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      I used to be an Uber driver… now I play for Arsenal and starred at World Cup

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      ARSENAL winger Caitlin Foord is about to enter her fourth Women’s Super League campaign.But before making it as a full-time professional footballer, she worked part-time as an Uber driver in Wollongong, Australia.
      Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord briefly worked part-time as an Uber driverCredit: Getty
      The winger now stars in the top tier of English football and for the Australia national teamCredit: Getty
      Foord, 28, who had just signed for Sydney FC at the time, initially worked as a physio’s aide.
      However, after picking up an injury during the 2017-18 W-League campaign she decided that a change was needed.
      Foord said: “I did it to keep myself busy at my physio I go to, just helping out. Just to see what it was like.
      “When I was injured, I was bored and I got sick of having the same conversations with people, so I signed up as an Uber driver and drove people around Wollongong.
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      “It lasted 48 hours. I worked a Friday and Saturday night. One person recognised me, a friend of a friend. She said ‘uhh Caitlin what are you doing?'”
      Although her spell as an Uber driver was short-lived, Foord admitted she could see the attraction to driving full-time.
      She added: “It was addictive. There are noises and lights and then when you get someone, you get to meet them.
      “But at the end of I was like, is this really worth it?”
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      The minimum W-League wage was as little as £5,270 back in 2017, according to reports.
      So many footballers had to get second jobs as a result.
      Foord now plays for Arsenal in England’s top tier, the WSL.
      She joined the Gunners from Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and has since been a key member of the first team squad.
      The winger helped Jonas Eidevall’s side to Continental Cup glory last season, starting as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final.
      Foord also represents the Australia women’s national team and featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer. More

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      William Saliba claims ‘without my injury Arsenal could have been champions’ as fans say ‘I live for this confidence’

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      WILLIAM SALIBA believes Arsenal would have won the league last season if he had not got injured.The centre-back missed the Gunners’ last 11 Premier League matches of the season.
      William Saliba claims Arsenal would have won the league if he did not get injured last seasonCredit: Getty
      Arsenal won their first two games after Saliba picked up a back injury – against Crystal Palace and Leeds.
      But Mikel Arteta’s side then went four games without a win, and conceded 11 goals in that run.
      Manchester City took control in the title race and did not let Arsenal back in, but Saliba feels things would have been different if he was fit.
      He told Telefoot: “Yeah, it’s clear with me (fully fit), Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football.
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      “Last year, I had a good season. Unfortunately, I got injured during the year and at the final sprint.”
      Fans loved Saliba’s comments with one writing: “I live for this confidence.”
      Arsenal were five points clear of City after Saliba’s last game of the season – a 3-0 win at Fulham.
      They ended up five points behind Pep Guardiola’s side after winning just five of their final 11 games.
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      That included three defeats – the same amount Arsenal suffered in 27 games with Saliba in the side.
      The Gunners remain unbeaten this season with Saliba featuring in all of their Prem matches.
      He was a doubt for the match against Bournemouth after failing to train all week but was named in the starting line-up. More

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      Jose Mourinho turned down ‘biggest, most important & craziest offer in history’ as he says: I’m not the problem at Roma

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      JOSE MOURINHO has hit back at suggestions he is the cause of Roma’s shaky start to the season and revealed he turned down the “craziest offer in the history of football”.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has endured a tough start to the season with Roma.
      Jose Mourinho has had a difficult start to the season with RomaCredit: Getty
      Mourinho said ‘I’m not a problem’ amid Roma’s troublesCredit: Getty
      Their last match saw them fall to a 4-1 defeat away at Genoa. The game before that saw them draw 1-1 with Torino.
      A remarkable 7-0 win against Empoli remains Roma’s only win of the Serie A season ahead of Sunday’s clash against Frosinone.
      This poor run sees them languishing down in 16th in the table, already eight points behind the top four.
      However, Mourinho was in a defiant mood in his pre-match press conference and reaffirmed his commitment to the Giallorossi by referencing job offers he got from Saudi Arabia in the summer.
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      He said: “Would I renew now? It’s a hypothetical situation, I can’t answer.
      “What I can say is that three months ago there was almost a drama to think that I could leave.
      “In Budapest on the pitch I told the players that I would stay, after Spezia I reiterated it to the fans, two-three days later I gave my word to Mr. Friedkin.
      “In the summer I had the biggest, most important and craziest job offer a coach has ever had in the history of football: I turned it down because of my word.
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      “Now it seems that I am a problem, I do not accept it. I don’t accept it because it’s not true, I’m not a problem.”
      Mourinho revealed in August he had received offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, but turned down both because he wanted to remain at Roma.
      The Portuguese boss has remained incensed about Roma’s defeat in the Europa League final last season – and Mourinho’s first-ever European final defeat.
      After the match he waited in the car park for referee Anthony Taylor before calling him a “f***ing disgrace”. More

