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      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

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      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

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      Premier League could be saying goodbye to one if its biggest ever bargains in Jamie Vardy… but is he the best?

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      IT is the ultimate pub football debate — who has been the biggest bargain to play in the Premier League?Jamie Vardy’s decision to leave Leicester at the end of this season has set tongues-a-wagging across this footie-crazy country, especially after Alan Shearer described him as “the best £1millon spent ever”.Jamie Vardy confirmed he will leave Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersTitle-winner Vardy cost Leicester just £1million from FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – GettyVardy has rewarded Foxes fans 199 times since his bargain-basement move from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and stands only a solitary goal away from a double century.His performances have made him a Leicester legend and Shearer is absolutely right to mark his fellow Englishman down as one of the ‘steals’ of the modern game.But the best? Hmmm, you decide, while I throw in a few other candidates.Only two years after Vardy joined Leicester he was followed by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who signed for… wait for it … £450,000! Four years later the Foxes sold the winger to Manchester City for £60m.read more football newsThere must have been something in the East Midlands air at the time because, in 2011, keeper Kasper Schmeichel arrived for £1m and four years later Leicester also snapped up part human, part midfield machine N’Golo Kante for just £5.6m. OK, not quite Vardy, Mahrez and Schmeichel territory, but in football transfer terms, pretty damn cheap.Elsewhere in the Midlands, Aston Villa got themselves a veritable bargain when they signed John McGinn from Hibernian for less than £3m.While just down the road at Wolves, the Molineux club snapped up Max Kilman from non-league Maidenhead United for just £40,000 back in 2018.Plenty of others have also proven to be genuine bargains, including John Stones, who left his hometown club Barnsley for Everton for just £3m in 2013 — and has now won 83 England caps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAndy Robertson started his career at part-time Queen’s Park, but in 2017 Liverpool paid only £8m for the defender, who has been an integral part of the team which has been successful both at home and abroad.Another full-back, Everton’s Seamus Coleman, has given remarkable service having signed from Sligo Rovers for £60,000. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadAnd how about Moises Caicedo, who moved to Brighton four years ago for £3.6m and has just won the club’s player of the season award at Chelsea following his big-money switch to Stamford Bridge.Talking of Chelsea, I know £8m isn’t exactly shopping at Poundland, but Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta barely missed a game in nearly a decade and captained the club to Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup victories.Every manager is keen on snapping up a good deal. Mind you, back in the 1990s the then-Southampton boss Graeme Souness took a gamble on Ballon d’Or winner George Weah’s alleged ‘cousin’.And Ali Dia has gone down in football folklore.Ali Dia infamously duped Southampton, claiming he was George Weah’s cousinAfter coming on as a sub for Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, he was substituted later in the game against Leeds — his only Premier League appearance.Le Tissier said: “He ran around the pitch like Bambi on ice. It was very embarrassing.”Read More on The SunDia was immediately released by Southampton and next rocked up at non-league Gateshead, where he claimed he had recently scored for Senegal in a World Cup qualifier… except the African nation had already been knocked out.And it turned out that Dia was about as much George Weah’s cousin as I am. More

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      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

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      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

