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      Sunderland boss says ‘not my decision’ on whether he keeps talented teen but new star blown away by ‘scary’ Chris Rigg

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      REGIS LE BRIS has no say on keeping Chris Rigg and his other young guns – but Chris Mepham is here to help them reach the top.Sunderland’s fine start under the Frenchman continued with a fourth win from five games.The 17-year-old Chris Rigg continues to shine for SunderlandCredit: RexRegis Le Bris has made an impressive start to life on WearsideCredit: RexThe Black Cats are packed full of young talents such as Romaine Mundle, 21, Jobe Bellingham, 18, Eliezer Mayenda, 19, but the win over Middlesbrough belonged to 17-year-old matchwinner Rigg.It is all going well for Le Bris and his kids, however, he knows interest will mount if they continue like this and any decision to cash in will not be taken by him.Le Bris said: “The market is like that but it’s not my main concern at the minute.“I just want to work with them, help them to grow and to achieve their best football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Then, after that, we will see. That’s not my decision.”Meanwhile, deadline day loan signing Chris Mepham says one of the reasons he was brought in from Bournemouth was to help nurture the talented teens.The centre-half helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut and then said: “At 26, I’ve seen a fair amount and a lot of players that have a lot of potential and all the ability in the world but struggle with the other side of the game.“So it’s important to keep your feet on the ground, working hard and not become complacent.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We can help with little stuff like timing, coming in on time, not getting sloppy with day-to-day stuff. That’s something that I think I can kind of help with.“The club made it clear it was important for me to come in and give that kind of know-how and bit experience that perhaps some lads miss.”I’m a former England star with eight caps – I’d be worth £100MILLION and have 50 caps if I was playing todayLe Bris replied “hope so” when asked whether Rigg could play for England and Welsh international Mepham believes his “scary” new team-mate can reach the very top.He said: “You see him talking to people and almost leading, which is scary I think.“He’s 17 and I think he has the respect of everyone at the football club and rightly so and that gives him that freedom to lead.“I think that and his quality on the ball is an amazing combination.”For Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough, it’s scoring goals that is their problem.Both Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke missed big chances at Sunderland to leave them with an average of just a goal-a-game six matches in.Carrick said: “What we’re finding against a lot of teams, especially if they get a lead on us, they defend very deep with a lot of numbers.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to face that challenge and find ways to break teams down.“I’m sure if we keep doing the right things, creating the opportunities and being the better team like in pretty much every game we’ve played so far, I’m sure we will start to get the rewards.”Chris Mepham helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut for the clubCredit: Rex More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      Why Arsenal goal should NOT have stood and Man City stars were absolutely right to be furious with referee

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      HERE SunSport’s whistleblower Mark Halsey picks out the key incidents from Sunday’s fiery Prem clash at the Etihad.From Manchester City star Kyle Walker’s fury at Arsenal’s equaliser to that disputed dismissal of Gunners ace Leandro Trossard, our former man in black gives his assessment on the 2-2 epic.Rodri was left flattened at the start of the game by Kai HavertzCredit: Sky SportsMark Halsey reckons Michael Oliver was correct to not punish HavertzCredit: ReutersHAVERTZ & RODRIThe tone was set after just eight seconds when Kai Havertz ran into Rodri and the City midfielder fell to the ground holding his face.But Havertz did nothing wrong as he is absolutely entitled to run into space.In fact, you could argue that Rodri was the one fortunate to escape without a booking.He was trying to get Havertz sent off — and you never want to see that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKyle Walker was right to feel aggrieved over Arsenal’s equaliserCredit: Sky SportsWALKER REACTION TO ARSENAL EQUALISERKyle Walker had every right to feel aggrieved over Riccardo Calafiori’s 22nd-minute goal.Ref Michael Oliver called the City captain over for a chat after the Gunners had been awarded a free-kick, which is fine.But the issue is he allowed Thomas Partey to take the set-piece quickly and, with Walker out of position, Arsenal ended up scoring.Walker was rightly furious. When a referee calls a player over, he must allow him to get back into position. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOliver should have restarted the game once Walker had returned to his right-back spot. The goal came because Walker was out of position and Gabriel Martinelli exploited the space before teeing up Calafiori.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserThe decision to send off Leandro Trossard was correctCredit: RexTROSSARD SEEING REDLeandro Trossard was deservedly sent off as he kicked the ball 50 yards away after conceding a free-kick and therefore delayed the restart.The Belgian has clearly learnt nothing from team-mate Declan Rice being sent off for the same thing against Brighton last month.Neither Trossard or Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can have any  complaints.But all we want is consistency and City’s Jeremy Doku did exactly the same thing earlier in the game and went unpunished. He also kicked the ball away and was not booked.Jurrien Timber was correctly treated for an injury late onCredit: GettyARSENAL PHYSIOProtocols mean a physio or doctor can only enter the field of play to give a player treatment when given the green light by the referee.Arsenal’s physio ran onto the pitch to treat Jurrien Timber and would have been cautioned had Oliver not given him permission.  READ MORE SUN STORIESSo he did nothing wrong there.Given the intensity of the game and with what is at stake, on the whole I thought Michael Oliver performed well.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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      Two Arsenal stars fail to make a single pass against Man City in never-before-seen Premier League record

