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      Concerned WSL fans launch petition opposing plan to scrap relegation from women’s top tier

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      A “concerned” WSL supporters  group has set up a petition opposing “the idea of no relegation” from the Women’s Super League.  Their online plea in response to proposals to put a pause on teams dropping into the second tier, went live on Monday.Clubs are set to be given a chance to vote on proposals to temporarily pause relegation from the WSL the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAn petition calling for supporters to have their say on the proposal went live on Monday 3 FebruaryCredit: PAAs of 8:30pm this evening their petition on Change.org had attracted 892 signatures.Later this year WSL and Women’s Championship clubs are set to vote on plans for a temporary halt on sides dropping down into the second tier.  The aim would be to increase the top-flight from 12 to 16 sides. On Sunday The Guardian reported the suggestions were put forward by Women’s Professional League Limited, the football authority in charge of overseeing both divisions. . Read More Football StoriesA vote involving all 23 sides in WSL and the second tier is reportedly set to take place by the end of this term. The WPLL’s proposals would entail relegation from the top-flight being halted from the 2026-27 season and then returning for the 2030-31 campaign.  Promotion of one team per term from the Championship to the league would remain in place.  The motivation behind the proposal is to encourage more investment in top-flight women’s teams in a bid to make the top-flight more competitive. Most read in FootballHowever a group called Concerned WSL fans believe such a move would go against “all English football tradition”. They believe pausing relegation could go “against the interests of those outside the very top of the football chain”. And on its Change.org page, the group says it wants football fans to “voice their opinion”.It also stated: “This petition is for all those against this idea of no relegation and a closed league for any amount of years, in an attempt to be heard before having the rug pulled out from under our feet before we even have a chance.”In the first year of its existence in 2011 the WSL operated as a closed league of eight teams without promotion or relegation. A second tier was established in 2014 and was initially called WSL 2 before being renamed the Women’s Championship. Calls for the WSL’s expansion have been made in the past by some of the game’s most influential figures. These include ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes who now manages the United States women’s national team. Plans to expand the WSL from 12 to 16 teams would involve a pause on relegation for four seasonsCredit: AlamyBack in 2023 the then Blues chief stated more teams should be added in order to grow the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn October that year, Hayes said: “I think the question we should be asking is, ‘when are we going to make our league a little bit bigger?’ “It’s time to grow. It’s time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson filmed enjoying Zimbabwe holiday as legendary ex-Man Utd boss forgets about Red Devils woes

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON tried to forget about Manchester United’s current woes with a holiday to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.Ferguson, 83, was recently spotted at the stunning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe.Sir Alex Ferguson was seen on a visit to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in ZimbabweCredit: https://x.com/ZtaUpdatesFerguson was seen during a walk in a video taken from the holidayCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziHe was clapped by a crowd of fans as he walked pastCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziFerguson was helped into a vanCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziLocal media claim Ferguson is eyeing an investment opportunity in Zimbabwe’s tourism industryCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziThe legendary manager was happy to pose for pictures with staff from the lodge.His presence in the country sparked excitement among the many football fans there.A BBC Sport investigation in 2015 reported that 28 per cent of football fans in Zimbabwe were Red Devils supporters, as well as in neighbouring South Africa and Zambia.No official engagements have been confirmed over Ferguson’s visit, but the Safari Lodge is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest tourist attractions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Zimbabwe Mail reports Ferguson may also be exploring investment opportunities in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry.Zimbabwean politician Barbara Rwodzi shared a video of Ferguson walking around and being clapped by a crowd during his visit.In the post to social media, Rwodzi said: “Thank you Sir Ferguson for choosing our destination.”Hope you had a memorable experience in our Tourism capital Victoria Falls.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.The Zimbabwe Tourism Association also paid tribute to Ferguson during his visit.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inTaking to social media, they said: “We appreciate your choice of holiday destination Sir Alex Ferguson, Zimbabwe loves you, please come again and continue to experience Zimbabwe.”Ferguson has had more time for holidays since retiring from football in 2013.He won 13 Premier League titles at Man Utd, as well as two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup and European Super Cup over 26 years there. Ferguson experienced great success with Aberdeen in Scotland, breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly dominance by winning the Scottish Premier Division three times and winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 – to date, the last time Real Madrid lost a European Cup final.By comparison, Man Utd have won two FA Cups, two League Cups and one Europa League since Ferguson’s retirement. More

