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      ‘He does things nobody else does’ – Man who discovered Thomas Partey reveals how Arsenal ace would’ve prevented PSG loss

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      ARSENAL midfield machine Thomas Partey could’ve saved the club from a Champions League disasterclass.That’s according to the man who discovered him, Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer.Thomas Partey picked up a needless second yellow card against MadridCredit: ReutersPartey was on his way out but his form could prompt a new dealCredit: GettyArsenal will hope Partey can inspire a win next weekCredit: GettyPalmer, who owns Tema Youth football club in Ghana, gave a young Partey his first opportunity in football, long before the former Atletico Madrid star was tearing up La Liga and the Premier League.The Gunners paid dearly for his absence in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to PSG in their semi-final first leg, after his needless yellow card against Real Madrid.The talent-spotter and club owner believes the Ghanaian midfielder would’ve prevented PSG from dismantling Arsenal at the Emirates.Speaking to The Sun from his base in Ghana, Palmer said: “He does things nobody else does. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG that’s normally where he dominates. “His importance is quite clear, he does things in that team that nobody else does.”Partey was expected to leave Arsenal at the end of this season, but a rich vein of form has prompted the Gunners to consider offering him a new two-year deal.There are also reports linking him with a move back to Spain to join Barcelona.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Palmer says Partey should seize the opportunity to become an Arsenal legend.He added: “This is probably his best season since he went there, and if there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage”The fans love him, and I know he could make more money elsewhere, but I know him and he’s got it in him to play at the highest level for the next five years. “So why not do that at one of the best clubs in the world?”Partey has featured in 31 league games for the Gunners this season, scoring four goals. But it’s his overall impact, breaking lines with his passing and press resistance that has made him such a key member of the team. More

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      Xavi new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham tipped to make stunning swoop for ex-Barcelona manager

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi is the new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham should he leave at the end of this season. Postecoglou, 59, has spoken of feeling like he is in “parallel worlds” as Spurs simultaneously sit 16th in the Premier League whilst also being in the final four of the Europa League.Barcelona legend Xavi is the new favourite to take over from Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou could be relying on Europa League glory to save his jobCredit: RexBut, despite the prospect of European glory, their terrible form domestically has caused many Spurs fans to call for him to be sacked.Postecoglou’s side face Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final first leg tonight and have the chance to win a first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.With the prospect of a ‘back door’ route into the Champions League, this competition is a lifeline for Postecoglou to save his job.However, it would not be a surprise if he were to leave anyway come the end of this season after a tumultuous campaign.Read more footballThere are a substantial list of potential suitors if Postecoglou gets the boot including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (6/1) and Fulham’s Marco Silva (6/1) who have both enjoyed successful seasons.Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also short in the market at 5/1 after yet another impressive season in west London. But the former Barcelona boss Xavi, 45,  has had his odds slashed with BetVictor into 2/1 from 33/1 to be appointed.Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is second favourite at 11/4 to return to the club after being sacked in 2019, the season after he took Spurs to a Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Pochettino only took over the USA national team last year and will be hoping to lead them into a home World Cup next summer.Xavi won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns as a player with Barcelona and returned to the club as a manager in 2021. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at ChelseaMauricio Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA national team but could be tempted by a returnCredit: ReutersAfter retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi managed Al Saad in the Qatar Stars League before his move back to his boyhood club.He guided Barcelona to a league title in 2022-23, but was sacked by the Catalan giants in 2023 following a disappointing run of results.  More

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      Premier League cult hero, 35, scores last gasp winner in wild seventh tier play-off clash with FOUR stoppage time goals

