Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Joey Barton appears in court after ‘sharing malicious posts about Jeremy Vine & football pundit Lucy Ward’

      by

      JOEY Barton has appeared in court after allegedly sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: PAHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton, who is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, appeared via video-link at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.The 42-year-old is charged with two counts of malicious communications between January 3 and March 20 last year.According to the charges, the messages were of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress and anxiety.Barton indicated he would be pleading not guilty pleas to both offences.Read more newsHe has already pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial this year.The former Man City star was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 13.Barton previously branded the fresh charges as “more woke nonsense”.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December 2023.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: PAHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal target Brentford ace Yoanne Wissa to solve striker woes but face transfer competition from Premier League rivals

      by

      ARSENAL are lining up a shock move for Yoane Wissa to solve their striker crisis, it’s been reported.The North Londoners are in the market for a new centre forward after Gabriel Jesus suffered a torn ACL in their FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United last weekend.Arsenal are in need of attacking reinforcements following Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injuryCredit: PAThe Gunners are said to be interest in signing Brentford’s Yoan WissaCredit: REXAnd according to reports, Brentford hitman Wissa is on the Gunners’ shortlist of candidates to fill the void left by Jesus.The Telegraph claim the Democratic Republic of Congo international is “on Arsenal’s list” of forwards they’re considering signing.Arsenal’s interest in Wissa comes as no surprise as the Bees star has been in fine form this season.The 28-year-old has found the back of the net 12 times in 22 appearances in all competitions this campaign, also bagging two assists.READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal forwards Jesus and Kai Havertz, meanwhile, have seven and 12 goals to their names respectively.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could face competition for Wissa’s services from Nottingham Forest.Wissa is said to be on Forest’s list of potential replacements for Taiwo Awoniyi, who West Ham are trying to lure away from the City Ground.The Midlands club are said to be seriously considering a move for him they lose Awoniyi.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal fans will be hoping Arteta can land a new attacking player to ease the blow of losing both Jesus and Bukayo Saka.When pressed on his transfer plans, the Spaniard said: “The news of Gabi takes the scenario to another dimension.Mikel Arteta hails ‘sensational’ Arsenal after comeback win over Tottenham “We have lost two very creative, very important, very unpredictable players for us, so that has an impact on the team.“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. It would be naive not to.“But there is not one player can guarantee they come in today and perform.“We’re going to hope, to believe, and we’ll try to get somebody. “We have very clear ideas of the players we want.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Lab-built’ Myles Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal’s beating heart in their title charge – and is doing it all for his grandma