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      Vile football fans laugh as they taunt Sunderland supporters with tragic Bradley Lowery pic – as cops launch probe

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      SHEFFIELD Wednesday has slammed fans for vile Bradley Lowery taunts at last night’s game against Sunderland. Shocking photos have surfaced of two men laughing as one holds up a photo of the youngster, who tragically died of cancer in 2017.
      Sheffield Wednesday is investigating after vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery at last night’s matchCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      Bradley tragically died in 2017 after battling cancer his whole lifeCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      The youngster struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The club today said it was probing the incident, and apologised to Sunderland fans and Bradley’s loved ones.
      The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club. 
      The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before losing the fight six years ago.
      The photos circulating of the men online have today been slammed by dozens, calling for the vile pair to be banned from matches.
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      In response, Sheffield Wednesday said it was looking into the “outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour”.
      The club said on social media: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
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      The Sun has approached South Yorkshire Police for comment.
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      The Bradley Lowery Foundation was also set up to support other families going though a similar ordeal.
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      Sheffield Wednesdays apologised to Bradley’s friends and family – including mum GemmaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 4 LIVE: Gunners run riot to close gap on City as Havertz grabs first goal – Prem updates

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      ARSENAL will be determined to put their North London derby draw behind them with a win against Bournemouth – and they couldn’t have dreamed for a better start.Bukayo Saka nodded the Gunners ahead after Gabriel Jesus’ initial header hit the post.
      Martin Odegaard doubled Arsenal’s lead before Kai Havertz got on the scoresheet through a coolly dispatched penalty.
      And Ben White’s stoppage-time head put the icing on the cake for the Gunners.

      RESULT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
      TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
      Bournemouth XI: Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Philip; Tavernier, Christie, Kluivert; Solanke
      Arsenal XI: Raya (GK), Saliba, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Saka, Odegaard (C), Havertz, Rice, Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah

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      FT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
      The Cherries suffer a drubbing at the hands of Arsenal.
      From start to finish The Gunners were in control of the game.
      They will feel it could have been more.