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      Man Utd ‘reopen Kobbie Mainoo contract talks as sought-after England star demands less than HALF Casemiro’s wages’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have re-opened talks with Kobbie Mainoo in the hope of tying the midfielder down to a new deal, according to reports.But Mainoo’s representatives want a massive pay rise to £180,00-a-week, plus bonuses, to reflect his status as an England international.Manchester United and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contractCredit: GettyMainoo has been locked in prolonged negotiations with his boyhood club over improved terms on his £20,000-a-week deal until 2027.And his reps believe it’s high-time that Mainoo’s wages match that of his team-mates.If agreed upon, Mainoo’s reported demands would see him earn half of the £375,000 salary fellow midfielder Casemiro pockets each week. It would put the 19-year-old eighth on United’s current wage bill, behind Harry Maguire’s £190,000 salary.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnited and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contract but will need to find a compromise, according to The Mail.It’s reckoned FFP constraints mean United might be unable to offer Mainoo similar terms to some of their top earners and no longer see him as untouchable.As a homegrown player, Mainoo would generate 100 per cent in pure profit – which would be substantial given that United value him at £70-80 million.But the Red Devils are believed to be hopeful of convincing the dynamic midfield maestro that his long-term future is best placed at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim has admitted he can’t guarantee Mainoo will stay amid the club’s pressure to fund signings with player sales.The teenager, who has been out of action for a month with a calf injury, still has more than two years left on his current contract. Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMainoo has failed to replicate last season’s form this termChelsea would lead the chase for Mainoo if United cannot tie the England midfielder to a new deal.The Blues were linked with Mainoo in January when talks with United reached a stalemate.Amorim has also struggled to find the best role for Mainoo in his 4-3-3 system, before he sustained a calf injury in training last month.He enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag, scoring three times in the Prem and the decisive goal in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City.Mainoo is already an important player for club and country despite not turning 20 until April.The Manchester-born star has made 60 appearances for United since his debut two years ago.He has also played ten times for England and was a key figure in their run to last summer’s Euros final. More

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      Club Brugge 1 Aston Villa 3: Aston Villa take charge of Champions League tie as they weather storm to beat Belgians

