Soccer

DAVID MOYES has been tipped for an emotional return to management after leaving West Ham.The Scot led the east London club to a first-ever European trophy with victory in the 2023 Conference League final.David Moyes has been backed for a managerial return following his West Ham exitCredit: GettyAnd Moyes also oversaw the record £105million sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal before rebuilding West Ham’s squad with talents like Mohamed Kudus.However, he was given his marching orders at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign.West Ham finished ninth as they won just 14 of their 38 games.And Moyes’ contract was allowed to run out as Hammers chiefs moved for ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Moyes could soon find himself back in a job.Former club Everton are enduring their own major struggles under Sean Dyche.They are yet to win a game this term after blowing two-goal leads against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.Sky Sports claims Dyche remains safe in his job despite last night’s Carabao Cup exit to Southampton.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet ex-Premier League star Nigel Reo-Coker has tipped Moyes to eventually make an emotional return to Goodison Park.Moyes joined the Toffees from Preston in 2002 and stayed there for 11 years until Manchester United came calling.’David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren BradyHe won 218 of his 518 games at the helm while reaching the 2009 FA Cup final.And Reo-Coker reckons Moyes would not be able to resist a Merseyside reunion.He told the BBC’s Football Daily podcast: “When you look at what’s happening now as well – yes Sean Dyche was (already there) – but Everton have been trending this same way for so long.“I’m not putting it out there but there is a certain David Moyes who knows that club very well, inside out, who currently isn’t managing anyone.“The pressure is different now on Sean Dyche, where Everton might look to change the manager and bring someone else in for new ideas or a fresh start.” More

MIKEL ARTETA has introduced a series of unique methods to inspire his Arsenal players to glory this season.Last month, it was revealed that Arteta hired a group of professional pickpockets to highlight the importance of being alert and ready at all times.Mikel Arteta has created the word ‘collaboretition’ to use at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spaniard taught the lesson at a team dinner before Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Liverpool in February.It appeared to work as the Gunners went on to win 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.Arteta has invented and implemented several other unusual methods throughout his time in north London to get the very best out of his team.And the latest is a new word.Read More in FootballThe ex-midfielder now regularly uses the term ‘collaboretition’ – a combination of collaboration and competition.Some fans have been left baffled by the development, with one person taking to social media to write: “Cringiest institution.”While another joked: “He’s the David Brent of the Premier League…”Arsenal’s former head of methodology, Kevin Balvers, also revealed that Arteta and Co once sought advice from educational experts to understand the science behind how people best learn.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told The Athletic: “We had people from different clubs and different sports coming over to speak to the coaches, which is how we picked up things”For presentations, we had an American come and share techniques which teachers use at university to bring across the message, how to get information into them and how to get information out of them.Mikel Arteta signs three-year Arsenal contract amid fears he would join Barcelona in boost ahead of North London derby”In tactical meetings, I learned from studies that if you put a dark blue background the players will learn the information more than white, black or red as the contrast is better.”When speaking about defending, we made sure the text and areas highlighted were red and when attacking it was blue. This helps their brains know instantly what phase of play we’re talking about.”Arteta also put detailed thought into presentations that would persuade new players to join.Balvers, who now works for PSV Eindhoven, added: “We spoke about how we saw them fitting in on the pitch, outside the pitch and had some pictures of them photoshopped in the kit already.”For (Jurrien) Timber, we had some pictures of his family with the message that we are a big family and take care of everything. As I’m Dutch too, I put in some music from artists he was listening to, rather than English music.”Win the dog was in the one for Kai (Havertz), as we knew he loved dogs and we explained we wanted a family feeling.”Arteta’s bizarre methods have worked to some extent as the Gunners have significantly improved performance-wise over the last two years.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are expected to battle Manchester City for the Premier League title once again at the end of the campaign.The two sides meet this weekend at the Etihad Stadium.How Cesc Fabregas would deal with Odegaard absenceARSENAL legend Cesc Fabregas has had his say on how Mikel Arteta should line up following Martin Odegaard’s injury.He told the Planet Premier League podcast: “I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him [Ethan Nwaneri] in the starting XI or even during the game it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.”Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind.”If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.”I also would like to see Trossard in midfield. I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. A little more offensive midfielder, No8, No10.”I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders if I am not mistaken.”But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.” More

