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      ‘We don’t want goals ruled out for those situations’ says ex-Premier League ref as he hints at major tactical change

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      A FORMER Premier League referee has hinted at clubs making a major tactical change following John Stones’ winner for Manchester City because “we don’t want goals ruled out for those situations”.Mark Halsey appeared on the latest episode of SunSport’s The Whisteblower to run the rule over the key refereeing decisions from the weekend.Manchester City’s late goal at Wolves was originally ruled out before VAR intervenedCredit: Sky SportsEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons the right decision was made in the endCredit: AFPAnd high on the agenda was Stones’ controversial goal at Wolves.The Manchester City defender powered home a thunderous header in injury time.However, after plenty of confusion, the goal was originally chalked off when the referees concluded there was an offside against Bernardo Silva.Silva tussled with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball came in and was in an offside position when it flew into the back of the net. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand – because Silva was adjudged to be out of Sa’s line of sight and not impacting his compatriot once Stones headed goalwards.So despite the complaints of Gary O’Neil, Halsey was pleased to see the goal given. He said: “I think the VAR was absolutely spot on to recommend a review for Chris Kavanagh to go and have a look because when you do see the replay, you know straight away that Silva hasn’t impacted on the goalkeeper with being in his line of vision.”He just moves out of the way straight away. So, for me, I think the correct decision was made and that’s what we want to see and that is what VAR is there for.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When the ball comes in, he can quite rightly stand there. When John Stones headers that ball, is he interfering with an opponent? Does he impact on his line of vision? “You can clearly see, no, he doesn’t. And you can clearly see that the keeper sees the ball all the way.Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves”It’s just a great header from John Stones and, in my opinion, the goal was correctly given. We do not want to see goals ruled out for those sorts of situations.”Players cannot be offside directly from the original kick and corners. So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.Pressed on the issue, Halsey added: “Listen, there’s always a little bit of contact going on in the box and all the time you see goalkeepers pushing players, don’t you? “They push them out of the way just before the corner’s taken or while the corner comes across. “So, for me, that’s normal contact. And yes, if that’s the tactics they employ in other clubs, then so be it.”But we do not want to see goals ruled out of that nature.”Halsey also had his say on the William Saliba red card at Bournemouth.TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)The Frenchman received his marching orders after half an hour after pulling back Evanilson just inside the Arsenal half – but was the last man and was deemed to be denying a goalscoring opportunity.But Halsey would have preferred the referee to stick with his original call of a yellow card. The ex-Prem official said: “Rob Jones straight away showed a yellow card. Exactly what I would have done in that situation. “Was it a clear and obvious error by Rob Jones? In my opinion, no. I thought he got it spot on.”For me, there’s doubt there to whether that was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. “And we keep hearing about Howard Webb saying we don’t want VAR getting involved in subjective decisions. Well, for me, that was subjective.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR shouldn’t have got involved. It wasn’t a clear and obvious error, in my opinion, from Rob Jones.”We should have stuck with the on-field referee decision of a yellow card.”The referees were happy Bernardo Silva got out of the wayCredit: GettyStones celebrates the important winCredit: PAHalsey believes William Saliba should have been allowed to stay on the field at BournemouthCredit: PA More

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      Inside David Beckham’s Inter Miami revolution, from ruthlessly sacking best mate to MLS record holders with Messi’s help

