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      Dwight McNeil now Dream Team’s outright best midfielder despite Everton’s woes

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      AGAINST all odds, Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has become Dream Team’s top-performing midfielder.Everton’s No7 opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Saturday with a pinpoint finish and it was his inviting cross that Dominic Calvert Lewin (£3.2m) nodded home to double the visitors’ lead in the midlands; a contribution that earned him 15 points in one fell swoop.46 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamUnfortunately, the Toffees once again came away with nothing as Ollie Watkins (£5.6m) and Jhon Duran (£2.9m) inspired the Villains to a comeback victory.If anything, the fact Sean Dyche’s mob are yet to earn a single point this season makes it even more impressive that McNeil now tops the midfield rankings, above the likes of Bukayo Saka (£6.4m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Luis Diaz (£5m).The 24-year-old has amassed 46 points from five outings this campaign.Only Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) and runaway leader Erling Haaland (£9.1m) have more points to their name among all assets at the time of writing.Everton have lost all four of their league games this seasonCredit: RexMcNeil started relatively slowly with nine points after his first two games but he’s plundered 37 points across his last three appearances against Doncaster, Bournemouth and Villa.He’s scored two goals and provided two assists overall, plus eight bonus points.Additonally, the former Burnley man, who currently features in 2.2% of teams, is the only player to have created five big chances for his team-mates at this stage of the season.McNeil has delivered a whopping 20 accurate crosses; Fulham’s Andreas Pereira (£2.6m) is the only other player to have registered more than ten.Most read in FootballScore 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 NOWMcNeil is trying his best to reverse Everton’s fortunesCredit: GettyEverton fans have endured a truly miserable start to the season.Before the international break, the Toffees conspired to lose to Bournemouth after being 2-0 up in the 87th minute and so Saturday’s repeat (though not quite as farcical) has only worsened the sour mood at Goodison Park.McNeil’s Dream Team excellence will come as little consolation to the fans but the midfielder’s efforts should be recognised – he’s doing everything he can to drag his side out of the mire.In truth, McNeil’s reign as the game’s outright best midfielder may be short lived as it will be immensely difficult for him to keep pace with his main rivals once the European fixtures start coming thick and fast.That being said, Everton are due to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and passage to the next round would bolster McNeil’s schedule, improving his viability further.Dream Team’s top midfielder… for nowCredit: RexDyche’s side have a relatively favourable run of league games from Gameweek 5 until mid-November: Leicester, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Ipswich, Fulham, Southampton, West Ham, Brentford.Although of course Everton themselves will be considered a favourable opponent by others given their joyless start to the campaign.Whether McNeil is able to maintain his market-leading form going forward is another matter but all Dream Team managers should be aware of what he’s achieved to date. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneBetMGM 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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      New video of White celebrating Arsenal’s derby winner vs Spurs in Maddison’s face as fans say ‘love his shameless acts’

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      BEN WHITE celebrated Arsenal’s winning goal against Tottenham in James Maddison’s face, new footage has shown.A video of Gabriel’s second half header from behind the goal shows the reaction of the players inside the Spurs penalty area.A new video has emerged of Ben White celebrating Arsenal’s winner against TottenhamCredit: GettyWhite was spotted celebrating in James Maddison’s face during the North London DerbyCredit: GettyWhite can be seen turning to face Maddison as he clenches his fists and cheers in celebration.He then joins his team-mates, who had already wheeled away towards the travelling Gunners fans.Arsenal supporters lapped up White’s “shameless act” after spotting his reaction to the goal on social media.Commenting on the video, one fan wrote: “Ben White celebrating in Maddison’s face. Love it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “We love his shameless acts.”A third supporter also commented: “It’s a derby ffs, this is exactly what should be happening.”Meanwhile, one more said: “None of this cuddling and hugging opposition managers and players nonsense. As a fan in a derby we want players to give everything and be as passionate as us.”White has emerged as a fan favourite amongst Arsenal supporters in recent months due to his antics.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has also angered rival fans, though, notably for his play-acting in a win over Brighton in April.The 26-year-old was also spotted trying to undo Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves at a corner during the previous North London derby last term. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneArsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, he remained out in the cold for England’s Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland earlier this month.White previously removed himself from consideration for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate and has not been involved since leaving the 2022 World Cup camp early.For the Gunners, though, he has played every minute of their opening four Premier League matches this season.Sunday’s win leaves Mikel Arteta’s side second in the table and unbeaten ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.Arsenal fans admitted they ‘love his shameless acts’ after spotting White’s anticsCredit: Getty More

