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      Gary Neville brutally warns Arsenal what they must do to avoid being ‘dismissed as nearly men’ and being forgotten about

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      GARY NEVILLE has handed Arsenal a brutal warning ahead of their trip to Manchester City.The former Manchester United defender has told the Gunners what they must do to avoid being “dismissed as nearly men”.Gary Neville has warned Arsenal what they must do to avoid being ‘dismissed as nearly men’Credit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side are at risk of being forgotten about, according to NevilleCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side have established themselves as title challengers across the last two seasons.His team have pushed City all the way in successive campaigns with back-to-back second place finishes.However, Arsenal have not won a trophy since their FA Cup victory in 2020.The Gunners face an early test of their credentials this season away to the champions on Sunday.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAhead of the match, Neville has explained what they must do to avoid being forgotten.Writing in his Overlap newsletter, he said: “If this superb Arsenal team doesn’t win the Premier League or the Champions League then they can forget about going down in history.”That’s harsh but the reality of elite sport. No one will fondly recall the magnificence of William Saliba and Gabriel at the back, the brilliance of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, David Raya’s extraordinary saves or the incision of Bukayo Saka up front.”There will be no Netflix documentaries. They will never be feted or admired. They will be dismissed as nearly men.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”History is unforgiving of those who fall just short. And that’s why, for all the excellent work they’ve done in the past two years, there is still a step to take.”We’re too early in the season to describe Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the Etihad as a title decider.Mikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in countryThe Gunners narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City again last seasonCredit: AFP”Yet Arsenal need a statement win because they need to damage Manchester City and to demonstrate to themselves that they are the team of the moment.”Arsenal go into Sunday’s meeting unbeaten in three against City, a run which dates back to April 2023.It also includes a home win and their Community Shield triumph last term.Arteta will also be boosted by the return of Declan Rice to his side from suspension.However, he remains without captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Mikel Merino through injury.Arsenal are unbeaten in their last three meetings with City across all competitionsCredit: Sunday Times More

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      Average time every Premier League team takes over goal kicks with worst offenders hinting it could be a genius tactic

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      PREMIER LEAGUE teams have numerous ways of playing out every situation.Goal kicks are no different, with some teams going long, some going short and others going somewhere in the middle.Man City are the slowest team in the division when it comes to taking goal kicksCredit: RexMeanwhile, Tottenham are the fastestCredit: RexHow long teams wait before taking their goal kicks is also another consideration many fans may overlook.However, it appears there is a trend for some of the best teams in the division to take longer between a goal kick being awarded it and being taken, suggesting it’s a smart tactic not to rush them.Data from Opta Analyst has revealed the average time it takes for a team to take goal kicks.Tottenham are the team that takes the shortest time, with Ange Postecoglou’s demands for high-octane football seeing them take just 16.9 seconds on average.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the other end of the scale, champions and league leaders Manchester City have the longest delay in taking their goal kicks this season, with an average time of 39.3 seconds.Challengers in chief Arsenal rank second in this regard, with the Gunners taking 37.8 seconds on average to take a goal kick.Newly-promoted Ipswich take 37.7 seconds, while third-place Newcastle take 35.3 seconds.Brighton, Manchester United and Liverpool are quick starters like Spurs, taking 18.5, 20.3 and 21.5 seconds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe average position of the slowest five teams is 6.4.Meanwhile, the quickest five teams is 10.4.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City More

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      Football club announces ‘sudden’ death of beloved chairman & calls off game as tributes pour in to ‘remarkable man’

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      A FOOTBALL club has announced the “sudden” death of its beloved chairman.Radcliffe FC’s National League North home game against Buxton today has been called off as a mark of respect for Paul Hilton.’Beloved’ Radcliffe FC chairman Paul Hilton has diedCredit: MEN MediaThe Greater Manchester club said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chairman, Paul Hilton. “Paul was not just the driving force behind Radcliffe Football Club; he was the very heart and soul of our community.”His unwavering dedication, vision, and tireless efforts transformed our club, leading us to the highest level in our history.”Paul’s passion for the game and his commitment to the players, staff, and supporters will be sorely missed. Read More Sport”He had an extraordinary ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that made our club truly special.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Paul’s family. “Please allow his loved ones the space they need to grieve and remember the remarkable man that Paul was.”We encourage all members of our community to come together in memory of Paul.Most read in Football”Celebrating not only his contributions to our club but also the legacy of kindness and camaraderie he leaves behind.”More information about memorial services and ways to pay tribute will be shared in due course. “Thank you for your understanding and support during this sad period.”Radcliffe FC were promoted into the National League North as champions last season after 37 years in the Northern Premier League. More