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      ASTON VILLA have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – thanks to Brugge’s masked avenger Brandon Mechele!The Brugge defender with the protective face mask blundered horribly to divert Morgan Rogers’ low cross beyond Simon Mignolet eight minutes from full-time to gift Villa a 2-1 lead.Leon Bailey netted the opener inside three minutesCredit: RexMaxim De Cuyper fired the hosts levelCredit: ReutersTyrone Mings made a vital goal-line clearance at 1-1Credit: ReutersMorgan Rogers helped restore the lead as he forced in an own-goalCredit: EPAMarco Asensio made sure from the spotCredit: AFPAnd Unai Emery’s men were celebrating again six minutes later following another self-inflicted wound by Brugge when attacker Christos Tzolis panicked in his own box to send Matty Cash tumbling.Super-sub Marco Asensio kept his cool to beat Mignolet from the penalty spot to nab his FIFTH Villa goal and leave Brugge with one almighty hangover in the beer capital of the world!Meanwhile Villa can start popping the champagne corks after holding their nerve with a dogged display on the road. Only an absolute meltdown at Villa Park can now stop Villa from setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Liverpool or Emery’s former club Paris Saint Germain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey survived the bearpit atmosphere of Brugge’s Jan Breydelstadion and will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing the Belgians on home turf, where they are unbeaten in 14 matches.Especially with Asensio in the scoring form of his life!Villa couldn’t have wished for a better start as they seized the lead after only three minutes.It was a goal of stunning simplicity which left Brugge’s players hanging their heads in shame.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Anderlecht star Youri Tielemans was booed from the first whistle by Brugge’s rowdy fans, who clearly have long memories.But the Belgian silenced his noisy critics by delivering the long free kick into the box which Tyrone Mings nodded down.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAnd there was Leon Bailey waiting to pounce with a sweetly struck left foot shot on the half-volley which sped beyond Simon Mignolet into the far corner.It was a peach of a goal and the ideal start for Villa who appeared to have taken the tie by the scruff of the neck.Marcus Rashford, starting a Champions League tie for the first time since he was sent off for Manchester United against Copenhagen in November 2023 was next to show.The on-loan Villa winger worked a neat one-two with Bailey then fired in a low shot which was kept out by Mignolet’s legs.But all of Villa’s promising early work was spectacularly undone three minutes later as Brugge exposed Villa’s fragile defence to snatch a speedy equaliser.Ardon Jashari picked the ball up in space in midfield and had time to get his head up and pick out Christos Tzolis with a raking crossfield pass which sailed over Axel Disasi’s head.Tzolis sucked Disasi in before cutting the ball back to Maxim De Cuyper who caused Maximum damage to Villa by sweeping the ball beyond Emi Martinez’s outstretched glove and into the far corner.That sparked bedlam in the ramshackle concrete bowl that is the Former Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis gave away the penaltyCredit: RexAsensio netted Villa’s third of the gameCredit: ReutersThe West Midlands side are in a strong position ahead of the second legCredit: GettyUnai Emery picked up a yellow card during the matchCredit: GettyJan Breydelstadion as the home fans went bonkers.Once again Villa’s defending was called into question as Leon Bailey failed to go with De Cuyper’s run and Disasi should have been better positioned to cut out the initial booming ball out of defence.Both sides had managed to wound their opponents in the early skirmishes and appeared to be wary of each other’s attacking threat.So the game descended into something of a dour midfield struggle.Villa have made it to half-time on level terms – thanks to the brilliance of Emi Martinez.The Villa and World’s No.1 showed fantastic reflexes just beyond the half hour mark to get down to his right to keep out Chemsdine Talbi’s low shot which was hurtling towards his net.It was a tight, nervy affair which had Unai Emery at his animated best on the touchline, waving his arms around in a frenzy.Rashford was having a decent tussle with Bruges kid right back Kyriani Sabbe, who he managed to power by just before half-time.But the winger was tight to the touchline and his cross flew into Mignolet’s chest. At half-time most Villa fans were asking how long Emery would wait before sending for Marco Asensio who had the class and experience to win this tie for the visitors.The game had now descended into a scrappy affair with both sides desperate to keep things tight after those early goals.Emi Martinez showed his class again to pluck a fiercely hit Onyedika drive from 25 yards out from under his crossbar, making it look easy.But with just over an hour played Emery had seen enough and made a QUADRUPLE substitution which paid off spectacularly.Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Marco Asensio replaced Disasi, Rashford, Bailey and McGinn.That gave Asensio a place in the Champions League record books as the first player to make 50 substitute appearances in the competition.And the Spaniard almost marked the occasion with a goal when he smashed Jacob Ramsey’s cutback towards goal, forcing Mignolet to beat the ball high into the air.It dropped to Cash but the full-back slashed wildly over and held his head in his hands in despair.At the other end Villa were living dangerously and Vanaken came within a fraction of heading Brugge in front with an attempt which grazed the far post with Martinez beaten.Then Tzolis screwed his shot hopelessly wide after Vanaken set him up with a clever flick.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmery was booked for losing the plot on the touchline.But the Spaniard was soon celebrating a famous late double as Villa seized this tie by the throat. More

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      Man Utd flop lined up for free transfer back to former club after being signed for huge £31m fee

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      VICTOR LINDELOF is eyeing a return to Benfica when his Manchester United contract expires this summer.The Swedish defender spent five years on the books of the Portuguese club before earning a £31 million move to Old Trafford in summer 2017.Victor Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica when his contract expires this summerCredit: GettyLindelof joined Joshua Zirkzee in missing a spot kick in the shoot outCredit: GettyUnited crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham on SundayCredit: RexLindelof has endured an injury ravaged season and has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils.And his campaign took a turn for the worse on Sunday when he missed his penalty as holders United crashed out of the FA Cup to Fulham in a shoot-out.West Ham were one of the clubs who showed an interest in taking him on loan in January – but he looks likely to move as a free agent in the summer.United have not held discussions with Lindelof – who has spent 79 days out injured this season – over an extension to his current deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLindelof also spent around 112 days out last term with separate hamstring and groin issues.The 30-year-old occasionally visits Lisbon during his time off and has fond memories of his five-year spell at Benfica.He won three Portuguese league titles and two domestic cups with Benfica before Jose Mourinho signed him. A return to Benfica would appeal and the club are on the look-out for a replacement for ex-Manchester City centre back Nicolas Otamendi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClub captain Otamendi is set to depart Benfica on a free this summer, with Argentinian side Rosario Central keen on signing him.The World Cup winner could even link up with Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in a few months.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueOtamendi played every single minute of Argentina’s winning campaign in Qatar 2022.Lindelof has played 270 times for United and has scored four goals.He was relegated to United’s fifth-choice central defender last summer after Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joined from Bayern Munich and Lille respectively. He is also behind Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in the pecking order.The Red Devils activated a one-year extension to Maguire’s contract, meaning he will remain at Old Trafford until the end of next season.The club also signed 18-year-old centre back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last month.United are expected to revamp their squad this summer after another dismal season, which has left them 14th in the Prem.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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      PSV vs Arsenal live stream FREE: How to watch Champions League clash without paying a penny