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      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Virgil van Dijk looking great value to expose hidden Arsenal weakness in Anfield clash –  Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back to give you the best set of betting tips for this weekend’s Premier League action.The title race may be over, but the Champions League race is only hotting up as some blockbuster fixtures hit the calendar.Our betting experts have some great tips for the weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: ReutersFirst of all we have the best two teams in the country facing off at Anfield as Arsenal look to restore some pride and end their season on a high on their visit to champions Liverpool.Elsewhere, Newcastle play Chelsea in what could be a pivotal match for the top five.And Bournemouth host Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s team look to claw their way into the Champions League spots.We have all that and more on this weekends edition as host, Will Pugh, is joined by football journalist, Kweku Afari, and Betfair betting expert, James Mackie.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30pmKweku: Mohamed Salah to score anytime. 7/5″When I was looking at this, I could not believe the odds. “They’re aiming for my bet. Mo Salah to score anytime, 7-5.”Let’s remember Salah is the top goal scorer in the Premier League, has scored 28 league goals this season, and also leads the league in assists.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He is by far the best player in the league and the man for the big occasion as well. Most read in Football”The stats back it up, Salah has scored 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, only netting more against Manchester United, 13 goals, and Tottenham, 12 goals. This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final”So, you know Salah, when it’s a big occasion, especially off the back of last week where it was a bit disappointing, you know it’s going to turn up for Liverpool.Will: Draw. 15/8Will thinks deflated Arsenal will draw with on the beach LiverpoolCredit: Getty”I was racking my brains about this game, and it’s so hard to call with not loads riding on it. Obviously a little bit of pride. Arsenal will be sort of mentally deflated. “So if I had to pick, I’d say maybe Liverpool, you know, big party atmosphere, as there will be at Anfield. But I just couldn’t pick a winner. So I’ve gone draw 15-8. I know it’s not very adventurous, but I just couldn’t see anything anywhere else result-wise.”Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Arsenal in all competitions, won seven and drawn seven since a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League in September 2012. “So that tells me Arsenal probably aren’t going to win. Arsenal, though, are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against Liverpool with two wins and three draws, which is their longest run without defeat against Liverpool since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011. “This is also the third time Arsenal are facing the Prem champions in a season once the title has already been confirmed. “And the last two was a 1-0 draw with Man Utd in 2012-13 and actually beat Liverpool in 2019-20.”James: 2+ shots for Virgil van Dijk. 12/5James reckons Virgil van Dijk’s aerial prowess is too good to ignoreCredit: Getty”I’ve looked down at the, what a seriously special player, Virgil van Dijk. And he scored two in his last four. So when you look at stuff like that, you’ve got to think, right, can he keep going?”He’s just an absolute menace off corners. And another stat to back up this bet is it’s Virgil van Dijk to have two plus shots in the game at 12-5. It was 4-9 for just one, 12-5 for two.”He scored two in his last four, but he’s had two plus shots in three of those four games. So the stats are there. He’s been doing it already.”Another thing I was looking at here as well is that Arsenal conceded 39 per cent of their goals in the Premier League this season from set-piece situations. That’s the most from any side in the Premier League.”But yeah, look, the stats back it up. You’re getting 12-5 about Van Dijk. He’s going to go for every corner. “Also, it’s the main man’s 300th Premier League game on Sunday. So look, what better way than going, give me the 12-5, two plus shots.Speaker 2: So that’s the hidden value for me there.”Bournemouth vs Aston Villa – Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Emiliano Martinez 5+ saves. 11/4″The stats back this up as well. Bournemouth have had more shots following a high turnover than any other side in the Premier League this season, with 65. “Their 65 shots and eight goals from high turnovers this season are the most of any of their top five campaigns, which is eight, which suggests the high press from [Andoni] Iraola, the fact that Bournemouth are up and at them, converts into chances.”And I think that Martinez, like I say, will be a very busy man. Kweku believes it’s a sure bet Emiliano Martinez will have a busy afternoonCredit: Getty”And only Salah with 121 and Cole Palmer with 120 shots have had more shots than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who’s had 118 this season. “So it suggests that Bournemouth do create chances. They don’t always take them. “But the fact that there’s a world-class shotstopper in Martinez in goal for Aston Villa and Bournemouth all have a lot of shots, I think Martinez, five or more saves, 11/4. I like it.Will: Draw HT, Bournemouth win FT. 11/2″Bournemouth have scored more goals in second-half stoppage time than any other team in the Premier League this season, while only Southampton, on ten, have conceded more than Aston Villa have in that time. “Villa have conceded eight in second-half stoppage time. Bournemouth have scored eight in second-half stoppage time. So they’ve got the stamina. They can go deep into games. “Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever Premier League match in August 2015. But since then, the Cherries are unbeaten in three at home to Villa, scoring exactly two goals in each of those games.Bournemouth should have enough about them to win at home after 90 minutesCredit: Rex”That’s two victories and one draw. So they’ve got a good record against them, they’ve got used to playing them. And Bournemouth have won seven of their 13 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table this season.”They’ve drawn three and lost three of the other ones that they didn’t win, which is the highest win rate of any side to play more than one such game this term. “So more than half of their games, they’ve played against teams above them in the league at time of kick-off. They have come out victorious. So I did really like that. I do give Bournemouth a chance. I think they’re getting a bit underrated this season.”James: Ollie Watkins to score or assist. 11/10″I think this is the bet of the weekend. “When you’re getting odds against about top strikers in the Premier League, either scoring or assisting, you’ve got to have a look and take advantage. And Ollie Watkins is the man that I’m looking at here.”Watkins has been directly involved in five goals in his four Premier League starts against Bournemouth. Ollie Watkins is up against one of his favourite opponents in BournemouthCredit: Getty”One goal, four assists. He’s four assists against the Cherries, the most against any opponent he’s got.”Absolutely superb. “And like I said, when you’re looking, not even just to score, to assist as well, and you get an 11-10 about their talisman up top, who’s bagged all season, I think it’s a brilliant bet.Ascot, Victoria Cup – Saturday, 2:40pm It is set to be another exciting week at the Ascot RacecourseCredit: ReutersJames: Qirat 5/1″It’s Qirat at the top of the market of 5-1. This horse for Ralph Beckett, Ross O’Ryan’s one of the best jockeys I think around at the moment. He’s doing the steering.”This horse has got some proven form already at Ascot in an 18-runner handicap. But what I like from this horse is I think we’ve got a group horse in a handicap here. “So you see horses that are running against lesser horses. They’ve got a bit bigger weight. They’re going to go on to deeper waters later on in the season.”It’s his first run of the season. He’s racing off a mark of 99. He’s won off a mark of 92. He’s finished second last twice off marks of 97 and 98.”Back at Ascot on the straight where he’s already done it, finished second in a really good handicap. Read More on The Sun”I think at 5-1 off what, five or six pounds higher. I think he’s going to go on to deeper waters. And I think 5-1, I think he’s got a cracking chance in this handicap, Qirat.18+ | GambleAware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly More