      by

      THE Arsenal dressing room have a theory that Myles Lewis-Skelly is not human – instead suggesting he was built in a laboratory.But right now, this 18-year-old sensation is quickly becoming the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners as they attempt to breathe life back into their Premier League title charge.Myles Lewis-Skelly is quickly becoming an integral part to Arsenal’s starting XICredit: GettyThe teenager revved up the Emirates crowd after being subbed off against SpursCredit: GettyNo one – not even boss Arteta – predicted this rapid rise when Hale End midfielder Lewis-Skelly joined up with the seniors on their pre-season tour to the States last summer.Fast-forward six months and he is arguably Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, making the most of injuries to the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber an Oleksandr Zinchenko this term.One of the squad’s smaller members at 5ft10, his strength on and off the ball is something to behold. His technique, positioning and calmness under pressure is just as impressive.Following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich on December 27, Declan Rice said: “This kid can go to the top. He is special. It is like he was built in a lab, the boy. It is ridiculous how good he is.”read more arsenalAnd after the vital 2-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham – to put Arsenal within four points of leaders Liverpool – Rice compared Lewis-Skelly’s physique to ex-Spurs favourite and man-mountain of a midfielder Moussa Dembele.Yet what is more eye-catching is Lewis-Skelly’s personality, despite being the first 18-year-old to start for Arsenal against Tottenham in the Prem since Cesc Fabregas in 2005.Where most teenagers would cower, Lewis-Skelly embraces challenges with a cheeky smile and a confidence bordering on arrogance – strutting his stuff with the swagger of a top-flight veteran.He has already earned a reputation as a fearless pest. On his Prem debut in September, he boldly squared up to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at full-time, already with a booking to his name for being a nuisance on the side line as a substitute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd towards the end of the Tottenham clash, he sparked a shoving match with several agitated Spurs players before being subbed off – only to rev up the home crowd with a few fist pumps and a kiss of the badge as he left the pitch to much adulation.That may have something to do with impressing his grandma. His mum Marcia has also been vital to his development, recently launching a blog to help other parents guide their kids through academy systems after studying for a Masters in football business.Lewis-Skelly – who has been with Arsenal since the age of nine – explained after his first North London Derby: “Never afraid of no one. I want to go against the best. I want to be the best.“My mum, my grandma, my friends [were at the game]. I had to put on a show for my grandma, make sure that I did not look soft in front of her!“I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her and hopefully she is proud of me.“I was a kid watching the derbies and know how much it means to the fans, it’s everything. To experience it, I can’t stop smiling.”Arteta has been gushing over Lewis-Skelly for weeks, like a proud dad, previously revealing his incredible attention to detail and constant asking of questions during training sessions.The Spaniard said: “It is very rare to see. Eighteen years old, playing against Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson in a big London derby for the first time, performing with that composure, with that attitude and control emotionally. He had never played full-back [before this season].”Keeper David Raya added: “He is incredible. He doesn’t look 18, he doesn’t feel 18, because the character that he has on the pitch.”He is playing beyond his years, and is now trusted by the club to hold his own in interviews and media requests, but this should come as no surprise. Lewis-Skelly played for Arsenal’s U18s when he was just 14.All eyes this term have been on another academy grad in Ethan Nwaneri, 17, who broke records when he made his top flight debut aged 15 years and 181 days back in September 2022.But with Nwaneri currently out injured, Lewis-Skelly has seized the limelight, and following his first senior contract in October 2023, he is currently in talks for a brand new deal.And after featuring for England from the U16s to U19s, there are even whisperings of a potential senior call-up with Thomas Tuchel watching on at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Three Lions star Rice said: “Who knows what England holds for him. I know they think highly of him there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNo doubt he would grab that opportunity with no hesitation. No environment is too intimidating, too much. Maybe this kid was made in a lab? More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans can’t get enough of Arsenal star Lewis-Skelly’s ‘wholesome’ interview about his grandma after win over Tottenham

      by

      FANS have loved Myles Lewis-Skelly’s “wholesome” interview after the North London derby.The youngster impressed in the defence as Arsenal beat arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.Myles Lewis-Skelly gave a ‘wholesome’ interview after Arsenal beat SpursCredit: Optus SportsThe Arsenal star has impressed this seasonCredit: PASon Heung-min gave the visitors the lead before the Gunners fired back with an own-goal from Dominic Solanke and Leandro Trossard.Lewis-Skelly, 18, spoke after the game and revealed his family and friends were watching on.He admitted that he had to “put on a show” for his grandma and that he did not want to look “soft” in front of her.He told Optus Sports: “My mum, my grandma, my friends (were at the game).READ MORE ON ARSENAL”And I had to put on a show for my grandma to make sure that I did not look soft in front of her.”I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her, and hopefully, she is proud of me.”The match was amazing, and everything that lived up to my dreams.”I couldn’t believe it. I just had to take in every moment and every second.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Honestly, it was amazing, and it is moments like this that we live for.”Fans have reacted to the interview Lewis-Skelly gave to club legend Ian Wright on social media.Mikel Arteta hails ‘sensational’ Arsenal after comeback win over Tottenham Many hailed the youngster for being so “wholesome” and predicted big things in his future.One posted: “This is so wholesome.”A second wrote: “He gets it.”A third commented: “You are a million dollars and more baby.”A fourth said: “I absolutely ADORE this kid.”Another added: “Doing it for his mum and his grandma. Definitely made them proud! Future captain and legend.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters are not the only ones with high expectations of the teenager.Declan Rice hinted that the England set-up “think highly” of the midfielder and suggested he could be handed his debut soon.Arsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ange Postecoglou has worse Tottenham record than both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as horror run continues