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      ARSENAL travel to the Netherlands to face PSV in the first leg of their MASSIVE Champions League round of 16 tie.The North London club are back in the knockout stages of the Champions League and want to get back to winning ways after picking up just one win in their last four.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ben White during a training session ahead of Arsenal’s clash with PSV on Tuesday nightMikel Arteta’s team have shown great form in Europe so far this season, having finished third place in the new look group phase of the competition.This notched fantastic wins against Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting, and Monaco, while their only loss was a 1-0 defeat away from home against Inter Milan.PSV come into this game with lots of confidence after beating Juventus 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League play-off tie.Before that match, they also saw off Premier League leaders Liverpool – beating them 3-2 just to clinch their play-off spot.read more arsenal newsThe Dutch giants – who are currently second in the Eredivisie – will be hoping for another huge upset that will set them up for the second-leg match at the Emirates Stadium on March 12.When is PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal?PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal will take place on Tuesday, March 4.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.The Philips Stadion in Eindhoven will host the first leg.How to watch PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal for FREEThis season’s Champions League has seen a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video is showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at NO additional cost to Prime members.Most read in FootballShould you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.What other games are on this round?Aston Villa travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the early Tuesday kickoff at 5.45pm GMT.Borussia Dortmund host Lille at 8pm GMT, while Real Madrid and Atletico face off in a massive Madrid derby that has fans incredibly excited – also at 8pm GMT.The remaining first-leg fixtures will be played the next day on Wednesday, March 5.League leaders Liverpool travel to France to play Ligue 1 leaders PSG in what is expected to be a highly competitive match at 8pm GMT.Feyenoord host Inter Milan in the early kickoff at 5.45pm GMT, while Bayern face Leverkusen in an all German clash.Barcelona, who are first place in La Liga and and finished top of the table in the Champions League, will go to Portugal where they will face Benfica. More

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      PSV vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners hit SEVEN in Dutch ROUT plus Madrid derby in Champions League last-16 first leg