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      I played alongside Ronaldo and Scholes at Man Utd but now run a shop aged 35 – I regret leaving Reds too early

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      FORMER Manchestrer United starlet Richard Eckersley has now embarked on a very different career path. The Red Devils academy graduate, who was given his big break under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009, has transitioned from football to running a zero-waste shop in Devon.Richard Eckersley began his senior career at Man Utd under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty – ContributorThe forgotten Man Utd man now owns Britain’s first zero-waste supermarket with his wifeCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThe forgotten United man made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Tottenham on January 24 2009 as a substitute.Having joined United as a nine-year-old, he achieved his lifelong dream of making his first-team debut by stepping off the bench at Old Trafford.The former defender played alongside United legends Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.Eckersley told Manchester Evening News: “It was an awe-inspiring kind of moment.READ MORE MAN UTD”I was playing with people I had watched growing up and I was giving them the ball. It was a really surreal moment.”Three days later, he made his league debut in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Then on March 1, 2009, he was on the bench for the League Cup Final against Spurs, which United won, earning him his first career medal.But his time with the senior squad did not last long as he left Old Trafford at the end of the season and signed a four-year contract with Burnley.Most read in FootballAnd the 35-year-old reflecting on his football said he regrets leaving Old Trafford so early on.Eckersley continued: “I think the decision to leave United was probably too early for me.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”I think I probably should have stayed on and developed at Carrington under the coaches that I was already working with, because I was making steady progress.”I think the jump from the cusp of one of the world’s greatest teams, you could say at that time, to Burnley, who had just got promoted but were going to be a struggling team in the Premier League was a massive jump.”After moving to Burnley Eckersley’s career took a different turn. He had loan spells with Plymouth, Bradford, and Bury before crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Toronto in 2011, making the move permanent the following season.The move to the MLS was a much-needed change for the Salford-born star, who had lost his love for the game in the UK.Eckerlsey said: “I was desperate just to play and desperate to enjoy football, because at the time I wasn’t enjoying football.”I was playing in League Two, I was going on loan to Bradford, Bury and places like that.”Even though it was competitive football, I just wasn’t enjoying the football side of things because I enjoyed playing football and how we used to play at United.”But at 26, after leaving Toronto and having stints with New York Red Bulls and Oldham, Eckersley decided to retire from football. Seeking a new direction that would bring him closer to his family, he chose an uncommon path for ex-footballers by opening a zero-waste shop.Passionate about vegan and organic food, Eckersley and his wife founded Earth.Food.Love, the UK’s first zero-waste shop, located in Totnes, Devon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It gives us a purpose, I think that is the biggest thing. I love letting my children see that. “I think that is the biggest thing: seeing their mum and their dad enjoying what they do. We’re all intermingling and they are never more than five minutes away from me all the time. That is important for me.” More

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      Gary Speed’s widow finds love again with millionaire property tycoon 2 years after second husband died from brain cancer

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      GARY Speed’s widow has found love again with a millionaire property tycoon – two years after her second husband died from brain cancer.Louise, 53, has moved in with Welsh businessman Andrew Dickens – opening a property firm together.Louise, 53, with her new partner Andrew DickensLouise’s childhood sweetheart Gary Speed took his own life in 2011Credit: PA:Press AssociationLouise’s second husband Quinton Bird died just six months after they marriedCredit: FacebookThe happy news comes after Louise’s second husband Quinton Bird died from a brain tumour just six months after they married in 2021.Quinton had helped Louise end years of loneliness after her childhood sweetheart Gary Speed took his own life in 2011.Louise and football star Gary first went out as teenagers in Flintshire, north Wales.Gary played for Leeds, Everton and Newcastle before he was appointed Wales manager in 2011.Read More UK NewsBut later that year Gary, 42, was found dead at the couple’s Cheshire home.Their sons Eddie and Tommy were just 14 and 13 when they lost their father.Louise and Andrew have set up home at his farmhouse near Wrexham in north Wales.The couple have jetted off for a romantic holiday together in the south of France.Most read in FootballAndrew, 45, told the Mail: “Funnily enough we are from the same small village in north Wales.”We only lived a few hundred yards from each other. It was only in recent years that we became good friends.”A relative said: “Louise and Andrew have been together a while now – they make a lovely couple.”Louise has moved in with Andrew two years after losing her second husband Quinton Bird to brain cancer.Quentin died from the aggressive disease only six months after tying the knot with Louise at a Cheshire castle in November 2021.Guests at the wedding in November 2021 included Gary’s former Newcastle teammate Alan Shearer. More

