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      Awkward moment five-time Premier League title winner refuses to let Ivan Toney take penalty… before fluffing spot kick

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      IVAN TONEY was denied the chance to open his Al-Ahli account by one of his own team-mates on Monday.The forward missed out on the chance to take a penalty in his new club’s AFC Champions League clash with Persepolis.Riyad Mahrez refused to let Ivan Toney take a penalty for Al-Ahli against PersepolisCredit: XMahrez saw his penalty saved in Monday’s AFC Champions League clashCredit: GettyAl-Ahli hosted the Iranian side in Jeddah in the league stage of the continental competition.During the second half, the hosts were awarded a penalty, but Toney was snubbed in favour of Riyad Mahrez to take it.But the ex-Man City star, a five-time Premier League champion, was denied by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexus Guendouz who dived to his left to save the spot-kick.Fans were left shocked by the decision not to let Toney take it, with one writing on social media: “Imagine not letting Ivan take it. Oh dear.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “You pay £40m for one of the best pen takers in the world and you’re not letting him take it.”A third fan also commented: “You’ve got the best penalty taker in the world… Nah mate I’ve got this.”Toney has scored 30 penalties during his career and missed just two.He also found the net for England in their Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout victory over Switzerland back in July.Most read in FootballAlexis Guendouz dived to his left to save Mahrez’s spot-kickCredit: X / TheAFCCLToney is still waiting to score his first goal for the Saudi Pro League sideCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Mahrez has missed 11 penalties, but had scored four from four for Al-Ahli before last night’s miss.Fortunately for the Algerian, though, Al-Ahli went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to Franck Kessie’s second minute strike, assisted by Mahrez.Meet Ivan Toney’s Saudi team-matesToney is still waiting to score his first goal for Al-Ahli after joining from Brentford for £40million.He signed a four-year deal through to 2028 worth £403,000-per-week to make him one of England’s highest paid players.The 28-year-old made his Saudi Pro League debut in a 1-1 draw with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on Friday.His next chance to open his account will come against Damac this weekend.Toney signed a four-year deal with Al-Ahli after signing from Brentford for £40millionCredit: Instagram / alahliclub.sa More

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      Only Erling Haaland & Mohamed Salah have earned more points than Jean-Philippe Mateta among Dream Team forwards

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      ONLY Erling Haaland (£9.1m) has scored more goals than Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.3m) this season.Manchester City’s No9 is in a league of his own having raced to NINE in the blink of an eye but the Crystal Palace striker leads the chasing pack with four.Picking up where he left off last seasonCredit: Dream TeamGranted, two of the Frenchman’s goals came against Norwich in the Carabao Cup second round but Dream Team famously encompasses all competitions and such match-ups are there to be exploited.Mateta bagged a brace against Leicester on Saturday to help the Eagles come from 2-0 down to rescue a point.His first poacher’s effort was initially flagged offside but proved to be valid by VAR.He then sealed a draw with a stoppage-time penalty, which came as a surprise as Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) was considered the club’s first-choice spot-kick taker prior to kick-off.Ultimately, Mateta banked 16 points to catapult him up the rankings.At the time of writing, only the aforementioned Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) have more points to their name among Dream Team forwards.On the podiumCredit: RexTOP DREAM TEAM STRIKERSErling Haaland – 77 ptsMohamed Salah – 49 ptsJean-Philippe Mateta – 41 ptsJarrod Bowen – 38 ptsYoane Wissa – 33 ptsMost read in FootballIt’s been feast-or-famine for Mateta so far this season as he mustered just five points collectively from his games against Brentford, West Ham and Chelsea.In contrast, he took Norwich and Leicester for a combined 36 points.Incredibly, the 27-year-old has scored with all of his shots on target so far in 2024/25.Mateta’s bright start to the new campaign is a continuation of the form he has shown ever since Oliver Glasner took charge at Selhurst Park.He’s now scored 18 club goals in all competitions since the start of February.And he may get the chance to build on his impressive tally if selected against QPR this evening.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGlasner picked a strong team in the Carabao Cup last time outCredit: ReutersLooking further ahead, it may be difficult for Mateta to keep pace with the most-prosperous forwards as Palace don’t have European commitments to pad out their schedule.Progression to the next round of the Carabao Cup would go some way to levelling the playing field but Dream Team bosses really should be prioritising the European competitions in the coming weeks.Palace are due to face Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool in the league before the next international break.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Real Madrid ‘plot triple transfer raid on Premier League’ with Trent Alexander-Arnold spearheading ‘new era’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly plotting a TRIPLE transfer raid on the Premier League with Trent Alexander-Arnold spearheading a “new era.”Bernabeu chiefs have spent the last five years realigning their finances.Real Madrid want to sign three Premier League stars starting with Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyMan City and Spain ace Rodri is also on their shopping listCredit: GettyAnd they are ready to splash out on a fresh wave of Galacticos despite adding Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to their star-studded squad this summer.The Independent claims that Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold is top of the pile for Real, who need a long-term replacement for veteran defender Dani Carvajal.The England star, 25, is out of contract this summer and can strike a pre-agreement with foreign clubs in January.Alexander-Arnold has already seen his inverted role changed under new boss Arne Slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after winning the lot during his time at Anfield, the ace may feel it’s time for a new start.Meanwhile, Real are also hoping to boost their midfield options with an ambitious move for Manchester City anchorman Rodri.The 28-year-old is one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet.But with City facing 115 charges of Financial Fair Play breaches, Rodri could be on the move next summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Spain Euro winner reportedly wants to return to his homeland while still in his prime.And Rodri would make a fine replacement for German holder Toni Kroos, who retired in July.Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga screams in pain after injuryReal fancy the look of Arsenal defender William SalibaCredit: GettyTottenham ace Cristian Romero is seen as an alternativeCredit: GettyFinally, Real also want a new centre-back following Nacho’s exit to Saudi Arabia.David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger aren’t getting any younger either.And Arsenal star William Saliba has emerged as Real’s top choice for the position.But at just 23 years old, the Gunners are unlikely to give up Saliba without a massive fight.So it’s added that Real have also added Tottenham’s Cristian Romero to their shortlist.The 26-year-old may want out if he has another barren season.And his criticism of the club’s failure to fly international stars back on private jets ahead of the derby defeat to Arsenal has raised questions over his long-term future.Real’s business may not stop there either.READ MORE SUN STORIESLong-term target Alphonso Davies is out of contract at Bayern Munich and looks unlikely to pen an extension.While AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is seen as fine competition for Thibaut Courtois.Real are likely to move for long-term target Alphonso Davies on a free transferCredit: GettyIt’s reckoned they are also lining up a swoop for AC Milan goalie Mike MaignanCredit: Getty More