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      Meet the EFL icon, 36, with more hat-tricks than Haaland this season in ninth tier as he’s dubbed ‘absolute cheat code’

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      ERLING HAALAND has been sensational so far this season but has not scored as many hat-tricks as this ninth tier hero.Brett Pitman has shown that the Manchester City star is not the only striker to be on fire this season.Brett Pitman has scored three hat-tricks this seasonCredit: @BMRFCHe has managed one more than Erling HaalandCredit: GettyThe former EFL ace – wo played for a number of top sides – has scored three hat-ticks this season for Baffins Milton Rovers FC in the Wessex League Premier Division.Pitman, 36, netted his latest three goals in the 3-1 win over Cowes Sports and it’s quickly seen him dubbed a ‘cheat code’ by fans.He netted his first with a clinical first-time finish before firing home from the spot.The striker completed his hat-trick with a thumping effort from the edge of the box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBaffins’ manager Danny Thompson hailed the striker’s latest performance.He told club media: “The two goals he scored from open play, especially the third, was a great finish.”You know what you are going to get from Brett when he is in front of goal, you back him all day long to finish.”Pitman’s success in front of goal since joining Baffins has seen him lauded by fans on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “An absolute cheat code.”A second wrote: “Put my mortgage he could do it week in week out for City.”Daniel Sturridge suffers wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports during Chelsea’s defeat to Man City A third commented: “His finishing has always been top drawer.”A fourth said: “Might be the best player ever to be honest.”Another added: “Thinks he’s a Prime Higuain.”Pitman started his career at Bournemouth and helped the club to reach the Premier League in 2015.Former Cherries boss Eddie Howe has admitted that Pitman is “one of the best” he has ever worked with.However, he remained in the Championship after moving to Ipswich Town.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe striker continued his career in the EFL with stints at Portsmouth, Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers.Pitman dropped into non-league football in 2022 as he joined AFC Portchester before moving to Shaftsbury and now Baffins.He started his career at BournemouthCredit: Action Images – ReutersPitman also spent three seasons at PortsmouthCredit: Rex FeaturesWho are these famous footballers? More

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      My dad was an Olympic hurdler and my mum did the long jump, now I’m making my own way in the Premier League

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      KILLIAN CAHILL is on the track to be a future Premier League star.But his parents are more used to the athletics track than the football pitch.Killian Cahill is in Brighton’s Premier League squad and his parents were athletesCredit: GettyCahill is making the most of his sporting genes as Brighton’s third choice keeper.It was confirmed last week that the youngster has made the club’s 25-man Premier League squad.And the news of him crossing the line from youth to senior football would have made his parents and former athletes Sean and Terri very proud.The 20-year-old’s dad is a former Olympic hurdler, who represented Ireland at the Atlanta 1996 Games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe came seventh in the second heat in the 110m hurdles.As for Terri, she is a former long jump star and she once jumped 6.11m at 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart.Cahill channels his mum’s leaping talents on the goal-line and they caught the eye of Brighton scouts two years ago while playing for Shamrock Rovers’ youth-team.He signed a new contract extension at the Seagulls over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCahill is still waiting for his senior debut – but he has earned two caps for Ireland’s Under-21s.His first appearance came in a 2-2 draw against England. Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with bad news for Man Utd despite win and Everton in SHOCK position