      FT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It has been a heavy defeat for Bournemouth in every aspect of the game.
      Job done as far as Mikel Arteta is concerned.
      Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
      90+6. Arsenal almost make it five as Jesus lays it off to Smith Rowe.
      His curling shot is tipped around the post by Neto.
      The Cherries are really struggling here.
      Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
      90+4. Salt is rubbed into the wound as a free kick comes in from Odegaard and White gets up to head it.
      Neto can get nowhere near the ball as it heads into the top corner.
      VAR is currently checking it for offside.
      Goal – Ben White (Arsenal)
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      90+2. Arsenal are camped out in the Bournemouth half now.
      The home players and fans look ready for the final whistle to put them out of their misery.
      Iraola is sunk into his seat on the bench.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      90. The Bournemouth fans are leaving the ground in their droves.
      Cherries’ fans have seen enough for today.
      We are going to have seven additional minutes of torture for the home fans.
      Smith Rowe has the chance to make it four-nil but Neto gets a touch to take the ball wide of the goal.
      Credit: Getty
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      88. It will be important for Arsenal to keep a clean sheet now.
      Jesus is limping after that challenge with Neto.
      Arteta will be worried about all these casualties.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      86. The Gunners come forward, looking for another goal.
      Jesus is played in and tries to square the ball as Neto slides in.
      The ball rebounds off the Brazilian for a goal kick.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      84. The away end starts to sing ‘shall we sing a song for you?’
      Arsenal continues to pass the ball around the back four.
      Raya joins in the festivities as Bournemouth chase the ball.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      82. The game has become a bit dead now.
      There is no doubting Arsenal are walking away with all three points.
      Bournemouth heads are down as they struggle to even register a goal themselves this afternoon.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      80. Emile Smith Rowe is being introduced to the action.
      Neto is down for Bournemouth and struggling once again.
      Meanwhile the Arsenal travelling fans continue to make themselves heard.
      Rice and Havertz make way for Smith Rowe and Jorginho.
      Credit: PA
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      78. Another chance for Arsenal as Jesus gets into the box.
      He tries his luck from a right angle but the ball goes fizzing past the far post.
      It would have been some goal to score from there.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      76. Viera comes on for Saka who is hobbling off the pitch.
      It would be refreshing to see him walk off the pitch one week.
      With Champions League action in the week, it will be a worry for Saka to see.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      74. All you can hear at the Vitality Stadium is the away end singing.
      The travelling Arsenal fans are having a great day out.
      It is looking very comfortable for The Gunners as the artist formerly known as Billing is brought off.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      72. The Cherries come forward as the ball is played into Solanke.
      He manages to find Christie who lays it off to Zerkez.
      His shot goes well over the bar but on the follow through he collides with Saka.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      70. This has been an easy day at the office for Arsenal.
      While you can say Arteta’s side have played well, you have to worry for Bournemouth’s plight this season.
      Their best hope of staying up this season is that there are three teams worse than them in the league.
      Credit: Reuters
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      68. Christie whips in a cross from the right wing but Raya comes to collect the ball under no challenge.
      They break upfield and the ball ends up with Nketiah, who cuts inside and looks to shoot at goal but the ball goes harmlessly wide.
      It is his last involvement of the game as he and Zinchenko are substituted for Tomiyasu and Nelson.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      66. Christie comes forward for Bournemouth but has no options so passes the ball backwards.
      It is a surprise that Iraola has not brought Kieffer Moore on.
      The big physical striker would allow them to play a more direct style which could test the visitors.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      64. Arsenal come forward once again but the move breaks down when Zinchenko tries an elaborate diving header.
      Bournemouth come forward on the counter but once again the move breaks down.
      It is hard to see a way back into this game for the hosts now.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      62. Cook is penalised for a foul on Jesus.
      The referee awards the visitors a free kick.
      Arsenal are knocking the ball around, making The Cherries chase shadows right now.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      60. Iraola makes some changes for Bournemouth.
      He needs his players to start performing more on the pitch or he could be the next replacement the club makes.
      Arsenal come forward once again as Havertz cuts it back to Nketiah but it is cut out for a corner.
      Credit: Reuters
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      58. The Arsenal fans are creating a real carnival atmosphere in the away end now.
      It seems they are really enjoying their trip to the south coast.
      As for the action on the pitch, since that third goal, it is all looking all too comfortable for the visitors.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      56. Nketiah is running clear of the two covering defenders and as he heads towards goal he takes a heavy touch.
      The Arsenal striker knows he is not going to get to the ball before Neto and goes to ground looking for a free kick.
      Both the referee and the VAR room are having none of it.
      Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
      54. Arsenal seem to be handing the penalty taking responsibilities around right now.
      Saka takes the ball, hands it to Odegaard who then gives it to Havertz.
      He puts the penalty into the bottom corner, with Neto going the other way.
      Load more entries… More

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      Chelsea icon savages Kai Havertz as he reveals best position is ‘on the bench’ even after quitting Blues to join Arsenal

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      FRANK LEBOEUF has claimed Kai Havertz’s best position is on the bench.The Chelsea icon ripped into the Arsenal star following his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
      Kai Havertz has been slammed by Chelsea icon Frank LeboeufCredit: Alamy
      Leboeuf claimed Havertz’s best position is ‘on the bench’Credit: PA
      Havertz has made a slow start to life in North London and is yet to grab his first goal or assist for the Gunners.
      His form has prompted Leboeuf to give the German playmaker a scathing review.
      Asked what Havertz’s best position is, the Frenchman told ESPN FC: “Maybe right now on the bench (is his best position) because he doesn’t disturb the others.
      “We talked about it in pre-season when we knew he signed. His positioning is going to affect the rest of the midfielders, they are unbalanced because of him and Odegaard playing in almost the same line.
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      “What made Arsenal strong last season, Odegaard was on his own trying to create the game and the others were working for him.
      “Maybe playing on the left but when you have Trossard and Martinelli I don’t see any room for him.
      “I think from Arteta it was a mistake to hire Havertz, I don’t find any good position for him.”
      Havertz has failed to score or assist in his nine appearances for Arsenal so far this season.
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      After starting the first four Premier League matches, he was dropped by Mikel Arteta for the win at Everton earlier this month.
      However, the Spaniard recalled Havertz to the starting line-up for Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.
      Prior to joining the Gunners, Havertz scored 32 goals in 139 appearances during three years at Chelsea. More

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      Celtic and Motherwell fans spill onto pitch and throw missiles at each other as ugly scenes mar dramatic finale