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin scored a last gasp winner to send his seventh tier side into a promotion play-off final.AFC Totton beat Dorchester Town 4-3 in the semi-final of the Southern League Premier play-offs – but only after some incredible theatrics.Premier League cult hero Charlie Austin booked his non-league side a place in a seventh tier play-off finalCredit: Ben Sayers / Sayers Sports PhotographyAustin scored a last-second winner for AFC TottonOne of the most insane non-league football matches of all time saw FOUR goals scored in stoppage time.Austin’s side were trailing 2-0 in the final minute of normal time and were set to end their season there and then at home.But it was somehow 3-3 by the time the referee’s full-time whistle was blown in the 12th minute of injury time.Former Luton Town striker Scott Rendell, 38, scored from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTotton’s Tony Lee hit goals in the seventh and 10th minute of added time to lead 3-2.But Dorchester’s Jack Dickson levelled the scores straight away to ensure extra-time.But with penalties looming, former Premier League star Austin stepped up to poke home from close range in the 119th minute.One fan wrote on X: “This was the best end to a game I’ve ever seen live!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAustin was still playing professional football last season for Swindon Town before joining the seventh tier Southampton side in July 2024.The 35-year-old is now at the 15th club of his career, having started in non-league before rising to the glittering heights of the Prem.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford Austin made 111 top-flight appearances across spells at Queens Park Rangers and Southampton.After scoring 18 goals in his debut Prem campaign with QPR, Austin was called up to the England national team by Roy Hodgson in 2015.He teamed up with former Southampton striker at AFC Totton – James Beattie, who is the club’s Director of Football.It is the second straight season that AFC Totton have reached the final, after they were beaten by Salisbury in May 2024.They will take on Gloucester City, who eliminated Walton & Hersham via penalties after a 2-2 draw in their semi final, on Wednesday. More

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      Marcus Rashford refuses to give up on playing again this season as Man Utd loanee jets to Dubai for rehab programme

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has flown to Dubai in a desperate bid to rescue his season.The Manchester United ace, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is battling back from a hamstring injury that threatens to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.Marcus Rashford has rediscovered his form since moving to VillaCredit: RexThe forward will make a decision on his Man United future in the summerCredit: GettyThere have been reports that he will not play again this season but SunSport understands that Rashford is not giving in at the moment.The 27-year-old has kickstarted a warm-weather rehabilitation programme in the Middle East to speed up his recovery.Sources say he’s targeting a shock return before Villa’s season ends, even if the odds are slim he wants to keep the momentum he’s had since his move to Villa Park.There is still three weeks of the season left with Villa fighting to secure European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man who scored on his Manchester United debut against Arsenal in 2016 has got his eyes firmly set on pulling on the Three Lions shirt again, with England facing Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, followed by a Wembley clash with Senegal.After falling out of favour under Gareth Southgate, Rashford was thrown straight back into the mix by new boss Thomas Tuchel, starting both of his first two games in charge.Now he’s determined to prove he’s ready to roar again for club and country.Rashford’s future is still up in the air with reports that he could even take a pay cut to move abroad, with Barcelona and AC Milan recently linked.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has enjoyed his time at Villa Park with four goals and five assists in the 17 games he’s been involved in under Unai Emery.Premier League club announce plans to expand stadium with new stand and concert venue boosting capacity to over 50,000Villa themselves have been reportedly impressed with his attitude and application but again he will have to take a pay cut to stay there.Rashford is currently earning £350,000-a-week and that would be a stumbling block for most clubs. However the England international wants to enjoy his football again and that could be key in his next decision.Emery will be hoping Rashford can get himself fit againCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview

