by the tractor’s scooper. One fan laughed in response to the viral image: “Looks comfy ngl.”‘It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headAnother said: “Now this is a farmer’s league.”While a third asked: “What if you need to pee or grab another beer?”And a fourth joked: “I’d still get a tall guy with a hat on in a slightly bigger tractor sat in front of me.”Bryne are currently second in the 1. Divisjon behind runaway leaders Valerenga. The top two in the division will be promoted, with the season ending in early November. 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.SunSport visited Bryne in 2022 and found plenty of love in the air for local boy Haaland.The Man City goal machine joined his local team at just five and made his debut a decade later. By 16 he was gone, signing for Molde in the top flight, but made a lasting impression. READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland’s former teammate Robert Undheim said: “Everybody knew he was a childhood star.”One of the first times I saw him he was just a little kid but he had this quickness and you saw there was something special. He had everything.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League star now playing alongside Mason Greenwood scores stunning 95th-minute winner for new club

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      MARSEILLE had an English winger to thank for grabbing them a late winner against Lyon on Sunday – and it wasn’t Mason Greenwood. This time it was former Premier League star Jonathon Rowe who came up with the goods for the Ligue 1 team.Joanthan Rowe scored a screamer to see Marseille beat Lyon 3-2 away from homeCredit: X @Ligue1_ENGRowe celebrated with former Brighton boss Roberto de ZerbiCredit: AFPRowe, on loan at the French team from Norwich, replaced Greenwood in the 79th minute.Following a goalless first half in which Marseille were down to ten men after just five minutes, hosts Lyon took the lead through Duje Caleta-Car shortly after the break.Marseille managed to turn the game on its head by scoring two goals through Pol Lirola and Ulisses Garcia. However, Lyon looked to have snatched a point when Rayan Cherki scored an equaliser in the third minute of injury time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Roberto De Zerbi’s side were determined to come away with all three points for their third league win on the bounce. A poor pass from Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri ended up sparking a dramatic final act, with his attempted clearance being intercepted by 21-year-old Rowe.Rowe then breezed past his marker before cutting inside from the left wing and past a second defender. The England Under-21 international then opened up his body and curled a shot into the far right corner to hand them a 95th-minute winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRowe celebrated by wheeling away towards the sidelines where ex-Brighton manager De Zerbi had rushed over to hug and celebrate with him, while they were joined by jubilant subs and players alike.The win put Marseille level on points with league leaders Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, and sandwiched between the pair on goal difference.Mason Greenwood SIGNS for Marseille as Man Utd release brief statement after transferRowe never managed to score in 13 Premier League appearances for Norwich, but has found a new role off the bench for Marseille.Neal Maupay was also introduced off the bench alongside Rowe, and can be seen mouthing off to a Lyon defender following the goal.Greenwood, 22, was one of eight permanent arrivals at Marseille this summer, while Rowe is one of five loan transfers. He has started all five of the club’s matches this season, scoring five goals and adding one assist in his first three games. Who are these famous footballers? More