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      TWO Arsenal stars broke a never-before-seen Premier League passing record against Manchester City. Arsenal looked on the way to a famous 2-1 victory at the Etihad despite going down to ten men.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drew 2-2 with Man CityCredit: ReutersErling Haaland opened the scoring on nine minutes before Riccardo Calafiori sensationally levelled with a left-footed strike. Gabriel then nodded the Gunners ahead from a corner just before the break but there was still time for Leandro Trossard to be shown red. Two yellows saw the Belgium international sent off and Arsenal left with the almighty task of holding onto victory. And they looked on course to doing so up until John Stones’ late leveller EIGHT minutes into added time. READ MORE IN football Forward Kai Havertz was forced to help defensively – as was makeshift full-back Jurrien Timber. And it came at the cost of creativity as neither recorded a single successful pass during the match. It broke an Opta record for outfield players who played 89+ minutes of a Prem match and failed to complete a single pass. Sensationally, it happened twice in the same game as Havertz failed with five attempts and Timber with six. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe points were shared in Manchester as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hailed his side’s valiant defensive effort. Arteta said: “It’s impossible. It’s very hard already against 11 players, impossible. Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser”Because we are put under pressure to defend with six in our box time and time and time after time. That’s it.”Unbelievable, I’m so proud of them. When you survive like that that many minutes, to concede like that the way we did, because we had to play 97 minutes then 99, I was very disappointed. “But at the same time, I have to be proud of them.”Arteta hailed his side’s defensive effortsCredit: PA More

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      England star playing five-a-side fixtures with mates in balaclava to avoid being spotted

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      WHICH England ace still plays knockabout five-a-sides with his old mates —  wearing a BALACLAVA in case he is spotted?The mystery man has never forgotten his roots and likes the odd kick-about with his chums when he is not on club or international duty.England interim chief Lee Carsley might have a mischievous mystery ace in his ranks – someone who plays with pals despite being at the top levelCredit: AlamyThe player has so far kept his identity secret from the general publicCredit: GettyAnd the talented player is always a stand-out but keeps his identity hidden in case his jumpers-for-goalposts  secret comes out on social media and angers his bosses.Big step to replace SchuSTOKE were looking to replace Steve Schumacher before the end of LAST season.The Potters landed Schumacher from Plymouth but soon changed their mind on him and TWO senior bosses were quietly sounded out about taking over in the summer.However, the pair turned down the chance of a job in the Championship and Schumacher survived — but not for long as he was axed last week.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne Heck of a spot-kick secretPRESTON’S record-breaking penalty win hid a big secret — boss Paul Heckingbottom does not like to practise spot-kicks.The 16-15 Carabao Cup shootout success against Fulham saw only one of 17 North End kicks saved.Boss Paul Heckingbottom, fourth right, saw Preston’s epic shootout winCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Hecky is not keen on rehearsing sudden-death penalties in training.That’s because the last time he did his Sheffield United side lost in the play-offs to Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballTop 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLatics hail StonesWIGAN striker Josh Stones is wanted by Oldham for a second loan spell. Stones, 20, had his stay with the National League side cut short by injury last season.But Wigan may not be able to let him rejoin immediately.Albanian can take cut of BladesSHEFFIELD UNITED takeover bidder Tom Page hopes to ‘sign’ a mystery Albanian millionaire.The exiled Englishman has spent months trying to seal a Blades deal.Now Page is in talks with the US-based Albanian with football experience to add backing.Meet the WAGS of the England footballersEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

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      Barcelona star Marc Andre ter Stegen carried off on stretcher in tears after nasty injury in clash with ex-Man Utd star