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      CELTIC fans spilled out from the stands and onto the pitch after watching their team secure three points against Motherwell in the most dramatic of fashions.Matt O’Riley, just a few hours after sealing a new contract at the club, popped up at the back post with a crucial late winner at Fir Park.
      Matt O’Riley celebrates his winner as fans try to invade the pitch in the backgroundCredit: PA
      Celtic fans had to be held back by stewardsCredit: PA
      Motherwell fans ran onto the pitch after Blair Spittal’s equaliserCredit: PA
      The Hoops thought they had won the game through Luis Palma just a few minutes prior, only for Blair Spittal to equalise for Motherwell.
      Some home fans ran onto the pitch after that goal but were quickly ushered back to their seats.
      Up stepped O’Riley as he ghosted in unmarked to volley home from Greg Taylor’s cross.
      Cue scenes of utter ecstasy in the stands – which ended up spilling onto the pitch.

      Several Hoops supporters jumped the barriers in the away end to celebrate, with stewards rushing to keep them from entering the field of play.
      The same sort of thing threatened to happen after the full-time whistle was blown just a few seconds later.
      Brendan Rodgers raced on to the pitch with his arms aloft but concurrently there was a surge of away fans who’d made their way back on to the trackside – and started taunting the home support, with missiles thrown.
      Pictures and eye witness accounts show missiles from the Well fans were also thrown back at the visiting supporters.
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      In terms of the football, the Hoops toiled for much of the match, enjoying more possession than the home side but struggling to break them down.
      On the flip side, Stuart Kettlewell’s side looked composed when in possession themselves and would’ve felt hard done by when Palma’s cross-come-shot evaded the touches of everyone in the box to nestle in the far corner.
      That was in the 87th minute and as the game moved into stoppage time, the hosts pressed for an equaliser.
      Blair Spittal provided that in the 95th minute and the home supporters were elated as they had thought they’d grabbed a point.
      The Hoops had other ideas though and as the Well switched off at the back, O’Riley was there in the 97th minute to pounce and he ran towards to travelling support and slid on his knees.
      This morning after his contract extension was announced, O’Riley said: “It’s probably hard to put it into a short sentence but I think everybody knows how much I enjoy playing here, especially at Celtic Park because I don’t think you get that anywhere else.
      “I think it’s important going into training every day really enjoying the company of your team-mates, being able to have a laugh and being able to push each other as well.
      “If you’ve got a good relationship off the pitch, it naturally makes it easier to demand high standards from each other, and right now I think we’ve got a real good balance of youth and experience.
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      “I’m still pretty young but I’m probably in the middle of that because we’ve got a young team, but that dynamic and balance is really helpful.”
      It was a busy day for police officersCredit: Alamy
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      Fans have amazing theory why Aston Villa raced into lead against Brighton as Unai Emery’s side break into top four

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      FANS have come up with an amazing theory for Aston Villa’s stunning display against Brighton.Unai Emery’s side raced into a lead on their way to a 6-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
      Aston Villa raced into an early lead as they beat Brighton 6-1Credit: AFP
      The heavy win sees Villa move into the top four, leapfrogging Brighton into third on goal difference.
      A brace from Ollie Watkins and a Pervis Estupinan own goal had the hosts three goals ahead inside the opening half an hour.
      Supporters are now convinced that Villa’s shirts were behind their fast start to the match.
      One fan tweeted: “Villa playing like they need to have a decent lead before the sweat in their shirt weighs them down too much.”
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      Another joked: “Imagine how bad this could have been if Villa’s shirts weren’t weighing them down.”
      A third also wrote: “I guess Aston Villa’s heavy shirts were weighing them down.”
      Meanwhile, one more fan commented: “Those Villa shirts don’t appear to be holding the lads back.”
      Villa are set to end their kit deal with Castore after players from both their men’s and women’s teams complained about the shirts.
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      Villa’s wet look kits did not hold them back against BrightonCredit: Reuters
      The kit’s wet look has been a major talking point this season with players left looking drenched during matches.
      However, the shirts did not appear to affect their performance against the Seagulls.
      Captain John McGinn did admit that “it’s still heavy, don’t worry about that,” as he spoke to TNT Sports after the match.
      Villa’s fast start saw the hosts go in 3-0 up at half-time and they remained ruthless even after Ansu Fati pulled one back for Brighton.
      Watkins completed his hat-trick before Jacob Ramsay and Douglas Luiz completed the scoring late on. More