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      Watch Ivan Toney score first goals since Saudi Arabia transfer as £400,000-a-week striker sends reminder to Lee Carsley

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      IVAN TONEY has scored his first two goals since joining Saudi side Al-Ahli this summer.The ex-Brentford striker, who earns £400,000-per-week, is working to get back into the new England fold under interim boss Lee Carsley.Ivan Toney scored his first two goals for Al-AhliToney sent a clear message to his doubters after grabbing a brace and an assist in his third appearance for the Saudi Pro League side, as they claimed a 4-2 win over Damac.After Damac drew level from his assisted opener, Toney put his side 2-1 up immediately after half-time with his first goal for the club.The 28-year-old showed his poaching qualities as he prodded the ball home from six yards out.Damac drew the game level again, before former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino put Al-Ahli ahead in the eighth minute of injury time.READ MORE FOOTBALLToney then tapped in his second eight minutes later – and 15 minutes into added time.VAR ruled that he was not offside for his close range finish that wrapped up the win.The result means that Al Ahli now have seven points from four games, leaving them fifth and one point behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.Toney completed a £40million transfer to the Saudi Arabian side from Brentford on deadline day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe signed a two-year contract to seal the switch, and is said to be earning more than £400,000 a week tax free – a figure that rises to nearly £500,000 with bonuses.An eye-watering upgrade from his time at the Community Stadium, where he was on less than £50,000 a week. Ivan Toney makes very generous offer to pals in leaving speech before Britain’s new highest-paid player jets to SaudiThe Northampton-born talisman has already netted a more than £1million since joining over three weeks ago.The England forward was denied the chance to open his account earlier this week when former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez took the penalty against Persepolis in the AFC Champions League.Mahrez’s strike from 12 yards was subsequently saved.Toney was left out of Carsley’s latest Uefa Nations League squad for their victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, raising doubts over his international future.But Carsley refused to rule out a return to the Three Lions side.The ex-England U21 boss said: “I think ultimately as an interim head coach I don’t think I can rule anyone in or out. “It would be really interesting to go out and see Ivan play and see the level and see the tempo and see the standard.”We’ve got access to the games so I’ll definitely be following his progression out there.”It would be good to go and see an actual live game to get a feel of the atmosphere and the pace of the game because sometimes you don’t quite get that on a video.”Despite Carsley’s reassurance, some will point to Jordan Henderson’s six month Saudi era as a warning about the prospects of a Three Lions return.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe six-capped England international marginally made the Euro 2024 squad amid the tough competition in forward areas.He played just 43 minutes across seven games in Germany – but assisted Harry Kane’s headed winner over Slovakia and scored a no-look penalty Switzerland. More

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      Ex-Premier League club owner takes brutal swipe at David Beckham after he attended Birmingham vs Wrexham game

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      DAVID BECKHAM has been brutally trolled after he attended Birmingham vs Wrexham.The former England captain was pictured in the stands during Monday’s League One clash.David Beckham has been brutally trolled after attending Birmingham vs WrexhamCredit: GettyThe Inter Miami owner watched on at St. Andrew’s alongside Tom BradyCredit: GettyBeckham sat alongside Blues minority owner Tom Brady at St. Andrew’s as his side ran out 3-1 winners.The NFL legend later revealed Beckham taught him all about football chants as they took in the raucous atmosphere in the Second City.That atmosphere was later described as one he has “not heard in a long time” by Beckham on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage.However, his admission was met with a brutal swipe by Simon Jordan on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLResponding to a clip of Beckham’s comment, the former Crystal Palace owner wrote on X: “That’s probably because he’s regularly watching Inter Miami.”Beckham has been co-owner and president of the MLS side since their formation in 2018.The club have an average league attendance of 20,899 so far in 2024 at their 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium.Although that figure is only the 17th highest attendance in the MLS this year, it is 97 per cent of the ground’s capacity.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMiami are enjoying a successful season on the pitch, sitting top of the Eastern Conference with just five matches remaining of the regular season.Meanwhile, Birmingham’s 3-1 win over promotion rivals Wrexham was seen by 27,980 fans at St. Andrew’s. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashSimon Jordan took aim at Inter Miami’s home atmosphere with his social media swipeCredit: PAThe attendance is the club’s highest since their opening match of the season at home to Reading.Birmingham are second in League One after an unbeaten start to the campaign following relegation last term.Chris Davies’ side are behind Wrexham on goal difference and with a game in hand off the back of five consecutive league wins. More