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      INTER Miami are not just one of the world’s most fashionable clubs, they’re becoming a success story too.Over the weekend, the club beat New England Revolution 6-2 – with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.David Beckham has proven to be a ruthless owner at Inter MiamiLionel Messi helped Inter Miami shatter records in the MLS this seasonIn his early years as owner, Beckham begrudgingly sacked best pal Phil NevilleThe thrashing saw them finish the season with 74 points – the most an MLS team has ever recorded, which ironically edged out New England’s total from 2021.David Beckham’s side have smashed a number of records this season on their way to landing the Eastern Conference title.They won 22 games of their 34, meaning they had the highest winning percentage of any team.Inter Miami also equalled eight other franchises in losing only four games during a regular MLS campaign.Read more football newsTheir talisman, without doubt, has been World Cup winner Messi – who managed 20 goals in 19 league games.Not to be outdone, Suarez joined him on the same tally, but from 27 games.Inter Miami have come a long way since they were founded in 2018, and are now followed by celebrities like Leo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian.While there early seasons were a disaster, since signing Messi they have only looked up – recently adding the MLS Supporters’ Shield to their trophy cabinet that joined their Leagues Cup trophy from 2023.Most read in FootballBecks had to make some ruthless decision, like sacking his best mate as manager.David Beckham rewarded as Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to second trophy by knocking reigning champions off their perch However, it was a move that paid off – with Argie boss Gerrardo Martino now turning the club into a powerhouse.Ruthless ownershipWith the club struggling in its infancy under Uruguay manager Diego Alonso, Beckham turned to an old pal.Phil Neville coached England Women during a three-year spell from 2018, until taking up Inter Miami’s offer.Becks and Neville famously grew up together, from boys in Manchester United’s famed youth team and Class of ’92, to men in the first team scoring staggering success.Neville’s first season was a difficult one. In his first 12 games, they won just two games and had the worst record in the MLS.Feeling the pressure, he was then fined by the MLS after blasting the quality of referees and demanding an investigation into their decisions against his team.Inter Miami finished 11th out of 14 teams in his first season.Things improved in his second season, as the club reached the MLS Cup’s play offs, before losing 3-0 to New York City FC.But they couldn’t capitalise on those foundations, and after a horrific start in Neville’s third season saw Miami rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, Beckham had to do the unthinkable.In 2021, Phil Neville arrived at Inter Miami as a coachNeville struggled in the job and found himself fined by the MLSBeckham and Neville played with each other for England and Man UtdBecks recently revealed it was the hardest decision he has ever had to make sacking his friend NevilleNeville was relieved of his duties, with the owner saying in a statement at the time: “Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach.”Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person.”Neville would later reveal in an episode of It’s Called Soccer! about the day he was sacked, and how it was probably harder for Beckham than him.He said: “The day I actually got fired was probably actually harder for David than it was for me. He really didn’t want to do it, he was really emotional. I was emotional too but I knew it was coming so it was probably easier for me.”Beckham, himself, recently relived that moment on podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents.He said: “I think it was one of the most difficult things I’d had to do, even though me and Phil had spoke about it when he first came on as Miami coach, I knew that if it came to this moment, it was going to be difficult no matter what time it happened and when it happened.”I’d called him and said, ‘we’re going to meet,’ and he said “I know.” “We walked in the room and we hugged. It was quite emotional on my side just purely because I didn’t want to sack a friend.”The Messiah arrivesIt’s no surprise that an upturn in Inter Miami’s fortune came when Messi arrived.Lionel Messi was unveiled as a superstar signing on a £50-per-year contract in 2023Messi was joined by Spain and Barcelona legend Sergio BusquetsShortly after inking a contract reportedly worth £50million-per-year, the highest in MLS history, he was presented to fans in a damp squid of a unveiling ceremony interrupted by thunder and lightning.Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul provided the Hollywood factor US football fans crave.The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain fans who had paid over £1,000 for a ticket to see him in action.Deep into stoppage time, Inter Miami were awarded a free kick outside the area.Up stepped Messi to whip the ball into the top corner and give his new side the win, sending fans delirious.It was a taste of what was to come.A month later, the club lifted the Leagues Cup after beating Nashville on penalties. It gave them their first trophy and a winning feeling.A trademark free kick on his debut against Cruz Azul set the tone for Messi’s successA month later Inter Miami won their first ever trophy – the Leagues Cupread more sport featuresJoined by an old palThis season, Messi has shared striking duties with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.The two have been instrumental in leading Inter Miami to the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference.For Messi’s goals against New England, Suarez was the foil providing his assists.First, the two exchanged like they were Harlem Globetrotters, until Messi curled the ball from the edge of the area into the corner of the net.His hat-trick strike came from a volleyed pass from a stretching Suarez on the right was met by Messi to catch the ball on the volley, himself, and side foot home.READ MORE SUN STORIESInter Miami have continued their winning habit – lifting the Supporters’ Shield earlier this monthLuis Suarez has also been a hit in Miami alongside MessiBeckham, Messi and Inter Miami are headed to the Club World Cup in 2025Fifa president Gianni Infantino has selected Inter Miami to play in the Club World Cup in 2025, partly because of their success and the Messi factor.The revolution will, most probably, be televised. More

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      Italy legend Francesco Totti teases Serie A return aged 48 after 7-YEAR retirement as he says ‘clubs have contacted me’