JAMIE CARRAGHER has named his all-time Liverpool XI.The former Reds defender made 737 appearances for the Merseyside club between 1996 and 2013.Jamie Carragher named his all-time Liverpool XICredit: AlamyCarragher, 46, enjoyed plenty of success alongside Steven GerrardCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunCarragher, 46, is second on Liverpool’s all-time list of appearance holders, only behind Ian Callaghan.But neither Callaghan, or himself, made his all-time XI when he was asked to name one by pal Gary Neville.Appearing on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Carragher began: “I would go with Ray Clemence just over Alisson, just for the fact he won so many trophies.”Clemence made 665 appearances between the sticks for the Reds between 1967 and 1981, with his Liverpool trophy haul including five league titles, three European Cups, two Uefa Cups and an FA Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoving on to his defence, Carragher selected two decorated full-backs – followed by a Match of the Day legend and current star to play in the middle. He went on: “Right-back, Phil Neal or Trent [Alexander-Arnold].”Steve Nicol might do a job for me at left back – when you think of players who have played for AC Milan and won the European Cup four of five times and we go ‘wow’, [same with] Real Madrid and Barcelona players – Neal won four European Cups – it’s unbelievable.”At the end of Trent’s career, I’ll probably say Trent, but I’ll go with Neal due to the fact he’s won four European Cups.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I would go with Virgil van Dijk and Alan Hansen – that would be a great partnership [at centre-back]. Andy Robertson may come into the equation, but Liverpool haven’t had a history of unbelievable left-backs – even when they were successful.”I’m going to go for Nicol at left-back, he had a great combination with the guy in front of him who’s going to play, John Barnes in that late 80s team.Jamie Carragher knew his England career was over in car home from match and told Three Lions boss not to pick him”Nicol was a player a little similar to me – right-back, centre-back, left-back, but he was that good for Liverpool.”Moving on to the three men joining Barnes in his midfield four, Carragher only felt that he had one tricky call to make.”Graeme Souness has to be in central midfield alongside Steven Gerrard, he insisted. “On the right, there’s two options. Before Mo Salah joined the club, Ian Callaghan.”He is the only player who has played more games for Liverpool than me. He played 860 games, and he won the Second Division with Liverpool and then one of his last games was the 1977 European Cup final.”So, you think of that journey from being a Second Division player, a local player, but Mo Salah’s got to go in on that right side.”Carragher then named two club icons up top, but did consider Luis Suarez – despite the Uruguayan only spending a few years at Anfield.He concluded: “Kenny Dalglish has got to play and Ian Rush goes in because of what he won.”If Luis Suarez would have won the league with Liverpool – he won one trophy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he had a league title and a European Cup to his name, I would have put Suarez in.”But you think about what Rush did in those cup finals against Everton – I was crying on the way home!”Carra selected Alan Hansen in his star-studded teamCredit: GettyLuis Suarez was nearly included in Carragher’s teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

ERIK TEN HAG has been defended by an Arsenal legend in a scathing rant aimed at his Manchester United players.The former Premier League winner accused the Red Devils stars of “hiding” behind their manager during his tenure.Erik ten Hag has been defended by an Arsenal legend in a scathing rantCredit: GettyManchester United’s stars have been accused of ‘hiding behind Ten Hag’Credit: PABruno Fernandes and Co have lost two of their opening four Premier League matchesCredit: GettyTen Hag is into his third season in charge at Old Trafford after winning the FA Cup in May.His Wembley triumph was followed by a contract extension through to 2026 after months of speculation about his future.However, the Dutchman has already come under pressure this term following defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.A comfortable victory away to newly-promoted Southampton last weekend has eased the pressure on Ten Hag, though.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSMeanwhile, former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit has now come to his defence in a brutal dressing down of the United squad.Appearing on BetMGM’s The LineUp, Petit explained: “I don’t agree with all of the criticism around Erik ten Hag.”It’s so hard for a club when they keep changing managers as much as Manchester United have and I actually look at the players there and think they are hiding behind him.”I don’t like it. These are players with real pedigree and they hide behind him instead of fronting up and doing a job for the team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It’s such a pity to see the club in the state it’s in. The Premier League needs Manchester United back at its best and it starts with the players.”Yes, the manager is responsible for a lot of things and so are the board for getting it right in the transfer market, but at the end of the day it’s the responsibility of the players on the pitch and they haven’t been good enough for some time now.”Watch bizarre moment Casemiro tries to stop Garnacho copying Cristiano Ronaldo celebration days after winger was dropped by Ten HagTen Hag was backed in the transfer market this summer following his second trophy in as many seasons.United spent £180million on five new arrivals ahead of the new campaign.The Red Devils boss will now be hoping to add to the momentum his side have built since the international break.Saturday’s win was followed by a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.United are back in action away to Crystal Palace this weekend, where a win could lift them into the top four.Emmanuel Petit called for United’s stars to ‘front up and do a job’ for Ten HagCredit: BetMGM’s The LineUpAndre Onana saved a penalty as United returned to winning ways against SouthamptonCredit: Rex More