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a worse Tottenham record than former bosses Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last night made it just one win in their last nine Premier League outings.Ange Postecoglou endured another frustrating eveningCredit: GettyThe North Londoners’ awful form has seen them slump to 13th in the Prem table.Postecoglou, 59, went unbeaten in his first 10 league games in charge last season, winning eight of them.But that honeymoon period now feels long ago, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and incapable of stringing together strong performances.The Aussie has won 36 of his 73 games in charge – while drawing 12 and losing 25 – giving him a 49 per cent win percentage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConte, 55, lasted three more matches at the helm with 76, winning 41 of them at a percentage of 54 – drawing 12 and losing 23.Mourinho, meanwhile, took charge of 86 games at the Spurs helm.The Portuguese achieved a win percentage of 51, triumphing 44 times, drawing 19 and losing 23.Sandwiched in between the two former Chelsea bosses was Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 17 matches in charge.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in 2021Credit: Marc Aspland – The TimesAntonio Conte’s Spurs reign ended in a furious rantCredit: ReutersNuno Espirito Santo lasted just 17 games in charge of SpursCredit: Marc Aspland – The TimesThe Portuguese, now flying high with Nottingham Forest, won eight times, drew just twice and lost seven games.Tottenham’s last truly long-term manager was Mauricio Pochettino.Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him The Argentine, who transformed Tottenham into legitimate contenders both in the Premier League and in Europe, managed 293 games as Spurs boss.He won 159 of them, giving him a win percentage of 54, drew 62 and lost 72.Tottenham’s lowest finish since Pochettino’s appointment was eighth in the 2022-23 campaign – although they are currently on track to be worse this time around.Mauricio Pochettino was Tottenham’s most successful manager under Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker’s AC Milan transfer could see forgotten England ace sold to Juventus

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker continues to be intensely linked with a move to AC Milan during the January transfer window.SunSport understand Walker, 34, is being lined up for a sensational loan move to Milan’s fiercest rivals Inter Milan.Manchester City star Kyle Walker continues to be linked with AC MilanCredit: GettyIf Walker leaves Man City for Milan then Fikayo Tomori could go to JuventusCredit: GettyHowever, Gazzetta report that the Rossoneri are still keeping tabs on City’s wantaway defender.The same source adds, though, that if the full-back joins Sergio Conceicao’s side then another England international could have to make way.And that is none other than Fikayo Tomori, who has been linked with another one of Milan’s biggest foes: Juventus.Juve are keeping tabs on Tomori, 27, after 19 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on FootballConceicao’s outfit are keen on a permanent deal for Walker, whose Etihad contract runs out in 2026.And Milan are willing to offer a long deal by spreading his €6million (£5m) salary he has guaranteed in the Premier League over more time.Walker has dramatically asked to quit Man City for a move abroad but a transfer to the red side of the San Siro doesn’t appear very likely.That is because Inter are leading the chase for the right-back as representatives for the player have been in contact with the Serie A giants and a deal is being thrashed out.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesWalker’s desire to leave was announced by manager Pep Guardiola after last week’s 8-0 mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Guardiola revealed he was left out of the third-round clash after informing the club of his wish to leave.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWalker has seen his game time getting limited this season with only 18 appearances across all competitions under his belt. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It will never be the same again’ – Jack Grealish urged to leave Man City and move abroad