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      ARSENAL have all but sealed their spot in the quarter-finals as they became the first team in history to score seven away from home in a Champions League knockout game. On his return to his homeland, Jurrien Timber headed Arsenal into an early after the Dutch defender turned in Declan Rice’s cross to the back-post on the 18th minute. Three minutes later, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly combined to double the Gunners lead as the former met the latter’s low cross to fire in from close range. Mikel Arteta’s side would further extend their lead, following a lengthy VAR check, after Mikel Merino stroked the ball past the goalkeeper in the midst of a six-yard melee. PSV would pull themselves back into the game as Thomas Partey forceful challenge on Luuk de Jong handed Noa Lang the chance to convert from the spot, which he did with aplomb into the top corner. The North London club came out with the same impetus they started with, as quick-fire double from Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard restored their comfort in score straight after the interval. Ødegaard would grab his second and Arsenal’ sixth before substitute Riccardo Calafiori – who came on the 35th minute for the booked-and-nearly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly – compounded the Dutch side’s with a galloping run and finish to round off a unrelenting night. Full-time result: PSV 1 Arsenal 7PSV XI: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Malacia; Saibari, Schouten, Til; Perisic, De Jong, Lang.Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.Follow this live blog for updates… Thanks for tuning inJust had a missed call on my phone, it could be Mikel saying I can play up front next week.Even a man down, they’ll still progress with ease.The big question next Wednesday night is who will they be playing? It’ll be a belter either way!Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportMikel Arteta’s goal-crazy Arsenal can smell the quarter finals with a stunning result that eclipsed one of the greatest European nights in their history.Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles battered Inter Milan 5-1 at the San Siro back in November 2003 – Thierry Henry running rings around Javier Zanetti and co.Twenty two years on and a woeful PSV outfit could have done with Zanetti – even at his current age of 51 – at the back as the Gunners went two better with a seven-goal Euro humbling.In fact, they were the first team EVER to score seven in an away knockout tie.Copy linkCopiedMore from MikelHe was also asked about the teenagers tonight, adding: “It’s a massive result away from home in a competition that we love, that we miss for so many years. Today is a really special night for us.””To be doing what they are doing at 17 and 18 years old, shows incredible maturity. They are doing that because of how the other players support them and make them better. “They have a lot of courage. Myles makes an assist, that’s the team that I want to see, they take initiative and they want to make things happen.”Copy linkCopiedMikel reactsMikel Arteta told Prime Sport: “I’m just so happy for the boys because in the last two games, we haven’t scored a goal and we know the noise around that.”Momentum can shift and this is a team [PSV] that is very used to winning. They have the capacity to generate chances in a lot of moments. “You don’t want to put yourself in the position where they score a second one and it is game on.”This is the beauty of football. Focus on what you are doing and do your best. Anything can happen.”Copy linkCopiedPoor PeterPeter Bosz was already under pressure heading into this game, before leading them to their joint-record defeat in HISTORY.I’ll admit, he’s got to be very lucky to lead the team at the Emirates next week as they were absolutely mince.Looking embarrassed and burst, he told Prime Sport: “Terrible night for us. No chances, maybe two moments in the game?“We hit the bar and then maybe the second yellow card.“Football-wise we had no chance. They played well and we had no chance.“Absolutely poor from our side and not how we play normally and Arsenal did very well.“We had a plan, analysed them and thought we could hurt them somewhere. But if you look at how we defended, you can’t be successful if you play this way.”Copy linkCopiedMore from MartinThe Arsenal skipper was also pressed on the chance he could be heading back to Real Madrid with Arsenal in the next round.He told Prime: “Of course, it would be special to go back there. “Whoever we get we will be ready. “We have to finish our job at home first and then see who we get.”Copy linkCopiedLead from the frontMartin Odegaard told Amazon Prime Sport: “After last few games we needed this performance. It was brilliant from start to end. “Really good going forward, creating chances, scoring goals. Unfortunately conceded one goal but top performance.”Every player in my position want to influence the game with goals and assists and it’s something I haven’t been good enough at this season but two goals and one assist tonight is a good step.”Copy linkCopiedBig games to comeA result that will give the Gunners huge confidence moving forward.Some big games on the horizon in the Premier League especially – then a trip to Madrid to come too! Copy linkCopiedDec reactsDeclan Rice spoke to Prime Sport after the game and said: “We were fluid, enthusiastic, the drive and hunger in the knock out phase of the Champions League. “But we’ve been playing like this all season. We feel we’ve been playing well as a team sometimes we score five sometimes two sometimes we don’t score but tonight we did well. “We had the opportunity to score more second half especially.”Nothing is done yet, so we’ll see”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsPSV had more possession in the game, they have that to celebrate at least….Arsenal had 15 shots on goal to PSV’s 12 – but eight on target to the home side’s two.Seven goals from eight shots on target doesn’t reflect too great on the keeper, admittedly.Copy linkCopiedRecord-breakingNo surprise, tonight was Arsenal’s biggest result away from home in the Champions League.And they’re the first team in history to score 7+ goals away from home in a Champions League knockout stage game.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsFour results tonight with goals for all eight sides.Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaDortmund 1-1 LillePSV 1-7 ArsenalReal Madrid 2-1 Atletico MadridCopy linkCopiedQuarters awaitsArsenal can already begin preparations for Madrid as the job is done and dusted in the first leg.No striker? No problems this time as they put SEVEN beyond a dire PSV side.The only blemish was the one they conceded from the spot.Otherwise, it’s a near-perfect night with six different scorers – including two full backs – and it probably could’ve been more.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEAn extraordinary night in the Netherlands.PSV 1-7 ArsenalCopy linkCopied90 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalAll those goals and substitutions and we’re only getting two minutes added on.Even the referee feels for the home side.Copy linkCopied89 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalMalacia must’ve thought his embarrassing results were behind him when leaving Man Utd for PSV on loan.Alas not. He’s now been booked for a late challenge on Ben White.Pure frustration.Copy linkCopied88 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalPrime Sport saying this matches the worst ever defeat in PSV’s history in all competitions.Shocker.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-7 ArsenalSeven goals and counting for Arsenal who have time for more.Speaking of time, Odegaard is given plenty of it 22 yards from goal when he stands in possession.He prods a pass with the outside of his foot into the box on the right where CALAFIORI of all people makes the darting run down the right wing and he finishes like a centre forward, with his weaker right foot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.Excellent finish. Seven goals away from home.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL!! PSV 1-7 ARSENALIt IS seven and a left-back has scored.But it’s RICCARDO CALAFIORI!Copy linkCopied83 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalZinchenko determined to get on the scoresheet!Rice wins a corner and takes it himself from the left which is deep and Zinchenko is all alone at an angle.His controlled shot is blocked behind and PSV deal with that resulting corner.Copy linkCopied81 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalIt’s nearly seven.Tierney plays in Zinchenko down the left and his shot across goal is watched all the way by Benitez who saves this one.Copy linkCopied78 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalAnother double change for the Arsenal.OFF: Merino & TimberON: White and TierneyCopy linkCopied74 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-6 ArsenalHow on earth have this Dutch side made the round-of-16 of this competition?The room given to Martin Odegaard 30 yards from goal is outrageous.He’s allowed to drive and drive and get to the edge of the box before striking well but straight down the keeper’s throat.He dives out the way of it, sticks a hand out and diverts it into the bottom corner.The home fans are piling out the exits and rightly so.Terrific from Arsenal.Copy linkCopied74 – GOAL! PSV 1-6 ARSENALRuthless from the Gunners against an absolute shambles of a side.MARTIN ODEGAARD makes it SIX!Copy linkCopied71 – PSV 1-5 ArsenalDouble change for Mikel Arteta:OFF: Partey and NwaneriON: Sterling & ZinchenkoCopy linkCopied More