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      FANS have praised Kate Abdo for her incredible Spanish skills during an interview with Lamine Yamal.The 17-year-old scored and put in a stunning performance as Barcelona were held 3-3 by Inter Milan in a thrilling Champions League first leg semi-final last night.Kate Abdo stunned viewers with her brilliant Spanish translationCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoThierry Henry asked the questions as Abdo converted the chat to EnglishCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoLamine Yamal was the star of the show in the thrilling first leg semi-final tieCredit: AlamyAfter the game, wonderkid Yamal joined the CBS Sports studio via video link from the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.Presenter Abdo asked Yamal if he could speak English, but he replied just Spanish.She therefore handed the questioning over to Thierry Henry, who is fluent in the language having spent three years at Barca as a player.Abdo took the role as translator and she perfectly relayed what Yamal and Henry were saying for five minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left stunned by the hidden talent, with one saying: “Abdo is a legend for this. So hard to translate when you were not expecting it. Well done.”Another added: “Real talent, absolute cinema.”A third said: “Henry can speak three languages fluently? French, English and Spanish? Wow!”Jamie Carragher had a go at Spanish and said to Yamal “enhorabuena”, which means congratulations.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe winger began to giggle before replying in English: “Thank you.”Co-pundit Micah Richards then claimed that he would consider dying his hair blonde like Yamal if he fires Barca to Champions League glory this season.’The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studiosOn CBS’ banter-filled show last night, Abdo gave Richards a telling off live on air for his use of the women’s toilets.She said: “The ladies of the building would like me to request that you kindly stop using the ladies’ toilets. I saw you sneaking in there before.”There were gasps from his colleagues as Richards hit back: “Oh did you? Because the mens’ were occupied. Let’s not turn this into something it’s not Jamie.”You know why, because the boys’ ones are disgusting.”Meanwhile, SunSport has looked behind the staggering stats that show Yamal is already miles ahead of two of the game’s greats. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi knocked out of Champions Leagues on SAME DAY as fans say ‘the end is near’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi were both knocked out of their Champions League semi-finals on the SAME DAY.Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr were dumped out of the AFC Champions League after losing 3-2 to Japan J-League side Kawasaki.Lionel Messi crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final with Inter MiamiCristiano Ronaldo came close to tears as Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions LeagueAnd just hours later, Messi’s Inter Miami were hammered 5-1 in their Concacaf last-four clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps.Al-Nassr boasted a team packed with top talent including ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane and former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.But despite having 21 shots and 75 per cent possession, Ronaldo, 40, failed to convert a shot from five yards in the final moments.Mane’s deflected strike made it 1-1 in the 28th minute after Tatsuya Ito’s 10th-minute opener for the Japanese minnows.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSYuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga made it 3-1, before Aiman Yahya set up a grandstand finish as Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser.But Uefa Champions League record goalscorer Ronaldo looked on the verge of tears at full-time after Kawasaki stood firm to set up a final against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.And fans argued “the end is near” when Messi’s MLS side crashed out a few hours later.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInter Miami, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, were beaten 3-1 at home by the Canadian Whitecaps, who will face Mexican opposition in the final with Cruz Azul and Tigres in the other semi-final, which is finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg.Most read in FootballMessi failed to make an impact, with the GOAT’s former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba grabbing the only goal for his side.Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAnd fans were distraught after seeing arguably the two greatest footballers off all-time suffer in this way.One said: “Our childhood is coming to an end 😔.”A second added: “Messi out. Ronaldo out. Their football era is really ending 💔.”A third replied: “Thank you for everything Ronaldo and Messi. But this is just sad to see.”One more wrote: “My kids didn’t witness the Ronaldo and Messi era but they will witness Lamine Yamal’s magic.”Yamal produced a performance for the ages as he broke a pair of records in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their semi-final.The winger’s outrageous solo goal after 24 minutes made him the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final.The 17-year-old also became the youngest player to reach 100 Barca appearances. And to make matters worse one of Ronaldo’s Champions League records is now in jeopardy. Raphinha needs just two more goal contributions to beat Ronaldo’s record of 21 in a single campaign.Read More on The SunThe Barcelona star grabbed his 20th contribution when he assisted Ferran Torres in the LaLiga side’s 3-3 draw with Inter.That bettered Messi’s most productive season when the Argentine provided 19 contributions in 2011/12. More

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      Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action – key stats and facts for each fixture!