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table for this season.And it’s bad news for Manchester United despite their win at Southampton.Man Utd have not come out well in a predicted supercomputer league tableCredit: RexEverton have been backed for a surprise finish despite their early strugglesCredit: RexWhile Everton have been tipped to finish in an incredible shock position.The new season is well underway with four games played by all teams.This weekend saw a host of interesting results from across the country, with Liverpool losing at home to Nottingham Forest.Arsenal got the better of Spurs in the north London derby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Chelsea secured a timely win at Bournemouth.And on the back of the latest results, boffins at OLGB been able to produce a final predicted table thanks to their supercomputer.Man City are once again backed to finish first, which would make for a record-extending fifth consecutive title win.Arsenal are also tipped for second, which would be their third straight seasons finishing as runners-up.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA new-look Chelsea under Enzo Maresca are then predicted to come third in what would be a stunning return to the Champions League.And Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been backed into fourth despite their shock defeat to Forest.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordThe table starts becoming juicy as the race for the remaining European places hots up.A resurgent Newcastle are predicted to gain Europa League football with fifth place.And they will be joined in the competition by none other than West Ham.That leaves Spurs to finish seventh for the Europa Conference League.And it’s bad news for Erik ten Hag again, with United tipped to come eighth after finishing there last season too.Despite finishing on the same points as Spurs, the Red Devils are predicted to miss out on continental football due to goal difference.But those strikes also keep them above Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, who are also tipped to finish on 56 points.Villa’s fall from grace is compounded by the prediction that they will only finish one spot above Everton, who have been backed into 11th despite being bottom of the current table with zero points.Brighton, Fulham and Brentford follow next in mid-table.While Bournemouth, Wolves and Leicester are predicted to beat the drop.But it’s bad news for Nottingham Forest, who are so far unbeaten with eight points from their opening four matches.The supercomputer reckons they will slide all the way down the table into the drop zone, resulting with their relegation to the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESNewly-promoted Southampton are also backed to go down.While Ipswich are tipped to finish with just 15 points after picking up just TWO wins all season.  More

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      Moment humiliated Serie A stars trudge over to own fans to get scolded after 4-0 loss.. alongside giant flamingo mascot

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      SERIE A side Cagliari suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Napoli, and paid a grovelling apology to fans.The club, based in southern Italy, currently sit second bottom of the table following their thrashing by Antonio Conte’s side.Cagliari’s mascot ‘Pully’ joined the players as they were scolded by home fans following defeat to NapoliCredit: ESPNGoals from Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romelu Lukaku and Alessandro Buongiorno compounded them to a four-goal walloping in front of their own supporters.Following the game, the players walked over to the home crowd to apologise and listen to the fans as they scolded them.While it is a tradition in Serie A for the home side to apologise to fans following a defeat, the players were joined by the club’s flamingo mascot “Pully”, who could be seen standing behind the team.Social media users were left in disbelief at the mascot joining the club, with one user saying: “Nah the mascot had a POTM performance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “No one is safe.”A third added: “Sometimes, even mascots feel the pressure.”Another said: “When even the mascot gets scolded, you know it’s serious.”A fifth said: “Cagliari’s 9-foot flamingo mascot ‘Pully’ getting ripped into after losing 4-0 to Napoli is making me lose my s***.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReacting on social media after the game, midfielder Gianluca Gaetano said on Instagram: “It’s hard to explain a 0-4. It’s hard to explain that we deserved more. “We know we have to improve. We know where our path will be.”Piers Morgan says ‘even our mascot is harder than Tottenham’s’ as Arsenal kid pushes counterparts before derbyFormer Everton star Yerry Mina added: “A difficult and complicated match, but this team is strong and we will continue to work hard to achieve positive results in what lies ahead.”Manager Davide Nicola, told reporters: “If you see the result you think that Cagliari did nothing, but that’s not the case.”For 65 minutes – he adds – we played a good game, the 0-2 goal came after many of our chances. “Then it’s obvious that everything becomes more difficult, you have to continue to create but maintaining balance. “On one hand I’m very satisfied, because I see that the team is starting to do what we train. But we have to reduce the lapses in concentration and be more practical.”I don’t want us to get discouraged, we have to recover and defend with courage.”The Rossoblu play Empoli in their next match.Who is Pully?Cagliari’s mascot Pully joined the players as they apologised to fans following a 4-0 home defeat to Napoli, but who are they?The name Pully, which derives from pullo, as small birds are called, was chosen by the children of the Typhus School.The flamingo has always been a symbolic figure of the city of Cagliari, loved by locals and tourists, an elegant and frequent presence in our skies, particularly during the summer. Pull is an enblem of freedom and balance between urban spirit and wild nature.The mascot stands at nine feet tall.Merchandise for Pully, including pencils, puzzles, t-shirts and mugs, can be brought from the club store from €2.20. More