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      Bet £10 on Champions League football and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      EUROPE’S elite club competition makes a return this week but it’s a whole new look for the Champions League this year.And Betfred are adding to the mega excitement with a sensational offer for new customers!Brand new Betfred punters who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with £50 in free bets to use on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereThis week’s Champions League fixturesMatchday 1Tuesday 17th SeptemberJuventus vs PSVYoung Boys vs Aston VillaReal Madrid vs StuttgartBayern vs Dinamo ZagrebSporting vs LilleMilan vs LiverpoolWednesday 18th SeptemberBologna vs ShakhtarSparta Prague vs SalzburgPSG vs GironaClub Brugge vs DortmundCeltic vs Slovan BratislavaMan City vs InterThursday 19th SeptemberRed Star Belgrade vs BenficaFeyenoord vs LeverkusenBrest vs Sturm GrazAtalanta vs ArsenalAtletico Madrid vs LeipzigMonaco vs BarcelonaNot yet a customer with Betfred?Then – with Champions League football on this week – you’ve come to the right place!The good news is you’re not far away from collecting £50 in free bets as it’s so very easy to claim.Simply register a brand new account HERE* with Betfred using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports bet – including any Champions League market – at odds of Evens or greater.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      England manager ‘pretty much resigned before I finished the sentence’ says legendary commentator, 70, about brutal line