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      THE season may be nearing an end but there’s still time to enhance your bank balance through Score Predictor.Matchweek 30 features the customary weekly prize of £250 and is once again free to play.Play now and you could win £250!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the weekly prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts to help inform your decisions…Arsenal v BournemouthOne of the most important factors to consider here is that the Gunners are in the midst of a Champions League semi-final.The North Londoners will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit against PSG in the French capital next Wednesday and with little to play for in the league it would be understandable if Mikel Arteta viewed this weekend’s game as a low priority.That being said, Arsenal have lost three league games all season and just once at home.Granted, one of those defeats came against the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium but Andoni Iraola’s side have faded at the back end of the campaign.In fact, only West Ham and the three relegated sides have taken fewer points than Bournemouth from their last ten games.Most read in FootballOnly Everton have drawn more times than Arsenal in the top flight this term.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawThe Champions League is now Arsenal’s priorityCredit: RexBrentford v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils may also be distracted by their two-legged European semi-final this weekend.If their Europa League tie with Athletic Bilbao hangs in the balance after the first leg then Ruben Amorim may even choose to rest key players at the Gtech Stadium.Score Predictor users will get another chance to scout the Bees when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Thursday night but fans, rivals and neutrals alike should know what Thomas Frank’s troops offer by now.Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are one of the most effective partnerships in Europe having scored 34 league goals between them – both are among the top six scorers in the Premier League at present.Man United have won five of seven meetings with Brentford since the latter were promoted but will head into Sunday’s match-up seven points and three places behind the West Londoners.We may tweak our prediction after Thursday night’s fixtures but for now…Our Prediction: 2-1 to BrentfordA formidable duoCredit: GettyBrighton v NewcastleThe Magpies are finishing the season in fine style with only Wolves above them in the form table (last six games) ahead of this weekend’s action.Eddie Howe’s side have won seven of their last eight outings in all competitions and averaged three goals per game throughout April.In contrast, the Seagulls late win over West Ham last weekend was their first victory since early March.Like Bournemouth, Brighton’s push for European qualification has stalled at a crucial time but they may yet snatch a place in the Conference League.Newcastle have won more league games on the road then Fabian Hurzeler’s side have managed at home in 2024/25 but this has been something of a bogey fixture for the Toon in recent times.Brighton have won three of the last four meetings (plus a draw) including victories in both the league and FA Cup this season.Even so, we’re inclined to follow the form guide on this occasion.Our Prediction: 3-1 to NewcastleNewcastle pack a punch in attackCredit: RexChelsea v LiverpoolThere’s a danger that Sunday’s main event may fall a little flat.The Reds have already confirmed their league triumph and will likely bring a last-day-before-summer-holiday vibe to their remaining commitments.But sometimes a release of pressure allows players to express themselves with great effect.Chelsea can’t afford to slack off as they find themselves firmly among the scrap to finish in the top five but if Enzo Maresca is to lift a trophy in his first year at Stamford Bridge then it will have to be the Conference League.If the Blues make mincemeat of Djurgarden in the first leg then it will be easier to focus on the task at hand when Liverpool come to town but if the Swedish underdogs put up a fight then the hosts may have one eye on the second leg.A tricky fixture, one easy to overthink.Our Prediction: 2-0 to LiverpoolLiverpool will be in a celebratory moodCredit: PACrystal Palace v Nottingham ForestThe theme of this Matchweek seems to be teams distracted by other commitments as the Eagles will surely be prioritising their date with destiny in the FA Cup final.However, that’s still a fortnight away and so Oliver Glasner’s side should be suitably focused on Monday night and they could do with a league win having mustered just two points from their last four outings.As for Forest, they will be highly motivated to secure Champions League qualification – a win over Brentford this evening would help.The two-time European champions are unbeaten against Palace since their return to the top flight with Chris Wood providing the winner in the latest encounter back in October.This match-up has been a low-scoring affair in recent years with just six goals scored in the last five meetings.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 1-1 drawDo you see it differently? Show us how it’s done by entering your predictions now!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 NOW More

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      I never wanted to be Chelsea manager but took over because the players begged me to coach them, says former boss

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      RUUD GULLIT has revealed he never wanted to be Chelsea manager.The Dutchman succeeded Glenn Hoddle in the Stamford Bridge dugout in 1996 as player-manager.Ruud Gullit says his team-mates begged him to take the Chelsea jobCredit: PAHe led Blues to their first major trophy in 26 years with the FA Cup in 1997Credit: RexGullit was sacked with Chelsea second in the leagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHoddle had departed to take the England job and fans and the Blues squad wanted Gullit to replace him.Gullit, 62, was unsure about taking on the role as he wanted to keep playing.He revealed his team-mates “begged” him to take the post, so he begrudgingly accepted.Gullit said on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football: “I never wanted to get into management – I just got dragged into it by Chelsea fans and the boys wanted me to train them because Glenn Hoddle left to go to the national team. READ MORE ON CHELSEA“They were begging me to do it. I didn’t want to do it because I knew it would be the end of my playing career. Also, you get a different relationship with the guys that you played with. I had to think about it.“I did it because I thought I would be good in it and the season did start very well. “You have to make a good decision – the only thing that was bad about this job was the certainty of knowing that you’ll eventually get sacked. That is just what you know for sure. It’s not a nice feeling when you get sacked, but it is what it is.“A lot of things happen behind your back and around you, which you have no influence on – and that’s what I hate about the job.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGullit won the FA Cup in his first season in charge, before being sacked the following campaign with Chelsea in second place.The club claimed there was a dispute over wages, but Gullit later revealed he felt betrayed.’This guy is stupid’ – Moment Cole Palmer gets annoyed as Chelsea stars try to settle ‘100 men vs gorilla’ debateHe said: “It felt like a betrayal by the people around me.”It was horrible. It was a terrible feeling because it felt like an injustice.” More