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      West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson with the goals as Blues thrash Hammers – latest updates

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      CHELSEA beat West Ham 3-0 in the Premier League thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. Jackson bagged an early brace after two brilliant team moves before Palmer made it three with an emphatic finish after the break.Kick off time: 12.30pm BSTTV/Stream: TNT Sports 1/discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Next up for Chelsea Maresca’s side are now flying high in second place with the weekend’s action to come.They have lost just one in five Prem games – their opener to City, and here is what they face in the coming weeks.Copy linkCopiedFofana a cause for concernThe defender will have nightmares tonight after being dragged about by Summerville.He was lucky the ref did not award a penalty for his pull on the winger, and Maresca sparred his blushes by taking him off in the 57th minute.In Fofana’s defence he is not a natural right-back but it is difficult to see how he starts ahead of Axel Disasi in the next match.Copy linkCopiedJackson and Caicedo steal the showNicolas Jackson produced a clinical display to win the match for Chelsea.He scored twice but his assist for Palmer’s goal was arguably the best of the lot, having played a brilliant one-two with Caicedo.The Chelsea midfielder was also integral to the win and made an impact on and off the ball.His pass for Jackson’s second goal took vision and precision and he was pinpoint with his accuracy.Copy linkCopiedFull-timeWest Ham 0 Chelsea 3Boos ring out at London Stadium as the visitors wrap up a comfortable three points.Jackson the man of the match with a clinical display that sends Chelsea second, with West Ham stuck in 14th win one win from five.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. There is actually time for another break. Kudus shot is blocked on the edge of the Chelsea box and then Felix goes close at the other end.The Portuguese sent his shot flying past the post.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. Chelsea have one last counter but Felix overhits his pass wide to Neto and the chance comes to nothing.Soler is then booked for a late tackle on Cucurella.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. Four minutes are added on and Chelsea look very comfortable, little chance of either side scoring now.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 387. The game is beginning to peter out with a dip in intensity clear on both sides.Chelsea fans are in fine voice as they cheer on their side climbing to second in the table.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 384. Chelsea make their final sub as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replaces Fernandez.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 381. Dangerous ball in from Cresswell which only just evades Soucek and Bowen, who has been very quiet today.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 377. Home fans are beginning to head for the exits and who can blame them.Their team have thrown in the towel in the last few minutes and are in danger of conceding another.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 375. Chelsea close to a fourth! A brilliant clawing save from Areola denies Nkunku from close range.Caicedo’s back-post cross is headed back across goal by Colwill and Nkunku ought to score, but is brilliantly denied in fairness to the West Ham goalie.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 373. Aaron Cresswell and Andy Irving come on and the latter is involved instantly with a speculative effort from distance.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 371. How long can West Ham hold on until another goes in?Chelsea get another corner which falls to Madueke but his poor touch lets him down. West Ham break and Cucurella is booked after cynically fouling Kudus.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 368. Chelsea well on top here with a string of corners West Ham are forced to defend.No clear cut opportunities but it is Blues that look like scoring next, not the hosts.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 366. Chelsea finally have a spell just keep the ball and it ends up with Felix going close.Some intricate passing involving Neto and Fernandez finds the striker in the box, but he can only hit the side netting,Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 364. Another double sub for Chelsea with goalscorers Jackson and Palmer making way.Felix and Nkunku come on to add fresh legs – just what West Ham do not need.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 363. These counter-attacks keep on coming and this time Madueke has a good chance.His shot is well saved by Areola at the near post.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 361. Chelsea break again through Palmer this time and Jackson has a shot which is quickly closed down.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 358. Almost a goal for the Hammers as the ball flashes across the goalline with Sanchez nowhere to be seen.The keeper is then forced into a save from a curling Alvarez shot which he makes comfortably.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 357. A double substitution for Chelsea as Pedro Neto replaces Jadon Sancho, whose minutes are being carefully managed it seems.Fofana also makes way away after a sketchy display and is replaced by Disasi.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 3Palmer’s goal is his second of the season and there could be more to come in this game.Palmer celebrates in trademark styleCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 355. An error from Areola as he fails to connect with a header almost allows Jackson in, but the keeper recovers well.This is starting to become an end-to-end game with West Ham pouring bodies forward.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 354. Boos ring out from the home fans as Summerville is taken off despite being one of few positives.Antonio is his replacement.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 351. Bowen is played in and fires a powerful shot from a tight angle that Sanchez is equal to.Copy linkCopied More