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      Watch Conor Gallagher score his first goal for Atletico Madrid as fans say ‘Chelsea had him so wrong’

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      CONOR GALLAGHER has scored his first goal since joining Atletico Madrid in the summer.The midfielder opened the scoring in his side’s LaLiga victory over Valencia on Sunday night.Conor Gallagher scored his first Atletico Madrid goal on Sunday nightCredit: AlamyThe midfielder opened the scoring in a 3-0 home victory over Valencia in LaLigaCredit: GettyHis strike was followed by second half goals from Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez as Atletico ran out 3-0 winners.Gallagher capped off a flowing passing move from the home side to score his first goal for the club.The England international calmly stroked the ball under the goalkeeper inside the penalty area before being mobbed by his team-mates.His effort had fans praising the 24-year-old on social media as he continues to settle in Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to the goal, one supporter wrote: “His movement there is class, between the lines. Chelsea had him so wrong.”Another added: “Movement and vision are incredible. He would have worked well this season in that Chelsea side.”A Chelsea fan also commented: “We lost a good one there. Hope he smashes it.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Living the dream in Spain. He’ll be in the next England squad no question.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGallagher kept his place in the England squad for this month’s Nations League matches but was an unused substitute against both Ireland and Finland.Meanwhile, he has now won all three of his matches since joining Atletico in August.Conor Gallagher sends packed Atletico Madrid stadium wild at unveiling by speaking SPANISH after Chelsea exitThe Chelsea academy graduate completed a £34million move to the Spanish capital after 16 years with the Blues.He penned a five-year deal with the club and is already a fan favourite, with supporters giving him his own song.Gallagher was also welcomed to the club in a bonkers unveiling following his move, with a motorbike gang and Spidermen appearing at the Metropolitano Stadium.Gallagher has won all three matches he has played in since joining Atletico from ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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      Stoke City SACK manager Steven Schumacher just FIVE games into new season as ex-Man Utd star takes temporary charge

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      STOKE CITY have sacked manager Steven Schumacher – with a Premier League icon now in caretaker charge.He has been axed following a 1-0 defeat to Oxford on Saturday that leaves the Potters 13th in the Championship. Stoke have axed boss Steven SchumacherCredit: RexClub legend Ryan Shawcross is now in temporary chargeCredit: PAThe club have started the season in decent form, winning two of their opening five league games.They also remain in the Carabao Cup after beating Carlisle and Middlesbrough.Schumacher’s shock sacking comes on the eve of Stoke’s third round cup tie against Fleetwood Town.They welcome the League Two side tomorrow with Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross in temporary charge of the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShawcross, 36, is a Stoke legend, who played 453 times for the club from 2007 to 2020 and has one England cap.He came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and played twice for their first-team. Another Stoke cult hero, Jon Walters, is the club’s sporting director and he explained the decision to axe Schumacher.Walters said: “My role as is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“After ongoing discussions with [chairman] John Coates, we feel the time is right for a change in direction to bring success to the club.“We have a young, dynamic squad that is eager to develop and a clear vision of how to achieve success, and we hope to announce a new appointment shortly.Bromley boss Andy Woodman shares craziest EFL memories including players’ full on fight in club shop I What the EFL?!”We will need the fans, staff, and players united in support to achieve our goals.“As always in football, these decisions are difficult, and we wish Steven and his staff all the best for the future.”Jon Walters decided to axe Steven SchumacherCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More