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      £51m incoming Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi is modern day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets

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      LAST summer, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was seriously tempted by a move to the Premier League.Liverpool were keen to give new manager Arne Slot the midfielder he craved – an impressive ball-playing, tackle-crunching Spaniard who has been tipped to be the next Rodri.Martin Zubimendi is a top summer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe has been likened to a modern-day Claude MakeleleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdZubimendi also has similar traits to Barcelona legend Sergio BusquetsCredit: EPAUltimately however, Slot and Liverpool were turned down, with Zubimendi persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by his coach Imanol Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.They reportedly did so by preparing a presentation on the pros and cons of a Prem switch, pulling on the 26-year-old’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.Zubimendi claimed recently: “It is where I feel most comfortable”.It worked, but what Alguacil and Olabe did not anticipate was a similar approach by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta – a Basque boy convincing another Basque boy to make London his new home next season for £51m. The Gunners appear to have got their man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSArteta and Arsenal’s presentations for potential new signings are nothing new, leaving most players and agents who experience it astounded by the level of detail and care put into them, led previously by ex-sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto – now the interim.Zubimendi was no different, sold on the project and vision at the Emirates almost instantly, as well as wanting to follow in Arteta’s inspiring footsteps, having also left his birthplace of San Sebastian for the bright lights of Barcelona in 1997 aged 15.Arsenal and Sociedad also have a great relationship and respect at board level, having recently negotiated Mikel Merino’s North London arrival for around £32m last summer.It has left Liverpool and Slot gutted, and they’re not the only ones. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United are all huge fans of the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd ironically, United now get to watch him up close on Thursday night in their Europa League last 16 first leg clash away at Real Sociedad.For all the noise around him over the past few years, Zubimendi is not a loud character. He is down-to-earth, humble, at times even shy and anxious.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League It is said that while making the decision over whether to sign for Liverpool, he isolated himself at home, refusing to use his phone to fully lock in on a big decision that he also consulted his family over.However, he is a different beast when he steps on the pitch. In the last summer window, Arsenal bought Merino because he was a “dual monster”.Zubimendi is not too far behind in that respect.He is aggressive, assertive. A snarling, hungry athlete of a man who covers every blade of grass competing for space, the ball or a well-timed tackle.A modern-day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets. Put simply, Zubimendi is the cog between the defence and the midfieldAnd right now in Europe, he is the closest thing to City’s Rodri.In the Euro 2024 final against England back in July, Spain were rocked by Rodri’s injury that forced him off at half-time. And yet, his absence was barely felt with Zubimendi on to replace him.He is used to pressure. Even with the eyes of the world on him days after performing his Liverpool U-turn, he did not miss a single training session, even taking part in a team photo shoot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also had to overcome the odds to even reach this position. In his early years at Sociedad, the coaches were initially not keen on him, favouring other players and only signing him up at the last minute – a decision that proved wise.Over a decade on and he is positioned to light up another big occasion, showing United – and the rest of England – what they can expect should he grace the Prem next season.Zubimendi is a full Spain internationalCredit: GettyHe was a part of the squad that won Euro 2024Credit: Getty More