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      Viktor Gyokeres ‘makes transfer decision’ amid Arsenal and Man Utd links with Sporting ready to sell for cut-price fee

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has decided to move to the Premier League – and has already chosen his next club.The 26-year-old has attracted serious interest since his move to Sporting Lisbon in 2023 from Coventry, scoring 95 in 99 appearances in Portugal.Viktor Gyokeres is set to move to the Premier League in the summerCredit: RexArteta’s Arsenal could do with a striker to lift their squad into the silverwareCredit: ReutersArsenal and Manchester United have been particularly keen amid a league-wide striker drought.Gyokeres, 26, has been widely reported to have an £85million release clause.But it’s now understood Sporting would be willing to accept bids of around £58m.And, according to talkSPORT, it’s Arsenal who are in pole position to get a deal done.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe North London club are set for a huge summer of refreshing their squad after another season without silverware and the striker position is one key weakness.Kai Havertz attempted to fill in the centre-forward position earlier in the season but underwent hamstring surgery in early February and has not been seen since.Neither he nor fellow makeshift striker Gabriel Jesus are natural frontmen however.Despite being only one place below them, Arsenal have scored 17 fewer goals than league-winners Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWith Gyokeres on course to become the first player outside of Europe’s top five leagues to win the European Golden Boot in 23 years, he could take the Gunners to the next level.United have also expressed interest as they have only scored 42 this league campaign while Hojlund and Zirkzee find their feet amidst injury and inconsistency.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsThe Red Devils boast the Sporting connection as boss Ruben Amorim has managed the striker in Portugal.Gyokeres’ newly-reduced price tag makes him an attractive prospect, with Newcastle likely to demand around £150m for Alexander Isak after 23 league goals this season.Gyokeres himself has maintained a tight-lipped silence over his potential summer moves but Arsenal’s sporting director Berta is a well-known fan of his. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Stamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea launch probe into ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’