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      ITALY legend Francesco Totti has teased a potential return to professional football.The 48-year-old retired from the game back in 2017 after spending his entire career with Roma.Francesco Totti has teased a return to professional footballCredit: GettyThe 48-year-old retired in 2017 after spending 24 years at RomaCredit: ReutersHe scored 307 goals and provided 207 assists in 785 appearances for the Serie A giants.The ex-playmaker is now considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time.But despite calling time on his career seven years ago, Totti has not completely ruled out a return to the beautiful game.In fact, he is keeping the door wide open.Read More in FootballSpeaking at a recent event, Totti revealed: “Some Serie A teams have contacted me.”I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never.”There are players who have played many years after the end of their career.”It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAccording to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Totti also recently said: “Given the current level of Serie A, I could easily make an impact on the field.”However, he would not entertain a move to Roma’s rivals, Lazio.Inside stunning future stadium of football giants that includes impressive feature that will be the largest in EuropeThe Italian continued: “Lazio? I wouldn’t have even considered it.”I’d be ready in two to three months. I’m still playing at 48. Half an hour, twenty minutes. If I had to do something crazy, I’d do it in Italy, not abroad, but it’s crazy.”When you turn the page you never know what awaits you. It wasn’t my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context.”Maybe that’s also why I’ve had that thing inside me. It’s true that there’s a beginning and an end to everything.” More

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      Aaron Ramsdale’s dad risks Arsenal fans’ wrath as he returns to X after a month to post five-word tweet

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      AARON RAMSDALE’S dad has risked Arsenal fans’ wrath on his return to X.Nick Ramsdale returned to the social media platform after a month away with a controversial post celebrating the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.Aaron Ramsdale’s dad celebrated Bournemouth’s win over Arsenal on social mediaArsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on SaturdayCredit: GettyArsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Cherries after William Saliba was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity in the first half.Without their towering centre-half alongside defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal were unable to prevent Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert from finding the back of the net and keeping all three points on the South Coast.Ramsdale Sr was clearly watching Arsenal’s collapse unfold as he took to X to celebrate Bournemouth scoring at the Vitality.He wrote “BACK OF THE NET BOSCOMBE!!!!!!!!!” on the app – Boscombe being a reference to Bournemouth’s original name.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s not the first time that Ramsdale Sr has tweeted the phrase with the England international’s dad regularly celebrating Bournemouth’s success as a fan and due to his son’s time on the books at the club.However, he has previously been outspoken against Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, claiming that Ramsdale “lost his smile” after losing his place to David Raya in the Gunners’ set-up.Speaking to the Highbury Squad podcast last year, he said: “We did not have a clue [Ramsdale was going to be dropped for Raya].“I didn’t have a clue, our family didn’t have a clue, Aaron didn’t have a clue that he was not going to carry on playing. Most read in FootballAaron Ramsdale used to be on the books at BournemouthCredit: MegaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off.”And Aaron’s got to live with that, and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody. You’ve got to give the guy a chance, for God’s sake. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an end“Squads evolve all the time, nobody is going to be there forever. The way it’s been done, in my eyes, it’s been wrong.“Aaron lost that smile. It really is difficult to see him there. My only problem is when I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron. But now David Raya is back on the market and he has David Raya.”Ultimately, Ramsdale spent most of last season on the bench for Arsenal before sealing a permanent exit to Southampton this summer.The £18m move marked the end of Ramsdale’s three-year stint in North London where he made a lasting impression on the fans.And the new Saints keeper certainly still has a special place in his heart for Arsenal after he broke down in tears on the pitch on his return to the Emirates to face his old club earlier this month.Ramsdale was left emotional on his return to the Emirates earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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      Bukayo Saka injury: Mikel Arteta gives update as Arsenal sweat on star’s fitness ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk clash

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on star man Bukayo Saka.Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier this month after suffering a knock against Greece.Mikel Arteta has issued an update on Bukayo SakaCredit: AFPThe winger could return ahead of Arsenal’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk on TuesdayCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old subsequently missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Arteta later revealing he did not want to push him.But he could return to the fold ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.Speaking in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Arteta revealed: “With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and (after) the training session we have later on.”The Gunners currently sit 13th in the 36-team Champions League group stage table.READ MORE ON ARSENALAfter their meeting with Shakhtar at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League.Club captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return from his injury, having already missed eight games.The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his ankle while on international duty with Norway last month.Odegaard has made just three Premier League appearances for Arsenal so far this season as a result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTakehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are also at risk of missing Tuesday’s European clash.Tomiyasu suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury earlier this month.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHis first appearance of the campaign was a six-minute cameo against Southampton.But he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.As for Timber, he is allegedly struggling with his own fitness issues.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Juventus forced to clarify after official account announces Arda Guler transfer from Real Madrid