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      LEGENDARY broadcaster Clive Tyldesley has admitted former England manager Roy Hodgson “resigned before I finished the sentence” following the country’s humiliating defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.Hodgson, 77, and Tyldesley, 70, had built up a friendship over many years working in football.England manager Roy Hodgson was sacked after a humiliating defeat to IcelandCredit: AP:Associated PressClive Tyldesley, left, had to give a brutal assessment of Hodgson’s future after the lossCredit: GettyThis made it even more difficult for Tyldesley as he watched on in Nice eight years ago, labelling the performance the “most abject failure I can recall” after the final whistle was blown.Hodgson had suffered quarter-final and group-stage eliminations at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, but the 2-1 loss to minnows Iceland would prove to be the final straw.Tyldesley has now opened up about his “friend” Hodgson and the tough task of commentating on his demise as England boss.Speaking to FourFourTwo, he said: “Susan and I had gone for meals with Roy [Hodgson] and Sheila, I regarded him as a good friend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When Iceland beat England in 2016, I essentially had to say at the final whistle that Roy Hodgson’s position as manager was untenable.”I was calling for him to go in front of 25 million people.”But he’d pretty much resigned before I finished the sentence.”Listening back to Tyldesley’s commentary, he said: “It’s another wretched night for England at a major tournament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s difficult to think of anything quite as humbling as this defeat, certainly in living memory.”He went on to add: “This is the most abject failure that I can recall.”Fans hail mark pougatch’s classy farewell to clive tyldesley live on tv as itv commentator bows out after 28 yearsHodgson immediately announced his departure in the post-match press conference.He said: “I’m extremely disappointed. We haven’t progressed as far as I thought we were capable of and that’s obviously not acceptable.”I’m proud of the work my coaching staff and I have achieved during our time at the helm with England.”The transition of the squad whose average age is 30 to now being the youngest in the tournament is both remarkable and exciting for the future of English football.”I would have loved to have stayed on for another two years, however I am pragmatic and know that we are in the results business.”My contract was up after the Euros. So now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry and extremely talented group of players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHodgson has gone on to coach in the Premier League for a further eight years, with two spells at Crystal Palace sandwiched either side of a brief stint at Watford.He left Palace back in February and has now coached 1,269 professional matches – a career spanning 48 years. More

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      Forgotten Premier League flop, 33, drops into fourth tier after bizarre link-up with Alan Pardew in Greece

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      FORMER Premier League star Lukas Rupp has signed for a fourth-tier side in Germany.Rupp, 33, joined Norwich from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in January 2020.Lukas Rupp has dropped down into the fourth tierCredit: @KSVHessenKSRupp, 33, played in the Premier League for NorwichCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHaving called it a “childhood dream” to play in England, the midfielder went on to appear 62 times for the Canaries.He also helped them earn promotion to the Premier League during the 2020-21 season.Rupp scored at Anfield in an FA Cup tie during his Norwich stint, only for Liverpool to still win 2-1.After leaving Carrow Road at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, Rupp had to wait until the following January to secure a new club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time he earned a short-term contract with Greek top-flight side Aris, who were managed by former Prem boss Alan Pardew.Following a short spell in Greece, which saw him make 19 appearances for Aris, Rupp again found himself without a club.He has now ended his hunt for a new employer by signing for German minnows KSV Hessen Kassel.His new team play in the Regionalliga Sudwest, which makes up part of Germany’s fourth tier.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey announced the deal with a picture of a beaming Rupp clutching his new shirt, featuring his name and the No33 on the back.Responding to the signing, one fan wrote on X: “That’s crazy!”Lukas Rupp leaves seventh-placed Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for Norwich While a second gushed: “Really nice. I’m looking forward to seeing him soon.”A third added: “You can’t go wrong with Kassel.”Rupp scored at Anfield during his Norwich daysCredit: Getty More

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      Supercomputer predicts entire Champions League as Liverpool finish 18TH in group & can Arsenal finally break their duck?