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      BARCELONA star Marc Andre ter Stegen was stretchered off in tears after being injured in a collision with a former Manchester United star.The German goalie lined up between the sticks for his side as they thrashed Villarreal 5-1 away from home.Marc Andre ter Stegen was left in tears after getting injured against VillarrealCredit: GettyHe was stretched off after an awkward landing following a collision with an ex-Man Utd starCredit: ReutersThe result saw Barcelona maintain their 100 per cent start to the season while keeping four points ahead of Real Madrid.But Hansi Flick will be left sweating over Ter Stegen’s fitness after he was forced off the field.On the 48th minute mark, Ter Stegen jumped in the air to catch a ball from a Villarreal corner.But as he landed, the stopper collided with former Man United defender Eric Bailly before hitting the ground awkwardly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTer Stegen immediately collapsed and looked in a world of pain as medics stormed the field.And unfortunately for the 32-year-old, he was unable to continue as he was stretchered off while crying.Fans certainly appeared concerned for Ter Stegen.One said: “He looks to have picked up a terrible injury, this looks horrible.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Heartbreaking, get well soon.”One noted: “Horrible, wish him a speedy recovery.”Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid ‘groundbreaking’ £1.3BILLION renovation as incredible pics show host of new featuresTer Stegen went down after colliding with Eric BaillyCredit: GettyAnother added: “Damn hope he’s OK.”Reports from Spain on Sunday evening claimed Ter Stegen had suffered damage to his right knee.He underwent surgery on the same spot three years ago to treat the patellar tendon.And there are fears Ter Stegen has hurt it again, with scans set to determine the extent of his setback.The ace is in his 11th season at the Nou Camp following a bargain £10million move from Gladbach in 2014.Ter Stegen has since played 417 times for Barcelona after establishing himself as the No1 goalkeeper.And in that time he’s won five titles, five Spanish Cups and one Champions League. More

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      Anthony Taylor embroiled in further controversy after red card in match he WASN’T refereeing

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      ANTHONY TAYLOR is caught in a new refereeing rumpus involving Nottingham Forest after a heated draw at Brighton that saw THREE red cards.The official  had been taken off Prem duty this weekend due to online abuse after issuing a record 14 yellow cards in Chelsea’s win at Bournemouth.Anthony Taylor is caught in a new refereeing rumpus involving Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyAnd he was already in Forest’s bad books after rejecting THREE penalty claims during a defeat at Everton in April.But as fourth official at the Amex, Taylor oversaw a moment in the 83rd minute that saw Morgan Gibbs-White and managers Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo all sent off. It started after Gibbs-White — already on a yellow — caught Joao Pedro with a late challenge.Ref Robert Jones initially said he got the ball — but then gave the Forest star his marching orders following apparent contact with  Taylor.READ MORE IN football Hurzeler also saw red for encroachment while Espirito Santo followed for foul language.Forest assistant Rui Pedro Silva said: “It was a strong but fair tackle. I didn’t see anything that justified a second yellow.”He added: “If he (Jones) makes that sign to show the ball, maybe go through with his decision. But I didn’t see the image.Official stance By Mark HalseyWHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big  trouble.Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think the referee on the pitch is the main decision (maker) of the game so if he sees that he should stick with his decision.Most read in Football“I think the referees took their time to chat, to have a conversation about that situation, and they make the final decision to show a second yellow card to Morgan.“Anthony has a point of view, Rob probably another point of view, the linesmen another point of view.”Watch astonishing phantom goal as furious fans call for ‘entire refereeing team to be arrested’ More

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      Watch moment Erling Haaland throws ball at Arsenal rival’s head after last-second equaliser in huge Premier League clash

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      ERLING HAALAND rubbed salt into the wounds of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes by throwing the ball at his HEAD seconds after John Stones’ equaliser.Stones rescued a crucial point for defending champions Manchester City in the 98th minute of their Etihad clash.John Stones broke Arsenal hearts with a 98th minute equaliserCredit: ALAMYThe Gunners were left crestfallen by the last-gasp equaliserCredit: REUTERSErling Haaland rubbed salt into their wounds by throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ headCredit: SKY SPORTSThe England defender made it 2-2 in the dying embers of the game by bundling home the ball after it kindly deflected to him in the box.Ten men Arsenal – who defending valiantly – cut crestfallen figures after being denied what would have been a historic victory at Eastlands.And Haaland trolled a dejected Gabriel by bouncing the ball off the back of his head as he raced away to celebrate with his team-mates.His cheeky act didn’t go unnoticed by footie fans, with one writing: “Haaland throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after the goal hahahahaha.”READ MORE ON CITY VS ARSENALAnother said: “Haaland is an a**hole. Why [did] he throw the ball off that man’s head?”And another said with a series of laughing emojis: “Haaland throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head.”One remarked: “So Haaland is allowed to throw the ball directly into the back of Gabriel’s head while his back is turned without any sort of consequence?”And chimed in: “Haaland throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head to celebrate the goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity remained top of the Premier League table thanks to John Stones’ equaliserCredit: REX”This is apparently ok by the refs and VAR.”Haaland lit the blue touch paper in what was a pulsating clash of title challengers in the ninth minute.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserBut Gunners newboy Riccardo Calafiori drew the visitors level with a sensational finish from outside the box in the 22nd minute.Gabriel headed the visitors into the lead in first-half stoppage time, in which Leandro Trossard saw red for receiving a second booking for time wasting.The North Londoners defended admirably but were ultimately unable to stop the relentless Citizens from breaching their goal for a second time.The draw has left City and the Gunners in first and fourth place in the Prem table with 13 and 11 points to their names respectively. More