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      JUVENTUS have been forced to clarify a tweet put out by the club’s official account announcing the signing of Arda Guler.Supporters of the Italian giants were thrilled when the club appeared to make the shock transfer of the Turkish superstar.Juventus have clarified a statement put out about Arda GulerCredit: INSTAGRAM @ardagulerThe Italian club appeared to announce the Turk as a new signingCredit: xGuler, 19, is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters in European football thanks to his performances at Fenerbahce.He earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and has slowly worked his way into the squad after overcoming some injury issues.The apparent transfer would have been a huge coup for Juventus if they had pulled it off.A tweet put out by the club’s official account claimed that the player had joined.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler.”The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family.”Ready to make history on this new journey?”This was accompanied by a picture of the attacking midfielder walking on the tarmac at an airport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnfortunately for fans of the Serie A outfit, the news is totally untrue.The club has revealed that the X account was hacked and confirmed that no deal for Guler has been done.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match Guler has been struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyA club statement wrote: “Our Juventus English account has been compromised.”Please ignore the false information being published on this account.”We are working on the issue.”So far this season, Guler has made three appearances from the bench under manager Carlo Ancelotti.He remained on the bench during Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.He is a full international with TurkeyCredit: Getty More

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      Alejandro Garnacho claps back with 15-point haul after being ditched by thousands of Dream Team bosses

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      THOUSANDS of Dream Team managers were left regretting their most recent transfers this weekend.Alejandro Garnacho (£3.6m) was among the top five most-ditched players prior to the Gameweek 8 deadline but he immediately clapped back with an impressive 15-point haul.Only Curtis Jones (£2.7m) earned more points across Saturday and Sunday’s Premier League games.Many gaffers tossed away Garnacho’s 15-point haulCredit: Dream TeamThe Manchester United winger scored a well-executed volley to equalise against Brentford just after half time.Garnacho’s goal was the crowning moment of his performance but that was far from his only significant contribution.The Argentina international caused the Bees all sorts of problems, particularly in the second half, and he registered FIVE shots on target in total – perhaps he should have converted another of his chances.The Dream Team bosses who remained loyal to Garnacho will have been delighted by his efforts nonetheless amid what was generally a low-scoring weekend.And the Gameweek isn’t over yet with the Red Devils due to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.Garnacho was at the heart of Man United’s second-half comebackCredit: AFPThe 20-year-old has climbed up to ninth in the midfield rankings having bumped his tally for the season up to 70 points.Notably, he’s now above Luis Diaz (£4.6m), the third most-selected midfielder in the game.Most read in FootballGarnacho’s 15-point return has prompted plenty of early transfers and he’s currently the third most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 9.Erik ten Hag’s side are due to face West Ham (league) and Leicester (Carabao Cup) next Gameweek which has to be considered a relatively favourable double header, especially after the Hammers’ capitulation at Tottenham.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 NOWMan United’s upcoming fixtures appear favourableCredit: PAIn fact, a quick glance at the schedule reveals Garnacho may be a smart option for the next few Gameweeks.Man United will play Chelsea and PAOK in Gameweek 10, Leicester again in Gameweek 11, then Ipswich and Bodo-Glimt in Gameweek 12.Granted, Ten Hag’s side are far from the finished article themselves but most of those match-ups appear ripe with potential.Garnacho has seven goal involvements to his name this season, four goals and three assists, while only Erling Haaland (£8.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) have notched more shots on target.No doubt some of the gaffers who ditched him last week will be crawling back prior to Gameweek 9.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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      Virgil van Dijk contract: Liverpool ace confirms talks over new deal ARE ongoing as he credits Slot’s tactical influence

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK is in talks over a new Liverpool deal and is “having fun” under new boss Arne Slot.The Reds captain, 33, is one of a trio of stars out of contract at the end of the season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Virgil van Dijk is in talks over a new contract at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersHe is enjoying life under Arne SlotCredit: ReutersAll three could discuss terms with clubs overseas from January if new contracts are not signed.But Van Dijk, who joined for £75million in January 2018, says he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.”What the future brings, I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people, and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, you guys will know it as well.”But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLiverpool’s win over Chelsea on Sunday kept them at the top of the table, a point ahead of holders Manchester City.Van Dijk, who won the Premier League in 2020, says he is blocking out talk of a title push in Slot’s first season.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.He said: “Everyone can have their opinion but I know, a lot of people know opinions can change every three days now in terms of people saying someone can win the league and someone can’t.”There is no point listening to any of that. I don’t do that.”I focus on one game at a time, I want to be successful, I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in, I want to try and win it.”We know how difficult it is but I am going to give it a very good go.”Van Dijk has also given credit to Slot for the club’s new tactical approach to matches.He added: “I think it is the work we put in and it starts up front. That is the most important thing.”You saw Darwin (Nunez) coming on against Chelsea, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign.”It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to success.”I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed.”I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how it works, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.”And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.” More