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      CHELSEA have launched a probe after hundreds of away fans infiltrated the home end for Thursday’s Conference League match.Supporters of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy tickets in almost every section of Stamford Bridge for the semi-final second leg.Djurgarden fans packed into every section of the Stamford Bridge during the Conference League second legCredit: GettyFans were seen climbing the barriers between themCredit: GettyFans were seen clashing in the standsCredit: XFans from both sides came to blows during the gameCredit: XChelsea Supporters Trust called it a ‘serious security breach’Credit: XCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peaceCredit: AlamyPolice have confirmed a number of arrests were madeCredit: AlamyCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peace during the game, which Chelsea won 1-0.Chelsea claim to be cracking down on illegal ticket sales and are going digital with seat allocation from next season in a bid to beat the touts.The visiting supporters made no attempt to remain anonymous and sang loudly throughout the 90-minute match.Footage from inside the ground on the night shows one section of Stamford Bridge being completely taken over by visiting fans, which saw Chelsea release an update during the game and relocate fans in the impacted areas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan captured a video showing fans clashing in the Matthew Harding Stand of the stadium during the match, with another showing fans brawling in the West Stand concourse at half-time.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a damning statement following the game and asked fans to come forwards to present evidence for an formal investigation.The statement said: “During Thursday’s UEFA Conference League vs. Djurgården, a huge number of away supporters were able to infiltrate large areas of the home end.”This is the most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory, and it significantly undermines any security protocols Chelsea FC put in place ahead of the fixture.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”As a result, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will formally write a letter of complaint to Chelsea FC’s COO and Head of Security. “We will call for a formal investigation by the club into the ticket sales process and Chelsea FC’s security response during the match.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea”The findings of this investigation and any subsequent recommendations must be made available to supporters.”The CST invites all supporters who attended the fixture on Thursday to submit written, photographic, and video evidence they captured during the fixture.”The CST will then collate this evidence and then submit it to Chelsea FC.”A Chelsea statement read: “We will be reviewing all ticketing arrangements following this evening’s match and commit to implementing all necessary changes following this review. “We will also share all our findings with the Fan Advisory Board.”Large numbers of police were on duty as they were in the previous round when the notorious Legia Warsaw ultras also gained entry into home sections of the ground.Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly owns a stake in US-based Vivid Seats which is an unauthorised ticket resale site.A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers were deployed to support stewards at Stamford Bridge last night after a number of away fans were identified in home stands. “The fans had purchased tickets but not for the appropriate part of the ground.“A number of away fans who had found themselves in the home stands climbed into the designated away stand where they remained without incident.Read More on The Sun“Where away fans remained in home areas, officers and stewards provided a visible presence to ensure any incidents or altercations could be dealt with.“While there were six arrests outside the ground for various offences including assault and possession of drugs, there were no arrests within the ground.” Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      Casemiro ready to see out career at Man Utd after incredible Ruben Amorim U-turn on veteran midfielder

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      CASEMIRO could be set to see out his career at Manchester United after an incredible U-turn by Ruben Amorim.The former Real Madrid star looked certain to leave Old Trafford over the summer after an alarming dip in form.Casemiro was on target against BilbaoCredit: ReutersIt seemed as though Casemiro’s career under Ruben Amorim was overCredit: GettyBut the midfielder has been revitalised in recent weeks and has starred for the Red Devils in their European adventure. United sources say Amorim has been working closely with the player at Carrington, and now thinks he has a big role to play in the rebuilding of the club.Amorim believes the player’s experience and versatility could be a key asset as he looks to bring back success at Old Trafford.It means remaining at Man United is now a serious option for Casemiro, who has been linked to moves to America and the Saudi League.Read more FootballAnd although he could earn big money there, sources close to the player say he is happy in England and open-minded to seeing out his career at the highest level.He currently pockets a whopping £375,000-a-week to boot, one of the biggest salaries going.Casemiro spoke about the passion he retains for top-level football in an interview ahead of United’s crunch Europa League game against Athletic Club.The five-time Champions League-winner told United’s official matchday programme: “I have won what I have won.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But I always want more. I always want to earn it, to win, that is the winning mentality. “People only see the 90 minutes, I always say ‘the matches are the reflection of what you do every day’ and that is me – always working.“Whether I play or don’t play, I am there every day. That is me as a person, that is me. Whether I play or not – all I want is for United to win.”If United win, I am winning. The most important is that United win. It is not about me winning or another player winning, it is about United winning.“I want to help in any way I can, I will be there. This is my mentality. That is why I have won what I have won in my career.”Casemiro has one goal and zero assists this season in the Premier LeagueThe Brazilian midfielder joined United in the summer of 2022 for £70million.He scored United’s second goal in their 4-1 win over Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday. It added to the opener he scored in the first leg to set Amorim’s on their way to a 3-0 victory at San Mames.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford… More