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the entire Champions League group stage and knockout fixtures.But there are some shock results with Liverpool tipped to finish a lowly 18th and Arsenal to ultimately suffer a familiar tale of woe.Liverpool have been tipped to finish 18th in the new-look Champions League group stageCredit: GettyMan City are hoping to win their second European title under Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyArsenal and Aston Villa are also out to impress this seasonCredit: GettyThe new European season kicks off tonight as giants like Real Madrid, Man City and Barcelona look to make their mark.It also features a bold fresh format, with no less than 36 teams in action.Each side now plays eight matches instead of six, with NO return fixtures – meaning there is a different opponent every time.The top eight go through to the quarters automatically, while 9th-24th battle it out for the remaining fixtures in a special knockout round.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Grosvenor Sport’s supercomputer has now predicted who will qualify from the group stage and which side will go all the way to win this season’s competition.Man City and Aston Villa are both tipped to finish in the top eight, with Atalanta a shock name in there too.It means big names like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen will have to play an extra round.While Slovan Bratislava are set to finish dead last with eight straight defeats.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Arsenal are backed for the knockouts with a 10th-place finish.And Liverpool will also have to go the long way round as they are expected to finish 18th.Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Both English sides are expected to eventually make it to the last-16 though.And they will join Man City in the quarters, but Aston Villa will fail to make the last eight.City are then backed to beat Barcelona and set up a semi-final against RB Leipzig.While Arsenal are tipped for another quarter-final KO, this time against Liverpool.KNOCKOUT PHASE PREDICTIONSMonaco 0 Liverpool 0; Liverpool 1 Monaco 0 – LIVERPOOLArsenal 3 Sparta Prague 0; Sparta Prague 1 Arsenal 2 – ARSENALBorussia Dortmund 2 Girona 0; Girona 1 Borussia Dortmund 2 – BORUSSIA DORTMUNDPSV Eindhoven 2 Celtic 1; Celtic 2 PSV Eindhoven 2 – PSV EINDHOVENAC Milan 1 Benfica 0; Benfica 1 AC Milan 3 – AC MILANFeyenoord 1 Juventus 2; Juventus 0 Feyenoord 0 – JUVENTUSBayer Leverkusen 0 Paris Saint-Germain 2; Paris Saint-Germain 1 Bayer Leverkusen 1 – PARIS SAINT-GERMAINStuttgart 1 RB Leipzig 1; RB Leipzig 3 Stuttgart 2 – RB LEIPZIGThe Reds are then expected to lose to Real Madrid in the semis, with the reigning champs taking on City in the final.But Pep Guardiola is backed to win his second Champions League trophy by defeating Los Blancos with a 2-0 win.Meanwhile, two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves has delivered some interesting predictions regarding this season’s competition.Deciding on his dark horses, he said: “PSG, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.ROUND OF 16 PREDICTIONSReal Madrid 2 AC Milan 0; AC Milan 2 Real Madrid 2 – REAL MADRIDInter Milan 2 Borussia Dortmund 2; Borussia Dortmund 0 Inter Milan 1 – INTER MILANBayern Munich 2 PSV Eindhoven 0; PSV Eindhoven 1 Bayern Munich 0 – BAYERN MUNICHBarcelona 2 Juventus 0; Juventus 1 Barcelona 2 – BARCELONAMan City 2 Paris Saint-Germain 2; Paris Saint-Germain 1 Man City 1 – MAN CITY (PENS)Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 2; Arsenal 2 Atletico Madrid 1 – ARSENALAston Villa 2 RB Leizpig 2; RB Leipzig 3 Aston Villa 2 – RB LEIPZIGAtalanta 1 Liverpool 1; Liverpool 0 Atalanta 0 – LIVERPOOL (PENS)“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.QUARTERS, SEMIS & FINAL PREDICTIONSQUARTER-FINALSReal Madrid 3 Bayern Munich 1; Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 1 – REAL MADRIDRB Leipzig 1 Inter Milan 1; Inter Milan 2 RB Leipzig 2 – RB LEIPZIG (PENS)Barcelona 2 Man City 2; Man City 3 Barcelona 0 – MAN CITYArsenal 2 Liverpool 2; Liverpool 2 Arsenal 0 – LIVERPOOLSEMI-FINALSRB Leipzig 0 Man City 2; Man City 2 RB Leipzig 2 – MAN CITYLiverpool 1 Real Madrid 2; Real Madrid 2 Liverpool 2 – REAL MADRIDFINALMan City 2 Real Madrid 0 – MAN CITY“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”On the chances of England’s quartet, he added: “Man City have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Anthony Martial ‘agrees to transfer’ in U-turn after former Man Utd star turned down ‘biggest contract in club history’

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL has reportedly made a transfer U-turn in his search for a new club.The forward remains a free agent after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of June.Anthony Martial is set to complete a transfer U-turn in his search for a new clubCredit: PAHe had looked set to join Brazilian side Flamengo earlier this month only for the deal to fall through when the parties could not agree on contract length.A host of clubs have shown an interest in Martial since his Old Trafford exit, including Lille, Atalanta, Marseille and Besiktas.However, he now appears ready to join a team he previously snubbed the chance to sign for.According to Sport24, Martial has reached a verbal agreement with AEK Athens and final documents are now being exchanged.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 28-year-old will pen a three-year deal with the Greek outfit worth £2.5million-per-season.His contract is said to be the most lucrative deal in the club’s 100-year history.Martial will join a host of former Premier League stars at AEK, with Erik Lamela, Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra already at the club.Meanwhile, the 13-time Greek champions currently top the Super League after making an unbeaten start to the new season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are out of Europe, though, following a shock defeat to Armenian side Noah in Conference League qualifying.Martial will arrive off the back of a disappointing final season with the Red Devils.Man Utd fans all tell Antony to do the same thing as Ten Hag gives £86m flop Jadon Sancho-style dressing down Several injury layoffs, most notably following groin surgery in January, limited him to just 19 appearances.Overall, however, the Frenchman scored 90 goals in 317 appearances for United during his nine years in England.If his move to AEK is completed in time, he could make his debut away to Kallithea on Sunday night.Martial has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United earlier this summerCredit: Alamy More