      by

      JACK GREALISH has been urged to leave Manchester City and resurrect his career abroad.The England international has failed to justify the whopping £100million City spent on him in August 2021.Jack Grealish has underperformed for well over a yearCredit: REXEx-Manchester United man Dwight Yorke reckons Grealish should resurrect his career abroadCredit: GETTYGrealish went a whopping 392 DAYS without scoring a goal for his club prior to to City’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City last weekend.The 29-year-old’s decline hasn’t shocked former Manchester United hitman Dwight Yorke, who believes the attacking midfielder needs to up sticks to breathe new life into his career.He told CoinCasino.com: “I can fully understand Jack Grealish’s situation from my own experience.”t was the third season when I started to fall away at Man United, I won the treble in my first year.READ MORE ON GREALISH”When you achieve certain things in the game, looking back at it, you can see why Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the best players ever.”Because they were always hungry for more.”Sometimes, players can lose their way when they win everything in the game.”It’s easy to get to a certain level but it’s hard to maintain it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I remember when I scored 29 goals in my first year, 26 goals in my second year then 14 goals in my third season.”I was declining, and it’s similar to Jack Grealish. His numbers are getting worse, he’s not improving.Emi Martinez’s eight-word blast at Jack Grealish revealed as new footage of pair’s furious tunnel row emerges “It’s a sign of something being not right, sometimes it’s hard to notice when you’re in a successful team winning all the time, like I was and Grealish is in now. “I wish I left in my third season, to have a new challenge.”My advice for Grealish is that leaving Man City and anywhere after will never be the same, he’s had his best years of his career already.”If I was him, I’d probably go abroad, join a club in Italy or Spain. “Anywhere else in the Premier League is going backwards, everything he’s achieved at Man City, he’ll never achieve again.”He won’t enjoy the football because he’s not playing with the same level of players he once did.Jack Grealish bagged his first goal in 392 days last weekendCredit: REX”Grealish could go back to Aston Villa, I had a similar opportunity to go back under Graham Taylor but they bought Peter Crouch instead.”He’s in a similar boat to what I was, if I was Grealish I’d look at an opportunity to play abroad.”City boss Pep Guardiola leapt to Grealish’s defence last weekend but warned the former Villa man that he has start to start delivering the goods.He said of Grealish’s goal: “Of course [it was a big deal]. And he assisted the last one for [James] McAtee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know he’s a player that doesn’t do that, but of course hopefully it can help him.”Because, of course, when the players who play up front, they have to deliver.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kelly Cates’ future at Sky Sports confirmed after Liverpool icon’s daughter confirmed as BBC MOTD host

      by

      KELLY CATES’ future at Sky Sports has been confirmed after landing a host role at Match of the Day,The presenter will be on the iconic BBC football highlights show as one of the three people replacing Gary Lineker.Kelly Cates will be one of the new Match of the Day hostsCredit: GettyShe will share the role with Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: PACates, 49, along with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will front the show from next season.Her popularity with fans has risen during her stint at Sky Sports.It had been suggested that her time at the broadcaster could end with her new obligation to MOTD.However, it has been confirmed that Cates will continue to anchor Sky Sports’ live coverage of the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe will continue in this role on the days that she is not on duty with the BBC.Speaking about taking the role, Cates insisted that she “can’t wait” to get going.She said: “We are all friends and we’ve known each other for a long time and that’s a really lovely part of it.”Not only is it a great role just on its own but I’m sharing it with two people I really admire, respect and genuinely like. It’s a great set-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s something that’s so well-loved and so well-respected you don’t want to be the person that goes in and breaks that.”I’m just very excited, I can’t wait to get started.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceGary Lineker will step down as MOTD host at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters”I keep thinking about that moment I’ll be sitting in the chair and the music starts, and I can’t wait for it to happen.”Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented the fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports, her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.Meanwhile, Chapman is already working on MOTD and opened the show with a cheeky one-liner on Wednesday night.Earlier this season Lieneker confirmed that he will be stepping down at the end of the campaign.He will continue to present live FA Cup action next season, before hanging up his BBC mic after the 2026 World Cup.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today. More